Activism
California Black Clergy, Political Leaders Condemn Racism in Ukraine
CBC members Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations; Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-05); Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations; and Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett (VI-At Large) signed the letter, which was sent on March 4.

By Tanu Henry, California Black Media
“There were many persons of color living in the Ukraine, enjoying, working and going to school. The Russian invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, made a major change,” read a letter shared with parishioners and friends of St. Paul African Methodist Church in San Bernardino via e-mail.
“For those persons of color, an additional crisis has emerged, the added burden of racism. As these people flee to the bordering countries, they are being met with open hostility,” the letter continued.
The Rev. Steven Shepard, pastor of St. Paul’s, forwarded the letter, which called on AME Church members around the globe to support a student from the Ivory Coast who was seeking asylum in Ukraine until the war broke out. Shepard encouraged church members to stand with “our African brothers and sisters” and to condemn the racism in Ukraine.
The young woman had to wait for nearly 24 hours in frigid weather, hungry and cold, before crossing the Ukrainian-Polish border.
The letter Shepard shared was among hundreds of thousands, perhaps more, of videos, letters, memes, photos and other media sent around the world highlighting racism in Ukraine on two fronts.
First, the way Ukrainian citizens were treating people from Africa, the Caribbean and other people of African descent as people clamored to board trains and buses escaping the advancing Russian military.
“We write with concern regarding the treatment of people of African and Asian descent who are trying to flee Ukraine,” members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) wrote to Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, asking for her to push back on the discriminatory incidents being reported.
CBC members Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations; Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-05); Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA-37), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations; and Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett (VI-At Large) signed the letter, which was sent on March 4.
“Thank you for clarifying that the borders of the European Union are open to everyone fleeing the war in Ukraine,” the lawmakers continued. “Nonetheless, numerous press and social media reports indicate that many Black families, immigrants from the African diaspora and other people of color are subject to discriminatory or inhumane treatment as they seek to flee Ukraine for the safety of other European countries.”
“We applaud that you have publicly rejected discriminatory treatment of refugees,” they continued. “We ask for more information about how European Union institutions and its member states are working to implement equitable and humane policies and procedures towards refugees. We further ask that a representative of the Commission brief us on the progress of these efforts.”
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari said the racist actions of Ukrainian citizens violated international treaties.
“All who flee a conflict situation have the same right to safe passage under U.N. convention and the color of their passport or their skin should make no difference,” he said.
African leaders, commentators, civil rights leaders, public figures and mass media personalities also spoke out against racist coverage of the war in the media as well.
“This isn’t a place, with all due respect like Iraq or Afghanistan. This is a relatively civilized, relatively European — I have to choose those words carefully, too — city where you wouldn’t expect that or hope that it’s going to happen,” said CBS News Correspondent Charlie D’Agata, reporting from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
D’Agata, who has since apologized for that comment, has been widely criticized for his bias.
Comedian Trevor Noah also reacted to D’Agata’s comments. “Here’s the thing. Beyond the racism. You do realize, until recently, fighting crazy wars was Europe’s thing. That is all of European history. They even had something called ‘the Hundred Years War,’” he said.
“I don’t know about you, but I was shocked to see how many reporters around the world, by the way, seem to think it’s more of a tragedy when white people have to flee their countries,” Noah said.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of February 12 – 18, 2025

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Activism
Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Reflects on Her Career as She Bids Farewell to Congress
“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and marked the end of her 26-year career in public service.
Lee, who is succeeded by Lateefah Simon, a civil rights and racial justice activist, praised people in her community for their support. She also highlighted her dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity.
“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.
Throughout her tenure, Lee earned a reputation as a principled lawmaker known for taking bold and sometimes unpopular stances. One of her defining moments came in 2001 when she was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force in response to the September 11 attacks. This decision led to death threats but ultimately cemented her legacy of courage.
Lee’s leadership extended beyond her district, where she fought for social justice, the rights of low-income communities, and global health initiatives. She was a key figure in pushing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She was a vocal critic of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.
The Congresswoman also faced significant challenges in her career, including a failed Senate bid in 2024. Yet, Lee’s efforts have paved the way for more excellent representation, with more Black women now elected to Congress. She worked closely with organizations like Representation Matters to encourage more women of color to run for office.
Lee says she looks to the future, confident that the next generation of leaders will continue her unfinished work, particularly on issues like military force and reproductive rights.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of February 5 – 11, 2025
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