National

Local Churches Discussing Security After Massacre At Emanuel

Published

11 years ago

June 30, 2015

Oakland Post

Rev. John Paul Brown (Courtesy of The Charleston Chronicle)

By Barney Blakeney
Special to the NNPA from The Charleston Chronicle

Dylann Storm Roof on June 17 walked into Emanuel AME Church through a side door without facing any resistance or questions. He sat with members of the congregation about an hour as they conducted a weekly Bible study session then pulled out a .45 Caliber handgun and shot nine of the members to death. That tragic incident leaves the community in shock and some asking if better security could have prevented the crime.

Houses of worship are among the most accessible places in the community when activities of various types are being conducted. Doors are unlocked to allow participants to enter during evening meetings, practices and other activities. And during activities such as Bible study, all including strangers such as Roof, are welcome without question. The Godly then are at a disadvantage to those whose intentions may be devious.

This week as Charleston remains in a state of shock after the premeditated murder of nine participants in the Bible study session at Mother Emanuel, many local church congregations held conversations about security in the wake of the carnage.

Saturday while the men of St. Matthews Baptist Church in North Charleston enjoyed a meal of fresh fish during a Father’s Day program, church leaders met to discuss security going forward after the deaths at Emanuel. Later that evening the pastors of several Charleston area churches were asked about security at their houses of worship.

Charity Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Nelson Rivers, a former national NAACP field operations vice president and current religious affairs and operations director for the National Action Network said public discussion of security measures for any facility is counterproductive, but he offered that security cameras, locked doors and entry buzzers are among the equipment churches should consider standard in their security systems.

Location also should be considered, Rivers said. Emanuel, one of the city’s most historic edifices, is located in Charleston’s historic district. And because churches are places where all are welcome, that location makes it and several other downtown churches vulnerable to insidious attacks.

One member of Emanuel suggested that someone in the church have in their possession a firearm any time the church is open. Mt. Zion AME Church Pastor Rev. John Paul Brown rejected the suggestion saying the church is no place for firearms. Sam Jenkins, security advisor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston said instead, cameras at all entrances are necessary. At some point people just have to trust God, he said.

Brown said in addition, parishioners always should trust their common sense. That means locking doors that don’t lead into areas where services are being conducted and he suggests consulting experts in security. “We want to take necessary precautions, but we don’t want to overreact,” he said.

Rev. Alonzo Washington Pastor of Wallingford Presbyterian Church in Charleston said his congregation had an open door policy before the tragedy at Emanuel and will continue that policy. But that doesn’t mean they won’t lock doors and maintain constant vigil and observation to detect anything or anyone suspicious. Christian faith will not be conquered by fear, he said.

Charleston police spokesman Charles Francis said patrol officers will increase their vigil as well. They can be expected to knock on doors when they think someone may be in churches at various hours beyond those of normal worship service. As always, if anyone feels uncomfortable about any situation at a church, he encourages them to call police. Having members carry firearms in churches is a question individual churches must decide, Francis said.

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Oakland Post: Week of February 11 = 17, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 11 – 17, 2026

Published

1 week ago

February 16, 2026

Oakland Post

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Advice

Rising Optimism Among Small And Middle Market Business Leaders Suggests Growth for California

“Business leaders across the Pacific region continue to demonstrate a unique blend of resilience and forward-thinking, even in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty,” said Brennon Crist, Managing Director and Head of the Pacific Segment, Commercial Banking, J.P. Morgan. “Their commitment to innovation and growth is evident in the way they adapt to challenges and seize new opportunities. It’s this spirit that keeps our region at the forefront of business leadership and progress. We look forward to helping our clients navigate all that’s ahead in 2026.”

Published

2 weeks ago

February 14, 2026

Oakland Post

Super Scout / E+ with Getty Images.

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Business optimism is returning for small and midsize business leaders at the start of 2026, fueling confidence and growth plans.

The 2026 Business Leaders Outlook survey, released in January by JPMorganChase reveals a turnaround from last June, when economic headwinds and uncertainty about shifting policies and tariffs caused some leaders to put their business plans on hold.

