News

White House Reporter April Ryan Keynote Speaker at 100 Black Women Luncheon

Published

7 years ago

April 29, 2019

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Oakland Bay Area Chapter (NCBW-OBAC) held their 21st annual Madam C.J. Walker Luncheon and Empowerment Forum at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis on April 19.

Themed “Cultivating Our Legacy: Intentionally Building Our Future,” the event featured keynote speaker White House Correspondent April Ryan.

Ryan acknowledged the many influences that shaped her. From the legacies of Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire, and Shirley Chisholm, the first woman to run for president, to Huey Newton of the Black Panthers, Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey.

“Madam C.J. Walker was a pillar of strength for all of us,” she said.

Ryan, who has covered the White House for more thantwo decades, garnered much attention when Pres. Donald Trump refused to allow her to ask a question about voter suppression and told her to sit down during a White House press conference.

His blatant disrespect of the seasoned journalist caused a media storm because the issue of voter suppression was fully relevant.

A day prior to the luncheon the results of the Mueller Investigation flooded the press and showed that Sarah Huckabee Sanders misled reporters during a May 2017 daily press briefing shortly after Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey

Ryan did not hold back. “Sarah Huckabee is a liar and the apprentice that needs to go.”

“Where is your dis-ease (with the status quo)?”

Ryan shared her dis-ease with Blacks having the highest disparities in the nation and asserted that Stacey Abrams should have become Georgia’s governor.

None of the Trump administration’s antics will cause her to cower.

“My parents raised me to be a catalyst for change.”

Ryan said the voter irregularities after the mid-term election, voter suppression throughout the country and the lack of a federal anti-lynching law in 2019 should cause everyone to be concerned. “What is old is not new. Shirley Chisholm, who ran for president in 1972, said; “If you don’t have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

And as Iyanla Vanzant says; “Am I my brother’s keeper? No I am my brother.”

Ryan implored the more than 1,000 powerful women in the room to harness their talent and resources. “Don’t be afraid to scrape your red bottoms,” as she referred to the $1,000 Christian Louboutin red-soled shoes sported by affluent professional women.

Luncheon honorees included Valerie Lewis – assistant vice president and assostant secretary at Safeway Inc.- who waved her red-bottom shoes in the air to show Ryan that they were scuffed.

The Advocacy Award was presented to Tomiquia Moss – CEO of Hamilton Families- who thanked her grandmother and the Pioneer Award was presented to Morgan DeBaun – CEO and Founder of Blavity.

Honoree Dorian Webb, a jewelry designer, quoted Shakespeare; “They tread on gems beneath their feet.” Supporting the quote, Webb explained that African Americans are oftentimes denigrated or ignored. “It’s time to realize we are the gems and magic happens when we work collectively.”

Teenagers Jasmine Edwards and Zoei Brown, the 2019 Positive Steps Mentoring Program Essay contest winners took the podium and inspired everyone as they ensured the future of Black girl magic. “We are the Black girls that know their worth and won’t be taken for granted,” said Edwards.

“My Aunt Carolyn Downs, a founding member of the Black Panthers of Seattle, is an unknown. But she is my inspiration and I will tell her story,” said Brown.

Song and dance were a highlight of the conference featuring vocalist Mykah Montgomery and Heat Dance Studio.

Carla Thomas

Posts by Carla Thomas

Bay Area

IN MEMORIAM: Longtime OUSD Employee Debra King-Cooper, 73

Longtime OUSD Employee Debra King-Cooper, 73 Caption: Debra King-Cooper. Courtesy photo. Special to The Post Debra King-Cooper, a beloved mother, grandmother, queen, sister, church member, caregiver, and matriarch, transitioned peacefully on May 20 surrounded by family and love i

Published

2 days ago

June 17, 2026

bpusa-syndication

Debra King-Cooper. Courtesy photo.

Special to The Post

Debra King-Cooper, a beloved mother, grandmother, queen, sister, church member, caregiver, and matriarch, transitioned peacefully on May 20 surrounded by family and love in the comfort of her home. To her children, she was royalty, grace, strength, and unconditional love embodied.

Debra Diane Edgar was born on May 28, 1952, in San Francisco, California, to Charles Edgar Sr. and Mamie Arthur Edgar. She was raised alongside her younger brother, Charles Edgar Jr., affectionately known as “Little Brother” or “Lil Bruh.” She also shared close bonds with her older siblings Carol Edgar-Lang, Maryann Edgar Calloway, and Lonnie Lewis Sr.

