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The University of Wisconsin-Madison's African American Studies Department has established its first research lab, which is actively collecting data for a new study. The research team, known as UWAHL (University of Wisconsin African American Humanities Lab), is focusing on locations in Madison where Black communities flourish, rather than solely examining areas of struggle. Researchers are visiting various city neighborhoods to gather Black residents' experiences and perspectives through interviews and observational methods. This approach aims to amplify Black voices and create a more comprehensive understanding of Black life in Madison beyond the typical deficit-focused narratives.

Zaila Avant-garde, an 18-year-old prodigy, has built an impressive list of accomplishments including becoming the first African American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2021, authoring five books, and holding three Guinness World Records for basketball skills. After an initial spelling bee defeat in 2019 that motivated her to work harder, she prepared intensively by studying 13,000 words for seven hours daily with tutors. Currently, Avant-garde is beginning her studies at the University of Maryland on a full scholarship, majoring in cell biology and genetics with aspirations to become a biomedical researcher for NASA's human research program, specifically focusing on enabling long-term human colonization of Mars.

The recent CFO Survey by Duke University and Federal Reserve Banks reveals that tariffs are responsible for approximately one-third of company price increases in 2024, contradicting former President Trump's claims that his trade policies aren't causing inflation. Business executives report that tariff impacts will persist, accounting for about a quarter of price increases in 2025, and likely continuing into 2026 and 2027. The survey indicates companies are passing significant portions of tariff costs to consumers, with nearly one-quarter of businesses planning to reduce spending due to these trade policies. Despite some improvement in overall economic outlook among CFOs, tariffs and trade policy remain their top concern for the third consecutive quarter.

The Moody Foundation has announced a historic $150 million donation to Huston-Tillotson University, marking the largest single gift ever given to any Historically Black College or University (HBCU). The donation, revealed during the university's 150th anniversary celebration, will be distributed over ten years and primarily fund student scholarships and campus expansion. Huston-Tillotson's President Melva K. Wallace described the gift as "transformational" and a "rocket booster" that will help elevate the institution to the next level. This unprecedented donation is part of the Moody Foundation's broader $1 billion commitment to education in Texas by 2035 and surpasses the previous record of $100 million given to Spelman College earlier in 2024.

Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program serving over one-third of the state including 1.6 million undocumented residents, is implementing significant changes from 2026 through 2028 due to state budget cuts and federal legislation. These changes include freezing new enrollments for full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented adults starting January 2026, ending routine dental coverage for undocumented adults in July 2026, and introducing a $30 monthly premium requirement beginning July 2027. Additional changes include work requirements for adults aged 19-64, twice-yearly renewals for certain members, copayments for some services, and reinstated asset limits primarily affecting older adults and those with disabilities. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is working to minimize the impact of these changes through automation and advance notifications, as up to 3.4 million members could potentially lose coverage.

Elma Georgiabell Peterson, a 75-year-old retired Certified Nursing Assistant from San Diego, passed away on August 28, 2025. Born in 1950, she was a devoted mother of three, grandmother, and great-grandmother who worked compassionately caring for others until her retirement. Elma was known for her love of dancing, cooking, and her strong faith as a member of 38th Street Church of Christ. Her life celebration service will be held on September 22, 2025, at her church, followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Bell hooks, born Gloria Jean Watkins in 1952, was a prominent writer and scholar who published over forty works examining the intersections of race, gender, and class. She adopted her lowercase pen name to emphasize her ideas rather than her identity, and established herself as a significant voice with her 1981 book "Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism." Meanwhile, Charles "Sonny" Liston overcame a difficult childhood and imprisonment to become heavyweight boxing champion on September 25, 1962, when he knocked out Floyd Patterson. Despite his impressive record of 50 wins (39 by knockout), Liston's career declined after losing to Muhammad Ali, and he died under mysterious circumstances in 1971.

Judge Roderick Shelton made history on September 17th, 2025, becoming the first African American elected as Assistant Presiding Judge of the San Diego Superior Court, shortly after being elected President of the Association of African American California Judicial Officers (AAACJO). Before this achievement, Judge Shelton was elected to the bench in 2016, replacing retired Judge Joe O. Littlejohn, and has presided over various courts including domestic violence, arraignments, family law, and juvenile justice. His professional background includes service with both the San Diego County District Attorney's Office and as a Public Defender. Judge Shelton is one of just 13 African American sitting judges in San Diego County, and his election as Assistant Presiding Judge could position him to potentially become San Diego's first African American Presiding Judge in one of the nation's three largest court systems.

