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Yvonne Baker Williams, born February 18, 1964, in San Diego, California, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at the age of 61. Throughout her life, she was deeply influenced by her grandmother "Ma-me," who cared for her during her mother's illness and instilled in her a love for cooking and family gatherings. A woman of strong Christian faith and musical appreciation, Yvonne pursued education at various San Diego institutions and is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family members. Her legacy of generosity, faith, and unconditional love will be remembered by all who knew her, as her family finds comfort in believing she now rests with her Savior.

Dr. Ernest Everett Just, Ada "Bricktop" Smith, and Earvin "Magic" Johnson share August 14 as their birth date in different years (1883, 1894, and 1959 respectively). Dr. Just was a groundbreaking biologist who faced racial barriers yet made significant contributions to cell biology research, dividing his career between Howard University, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and European institutions. Smith rose from vaudeville performer to international nightclub owner, with her Paris establishment Chez Bricktop's becoming a gathering place for celebrities and elites during the 1920s. Johnson transformed from Michigan high school basketball sensation to NBA champion with the Lakers before retiring after his HIV diagnosis and establishing the Magic Johnson Foundation to support underserved communities through health initiatives and youth programs.

The FBI has repatriated a 500-year-old document signed by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés to Mexico, one of 15 pages believed to have been stolen from Mexico's national archives between 1985 and 1993. The manuscript, written in 1527 when Cortés was governor of New Spain, details payments for expedition supplies and plans for exploring what would become Spanish colonial territory in the Americas. The document was discovered in the United States through open-source research after the Mexican government requested FBI assistance in 2024, though no prosecution will occur as the document changed hands multiple times since its theft. The FBI has committed to locating and returning the remaining missing pages from the collection.

The TS Jordan Foundation held its 3rd Annual "Tre Day" event at John F. Kennedy Park, honoring the legacy of Trevon Stewart Jordan, a football coach and teacher devoted to youth development. Hundreds of community members gathered for the celebration which featured games, free food, and most importantly, distribution of backpacks and school supplies to help families prepare for the school year. Organized by Jordan's family, including his mother Myeshia Stewart (CEO) and sister Myneshia Stewart (Vice President), the event aims to continue Trevon's mission of teaching life skills through football while supporting the community. The successful turnout exceeded expectations, demonstrating the lasting impact of Trevon's dedication to giving back to children and youth.

Rwanda has become the third African nation to enter a deportation agreement with the Trump administration, accepting up to 250 migrants from the United States. This follows similar arrangements with South Sudan, which received eight men convicted of violent crimes, and Eswatini, which accepted five deportees. Rwanda plans to provide the deportees with work training, healthcare, and accommodation assistance, though specific details about the timing and any benefits Rwanda receives from the agreement remain unclear. The Rwandan deal comes after a similar but ultimately failed migrant agreement with the UK that cost Britain nearly a billion dollars.

of "Brooklyn Church Choirs Persist Despite Declining Membership" Brooklyn's church choirs continue to serve as vital community anchors despite facing significant challenges from declining attendance, neighborhood gentrification, and demographic shifts. Historically Black congregations like Concord Baptist Church of Christ have seen their choir numbers dramatically decrease from about 100 singers in 2006 to just 30 today, mirroring broader trends in Black Protestant church attendance, which fell from 61% to 46% between 2019 and 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this decline, with Black Protestant congregations being slower to return to in-person worship than other denominations. Despite these challenges, choir directors and longtime members emphasize the profound cultural and spiritual importance of church music as a connection to heritage and community identity in Brooklyn's changing religious landscape.

California's Democratic leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, have announced plans to redraw California's congressional maps ahead of the midterm elections in response to similar efforts by Texas Republicans. The proposed redistricting measure, which would be put to voters in a special election on November 4, 2025, could potentially add five congressional districts favorable to Democrats while reducing Republican seats from nine to four out of 52. This move would override California's independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, which normally handles the redistricting process using U.S. Census data. The initiative comes as Texas Democrats fled their state to block a Republican-led redistricting vote that could potentially gain five seats for Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives.

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond criticizes President Trump's economic policies for failing working people, particularly Black Americans. The July jobs report shows Black unemployment surging to over 7%, nearly double the overall rate, reaching its highest level since 2021. Redmond points out that Black workers in federal jobs have been disproportionately impacted by layoffs, and Black women in healthcare face consequences from recent healthcare cuts. He argues that rising Black unemployment serves as an economic warning sign for the entire country, noting unemployment increased across all demographic groups with nearly one million people becoming jobless in July alone.

