African Americans
Political Playback: California Capitol News You Might Have Missed
News You Might Have Missed
Stefi Mar March 16, 2026
News You Might Have Missed
The California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) held its annual Legislative Days at the State Capitol to engage in direct advocacy with state policymakers and elevate issues that specifically impact Black communities in California.
As he campaigns for the 2026 governor’s race, Tony Thurmond says California is at a crossroads and needs leadership grounded in lived experience, accountability and practical problem-solving.
Several influential, Black-focused organizations from across California convened in Sacramento to engage with elected officials and lobby for specific policies that would affect Black communities around the state.
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) wants to amend the state’s penal code to increase the salaries incarcerated firefighters earn while they are actively fighting fires.
The California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the College Board brought together educators, students, and lawmakers at the State Capitol to celebrate the progress of the Advanced Placement African American Studies program.
Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has introduced two bills in the State Senate that could lower prescription drug prices for California residents.
Lawsuit Accuses UC Schools of Giving Preference to Black and Hispanic Students
“This is only the beginning of a long fight,” according to Democratic North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams. She is addressing the Executive Order to pause federal loans and grants. There is an overwhelming concern in the Historically Black College and University community that many key programs focused on race and equity will be impacted. Adams, a ranking member of a House Subcommittee on Higher Education and the Founder and Co-Chair of the Bicameral HBCU Caucus, issued a statement to Black Press USA once a federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump’s funding freeze. Adams, whose state houses 11 HBCUs, the largest number in any given state, believes, “President Trump is dismantling equity in education with the stroke of a pen by rescinding federal initiatives for MSIs.”
News You Might Have Missed
“As we address the aftermath of the wildfires, let us resolve not just to build back better but also smarter, with a commitment to the environment and future generations. As a pastor, I am guided by the principle that caring for creation is an integral part of our faith. Let us take inspiration from the teachings of love and stewardship, embracing the role of being good caretakers of God’s earth. Without a shadow of a doubt, community solidarity is crucial in the fight against climate change.”
News You Might Have Missed
Early on Nov. 6 — shortly after 2 a.m. ET in Palm Beach, Fla.– President-elect Donald J. Trump declared victory in the 2024 General Election. He thanked supporters and pledged to “fix” the United States with the support of “the biggest, the broadest, the most unified coalition” the country has ever seen.
Proposition 2 would authorize the state to issue $10 billion in bonds with $8.5 billion dedicated to elementary and secondary educational facilities and $1.5 billion for community college facilities.
As the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election approaches, a number of Black candidates are running for positions in the United States Congress, the State Senate, and the State Assembly. If elected, they would collectively represent a larger proportion of elected officials at the state level than California’s Black population of about 6.5%.
Prop 3 would remove the ban on same-sex marriage from the California Constitution. The ban (Prop 8) was added by voters in 2008; however, the United States Supreme Court has blocked the enforcement of the ban since 2013. The amendment would remove current language in the state constitution stating that marriage “is only between a man and a woman” and change it to “the right to marry is a fundamental right.”
Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement, said the state must provide seaports permanent funding for them to run optimally and remain competitive.
facebooktwitterinstagram Many cities in California limit the amount a landlord can raise rent each year. However, for nearly 30 years the state has imposed its
State leaders concerned about the persisting gap between the incomes of Black and White Californians are urging the state to take steps to address the problem.
News You Might Have Missed