As California closes out Older Californians Month this May, the state recognizes that its senior population continues to grow at a historic pace.
“No dogs, no Negros, no Mexicans.” “Colored served in rear.” “For whites only.” It’s the type of signage that hung from the doors and windows of establishments across much of the American South for many years.
Ancestry travel is emerging as one of the most meaningful travel trends of 2026, and for Black travelers, it carries a significance that extends far beyond leisure. More than simply visiting a new destination, these journeys offer an opportunity to reconnect with family history, cultural identity, and ancestral roots.
More than 80 survivors of the devastating January 2025 Eaton Fire from Pasadena and Altadena visited the California State Capitol on May 19 to advocate for more recovery support from Sacramento during what they describe as a slow rebuild.
Standing before an Amy Sherald painting is an exercise in aspiration. Her canvases, saturated with soft pastels and bold chromatic contrasts, construct an American landscape where Black subjects exist not at the margins of the imagination, but squarely at its center.
News You Might Have Missed
Homeowners are using solar panels for wealth building, and it is working well. By lowering their utility bills, increasing property value, and reducing taxes, they can turn their roofs into investments. For Black homeowners, solar energy offers a path toward greater economic stability and long-term financial freedom.
Black voters in California, like other voter groups, have been returning mail ballots at a slow pace as the state heads toward the June 2 primary election for governor, a race that has not yet generated the same level of voter excitement as some past statewide contests.
Some politicians believe making any promise loudly and confidently is an adequate substitute for only supporting proposals that are realistic or implementable.
Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), along with other Democratic lawmakers, are ramping up efforts to push for a $500 million state budget investment to help stabilize California’s 17 public hospital systems.
Online couples therapy is giving many Black couples a better way to work on their relationships without having to reschedule their daily duties. They no longer need to travel to a therapist’s office for relationship counseling; they can simply schedule a session and join from home. This is easier, more relaxing, and less intimidating.
Wealth-building strategies that Black investors need to consider are real estate, stock market investing, long-term strategies, and entrepreneurship.
The City of Hawthorne has joined cities across the country to bring fresh, healthy food options to the “City of Good Neighbors.” The City of Hawthorne opened a weekly farmers market last month, on April 19, 2026. The popular market is held every Sunday from 9:00 am-2:00pm, at the Betty Ainsworth Sports Center parking lot (corner of El Segundo Blvd. and Doty Avenue).
Since January, I have been exploring and writing about school choice options in Atlanta, Mississippi, and Louisiana. I’ve focused specifically on schools committed to empowering Black students and families. Southern Lab was the first stop on this journey but the last story I decided to publish.
Cold, flat interiors are fading fast. The strongest home improvement trends for 2026 focus on comfort, personality, and smart function. Homeowners want warmer rooms, richer materials, better storage, and wellness features that make everyday life feel easier and more stylish.
Rainbow coalitions have a history of leaking on Black folks. There are tons of stories behind that claim; that’s probably not relevant right now, but I digress.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2026–27 May budget revision includes $500 million for the state’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, a reduction from the $1 billion allocations provided in previous funding rounds.
News You Might Have Missed
On May 7, Justin Jones, a Nashville lawmaker and Oakland native, set set fire to a paper replica of the Confederate flag in the Tennessee State Capitol rotunda to protest a Republican-led congressional redistricting plan passed during a special legislative session.
Gov. Gavin Newsom presented the final May Revision of his administration on May 14, outlining a state budget proposal he says balances California’s finances through 2027–28 while preserving major investments in education, health care, behavioral health and housing programs.