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO and the highest-ranking African American in American labor movement history, is warning about severe economic impacts on Black workers during President Trump's second term. He highlights that Black unemployment has surged to more than double the national average, with Black women experiencing the highest unemployment levels since 2021. Redmond specifically criticizes Trump's attacks on federal agencies, which have historically provided middle-class pathways for African Americans, and his approach to tariffs, which he claims creates economic uncertainty without delivering promised benefits. The labor leader is actively mobilizing with the A. Philip Randolph Institute to organize Black communities nationwide, with goals including making Hakeem Jeffries Speaker of the House and rebuilding what he calls an economy "for working people."

Donald Trump has accumulated approximately $1.02 billion in personal and family gains connected to his presidential terms, according to a New Yorker investigation. These profits include foreign real estate and golf course deals in the Middle East that likely wouldn't have materialized without his political position, along with skyrocketing revenues at Mar-a-Lago where membership fees now reach up to $1 million. The investigation reveals numerous other revenue streams, including Jared Kushner's $2 billion Saudi investment, merchandise sales generating $27.7 million, donor-funded legal bill payments exceeding $100 million, and media settlements totaling $63 million. Ethics watchdogs note that Trump's exploitation of public office for personal gain is unprecedented among former presidents.

Democrat Michael Thurmond has announced his 2026 bid for Georgia governor, positioning himself as a unifying leader who can address everyday concerns like cost of living and healthcare access while bridging racial and political divides. The 72-year-old joins other Democratic candidates including state Sen. Jason Esteves and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in seeking to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Thurmond brings extensive political experience as a former labor commissioner, DeKalb County CEO, interim school superintendent, and state legislator, emphasizing his record of success in challenging roles. Like other declared Democratic candidates, Thurmond is seeking to become Georgia's first Black governor, focusing his campaign on fighting for Georgia residents rather than against political opponents.

The All of Us or None National Convening took place July 17-20, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, bringing together formerly incarcerated advocates from across the United States. Participants gathered to collaborate on advocacy work focused on restoring civil rights for currently and formerly incarcerated people, reuniting families, providing resources to those still imprisoned, and educating about new laws that could help with resentencing, parole, and release. The convening featured workshops on topics including basebuilding, using AI for liberation, and "crimmigation," creating an environment that the author, Robert Bowden, described as feeling like a family reunion for those dedicated to freeing incarcerated individuals. Attendees from numerous cities nationwide participated in this gathering aimed at supporting advocacy efforts and sharing resources for continuing their mission.

San Diego Unified School District began the 2025-2026 school year this week, welcoming nearly 95,000 students back to classes, including 750 at Bell Middle School in Paradise Hills. Bell Middle School is starting the year with new principal Tamara Muhammad, who previously led Franklin Elementary STEAM Magnet and brings a focus on equity and student-centered learning. The school offers numerous programs including visual and performing arts, athletics, and a wellness center, and has earned recognition as one of America's "healthiest schools" by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. While the district reports improvements in assessment scores, with English Language Arts proficiency at 54.2% and math at 43.9%, significant performance gaps persist for students of color, which the district is addressing through literacy coaches and its "Goals and Guardrails" strategy extending to 2030.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has criticized three Republican-backed bills targeting the District of Columbia's local governance as "paternalistic" and undemocratic. The legislation, considered by the U.S. House Rules Committee, would override D.C.'s laws on noncitizen voting rights, police reform, and immigration cooperation. Norton defended D.C.'s right to self-governance for its more than 700,000 residents and condemned the timing of these bills, which followed a continuing resolution that reduced D.C.'s local budget by $1 billion. She urged Congress to respect D.C.'s democratically enacted laws and called for passage of her D.C. statehood bill to grant residents representation in Congress.

Janna Rodriguez, founder of Innovative Daycare Corp in Freeport, NY, was interviewed by BlackPressUSA about her work in early childhood education. As an advocate and educator, Rodriguez leads efforts through multiple organizations including the CDA Council and CSEA/VOICE Union to ensure children from underserved communities have access to quality education. She emphasizes that parents should consider program philosophy, developmentally appropriate practices, and cultural inclusivity when choosing early childhood education for their children. Rodriguez also highlights challenges in the early education workforce including low wages and limited benefits, while advocating for systemic change to address racial inequities in childcare access and affordability.

This summer, Black celebrities showcased their fashion prowess amid global chaos, transforming ordinary venues into fashion showcases. According to The Root's roundup, stars like Rihanna, Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tyler, the Creator made significant style statements through their distinctive looks and fashion choices. Other notable fashion standouts included Latto in vintage Chanel at Wimbledon, Tracee Ellis Ross channeling Jacquemus in New York, Doechii with futuristic footwear, Keith Powers in YSL at Paris Fashion Week, Lil Baby revitalizing denim-on-denim, and Ravyn Lenae sporting a relaxed summer outfit. These celebrities demonstrated that Black creativity in fashion is a constant, not just a seasonal phenomenon, with each look making a powerful statement.

