Bay Area
“Black Owned” Encourages Participation in Government PPP (Paycheck Protection Program)
Currently the Federal Government is assisting small businesses with PPP grants and Johnson wants to make sure business owners don’t miss a prime opportunity to keep their doors open.
One of the missions of Derreck Johnson’s Black Owned Project is sharing information to assure Black business thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. According to the Home of Chicken and Waffles founder Johnson, “I’ve been fortunate to have educated information that saved my enterprises.”
Currently the Federal Government is assisting small businesses with PPP grants and Johnson wants to make sure business owners don’t miss a prime opportunity to keep their doors open.
“I was skeptical of the PPP program at first as the last thing I needed was another loan or another bill to pay. But PPP . . . and allowed [Home of Chicken and Waffles] to pivot to sustain . . . and keep . . . employees employed.”
Johnson’s interest in PPP has a lot to do with the people currently running the Federal Government, President Biden and Vice President Harris. Harris is Johnson’s childhood best friend.
“I have so much more trust now in the Feds now that Kamala is there. She is so efficient, I can’t think of anything Kamala didn’t get involved in that she didn’t make better. When I was having tax issues, knowing how she operates made me check myself and tighten up my game. Her work ethic and tenacity showed me the results of a job well done when you’re willing to roll up your sleeves. After her run for the Attorney General race, we went to Napa and I was lamenting how raggedy my paperwork was. During that trip she inspired me to correct my IRS situation, and tighten up my life personally and in business.”
Johnson cites lingering mistrust but notes the government did what it said it was going to do. “And in return, Chicken and Waffles did what we were supposed to do, the initial money we received was forgiven and now it’s time for round two.”
Johnson recommends business owners align with a community-based bank, stating that from personal experience it doesn’t seem the major banks are the way to go.
“I recommend community banks because you can talk to the decision makers. Community banks like Summit Bank service a lot of black people. They are small and they have done great things for the black community.” Johnson cites Beneficial and Community Bank of the Bay also as potential banks that may assist.
Despite Johnson’s recommendation, he stresses the importance of doing personal research and speaking to other businesses that have received PPP funds. He also worries that some business owners will perceive PPP as free money with no attachments. “When you receive these funds make sure you reinvest to run your business more efficiently, as it will improve your profitability. Most important, if you use funds appropriately, you don’t have to pay it back.
There is a formula for PPP loans based upon payroll and that number indicates the amount business owners can apply for, which makes the process pretty easy. Says Johnson. “If you need help filing 941’s or payroll records in order to qualify, contact Cathy Adams at the Black Chamber of Commerce, she can assist you as the process is automated.”
Bay Area
Faces Around the Bay: Jim Brosnahan, Esq.
James J. Brosnahan, ESQ, an international trial lawyer and trial advocacy teacher, has remained unshaken in his fervent belief in the power of the law to right injustices. Brosnahan has fought to open the legal profession to those previously excluded and worked to provide lawyers to the millions who go without.
By Barbara Fluhrer
James J. Brosnahan, ESQ, an international trial lawyer and trial advocacy teacher, has remained unshaken in his fervent belief in the power of the law to right injustices.
Brosnahan has fought to open the legal profession to those previously excluded and worked to provide lawyers to the millions who go without. He has argued for the administrators of justice to represent the whole community. He’s tried 150 cases to conclusion and is ranked among the top 30 trial lawyers in the U.S. (Legal 500 US). He’s been called “scrappy,” “a lion in the courtroom,” and “ultra- liberal.”
One of his earliest cases (1962) involved two Navajo children shot by a White man on a reservation in Arizona. “The legal system needed to work as well for Native Americans as for White people,” he said. “The defendant was found guilty of second-degree murder.”
In 1963, U.S. Attorney Cecil Poole hired him as U.S. Attorney from a list of 200 applicants.
He and Poole, as federal observers, led the Vietnam protesters as they marched. The purpose: to avoid violence.
“Poole taught me preventative law in a chaotic situation and became one of my strongest mentors,” remembers Brosnahan.
In 1964, Brosnahan served on the NAACP’s Housing Committee in S.F., when 70% of the city’s housing was not available to Blacks. They sued racial discriminators, fought for reform and opposed the displacement of minorities in the Western Addition. They won and they lost, but they became the racial conscience of San Francisco in the fight for fair housing.
In 1969, two Black community workers in Oakland were indicted for stealing federal money.
“My two clients were activists in Oakland. I believed there was an element of racism running through Washington’s decision to indict two Black men who worked every day to help the poor,” he said.
The case was eventually dismissed. In the early 70s, he responded to a subpoena and testified against Judge Rehnquists’ confirmation hearing for the Supreme Court. He had witnessed Rehnquist obstructing voting at a polling place. Amid threats on his life, he was the chief defense lawyer for the American who joined the Taliban in 2002.
Brosnahan, his wife Carol and three children moved from S.F. to Berkeley in 1964, in part, to participate in the Berkeley school integration program. She is a retired Alameda County Superior Court judge.
Brosnahan, 90, checks in to his San Francisco firm, Morrison & Foerster often. He paints, reads, walks a mile a day, journals, and lectures, while writing another book: “Cultural History of Trials over the Centuries.”
His last book “Justice at Trial,” published in 2023, details his life and battles.
He reflects, “Over my career I have come to realize that one secret for enriching your own life is trying to help others. What better way to do that than to represent them in court.”
Activism
Obituary: Social Justice Leader, the Rev. Cecil Williams, Passes at 94
On April 22, community leader and social justice advocate Reverend Cecil Williams died at his home in San Francisco surrounded by his loved ones, according to his family. He was 94 years old.
By California Black Media
On April 22, community leader and social justice advocate Reverend Cecil Williams died at his home in San Francisco surrounded by his loved ones, according to his family.
He was 94 years old.
The reverend was a civil rights leader who advocated for the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the Bay Area.
Williams was the head pastor of the non-denominational GLIDE Memorial United Methodist Church. The church welcomed individuals from the queer community and people struggling with homelessness, housing instability and substance use disorder (SUD).
Through his work, Rev. Williams attracted national attention. Prominent political and cultural leaders such as Maya Angelou, Bono, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Clinton all attended church services at Glide.
Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) said she is deeply saddened about the passing of her dear friend.
“The Reverend changed the lives of millions through radical love, support, inclusivity, and a commitment to service to the most marginalized,” Lee said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said that the reverend inspired people across California to embody the values of generosity and acceptance.
Rev. Williams was, “a visionary leader whose legendary compassion and love for his community transformed the lives of people from all walks of life,” Newsom said.
Rev. Williams served as the chief executive officer of the Glide Foundation until his retirement in 2023.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 1 – 7, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 1 – 7, 2024
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