Berkeley

OP-ED: Choked Out

Published

11 years ago

December 16, 2014

By Ron Busby, Sr., President of U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce

This one is different. We didn’t see George Zimmerman kill Trayvon Martin or Darren Wilson murder Michael Brown. Having only the perpetrators’ accounts to go by, we were left mercilessly at the Hands of Lady Justice. But the WHOLE WORLD saw a gang of New York’s police force literally choke the life from Eric Garner. And again, Lady Justice turned a blind eye to the truth and declared that despite the viral social media phenomenon that graphically proved the murderous intent of those modern-day “paddy rollers,” Eric Garner’s death deserved no finding of fault.

Is there really any wonder why Black Americans are beyond frustrated? When you combine scant employment opportunities, ineffective public education, sparse healthcare options and cap it off with legally sanctioned murder, what should America really expect?

As we move from the ever-festering sense of outrage to the critical work necessary to determine what’s next, let’s consider, what are the real options? Without question we’ll have to learn to more effectively exercise our political strength – such as it is. But political solutions generally require long-term negotiations — and lots of patience…and nobody is feeling patient right now. Social activism and civil unrest clearly have a role to play in drawing attention and highlighting injustices like the deaths of Black men at the hands of police. Fickle media, though, have a strange way of turning even the righteous indignation of Black America into a referendum on who’s guilty of the worst behavior — killer cops or angry Black folk. So that leaves us with impacting the economy as our one sure-fire strategy.

The year-long Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955-1956) proved beyond all doubt that Black folk withholding their financial support could cripple even Jim Crow. The devastation heaped on Montgomery’s economy even made the U.S. Supreme Court cave in! There is no question that America today NEEDS the trillion dollars Black Americans pump so willingly into the economy. What would happen if those dollars went missing?

One thing is certain, Black-owned businesses would appreciate the opportunity to supply the goods and services we — literally — spend our last dimes on. And this is no fairy tale, make-believe scenario. This may just be the defining moment in reasserting our right to be — not just heard — but truly listened to. The lessons learned over a half-century ago about organized action are just as valid today. Did those poor folk in Montgomery suffer while having to walk instead of riding the bus? Absolutely! But they suffered because they knew their cause was right and just.

The question, then, is whether we’ve learned enough over the last 60 years to know how to suffer for a short term in order to build a better future for others? Could we stand not having that Starbucks in the morning? Could we live without that weekend shopping spree? Could we have a festive holiday without Crown Royal and Ciroc? Do we really need that Benz, Lexus or Rover? Is the latest 4G smartphone really that crucial? Are we really serious about letting America know that #BlackLivesMatter, or is that just a catchy slogan that makes you feel better – right along with #HandsUp and #ICantBreathe?

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. is absolutely certain that economic impact is the one tool at our disposal that works every time. It requires organization, it requires commitment, it requires more than lip-service. We recognize that there is no “magic wand.” We know that going to jail and burning our own communities is attention-grabbing, but these are ONLY reactions. Our nationwide distress calls for ACTION!

One last thought: it’s kinda dated, but dust off your copy of Douglas Turner Ward’s Day of Absence… What if, just what if, nobody showed up for work tomorrow? When they call to check on you to see why you’re not at work, tell ’em “…I can’t breathe…”

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The Case Against Probate: False Ruling Invalidates Black Professor’s Estate Plan, Ignoring 28-Year Relationship

Zakiya Folami Jendayi, beneficiary of Head’s estate, states that “The errors, ranging from misstatements of fact, omissions of critical evidence, and reliance on false arguments and testimony, formed the basis of Judge Sandra K. Bean’s ruling against me, Dr. Head’s previous student, mentee, sorority sister and long-time friend,and despite the fact that I was her chosen, power of attorney, Advanced Healthcare Directive agent, trustee, executor and sole beneficiary.”

Published

4 weeks ago

June 17, 2025

Oakland Post

Dr. Head and Zakiya Jendayi, Their 28 year old friendship was ignored by Probate Court Judge Bean who ruled in favor of Dr. Head's estranged sister's. One sister could not identify Head, in a picture shown while under oath.

By Tanya Dennis

Part 5

In a shocking miscarriage of justice, a California probate judge issued a Statement of Decision on March 28 riddled with numerous documented errors that invalidated the estate plan of esteemed Black Studies professor Dr. Laura Dean Head.

The ruling from the Alameda County Superior Court’s probate division in Berkeley has sparked outrage from advocates for probate reform, community members and civil rights activists, who say the decision reflects deep flaws in the probate system, blatant disregard for due process, and the wishes of the ancestors. Judge Sandra Bean’s ruling reflects a repeated outcome seen in Black and Brown communities.

