www.facebook.com/ SDVoiceandViewpoint
Vol. 64 No. 20 | Thursday, May 16, 2024
www.sdvoice.info
Experts Weigh-in on Mounting Concerns of Impending U.S. Civil War
Serving San Diego County’s African & African American Communities 64 Years
INSIDE
THIS WEEK'S ISSUE:
SAN DIEGO PROMISE ZONE MEETS @ CAFE X SEE PAGE 6
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE: BLACK MALES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ENCOUNTERS SEE PAGE 3
IMAGE: Courtesy of NNPA
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT In the wake of a recent survey revealing startling apprehensions among American voters regarding the possibility of a second civil war, experts in history and political science offer sobering insights into the nation’s current trajectory. Dr. Ashley Robertson Preston, an assistant professor of history at Howard University and author of the acclaimed book “Mary McLeod Bethune the Pan-Africanist,” has detected a palpable shift in national sentiment. When taking the pulse of America, Dr. Preston can’t help but to conclude that all hell is about to break loose. She emphasized the eerie parallels between contemporary tensions and the lead-up to the Civil War. “The tension that this nation is currently experiencing is very similar to what happened shortly before the Civil War,” Dr. Preston asserted. “As much as I want to say it can never happen again, history says something else. We will all just have to remain
vigilant. History matters more than ever now.” Michael Kazin, a renowned expert on American politics and social movements and a professor in the Department of History at Georgetown University, echoes Dr. Preston’s sentiments. While acknowledging the prevalence of civil conflicts over issues such as the Gaza conflict, the prosecution of Donald Trump, and contentious debates over abortion, Kazin refrains from predicting an imminent civil war. “We are embroiled in various kinds of civil conflict now…I think we are a long way from that,” Kazin observed, highlighting the distinction between current societal divisions and the magnitude of a full-fledged civil war. “A civil war would be quite different. It would involve widespread armed confrontations, probably involving some elements of the U.S. military,” he added. “As long as elections, the courts, and Congress operate fairly normally, there can be no civil war.” See WAR page 2
Kim Godwin’s Exit from ABC Sparks Debate By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT
In an earlier statement, Godwin expressed optimism for the future, stating, “There is
By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey CALIFORNIA BLACK MEDIA
Expect to See a New Flat Rate Fee of $24 on Your Electricity Bill Last week, members of the California Public Utilities Commission voted to approve adding a $24.15 flat fee to monthly utility bills starting next year. On May 9, the California regulators took the unanimous vote in favor of the proposal which also reduced the cost of utilities per kilowatt hour but added the fixed charge to mitigate the loss. The new charge will be based on income with lower-income households pay-
PHOTO: Courtesy of CBM
ing between $6 to $12. Middle-class to high-income households will be expected to pay the full amount. See PLAYBACK page 2
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA NEWSWIRE SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT
Black leaders in television news at issue
Godwin’s departure, a surprising turn of events, comes on the heels of Disney’s recent appointment of a veteran executive to oversee ABC News, a move that effectively diminished her authority within the organization. Despite having recently extended her contract, Godwin’s exit raised urgent questions about the representation of Black leaders in television news.
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
Class Action Lawsuit Against Geico Alleges Discriminatory Practices
Diversity Dilemma:
Kim Godwin, a trailblazing figure as the president of ABC News and the first Black woman to lead a major network news division, has unexpectedly resigned, leaving a significant void in the ongoing struggle for diversity in media leadership.
Political Playback:
Kim Godwin. PHOTO: Courtesy of NNPA
more work to be done. Now let’s get to it.” She did, however, emphasize the value of putting her family first in a memo to staff that the Wall Street Journal was able to obtain. She described her departure as a challenging but necessary decision. “Anyone who’s passionate about what we do knows there’s no other business like it, so this was not an easy or quick decision,” Godwin wrote. “But after considerable reflection, I’m certain it’s the right one for me as I look to the future and prioritize what’s most important for me and my family.” See GOODWIN page 2
On Tuesday, May 7, plaintiffs in a sizable class action lawsuit against insurance giant Geico joined prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump at a press conference in the nation’s capital. The lawsuit, alleging contractual breaches regarding policy renewal commissions and accusations of unjust enrichment, represents a coalition of minority business owners formerly associated with the company.
PHOTO: NNPA
At the heart of the allegations is the contention that Geico, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, systematically deprived minority Geico Field Representatives (GFRs) of critical business opportunities through what Crump termed as “unfair and unlawful” practices.
who worked for Geico,” Crump declared, noting that the names of the reports were themselves steeped in racial bias. “Geico, you are better than this.”
“It is important to note that Geico had quality reports that detailed Geico field representative’s metrics. These reports were downright discriminatory for the Hispanics, and Asians
See GEICO page 2
www.sdvoice.info