Category: Features

African Americans
Stefi Mar

A Growing Number of Black Californians Are Claiming Their American Indian Lineage

A growing number of Black Americans, relying on newly digitized federal records and other sources, are discovering direct bloodlines to Native American ancestors. These discoveries are inspiring individuals to trace and claim their Native American ancestry, leading some to apply for citizenship with tribal Nations.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

New California Law Offers Fresh Protection From Steep Ambulance Bills

Last year, Jennifer Reisz’s college-age daughter, Megan, was kicked in the chest multiple times by the family’s horse. Megan fell to the ground, unable to move or speak. Though she was alone, her Apple Watch detected her distress and called 911.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Blue Shield Presents Medi-Cal Redetermination & Other Healthcare Information

Blue Shield, alongside the community of Bakersfield, recently convened for a town hall meeting dedicated to championing the cause of wellness. On the afternoon of November 19, 2023, members from every corner of Bakersfield gathered at the Greater Harvest Christian Center on 5421 Aldrin Ct., uniting to shed light on the significance of healthcare and the myriad advantages that a comprehensive health plan, such as Blue Shield’s Covered California, can offer to families throughout the state.

Features
Stefi Mar

1,500 Thanksgiving Meals Distributed to Families in South Los Angeles Ahead of Holiday through Brotherhood Crusade and SoCalGas Partnership

Today, Brotherhood Crusade and Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) distributed Thanksgiving meals, including 1,500 turkeys to families in South Los Angeles during a Grab and Go! Basket Distribution event. SoCalGas supported this annual program through a $50,000 donation as part of the company’s Fueling Our Communities $4 million initiative to address food insecurity through new and existing partnerships with food banks and nonprofits.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Opinion: Blockchain, the Backbone of Bitcoin, Has Power to Increase Accountability and Transform Industries

The rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology has sparked a revolution that holds the promise of greater financial accountability. While many may view cryptocurrencies as nothing more than speculative assets, to better understand the transformative power they have, it is crucial to delve deeper into the underlying blockchain technology that supports them.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Miss Black America Pageant Returns to Atlantic City for 55th Anniversary Celebration

The Miss Black America Pageant is coming back to Atlantic City to celebrate its 55th anniversary. It will be held on the Boardwalk on Saturday, December 16th. The return to the city where the “Historic Protest Pageant of 1968” took place has generated considerable anticipation among many. As announced, a captivating parade and a series of exciting festivities are guaranteed as the prelude to the grand main event at the renowned Showboat Atlantic Hotel.


Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Underdiagnosed and Undertreated, Young Black Males With ADHD Get Left Behind

As a kid, Wesley Jackson Wade should have been set up to succeed. His father was a novelist and corporate sales director and his mother was a special education teacher. But Wade said he struggled through school even though he was an exceptional writer and communicator. He played the class clown when he wasn’t feeling challenged. He got in trouble for talking back to teachers. And, the now 40-year-old said, he often felt anger that he couldn’t bottle up.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Sacramento Observer’s 60th Anniversary Gala: A Historic Celebration of Black Journalism

In a dazzling yet elegant celebration, the Sacramento Observer, a beacon of the Black Press, commemorated its 60th anniversary, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and acclaimed artists. The event, held at the landmark Sacramento Memorial Auditorium in California’s capital city, not only honored the historical significance of the Observer but also highlighted its enduring relevance in today’s dynamic media landscape.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

Unfadeable: The Power of Black Barbershops in Men’s Mental Health

Every week for 25 years, I have hit Our People Barbershop in Carson to see Tracy Prince for a fresh bald fade. As a Black woman entering a predominantly male space, I recognize Black barbershops as places of learning and community.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

A Festival of Lights: Celebrating Diwali in California

Diwali is one of the major Asian Indian religious festivals observed in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. It celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

Entertainment
Stefi Mar

NOLA Reggae Fest- Good Vibes in the Crescent City

Tens of thousands of music aficionados descended upon the Birthplace of American music for the launch of New Orleans Music Month. New Orleans Music Month is a city-wide month-long celebration of New Orleans vibrant music ecosystem. While New Orleans is known as the center of music culture, the music industry is also a critical component of the local economy.

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Federal Agencies Struggle to Optimize Office Space Utilization

In an era when remote work has become increasingly prevalent, federal agencies are grappling with the challenge of efficiently managing their office space. Even before the pandemic, the federal government faced difficulties identifying and relinquishing unneeded office space, incurring avoidable financial and environmental costs. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has placed federal property management on the High-Risk List since 2003 due to this issue.

African Americans
Stefi Mar

Black Americans Demand Fairer News Coverage: Study Reveals Critical Views and Recommendations

An in-depth study by the Pew Research Center took a deep dive into the experiences of Black Americans with news coverage, shedding light on critical perspectives and recommendations for more equitable representation. The survey involved 4,742 U.S. adults identifying as Black and offered an extensive and comprehensive insight into their attitudes, habits, and experiences with news and information.