Reading court transcripts, the most egregious violations according to Jendayi reveal a pivotal point in the ruling that rested on a letter from Dr. Stephan Sarafian of Kaiser Permanente, who misidentified Dr. Head as male, misstated the day, month, and year, and asserted Head lacked capacity.

Under cross-examination, he reversed his opinion and admitted under oath that he never conducted a mental evaluation, did not diagnose Dr. Head with incapacity, did not write the letter, and stated he merely signed it “in case it was needed in the future.”

Despite Sarafian’s perjury, on Oct. 17, 2024, the California Court of Appeal upheld the lower court decision that relied on Sarafian’s discredited letter to invalidate Dr. Head’s estate plan, ignored Jendayi’s requests to impeach his testimony and dismiss Sarafian’s testimony and letter that both the Kaiser Grievance Department and the Medical Board of California denounced.

In her ruling, Judge Bean agreed with the false argument by attorney Leahy, which alleged that Jendayi provided the names of the beneficiaries to Head’s estate attorney, Elaine Lee. Bean made this decision despite Lee’s sworn testimony that Dr. Head had met with her alone, behind closed doors, and made the independent decision to leave her estate to Jendayi.

According to court records, Judge Bean reversed the burden of proof in the undue influence claim before any of Jendayi’s witnesses testified, forcing Jendayi to disprove allegations that were never substantiated by witnesses or records.

Bean ruled: “Respondent took Dr. Head to her apartment where she assumed complete control of Dr. Head’s day-to-day care, medical care, and all aspects of her life.” Jendayi proved that statement was false.

Bean also ruled that Respondent controlled Dr. Head’s necessities of life, food, and hospice care, despite zero testimony or documentation supporting any of those claims.

The court reduced Jendayi’s role to “a friend who, at best, cared for Dr. Head during the final two months,” totally ignoring 28 years of friendship, testimony, evidence, letters of recommendation, emails, and medical records.

Exhibits confirming Dr. Head’s intent and capacity, including the discredited medical letter, Exhibit 90, were omitted or misrepresented in the judge’s final decision.

Jendayi says, “The injustice within the probate justice system is devastating, traumatizing and financially depleting. It’s nothing short of legalized crime!”

Jendayi is now appealing to the Supreme Court of the U.S. with a petition citing denial of due process, judicial misconduct, and systemic bias in probate courts.

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Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley Celebrates 90th Anniversary

Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., who has served as Progressive Missionary’s pastor since September 1977, said the church also delights in the fact that it has hosted only five pastors in its 90-year history, including Pastors James E. Moore, H. A. Green, F. Douglas Farrell, and Edward Stovall, who served for 37 years.

Published

2 months ago

May 16, 2025

Oakland Post

Progressive Missionary Baptist Poster. Dr. Earl C. Stuckey, Sr., Pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley with his wife, Kay Frances Stuckey.

By Oakland Post Staff

The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church of Berkeley is celebrating its 90th church anniversary on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at 3301 King Street in Berkeley.

The celebration will feature Pastor Darnell Manuel of the Union Baptist Church in Vallejo as guest speaker, along with many other special presentations.

Those who wish to share in Progressive’s history can purchase a 100-page full-colored souvenir book for $25.

The church boasts a number of notable people who either regularly attended or became members of the church since its inception, including former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor, and one of the organizers of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Helen J. H. Stephens.

Pastor Stuckey often remarks how longevity flourishes at the church — it boasts 13 centenarians (people who have reached 100 years or more). Currently, it has one centenarian who is still surviving, Mrs. Dorothy Chambers, and 14 members who have reached 90 years or more.

Recently, on Feb.17, the pastor and his wife Kay Frances, celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.

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Faces Around the Bay: Author Karen Lewis Took the ‘Detour to Straight Street’

“My life has been a roller-coaster with an unlimited ride wristband! I was raised in Berkeley during the time of Ron Dellums, the Black Panthers, and People’s Park. I was a Hippie kid, my Auntie cut off all our hair so we could wear the natural styles like her and Angela Davis.

Published

3 months ago

April 28, 2025

Oakland Post

Karen Lewis. Courtesy photo.

By Barbara Fluhrer

I met Karen Lewis on a park bench in Berkeley. She wrote her story on the spot.

I got married young, then ended up getting divorced, raising two boys into men. After my divorce, I had a stroke that left me blind and paralyzed. I was homeless, lost in a fog with blurred vision.

Jesus healed me! I now have two beautiful grandkids. At 61, this age and this stage, I am finally free indeed. Our Lord Jesus Christ saved my soul. I now know how to be still. I lay at his feet. I surrender and just rest. My life and every step on my path have already been ordered. So, I have learned in this life…it’s nice to be nice. No stressing, just blessings. Pray for the best and deal with the rest.

Nobody is perfect, so forgive quickly and love easily!”

Lewis’ book “Detour to Straight Street” is available on Amazon.