Earline Jiles White (1940-2025) was a devoted woman of faith who served at Phillips Temple Church for over 50 years alongside her husband Lincoln, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Louisiana and educated at Athens Colored High School, Earline built a career spanning 40 years at Sharp Memorial hospital, progressing from a Nurse's Assistant to a Medical Unit Clerk. Known for her cooking, especially her tea cakes and yams, she maintained close relationships with family and friends throughout her life, leaving behind two children, four grandchildren, and numerous other relatives who cherished her warmth and loving nature. Her life was characterized by deep faith, family dedication, and the countless connections she formed in her 85 years.

The article discusses how economic conditions for Black Americans have deteriorated since Donald Trump returned to the White House, despite his campaign promises to improve their situation. Data shows Black unemployment has risen to 7.5% in 2025, Black homeownership has fallen to its lowest level since 2021, and median Black household income dropped 3.3% last year to $56,020 - approximately $36,000 less than white households. The Trump administration attributes some of these trends to the previous Biden administration's policies, while critics argue Trump's focus on deportations and federal layoffs has disproportionately harmed Black Americans. Political analysts note this worsening economic situation could impact Trump's support among Black voters who shifted toward him in the 2024 election due to concerns about inflation and affordability.

The article criticizes the Democratic Party for abandoning the Black Press while continuing to spend millions on advertising in majority-white media outlets. The author argues this neglect contributed to Democrats losing Black voter support in the 2024 election, despite the Black Press reaching over 30 million people weekly through its network of 200 Black-owned newspapers and media companies. The piece highlights the historical significance of the Black Press in American history, from its founding in 1827 through civil rights movements to the present day, emphasizing its continued relevance. The author concludes that Democrats' failure to financially support Black media outlets represents a betrayal of their core supporters that may continue to cost them electorally in future elections.

A recent LendingTree analysis reveals significant disparities in business financing approvals, with Black-owned businesses experiencing a 39% rejection rate in 2024, followed by Hispanic-owned businesses at 29%, compared to just 18% for white-owned businesses. Small businesses with 1-4 employees faced denial rates five times higher than larger firms, while businesses with 3-5 years of operation paradoxically experienced the highest rejection rate at 29%. SBA loans and lines of credit proved most difficult to secure with a 45% rejection rate, as high interest rates, inflation, and economic uncertainty have made lenders increasingly cautious about extending credit. Community development financial institutions and large banks showed the highest denial rates at 34% and 31% respectively, reflecting what LendingTree's chief analyst describes as part of a broader trend of tightened lending standards during unpredictable economic times.

The San Diego community is mourning the death of Pastor Glenn A. McKinney, Sr., who served as Pastor of St. Stephen's Cathedral Church of God In Christ for four years after succeeding his father, Bishop George D. McKinney. During his brief tenure, Pastor McKinney made significant improvements to the church, including renovating the sanctuary and installing a handicap-accessible ramp, which contributed to the church's growth. As Deputy Adjutant General to the Church Triumphant within the Church of God In Christ denomination, he was following his father's distinguished legacy and was known for his community bridge-building efforts, recently hosting a Black and Jewish Clergy Luncheon. Pastor McKinney passed away just before his October 20th birthday, leaving behind his wife, three children, and a grieving church family.

President Trump's administration has implemented severe measures against federal workers, removing approximately 300,000 employees (1 in 8) in the largest single-year reduction since World War II. In March, the administration stripped nearly one million federal workers of collective bargaining rights, followed by canceling union contracts for about 450,000 workers across multiple departments before Labor Day. These actions disproportionately impact Black Americans, who make up nearly 20% of the federal workforce compared to 12% of the civilian workforce overall. The labor movement is fighting back through worker organization and supporting the Protect America's Workforce Act, a bipartisan bill that would overturn Trump's executive orders against unions.

