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NAACP Town Hall Extols the Power of the Black Woman

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The “Women in Power Town Hall” series provides a platform for leading women in policy and activism to engage listeners in a critical discussion about the top priorities for the next 12 months.

Published

8 years ago

January 19, 2019

Oakland Post

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Contributor
@StacyBrownMedia

The NAACP hosted its first tele town hall of 2019 and it was all about the power of women – particularly Black women.

“As we celebrate Founder’s Day and also the 90th Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King one of the things critically important with leadership is that Black women are making it clear that all issues are Black women issues,” said California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris.

“So, when we lead and hold these offices, we are not only addressing things like pay disparities, but a need to have a minimum wage so that the minimum wage equals the minimum standard of living,” said Harris, who were joined on the call by CBC Chair Karen Bass (D-California), Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio), and newcomers Lucy McBath (D-Georgia) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts).

The “Women in Power Town Hall” series provides a platform for leading women in policy and activism to engage listeners in a critical discussion about the top priorities for the next 12 months.

Following the swearing in of the most diverse Congress in history – one filled with more women of color than ever before – the town hall featured Congressional Black Caucus members, elected officials, NAACP leaders, along with business and civic leaders in a candid conversation about the 2019 agenda, issues impacting communities of color, and how women can continue to be leading advocates.

“The only [Congressional] class that rivals this new class in size in the [class of] Watergate,” said Pressley, who stunned 10-term U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano in the state primary to become the first African American woman elected to Congress from Massachusetts.

“And that’s no coincidence … during this vitriolic, polarizing time we find ourselves in … it’s the same way it was during Watergate,” she said referring to President Donald Trump and his administration.

McBath noted that the CBC has been speaking up in terms of policy agenda for a very long time.

“We’re probably the only body that looks at human and civil rights from the eyes of the community,” she said, noting that the iconic former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm set the bar for all.

Each of the lawmakers paid homage to Chisholm who, 51 years ago became the first Black woman elected to Congress.

Chisholm, a founding member of the CBC and the first African American to make a serious bid for president, represented New York’s 12th Congressional District for seven terms until 1983.

“It’s imperative that America hears from a black woman like me about the issue [of gun violence] that has devastated our community for years and years,” said McBath, whose son Jordan was murdered in 2012 after being shot following an argument at a gas station reportedly over loud music.

“Now, gun violence has gone outside the confines of the urban community and it’s extended its ugly head all over the nation,” she said.

“As a Black woman, a woman of color, I believe I must stand up and take responsibility for others.”

Fudge, a former chair of the CBC, said Black women in Congress helped to spearhead the passage of the Farm Bill which helps protect African Americans.

“When people ask are we relevant, we are more than relevant,” Fudge said of the CBC.

“We have to sometimes work in the shadows and we do and we’re effective,” she said.
The Democratic Party in particular realizes the importance of Black women, Fudge added.

“I think the party, and even now the Republican Party, is realizing that they can’t be successful without Black women,” she said.

“The most educated voters are Black women who are the single largest voting bloc per capita and everyone is taking notice of the power we have.”

That power could extend to the White House in 2020 with Harris expected to announce her candidacy for president this month.

The California Senator laughed when an admirer told her that she hopes she runs for president.

Instead of a direct response, Harris joined her colleagues in offering advice as to what Black women could do to exert their power.

“Stay active, use your powerful voice and get involved in campaigns,” she said.

“It could be a campaign issue or a candidate campaign. But, let them see you in the campaign office and organize community members. When Black women show up and campaign, our voices are heard and we are taking more serious.”

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New Protections for Ticket Buyers: Gov. Newsom Signs Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s Bill

OAKLAND POST — Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

Published

6 hours ago

October 4, 2026

Post News Group

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights). File photo.

By California Black Media Staff

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sept. 27 authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) that strengthens consumer protections for Californians purchasing tickets to concerts, sporting events and other live entertainment.

Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

“Buying a ticket shouldn’t come with hidden risks or unfair practices,” Newsom wrote on social media after signing the measure.

Under AB 1349, ticket sellers are prohibited from listing tickets before they have been officially released unless they have authorization or a legally enforceable right to receive them. Online marketplaces must also take reasonable steps to prevent speculative ticket sales on their platforms.

The law prohibits sellers from using bots, multiple accounts, email addresses or internet protocol addresses to circumvent ticket limits, presale restrictions, electronic queues and other controls. It also bans websites and advertisements designed to mislead buyers into believing they are purchasing tickets from an authorized seller, venue or event organizer.

