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NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference Hosts 36th Annual State Convention

The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference (Cal-Hi NAACP) held its 36th annual State Convention at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel. The convention featured a series of workshops and discussions organized to promote solutions for some of the most pressing issues impacting Black communities in California and Hawaii. The focus was on a range of topics, including next-generation leadership, environmental justice, housing, veteran’s affairs, labor, education, and more.

Published

3 years ago

November 3, 2023

Oakland Post

Los Angeles-based attorney Kamilah Moore shared information about the California Reparations Task Force and the importance of the NAACP. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

By Antonio Ray Harvey,
California Black Media

The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference (Cal-Hi NAACP) held its 36th annual State Convention at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront Hotel

The convention featured a series of workshops and discussions organized to promote solutions for some of the most pressing issues impacting Black communities in California and Hawaii. The focus was on a range of topics, including next-generation leadership, environmental justice, housing, veteran’s affairs, labor, education, and more.

“This is where we bring our branches to get them trained up and ready to go back into their communities ready to fight for what we’re fighting,” said NAACP Cal-Hi President Rick Callender. “What we are fighting, we’re fighting for criminal justice, environmental justice, equity in education, equity in the legislation and trying to move the NAACP’s agenda forward.”

This year’s event, themed “This Is How We Thrive,” was held from Oct. 27-29. Around 500 NAACP Cal-Hi leaders, delegates, elected officials, activists, organizers, faith leaders, and entertainers from across the state and Hawaii participated.

Former NAACP California Hawaii State Conference President Alice Huffman (in the foreground) was honored with the Hats Off Award of Distinction at the state convention at the Marriott Waterford Hotel. Shown left to right in the background are San Francisco NAACP President Dr. Rev. Amos Brown, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes (Spingarn Medalist, NAACP Board of Directors, NAACP New York President), Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), and Los Angeles-based attorney Kamilah Moore. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Oakland City Councilwoman Treva Reid receives a passionate hug after her speech during the NAACP’s political Luncheon on Oct. 28, 2023. Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) spoke about her work with NAACP California Hawaii State Conference and the NAACP Branch in Oakland on Oct. 27, 2023. Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

Keynote speakers at this year’s convention included Dr. Hazel N. Dukes (Spingarn medalist, NAACP Board of Directors, NAACP New York president), Eleni Kounalakis (lieutenant governor of California), Rob Bonta (California attorney general), Shevann Steuben (NAACP Texas Youth & College Division president, NAACP Houston, Young Adult Committee chair, NAACP Board of Directors), Oakland City Councilwoman Treva Reid (District 7) and Los Angeles-based attorney Kamilah Moore (chair of California Reparations Task Force).

Moore reminded the attendees at the Women in the NAACP Labor Luncheon on Oct. 28 that the NAACP has been a beacon of light ensuring Black Americans are granted their constitutional rights.

Since Feb. 12, 1909, the NAACP has advocated, agitated, and litigated for civil rights. Its legacy is built on a foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists.

“We are resiliently surviving the afterlife of chattel slavery. In fact, as African Americans, we have been confronting these lingering badges and incidents of slavery without any significant government aid or private actions. We’ve been doing it on our own and the NAACP is a testament of that,” Callender said during the luncheon.

On the evening of Oct. 28, Callender joined Dr. Hazel N. Dukes for a fireside chat at the President’s Awards Dinner.

Several influential leaders — U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Exodie C. Roe III (General Services Administration, Washington D.C.), and NAACP Senior Vice President of Communications Trovon C. Williams — spoke at the convention.

NAACP Cal-Hi’s Youth and College Division hosted multiple workshops, including a “Stop the Hate” mock trial and another titled “Youth Focused Dinner, Juvenile Justice Workshop, and Health Forum.”

On Oct. 27, NAACP Cal-Hi presented an exclusive preview of “The Space Race,” a National Geographic documentary that weaves together stories of Black astronauts seeking to break the bonds of social injustice in their quest to reach for the stars.

That afternoon, a special “Hats Off Award” ceremony was held honoring Alice Huffman, president emeritus of the NAACP Cal-Hi State Conference, at the WIN Luncheon.

From this day on, the Hats Off Award will be incorporated into the convention to recognize individuals from California and Hawaii who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to social justice and equity.

