Economics
Congresswoman Lee Calls for a New War On Poverty
Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, House Democrats, and anti-poverty experts at a House Democratic Steering and Policy hearing this week entitled “The Failure of Trickle Down Economics in the War on Poverty.”
Among the witnesses was Oakland resident Violet Henderson, who shared her personal story of overcoming poverty.
“The testimony we heard today highlighted the daily struggles faced by more than 46 million Americans. For too many families, buying groceries, paying rent and accessing medical care is a daily struggle. In the richest nation on Earth, it is a disgrace that so many are living on the edge,” said Lee.
“Violet Henderson spoke movingly on her personal experience escaping poverty as a victim of sex trafficking and a formerly-incarcerated individual. Violet has succeeded against seemingly insurmountable odds.
“Her story is an example of the resilience and dedication of many struggling Americans. I hope that her story becomes a call to action for members of Congress to do more to help people like Violet.
“We know what works to end poverty in America,” said Lee.
“While House Republicans push forward draconian cuts to safety net programs, my colleagues and I will continue to fight for investments in proven anti-poverty programs.
“Instead of more failed trickle-down economics, I hope Speaker Ryan and his so-called “Task Force on Poverty, Opportunity and Upward Mobility” will join us in advancing policies that lift families into the middle class.
“Unfortunately, this new GOP Task Force is composed of members that have repeatedly voted to cut proven antipoverty programs that help families work their way into the middle class.
“It’s past time for everyone in Congress to commit to a new war on poverty, so every family has the opportunity to live the American Dream.”
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
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Business
Black Business Summit Focuses on Equity, Access and Data
The California African American Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual “State of the California African American Economy Summit,” with the aim of bolstering Black economic influence through education and fellowship. Held Jan. 24 to Jan. 25 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel, the convention brought together some of the most influential Black business leaders, policy makers and economic thinkers in the state. The discussions focused on a wide range of economic topics pertinent to California’s African American business community, including policy, government contracts, and equity, and more.
By Solomon O. Smith, California Black Media
The California African American Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual “State of the California African American Economy Summit,” with the aim of bolstering Black economic influence through education and fellowship.
Held Jan. 24 to Jan. 25 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel, the convention brought together some of the most influential Black business leaders, policy makers and economic thinkers in the state. The discussions focused on a wide range of economic topics pertinent to California’s African American business community, including policy, government contracts, and equity, and more.
Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA) was a guest at the event. He told attendees about his department’s efforts to increase access for Black business owners.
“One thing I’m taking away from this for sure is we’re going to have to do a better job of connecting through your chambers of all these opportunities of billions of dollars that are coming down the pike. I’m honestly disappointed that people don’t know, so we’ll do better,” said Omishakin.
Lueathel Seawood, the president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of San Joaquin County, expressed frustration with obtaining federal contracts for small businesses, and completing the process. She observed that once a small business was certified as DBE, a Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, there was little help getting to the next step.
Omishakin admitted there is more work to be done to help them complete the process and include them in upcoming projects. However, the high-speed rail system expansion by the California High-Speed Rail Authority has set a goal of 30% participation from small businesses — only 10 percent is set aside for DBE.
The importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in economics was reinforced during the “State of the California Economy” talk led by author and economist Julianne Malveaux, and Anthony Asadullah Samad, Executive Director of the Mervyn Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute (MDAAPEI) at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
Assaults on DEI disproportionately affect women of color and Black women, according to Malveaux. When asked what role the loss of DEI might serve in economics, she suggested a more sinister purpose.
“The genesis of all this is anti-blackness. So, your question about how this fits into the economy is economic exclusion, that essentially has been promoted as public policy,” said Malveaux.
The most anticipated speaker at the event was Janice Bryant Howroyd known affectionately to her peers as “JBH.” She is one of the first Black women to run and own a multi-billion-dollar company. Her company ActOne Group, is one of the largest, and most recognized, hiring, staffing and human resources firms in the world. She is the author of “Acting Up” and has a profile on Forbes.
Chairman of the board of directors of the California African American Chamber of Commerce, Timothy Alan Simon, a lawyer and the first Black Appointments Secretary in the Office of the Governor of California, moderated. They discussed the state of Black entrepreneurship in the country and Howroyd gave advice to other business owners.
“We look to inspire and educate,” said Howroyd. “Inspiration is great but when I’ve got people’s attention, I want to teach them something.”
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024
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