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Opinion: Diana Becton Becomes First Woman and Person of Color to be Elected 

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Diana Becton. Photo by Joe L. Fisher.
By Pastor Alvin Bernstine
It took nearly 168 years for Contra Costa County to elect a woman and a person of color to the highest ranking elected official in Contra Costa County.  Diana Becton, a Richmond resident, was appointed District Attorney September 17, 2017.On June 5, after a hard-fought, but high-class campaign, she proved victorious. After 168 years of history including systemic sexism and racism, white-male privilege, a bias media medium (East Bay Times) and entrenched national structures of status quo law enforcement, she was elected.

While every county law enforcement association dumped thousands of dollars into negative campaigning in support of the “good old boys’ candidate,” Paul Graves, Diana Becton insisted her campaign would follow the motto of former First Lady, Michelle Obama, “They go low, we go high.”

The people of Contra Costa County, which represents 19 cities, 19 mayors, 19 city councils, and 19 city halls voted for progressive change. Of the 56 California County District Attorneys running for election this year, Diana Becton represents the only successful African-American candidate.

According to a study conducted by the Center for Technology and Civic Life, it is mindboggling to note that in America in 2018:

  • 95 percent of elected prosecutors are white;
  • 79 percent white men; three in five states have no black elected prosecutors;
  • 14 states have no elected prosecutors at all;
  • just one percent of elected prosecutors are women.

The Post takes great pride in having been the only local paper to endorse Diana Becton, a retired judge of 22 years, civic activist, Christian minister, and Democratic progressive.

Her former pastor, Pastor-Emeritus Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., of Allen Temple in Oakland shared these words: “She grew up in East Oakland. Her parents were strong Christians in Allen Temple Baptist Church, who modeled humility, hard work, and a hunger for the highest and best.

“They poured into Diana integrity, tenacity, resilience, and a love for the disinherited.  They held my arms in my years as pastor. Let us support Diana at a time when American justice is sleeping.”

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Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

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Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

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Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  

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