Midsize companies, who often find themselves more exposed to geopolitical shifts and policy changes, experienced a significant dip in business and economic confidence in June of 2025. As they have become more comfortable with the complexities of today’s environment, we are seeing optimism rebounding in the middle market nationwide – an encouraging sign for growth, hiring, and innovation. Small businesses, meanwhile, maintained steady optimism throughout 2025, but they aren’t shielded from domestic concerns. Many cited inflation and wage pressures as the top challenges for 2026 and are taking steps to ensure their businesses are prepared for what’s ahead.

Overall, both small and midsize business leaders are feeling more confident to pursue growth opportunities, embrace emerging technologies and, in some cases, forge new strategic partnerships. That bodes well for entrepreneurs in California. Here are a few other key findings from the Business Leaders Outlook about trends expected to drive activity this year:

Inflation remains the top concern for small business owners. Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, many anticipated a favorable business environment. By June 2025, however, that feeling shifted amid concerns about political dynamics, tariffs, evolving regulations and global economic headwinds.
Going into 2026, 37% of respondents cited inflation as their top concern. Rising taxes came in second at 27% and the impact of tariffs was third at 22%. Other concerns included managing cash flow, hiring and labor costs.

For middle market leaders, uncertainty remains an issue. Almost half (49%) of all midsize business leaders surveyed cited “economic uncertainty” as their top concern – even with an improved outlook from a few months ago. Revenue and sales growth was second at 33%, while tariffs and labor both were third at 31%.
And tariffs are impacting businesses costs. Sixty-one percent of midsize business leaders said tariffs have had a negative impact on the cost of doing business.
Despite challenges, leaders are bullish on their own enterprises. Though the overall outlook is mixed, 74% of small business owners and 71% of middle market companies are optimistic about their company’s prospects for 2026.
Adaption is the theme. For small business owners surveyed across the U.S., responding to continuing pressures is important in 2026. Building cash reserves (47%), renegotiating supplier terms (36%) and ramping up investments in marketing and technology are among the top priorities.
Big plans are on the horizon. A majority midsized company leaders expect revenue growth this year, and nearly three out of five of (58%) plan to introduce new products or services in the coming year, while 53% look to expand into new domestic and/or international markets. Forty-nine percentsay they’re pursuing strategic partnerships or investments.

The bottom line

Rebounding optimism among U.S. business leaders at the start of the year is setting the stage for an active 2026. With business leaders looking to implement ambitious growth plans that position themselves for the future, momentum in California could be beneficial for leaders looking to launch, grow or scale their business this year.

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#NNPA BlackPress

COMMENTARY: The National Protest Must Be Accompanied with Our Votes

Just as Trump is gathering election data like having the FBI take all the election data in Georgia from the 2020 election, so must we organize in preparation for the coming primary season to have the right people on ballots in each Republican district, so that we can regain control of the House of Representatives and by doing so, restore the separation of powers and balance that our democracy is being deprived of.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper. File photo..

By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper

As thousands of Americans march every week in cities across this great nation, it must be remembered that the protest without the vote is of no concern to Donald Trump and his administration.

In every city, there is a personal connection to the U.S. Congress. In too many cases, the member of Congress representing the people of that city and the congressional district in which it sits, is a Republican. It is the Republicans who are giving silent support to the destructive actions of those persons like the U.S. Attorney General, the Director of Homeland Security, and the National Intelligence Director, who are carrying out the revenge campaign of the President rather than upholding the oath of office each of them took “to Defend The Constitution of the United States.”

In California, the primary comes in June 2026. The congressional races must be a priority just as much as the local election of people has been so important in keeping ICE from acquiring facilities to build more prisons around the country.

“We the People” are winning this battle, even though it might not look like it. Each of us must get involved now, right where we are.

In this Black History month, it is important to remember that all we have accomplished in this nation has been “in spite of” and not “because of.” Frederick Douglas said, “Power concedes nothing without a struggle.”

Today, the struggle is to maintain our very institutions and history. Our strength in this struggle rests in our “collectiveness.” Our newspapers and journalists are at the greatest risk. We must not personally add to the attack by ignoring those who have been our very foundation, our Black press.

Are you spending your dollars this Black History Month with those who salute and honor contributions by supporting those who tell our stories? Remember that silence is the same as consent and support for the opposition. Where do you stand and where will your dollars go?