Huffman, who was first elected president of the Cal-Hi NAACP in 1999, served eight terms of unwavering service and provided significant contributions.

She expressed her gratitude for having an award named after her and said she was proud to be around appreciative people at the convention who understood the work she performed for the Cal-Hi NAACP.

“It’s an honor to see all of you, feel your love, feel your understanding and appreciation,” Huffman said. “Let me tell you, it wasn’t always easy, but it was great. I hope that I never let you down. I don’t think that I ever have. I don’t know what else to say to you all but thank you, thank you, thank you.”

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Black Leadership Council Recognizes Assemblymembers Bonta, Jackson for Leadership and Service

“The Black Leadership Council has been imprinted in my heart because I first met with you all when I was a first-year legislator and we talked about what we wanted for our children and our families,” Bonta said. “It’s just an incredible honor to receive this award and share this honor with my partner in this work, Dr. Corey Jackson.”

Published

2 weeks ago

July 5, 2026

Oakland Post

The Black Leadership Council (BLC) Legislative Awards Luncheon took place in Sacramento on June 17. The event is a core component of the BLC's "Black in Action" Day of Advocacy. The initiative brings leaders from public and private sectors to the State Capitol to engage with policymakers and push for systemic solutions advancing Black prosperity in California. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

The Black Leadership Council (BLC) honored Assemblymembers Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) and Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) during its annual Legislative Awards Luncheon for their leadership in advancing racial justice, economic opportunity and community investment.

Both members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), Bonta received the Education Equity Champion Award, while Jackson was presented with the Wealth Equity Champion Award.

The luncheon was held June 17 at the Sutter Club in Sacramento following a morning of meetings between BLC members and CLBC senators, assemblymembers and Capitol staff.

“Whenever you’re in the same room and being honored alongside Oakland’s own Mia Bonta, you must be doing something right. One of the things that’s clear is that this nation needs Black leadership more than ever,” Jackson said.

Jackson was recognized for co-authoring legislation that expands economic opportunity, strengthens the social safety net and supports youth and vulnerable communities.

Bonta was honored for establishing the bipartisan California Legislative Children’s Caucus, a bicameral coalition that advocates for investments in childcare, health and education. The caucus promotes evaluating state budgets and public policy through the lens of children’s well-being.

BLC and the CLBC work together to translate community priorities into legislative action. Both lawmakers said the BLC was among the first organizations they met with after taking office.

Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-La Mesa) attended the luncheon to celebrate her legislative director, Jerika Edwards, who received the Next Generation Leadership Award. Sharp-Collins credited Edwards with building a distinguished record of civic engagement, public service, voting rights advocacy and social justice leadership.

Nikki A. Beasley, executive director of Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, received the Housing Equity Champion Award. Carol F. Burton, a health care, criminal justice and behavioral health executive, received the Health Equity Champion Award. BLC member Joya Chavarin, a California-based education researcher, was presented with the Trailblazer Award.

“The Legislative Awards Luncheon offers a valuable opportunity to recognize impactful legislators, their staff, and community leaders,” said Meron Agonafer, a member of the BLC Executive Committee.

Established by PRC, formerly the Positive Resource Center, the BLC is a statewide coalition dedicated to advancing policy and systems change in education, housing, health and justice. Its overarching mission is to achieve “Black prosperity” through statewide advocacy and public policy.

“The council targets a high volume of legislation,” said Dr. Deborah Hawkes, PRC’s chief executive officer, who oversees the BLC’s statewide strategy and community initiatives.

“Freedom means opportunities. It means access to quality education, stable housing, good health, economic security, and the ability for every person to thrive,” Hawkes said. “That work requires investments, it requires leaders who are willing to speak up, organizations that are going to do the work, and partners who are willing to sustain the movement.”

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Black Caucus Bill Requiring Major Corporations in California to Disclose Links to Slavery Moves Forward

“We have a public accounting of the ways that our civic institutions have benefited from chattel slavery and built wealth in the process,” said Asm. Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), vice chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). “We even had cost estimates of what is true accounting for what that (wealth) would be.”

