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Vol. 65 No. 38 |Thursday, September 18, 2025
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Serving San Diego County’s African & African American Communities 65 Years
The Black Press: Two Centuries of Truth— But Who Will Save It? America’s billionaires is as loud as the betrayals of history.
By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Cover images of National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) member publications, featured at a recent NNPA conference. PHOTO: NNPA
The Black Press is two years away from its 200th anniversary. Two centuries of carrying our story when others denied us a voice. Two centuries of fighting mobs, resisting Jim Crow, surviving fire, and standing against lies. And now, in its hour of need, as corporate America cuts ties and Washington turns away, the silence of Black
By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey California Black Media
See TRUTH, Page 2
Clothes Story
Political Playback:
California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
We know their names. David Steward, Robert F. Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Jay-Z, Rihanna, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Tyler Perry, Tope Awotona, Sheila Johnson, and Tiger Woods. Add to them Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Patrice Motsepe, Strive Masiyiwa, Abdulsamad Rabiu—giants whose fortunes shape nations. Together, they com-
mand nearly $100 billion in wealth. Yet the institution that once defended its very humanity now struggles to keep its doors open. We are not begging for handouts; we are asking you to stand with the very press that once stood for you. When you unveil a new film or a book, when you seek to raise a cause, when your friends or your ventures deserve the light, do not look only to the white press. Bring your ads here, bring your stories
WEEK'S INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
at Mesa College Highlights
African American Women’s Stories By Barbara Smith Contributing Writer
A large group of advocates and legislators supported Assembly Bill 7 (AB) 7 at the California State Capitol on Sept. 12, 2025. The bill, titled the “Legacy of Harm & Exclusion Consideration Act,” would allow California's public and private colleges to consider providing admissions preference to descendants of slavery. PHOTO: Antonio Ray Harvey/CBM.
Supporters Push Gov. Newsom to Sign Bill Granting Admissions Preferences to Descendants of Enslaved People
out of the State Senate with a 30-10 vote, about 150 people from across the state converged on the State Capitol, urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign the measure into law by Oct. 12.
Two days after Assembly Bill (AB) 7 passed
See PLAYBACK, Page 2
HAPPY 95TH BIRTHDAY, MS. THELMA VAN-ANDERS!
Clothes Story Exhibit. PHOTO: Earl Edwards
Clothing, culture, courage, pride, and resilience were celebrated last week at the Mesa College opening of Clothes Story, a stunning collection of African American women’s fashion, spanning the years 1890 – 1963. Curated by At-
SEE PAGE 6
lanta-based Kenneth Green, the exhibit honors contributions of Black women, both well-known and lesser-known, highlighting their roles as agents of history and change. Green is a creative dynamo, whose love of history and storytelling combines with See CLOTHES, Page 5
Frieda McCurley Honored with “Frieda McCurley Day” City Proclamation By The Freelancer
to a woman whose impact on her community has been profound.
On Saturday, September 6, more than 100 family members, friends, and co-workers gathered at the Town and Country Resort to celebrate the 65th birthday of Frieda McCurley. The event, which stretched from mid-afternoon into the evening, was filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt tributes
The celebration carried a historic note. A video message from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was played for the crowd, thanking McCurley for her decades of service and dedication to others. Following the message, Korral Taylor, a community representative from the mayor’s office, presented an official
proclamation. In a moment that drew cheers and applause, the City of San Diego declared September 4 as Frieda McCurley Day. The recognition stems from McCurley’s lifelong interest in community and law. That interest led her to earn a paralegal degree and begin a career at the San Diego County Courthouse, where she worked as a Judge’s See FRIEDA, Page 6
Frieda McCurley honored with Frieda McCurley Day Proclamation, presented to her by Mayor Gloria's Community Representative for Council Districts 4 and 7, Korral Taylor (right). PHOTO: CW, The Freelancer/Voice&Viewpoint
Postcards Sent to Registered Voters for November Special Election VOICE & VIEWPONT NEWSWIRE
The San Diego County Registrar of Voters office sent over 2 million postcards to the County’s registered voters listing their voting options for the Nov. 4 special election.
PHOTO: Unsplash
Every active registered voter will receive a ballot in the mail and will have three options for returning their ballot: by mail, to one of the Registrar’s official ballot drop boxes or at any vote center. Voters can expect to receive their ballot the week of Oct. 6, giving them nearly a month to
mark their ballot and return it by the final day of voting on Nov. 4. Voters throughout the state will decide whether to adopt Proposition 50, an amendment to the State Constitution related to redistricting. You can learn more about the proposition on the California Secretary of State’s website. Voters who reside in the City of Poway’s Council District 2 will have an additional See POSTCARDS, Page 2