California's legislature has passed Assembly Bill (AB) 247, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, which would significantly increase pay for incarcerated firefighters from roughly $1 per hour to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour during active fire incidents. The bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both the Assembly and Senate, with lawmakers acknowledging the critical and dangerous work performed by incarcerated individuals through the Conservation Camp Program. The legislation, which awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation and builds upon existing benefits for incarcerated firefighters who contributed 42% of total emergency response hours in 2024. A related bill, AB 812, which would require CDCR to create regulations for referring incarcerated firefighters to courts for resentencing, has also passed the legislature.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders hosted a virtual fundraising rally on September 16 for Proposition 50, also known as the Election Rigging Response Act. The ballot measure aims to redraw California's congressional maps to potentially create five new Democratic-leaning seats, which supporters claim would counterbalance Republican gerrymandering in Texas and other GOP-led states. During the event, which raised $1 million in small donations, Newsom framed the proposition as crucial for Democrats to win a majority in the U.S. House in 2026 and prevent Trump from solidifying his legislative agenda. Opponents, including former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, argue that Prop 50 undermines the voter-approved California Citizens Redistricting Commission and legitimizes partisan gerrymandering.

Naasón Joaquín García, leader of evangelical megachurch La Luz del Mundo, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges in New York while already serving a 16-year sentence for sexually abusing girls from his congregation in California. According to a newly unsealed indictment, García, his mother, and four associates allegedly used the church to traffic women and children to the US, with prosecutors claiming they exploited followers' faith and followed a disturbing tradition established by García's father and grandfather. Despite these allegations, which include sex trafficking, child pornography, forced labor, and financial crimes, church officials have denied all charges, calling them "unfounded, untrue and slanderous." La Luz del Mundo, founded in Mexico in 1926, claims millions of followers worldwide who regard García as "the Apostle of Jesus Christ," with many remaining loyal even after his 2022 guilty plea.

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon XI Omega Chapter hosted a community discussion at the Southeastern Live Well Center last Saturday featuring five African American local elected officials. The panel included Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins, Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson, Marcus Bush, Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, and Henry Foster, who shared their experiences with mentorship and their motivations for entering public service. While the officials emphasized the importance of community involvement as a pathway to public service, they notably did not frame public service as emerging from a fundamental commitment to addressing community needs. The discussion highlighted the importance of engaging young people in addressing community challenges, with an apparent consensus that more similar events are needed.

More than 75 local high school students and about a dozen community volunteers participated in a park cleanup event organized by the Urban Collaborative Project, the Harvey Family Foundation, and partners including I Love a Clean San Diego. The cleanup focused on beautifying Chollas Creek Park and Hawk Project Park within a specific corridor in San Diego. This inaugural community cleanup in the area aimed to foster community responsibility while providing participating students from schools like Morse High School and Lincoln High School with potential school credit for their service. The initiative emphasized youth involvement as a way to develop future community leaders while addressing the ongoing need for environmental stewardship in the area.

Five bills from the California Legislative Black Caucus' "Road to Repair" package have been passed by the Senate and now await Governor Newsom's action by October 12. Among these, SB 437 and SB 518, authored by Senator Weber Pierson, have faced criticism from reparations advocates including the Coalition for a Just and Equitable California (CJEC), who view them as delay tactics in providing reparations to descendants of enslaved Black Americans. CJEC supports SB 515, which would refine demographic data collection to better identify descendants of enslaved people, while opposing SB 437's proposed genealogical study and SB 518's establishment of a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within the Department of Justice. Community organizers are urging Governor Newsom to veto SB 437 and SB 518, emphasizing that "reparations delayed are reparations denied."

Assemblymember Chris Ward has named Dr. Fabiola Bagula, Superintendent of the San Diego Unified School District and the first Latina to hold this position, as the 2025 Latino Heritage Month honoree for Assembly District 78. Dr. Bagula's selection recognizes her extensive contributions to education, including her work as an educator, principal, and administrator, as well as her leadership coaching for superintendents across San Diego County. Throughout her distinguished career, she has received several awards, contributed to academic publications, and maintained academic positions while drawing from her bicultural upbringing on the San Diego border. Upon receiving this recognition, Dr. Bagula expressed her gratitude while emphasizing her commitment to ensuring educational opportunities for all students in the San Diego Unified School District.

A significant government shutdown looms in Washington as Democrats stand firmly against what they characterize as attacks on healthcare programs. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries have explicitly rejected compromising on Republican spending proposals that would cut Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding. In a joint letter to President Trump, the Democratic leaders accused him of deliberately seeking a shutdown to undermine Americans' healthcare coverage. Democrats are leveraging their minority position to demand restoration of Medicaid funding, extension of ACA subsidies, and an end to the administration's appropriations freeze, warning that failure to do so would have devastating consequences for healthcare access nationwide.