Published

2 weeks ago

July 5, 2026

Oakland Post

Asm. Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), at the podium, presents Assembly Bill 2599, the Truth in Disclosure Act, before the California Senate Judiciary Committee on June 24. The committee approved the measure on an 11-1 vote. The bill would require major corporations doing business in California with more than $100 million in annual worldwide gross receipts to search their historical records and submit sworn affidavits disclosing any ties to chattel slavery. Seated on the committee are Sen. Maria Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), left, and California Legislative Black Caucus Chair Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego). CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

In August 2000, the California Legislature confronted a little-known chapter of American history after records uncovered in the state archives revealed that, before the Civil War, some insurance companies issued policies to slaveholders that insured enslaved people against injury, death or escape, treating human beings as property.

That same year, former state Sen. Tom Hayden (D-Los Angeles) authored Senate Bill 2199, landmark legislation requiring insurance companies doing business in California to disclose records of slaveholder insurance policies issued by them or their corporate predecessors.

More than two decades later, California lawmakers are seeking to expand that transparency.

Assembly Bill (AB) 2599, the Truth in Disclosure Act, authored by Asm. Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights), builds on the disclosure framework established by SB 2199. The measure would require certain large corporations to search their historical records and submit sworn affidavits, under penalty of perjury, disclosing documented ties to chattel slavery or profits derived from slavery.

On June 23, AB 2599 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), on an 11-1 vote. The measure now heads to the Senate Public Safety Committee.

“We have a public accounting of the ways that our civic institutions have benefited from chattel slavery and built wealth in the process,” said Bryan, vice chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). “We even had cost estimates of what is true accounting for what that (wealth) would be.”

Bryan continued, “This bill is simply about disclosure. We’ve had a conversation about the private sector’s role in extracting that wealth, but this bill starts with that conversation around disclosure.”

Known as the Slavery Era Insurance Policies Act, Hayden’s SB 2199 required insurers licensed in California to examine their archives for antebellum policies covering slaveholders against the loss or death of enslaved people. The results were compiled by the California Department of Insurance.

AB 2599 would extend that transparency requirement beyond the insurance industry. It requires entities doing business in California with more than $100 million in annual worldwide gross receipts to review their records for historical involvement in slavery-related transactions.

The bill specifically identifies industries historically tied to the slave economy, including textile, tobacco, railroad, shipping, rice, sugar, financial and insurance companies.

AB 2599 is the CLBC’s sole priority bill this legislative session, according to Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), chair of the caucus and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Weber Pierson cited several financial institutions and insurance companies that have acknowledged or documented historical ties to slavery, including JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, New York Life, AIG and Aetna.

“This bill (AB 2599) is extremely important because it acknowledges that many disparities facing Black Americans did not happen by accident. It also talks about the fact that many of the economic opportunities that benefited major institutions did not also happen by accident — but by their participation in chattel slavery,” Weber Pierson said.

The bill’s primary co-sponsor is the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation and Truth. Other supporters include Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement, the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Healing Justice Santa Barbara, the Black Power Network, the Inland Empire Black Worker Center, LA Voice, the League of Women Voters of California and Starting Over Inc.

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The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Hold Day of Advocacy at the Capitol in Sacramento

A member of the “Divine Nine,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization was established by 22 women who sought to shift the group’s focus from social activities to public service, academic excellence, and social activism.

Published

2 months ago

May 17, 2026

Oakland Post

Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro) presents a Senate resolution to the Delta Theta Sigma Sorority Farwest Region at the State Capitol on May 4. Photo courtesy of the Senate Rules Committee.

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

On May 4, members of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., convened at the California State Capitol for the organization’s 23rd annual Delta Days in Sacramento.

The two-day advocacy event brings together chapters from across California to engage directly in the legislative process, connect with lawmakers, and advocate for policies impacting Black communities.

Members of the sorority were honored on the Senate floor by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro), who is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta.

Richardson welcomed the Farwest Region during the presentation of a Senate resolution recognizing outgoing Regional Director Kimberly Usher for her leadership and service.

“In addition to the Far West Region, we are led by a fearless leader, regional director Kimberly Usher. She has now served her full term of what’s allowed,” Richardson said. “We are going to be having our regional conference, but we wanted to give it to her here, officially recognizing her service.”

The resolution was co-authored by Richardson and fellow members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Delta Sigma Theta, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).

Usher has served in the leadership role since 2022.

“We are founded on sisterhood that is deeply rooted in scholarship, service, and social action,” said Weber Pierson, a member of the Gamma Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

“Today, we continue a legacy of empowering communities and upholding the high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards established by our founders over a century ago,” she added.