Economy
Young Advocates for a Black State Treasurer
THE AFRO — As the Maryland General Assembly begins the 2019 session the Black delegates have an opportunity to make a statement that could affect the funding for their constituents.
As the Maryland General Assembly begins the 2019 session the Black delegates have an opportunity to make a statement that could affect the funding for their constituents. With Governor Larry Hogan entrenched for his second and final term and Peter Franchot serving another term as state comptroller, just one statewide office remains to be settled.
Former state senator turned talk show host Larry Young says now is the time for the Maryland Black Legislative Caucus to provide a viable list of candidates for state treasurer to oppose a fifth term for Nancy Kopp. Kopp, who has been treasurer since 2002 is currently unopposed for the position, which could be detrimental to the hopes of appropriation of funding for the free state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities among other urban programs.
The Maryland State Treasurer is responsible for the State’s cash deposits, money from bond sales and manages the investments of those assets. The Treasurer is elected by a joint ballot of both houses of the General Assembly. Maryland has only appointed one Black treasure in its history, and Young is advocating that now would be the time for the Black Legislative Caucus to aggressively push for a Black nominee to hold the position as Kopp approaches what would be her 20th year of service.
“When will the state’s democratic leadership do right by its Black constituents,” Young told the AFRO in an exclusive interview. “We’ve been the most loyal supporters of the party yet whenever there is an opportunity to support a Black nominee for a statewide office they always lose [the election].”
On Jan. 10 the Black Legislative Caucus met to discuss a potential nominee. Former State Senator Joan Carter Conway was put forward for the Treasurer’s job. However, she didn’t accept the nomination because of family considerations. Young sees this as an opportunity for the state’s most powerful Black Democratic political group to galvanize and pressure their white peers to support their attempt to diversify statewide offices starting with this non-elected position.
There is a perception among many political observers that White Democrats have taken Black support for those candidates for granted, which has led to recent defeats statewide elections. During the past two statewide election cycles two Black nominees lost Gubernatorial elections in what is a staunchly democratic state.
“Black democrats have been more supportive of White Democratic candidates than their White counterparts have been,” Young says. “It’s ironic that when it comes to statewide offices the Republicans have been more supportive of Black candidates than the democrats have been.”
The 2010 United States Census concluded that 29.4 percent of Maryland residents identified themselves as Black or African American. However, more than 80 percent of those who are registered to vote identify themselves as Democrats although they have not been able to swing the balance of power in the Governor’s office. Former Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown and NAACP President Benjamin Jealous both lost to Governor Hogan as White Democrats continue to be elected and are serving decades in Congress and the state legislature which is what Kopp is on the precipice of.
Richard Dixon of Carroll County, who preceded Kopp, has been the only African American to serve as state treasurer from 1996-2002 which coincided with an unprecedented era of growth for HBCUs around the state. With Conway unable to serve, Young sees Baltimore County Director of Finance Keith Dorsey as a viable nominee to oppose Kopp if the Black Legislative Caucus can wield its influence as a united front throughout the state legislature.
“They [White delegates] owe us this,” Young says. “Black Democrats have been extremely supportive. [Kopp] hasn’t stepped up for HBCUs.”
This article originally appeared in The Afro.
Business
Gov. Newsom Announces $109.6 Million in Funding for 278 Supportive Homes in Bakersfield, Contra Costa, Sacramento and Fresno
POST NEWS GROUP — “Every Californian deserves a safe place to call home, particularly the veterans who bravely served our country,” said Newsom in a statement on July 23. “California voters approved Proposition 1 because they know we must do more to address homelessness and behavioral health challenges.”
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced $109.6 million in Proposition 1 funding to create 278 permanent supportive homes in Bakersfield, Contra Costa County, Sacramento and Fresno, including 103 homes reserved for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The funding, awarded through California’s Homekey+ program, is intended to expand permanent supportive housing and behavioral health services for veterans and other Californians experiencing or at risk of homelessness. State officials said the investment advances Proposition 1, the voter-approved measure aimed at increasing housing, treatment and support services for people with behavioral health needs.
“Every Californian deserves a safe place to call home, particularly the veterans who bravely served our country,” said Newsom in a statement on July 23. “California voters approved Proposition 1 because they know we must do more to address homelessness and behavioral health challenges.”
The largest award, nearly $32.6 million, will help the City of Fresno and Parkway Prime LLC convert an interim housing project into 84 permanent supportive homes at Parkway Terrace, including nine units reserved for veterans. The City of Sacramento and Urban Capital LLC will receive nearly $31.9 million to develop the Rio Linda Senior Housing Project, which will include 100 homes, 49 of them reserved for veterans.
Contra Costa County and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates will receive $28.8 million to develop an 82-unit senior housing community, with 62 units designated for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness who have behavioral health challenges, including 30 units for veterans. In Bakersfield, Community Action Partnership of Kern will receive nearly $14.1 million to convert a 38-room motel into 30 permanent supportive homes, with 15 units reserved for veterans.
State officials also announced an additional $2.3 million for three previously awarded Homekey+ projects in Olivehurst, Sanger and Stockton, primarily to support operating costs and increase veteran housing.
Since its launch, Homekey+ has awarded $968.4 million to 54 permanent supportive housing projects expected to create 2,749 affordable homes statewide, including 723 homes reserved for veterans. Officials said Proposition 1 is expected to expand California’s behavioral health system by funding additional supportive housing, treatment facilities and services for people experiencing homelessness and behavioral health challenges.