Sellers who violate certain provisions and fail to provide a promised ticket may be held liable for twice the ticket’s contracted price. Buyers may also recover nonrefundable expenses incurred while attempting to attend an event, along with reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.

Pastor Tecoy Porter Sr., president of the National Action Network’s Sacramento chapter, said the law establishes needed accountability.

“Buying a ticket to a concert or show shouldn’t mean entering a marketplace where the rules are stacked against you. This year, we worked with a coalition of consumers, civil rights advocates, community groups, and businesses to make AB 1349 stronger. Consumers deserve enforceable rules that protect them. We thank Assemblymember Bryan for his leadership, and we will keep working to make ticketing fair for every Californian.”

Jose L. Barrera, national vice president for the Far West Region of the League of United Latin American Citizens, also praised the measure.

“Californian families deserve certain protections when they buy tickets. Assemblymember Bryan listened to communities across California and delivered a bill that puts fans first. We thank him and Governor Newsom for making it law.”

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Zakiya Jendayi Arrested, Locked Out of Home by Sheriff’s Deputies

OALAND POST — On Tuesday, deputies followed Jendayi as she left her residence of 13 years to file documents in her case at the Appellate Court. Deputies arrested her upon arrival and transported her to Santa Rita Jail.

Published

6 hours ago

October 4, 2026

Post News Group

By Tanya Dennis

Yesterday, more than 10 Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to take possession of Zakiya Jendayi’s home on behalf of a court-appointed administrator. Jendayi was arrested at the courthouse and transported to Santa Rita Jail around the same time.

Jendayi, who has been embroiled in a probate court battle to retain the inheritance bestowed on her by a longtime friend and colleague who passed away in 2013, had received a notice of eviction last month.

With help from neighbors, friends and clergy, she was able to fend off the eviction from 3614 Randolph Ave. in Oakland and even obtained a reprieve when her bid to file bankruptcy was approved by a county court.

But Philip Campbell, the court-appointed administrator, had already placed Jendayi’s home in his name in October 2025.

On Tuesday, deputies followed Jendayi when she left her residence of 13 years to go to the Appellate Court to file documents in her case. Deputies arrested her upon arrival and transported her to Santa Rita jail.

Undersheriff April Luckett-Fahini said Jendayi was arrested for “safety reasons.” At this time, it is unknown what charges were used for the arrest.

In Jendayi’s absence, Campbell came to her residence accompanied by deputies, had the property taped off with yellow crime tape, and had the locks changed.

Afterward, Campbell requested a police escort to his car amid several angry neighbors who had been advocating that officials pause the eviction pending Jendayi’s appeal.

“Zakiya Jendayi is a respected Black elder in our community,” said Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, who has been working with Jendayi to prevent her eviction. “It’s outrageous that she was arrested. There needs to be more justice and equity in our probate system.”

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Ask California: Golden State Releases New AI Chatbot

Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced the prototype as part of the state’s broader effort to use artificial intelligence to make government services easier to access. The launch follows his March 2026 executive order directing state agencies to responsibly implement generative AI while protecting privacy, security and civil liberties.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 22, 2026

Post News Group

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California has launched AskCA, a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to help residents find and navigate state and local government services through a single online platform.

Developed by the state’s Office of Data and Innovation, AskCA is designed around major life events rather than individual government agencies. Californians can use the tool to find information about finding a job, starting a business, accessing family services and recovering from disasters.

“When a Californian needs help, they shouldn’t have to become an expert in government to find it,” said Newsom. “We’re using the best technology California has to offer to make the government more efficient, effective, and more engaged.”

The state is now seeking Californians age 18 and older to participate in the pilot and help test and refine AskCA’s responses. Officials said subject matter experts across state governments are helping inform the chatbot’s answers, which are designed to draw from verified government sources and provide actionable information.

The prototype grew out of California’s response to the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Early testing included more than 140 fire recovery leaders and Altadena wildfire survivors, a dozen job seekers and more than 100 general users.

Jeffery Marino, director of the Office of Data and Innovation, said the tool is intended to remove the need for residents to understand how government agencies are organized before they can get help.

“Californians should not have to understand how the government is organized just to get basic help,” Marino said.

AskCA’s technology will also be used in a new job-skills matching feature that the California Department of Human Resources plans to launch Sept. 30 on CalCareers. Job seekers will be able to upload a resume and receive potential matches to state job classifications.

The state said the CalCareers pilot will not store personal information or require users to have a CalCareers account. California plans to continue testing AskCA as officials evaluate its accuracy, performance and usefulness before expanding the system.