A proud product of San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District, Debra attended Andrew Jackson Elementary School, where she met her lifelong best friend and adopted sister, Lynn Green, in the fifth grade. She later attended Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High School and Thomas Jefferson High School.

Debra’s mother transitioned when she was only 17 years old, and her father transitioned when she was 23. Despite these profound losses, Debra remained grounded through the love and support of extended family and lifelong family friends,

In 1971, she married Harold King. On Sept. 24, 1972, they welcomed their first son, Dajuan Artese King, affectionately called “Pop” or “Poppa.” On Aug. 5, 1976, they welcomed their second son, Dante Dupree King, affectionately called “Tay” or “Taboocoo the Baby.”

After her divorce in 1982, Debra assumed full responsibility for raising her sons.

She supported Dajuan’s passion for football by purchasing sports equipment and attending games faithfully. She supported Dante’s love of music by enrolling him in the San Francisco Boys Choir, Oakland Boys Choir, and the Castlemont Castleers.

Professionally, Debra built an exceptional career. She worked at Blue Shield of California from 1973 until 1994, earning multiple promotions.

She later joined the Oakland Unified School District, initially in a temporary role before being promoted into management within the Labor Relations Department. She retired from OUSD in 2015 after years of distinguished service. During her years at OUSD, she built meaningful friendships with her colleagues.

Faith was central to Debra’s life. During the 1980s, following personal hardship, she joined Love Center Church under the leadership of Bishop Walter Hawkins, where she brought her children regularly. She later became a member of Triumphant: A Church Without Walls Ministries under Pastor Dr. Larry Short, who became a beloved spiritual mentor.

After Triumphant closed in 1992, Debra joined Cosmopolitan Baptist Church in Oakland under the leadership of Pastor Larry Ashley, where she remained for the rest of her life.

At Cosmopolitan, she worked in numerous ministries. She served on the usher board, sang in the choir, participated in the AIDS ministry during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, helped feed and support unhoused community members, and mentored and supported a group of young girls.

After retirement, she cared for older adults in her church community, driving them to appointments, cleaning their homes, managing finances, preparing meals, and helping families navigate funeral arrangements after loved ones transitioned.

Even while battling Stage 4 cancer herself, she continued caring for others.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Edgar Sr. and Mamie Arthur Edgar; her brothers, Lonnie Lewis Sr. and Charles Edgar Jr.; her sisters, Maryann Edgar Calloway and Victoria Stephenson Knight; and her adopted mother, Clara Oliver.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sons, Dajuan King and Dante King; grandson, Tiyler Dajuan Artese King; sister, Carol Edgar-Lang; goddaughters Monique Belle and Ricketa Matthews Jones (Leonard); daughter-in-love Quiona Sullivan; son-in-love Marcel Walker; sister-in-law Delores Lewis; adopted sisters and lifelong friends Lynn Green, Barbara Stephenson Hill, and Sarah Fine; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, her church family and dear friends.

bpusa-syndication

Posts by bpusa-syndication

#NNPA BlackPress

Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance

This video from BlackPressUSATV explores the significance of Juneteenth, focusing on the enduring wisdom of Frederick Douglass. It delves into his powerful perspectives on the vital role of education as a tool for liberation and empowerment. Douglass’s words are presented as a cornerstone for understanding the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of continuous […]
The post Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2026

Oakland Post

The content highlights how education and active resistance are intertwined, drawing parallels from historical movements to contemporary challenges. This exploration of Frederick Douglass’s teachings offers valuable insights into the spirit of Juneteenth and its relevance in today’s fight for justice and human rights.

The post Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

LIVE! — ASK ALMA! — TUES. 6.19.26 7PM EST

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2026

Oakland Post

Welcome to Ask Alma LIVE — your go-to livestream for real talk, life advice, and honest answers to the questions everyone is thinking about but not always asking.
In this interactive live Q&A, Alma and her guests dive into topics such as relationships, personal growth, decision-making, life challenges, and self-improvement — giving you practical insights you can actually use. Whether you’re feeling stuck, curious, or just need a fresh perspective, this is where clarity begins.
Share your comments and questions LIVE in the chat
Get real-time, thoughtful feedback
Connect with a community focused on growth and truth
If you’re searching for life advice, relationship help, motivation, or personal development tips, you’re in the right place.
Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a livestream.