Business
100 Black Wings’ Team Oakland Youth Athletes Heading to Taiwan for 2026 International Children’s Games
By Post Staff The Bay Area Chapter of 100 Black Men is sending nine youth athletes from its 100 Black Wings’ Team Oakland Delegation to Taiwan on Thursday, July 30, to represent the City of Oakland at the 58th International Children’s
By Post Staff
The Bay Area Chapter of 100 Black Men is sending nine youth athletes from its 100 Black Wings’ Team Oakland Delegation to Taiwan on Thursday, July 30, to represent the City of Oakland at the 58th International Children’s Games (IGC) in Hualien County, Taiwan.
The Games will bring together young athletes ages 12 to 15 from 76 city delegations around the world. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 2, and athletic competitions take place Aug. 3-5.
While many international competitions center around national teams, the ICG brings young people together as representatives of their respective cities. This year’s theme – “Shining Hualien, Shining Together!” – reflects the host city’s vision of using sports, education, culture, and tourism to promote friendship, peace, inclusion, and sustainable development.
“Team Oakland’s participation demonstrates what can happen when young people are given opportunity, preparation, and a community that believes in them,” said Danny L. Williams, chairman of 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, Inc.
“These athletes will carry Oakland’s talent, strength, and spirit onto an international stage while building relationships that can extend far beyond the competition,” he said.
Team Oakland will compete in track and field events including the 100-meter and 400-meter races, hurdles, long jump, shot put, javelin, and traditional and mixed 4×100-meter relays.
The athletes representing Oakland are: DeWayne Littlepage, Gia Goodlow, Abisewolu Redmond, Mahari Moore, Marvin Thomas, Najae Ellison, Royal Moore, Sir Kamryn Lloyd, and Jasani Highsmith.
The delegation’s coaching leadership includes Head Coach Dr. Tommie Smith, the
1968 Olympic gold medalist in the 200-meter sprint; Senior Coach Margaret Dixon;
Girls Coach Evangela Dixon; Strength and Conditioning Coach Nola Turnage;
and Boys Coach Michael Flood, Jr.
Delegation leadership also includes Williams, Head of Delegation Juanita Metters-Upshur, and city representative Dr. Mark Alexander.
“Our athletes have trained with tremendous discipline, but this journey represents much more than competition,” said Metters-Upshur, head of delegation. “They will have the opportunity to travel internationally, proudly represent Oakland, experience another culture, and form friendships with young people from communities across the world. We are incredibly proud of them and grateful to the families, coaches, partners, and supporters who have helped make this experience possible.”
In addition to track and field, the games will feature swimming, tennis, table tennis, Taekwondo, archery, football, and 3×3 basketball. Hualien County is located between Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean and hosts the International Children’s Games for the first time this year.
The International Children’s Games were founded in 1968 by Slovenian coach Metod Klemenc, based on the belief that sports can bridge differences in culture, religion, and race.
The ICG is approved by the International Olympic Committee and emphasizes friendship, fair play, teamwork, perseverance, and cultural understanding among young people.
The Oakland delegation’s participation reflects the 100 Black Wings’ programmatic commitment to developing young people through athletic achievement, discipline, leadership, cultural exposure, and global citizenship.
Team Oakland is supported by a network of families, coaches, community partners, and advocates who believe that international experiences can expand how young people view themselves and their possibilities.
Business
Oakland ‘Port Serves as a Powerful Engine for Good Jobs and Economic Development
POST NEWS GROUP — Summing up the theme of his talk on Saturday, July 25, at Youth Uprising in East Oakland, Mr. Muhammad said, “Rather than advocating a particular policy, the presentation sought to increase public understanding of one of Oakland’s most important public assets by connecting the city’s history, labor movement, transportation network, and global economy into a single narrative.”
In a speech to an audience of local residents and community leaders, Port Commissioner and Maritime Attorney Derrick Muhammad delivered a presentation recently to answer a question that might seem simple on its surface but one that has many aspects that are crucial for the future of the East Bay. “What does it mean for the City of Oakland to be a port city?”
Summing up the theme of his talk on Saturday, July 25, at Youth Uprising in East Oakland, Mr. Muhammad said, “Rather than advocating a particular policy, the presentation sought to increase public understanding of one of Oakland’s most important public assets by connecting the city’s history, labor movement, transportation network, and global economy into a single narrative.”
In attendance were many East Bay residents and community leaders, including retired third-generation longshoreman and prominent Black labor leader Clarence Thomas, civil rights attorney and former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, Secretary-Treasurer of Alameda Labor Council Keith Brown, Isaac Kos-Read of Kos-Read Group, president of the National Council of Negro Women, and Alameda County Aisha Williams.
Quiana Canada, C.O.O. of Youth UpRising, said she was excited to learn
about the pathways and workforce development opportunities for our youth. This weekend provided a wonderful introduction to the history and impact of being a Port City. We thank all of the organizers and sponsors for their ongoing commitment to the future of our youth.”
Commissioner Muhammad explored the evolution of Oakland as a Port City,
how rail, the waterfront, and wartime expansion were catalysts for the growth of West Oakland, both locally and for the development of containerization and global trade.
He also examined the Port of Oakland’s role as an economic engine and its contributions to creating career pathways into the maritime economy, developing small-business opportunities connected to the waterfront, advancing environmental stewardship and modernization, and shaping potential futures for the port.
He also emphasized that the Port is much more than ships and cranes that the public can see as it passes by on the highway. It is a major economic engine that provides a gateway to middle-class careers, international trade, a public asset, and an important part of Oakland’s historic identity.
The presentation concluded with a question-and-answer session that addressed topics including contracting, automation, workforce development, international trade, environmental sustainability, and maritime careers.
Looking ahead, this presentation was intended to become part of an ongoing community education initiative designed to increase public understanding of the maritime economy and encourage broader civic engagement around Oakland’s waterfront.
Future presentations are expected to expand on additional topics related to transportation, logistics, labor history, international trade, and economic opportunity.
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