Assembly Bill 1263, authored by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), has passed both the California Assembly and Senate and now awaits Governor Newsom's decision. The legislation aims to strengthen oversight of privately manufactured firearms, commonly known as ghost guns, by expanding California's Firearm Industry Responsibility Act and creating legal liability for those who help produce them. The bill specifically targets distribution of instructions for creating 3D-printed and computer numerical control-milled firearms, requiring vendors selling firearm-making equipment to provide clear notice about California's laws on firearm manufacturing. Opposition comes from gun rights groups like the California Rifle and Pistol Association, which argue the bill is unconstitutional and could decrease firearms safety by removing technological access.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) has reported 1,180 hate incidents across 49 counties in 2024 through the CA vs Hate hotline and online portal, a multilingual resource providing support to victims and witnesses of hate crimes. More than two-thirds of those reporting requested counseling, legal assistance, or other resources, with racial or ethnic bias mentioned in 44% of reports. Despite a slight decrease in anti-Black hate crime events from 518 in 2023 to 494 in 2024, Black individuals remain the most-targeted racial group for hate crimes in California. In response, Governor Newsom has announced $76 million in grants to 347 community groups to protect nonprofits and houses of worship, while Attorney General Rob Bonta's Racial Justice Bureau continues developing strategies to address bias and strengthen responses to hate crimes.

The County of San Diego has officially adopted an $8.63 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which is now available on the County's budget website. The budget, which took effect July 1, prioritizes core services while investing in key areas such as housing, homelessness, behavioral health, public safety, and environmental sustainability. County staff developed the budget with consideration for potential federal and state policy changes, while incorporating public input gathered through hearings, open houses, and written comments. The final budget was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on June 24 following a comprehensive process that began with the release of the recommended budget on May 1 and included budget deliberations held June 3-12.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Trump-appointed Administrator Lee Zeldin has secured a significant court victory allowing it to freeze $20 billion from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund established by the Inflation Reduction Act. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled 2-1 in favor of the EPA, with two Trump-appointed judges framing the issue as a contract dispute that belongs in federal claims court. This decision affects funds that were originally earmarked for low-income and disadvantaged communities, with 70% intended for these areas. The ruling overturns a previous court decision that had required Citibank to release the frozen funds to the nonprofit organizations to which they had been awarded.

The Mental Bar Coffee, Tea & Wellness Cafe in Encanto recently celebrated its three-year anniversary with a community gathering at its Imperial Avenue location. Owners Tommy and Danielle Walker hosted the celebration for their veteran- and woman-owned business, which has become a cornerstone of Encanto's Black Arts & Culture District. Co-owner Danielle Walker highlighted the significance of reaching the three-year milestone, noting that many Black-owned businesses don't survive that long. Beyond serving coffee and food, the establishment offers wellness information, youth programs, art shows, and functions as a vital community gathering space.

Lisane Basquiat, co-administrator of the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, participated in Actively Black's New York Fashion Week event titled "This Is Not a Fashion Show" on September 12th at Sony Hall. Accompanied by her children Raymond and Jessica, as well as her 8-year-old granddaughter Emma, the family modeled clothing from a collaboration between Actively Black and the Basquiat Estate. The event honored several Black cultural icons, including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Ruby Bridges, with Emma reenacting Ruby's historic school integration experience. Lisane expressed deep gratitude for the event, praising Actively Black co-founders Lanny Smith and Bianca Winslow for celebrating important figures in Black history through their fashion presentation.

The University of California community has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming it is violating civil rights laws to restrict academic freedom. The suit challenges the administration's $1.2 billion fine and research funding freeze at UCLA over alleged antisemitism violations. Plaintiffs argue that the government's proposed settlement demands violate university independence by requiring access to private data, ending diversity scholarships, banning overnight demonstrations, and mandating cooperation with immigration enforcement. UC President James Milliken described these actions as "one of the gravest threats" in the university's 157-year history, as the system receives over $17 billion annually in federal support for research and student aid.

California's 39th District State Senator Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson has authored Senate Resolution 56, officially designating September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in California. As an OB-GYN, she emphasizes that while less than 20% of ovarian cancers are caught early, increased awareness can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes. The resolution aims to create a platform for educational campaigns, partnerships with health organizations, and encourage healthcare providers to have proactive conversations with patients about risk factors. Dr. Weber Pierson urges other states to follow California's example, noting that awareness initiatives can help address health disparities, spur policy development, increase research funding, and provide support for survivors and families.