Tajee Michael was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the 2022 shooting death of high school football coach Greg Najee Grimes outside a Sacramento nightclub. Michael, who had prior felony convictions, accepted a plea deal in the presence of Grimes' parents, allowing them to avoid a traumatic trial. In response to this tragedy and other gun violence incidents, the Grimes family established the Greg Najee Grimes 212 Anchor Foundation, while California has launched the "Reduce the Risk" public awareness campaign through the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The campaign aims to educate the public about gun violence protection orders and other legal tools to reduce firearm deaths, particularly in communities of color where gun violence disproportionately occurs.

President Donald Trump has taken control of Washington D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department from Mayor Muriel Bowser by invoking Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act under a "crime emergency" declaration. This unprecedented action places the police force under Attorney General Tom Cotton's command, allowing federal authorities to redirect officers from neighborhood patrols to federal buildings, monuments, and protests. Trump cited 2024 homicide and vehicle theft rates to justify the takeover, despite crime reductions in other cities with large Black populations that he has criticized. The indefinite control of D.C. police highlights the District's vulnerability due to its lack of statehood status.

California's Governor's Office is contesting findings from a July 2025 National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) study claiming that the state's minimum wage increase to $20 for fast food workers resulted in 18,000 job losses. The wage increase, established through Assembly Bill 1228 in September 2023, went into effect on April 1, 2024, and created the Fast Food Council to regulate industry wages. A contradictory UC Berkeley study found no negative employment effects from the wage increase, instead showing 8-9% wage increases for covered workers and minimal price increases of about 1.5%. The wage increase has particularly impacted California's fast food workforce, which consists of nearly 80% people of color and about two-thirds women, with workers reporting improved financial situations since implementation.

President Trump's recent executive order requires colleges receiving federal funding to submit detailed admissions data to prove they aren't using race in admissions decisions, with potential penalties including loss of federal aid. Critics view this as an attack on diversity initiatives, with Yale Law professor Justin Driver warning it could intimidate universities into reducing Black and Latino enrollment. The order follows the 2023 Supreme Court decision ending race-conscious admissions but targets what the administration calls "racial proxies" like personal essays and first-generation indicators. In California, which banned affirmative action in 1996 through Proposition 209, Black student enrollment remains below the state's population percentage despite recent modest gains across the UC system.

California's Assembly Bill 495, the Family Preparedness Act of 2025, aims to create a streamlined process for short-term guardianships to help families maintain stability when parents face sudden separation, particularly due to immigration enforcement. The bill would expand the definition of eligible caregivers, restrict school cooperation with immigration authorities, and provide temporary caregivers with legal recognition to make decisions about children's education and healthcare without parents giving up their rights. Critics worry the legislation could weaken parental rights or create custody dispute loopholes, while supporters argue it would prevent service disruptions for children. After clearing the Assembly, the bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for review.

Olympic bronze medalist Frederick Richard is challenging men's gymnastics uniform rules by wearing shorts with compression leggings instead of traditional stirrup pants at the U.S. Championships, despite receiving a 0.3 point deduction each competition day. Richard believes modernizing the uniform is essential to make gymnastics more appealing to young boys who might otherwise abandon the sport for alternatives they consider "cooler." Despite the deductions potentially affecting his competitive placement, Richard remains committed to this cause, arguing that updated uniforms could help address declining participation in men's gymnastics in the United States. While Richard wouldn't wear his modified uniform in team competitions, he's considering continuing his uniform protest on the international stage in individual events.

Republican Winsome Earle-Sears is running for Virginia governor with her "Operation Defend & Deliver" campaign against Democrat Abigail Spanberger in a race that will result in Virginia's first female governor. Earle-Sears, a former Marine, has faced campaign challenges including a contentious CNN interview, fundraising difficulties, and disunity within the Republican ticket following issues with the lieutenant governor nominee. The race has historical significance as Earle-Sears could become the first Black woman to serve as governor, though she currently trails in polls and fundraising, with Spanberger having raised over $27 million compared to Earle-Sears' significantly smaller war chest.

Gullah Geechee culture, rooted in West African traditions that survived slavery in the South Carolina Sea Islands, is being preserved through the efforts of elderly singers and scholars. Artists like Minnie "Gracie" Gadson, now in her 70s, perform traditional Gullah spirituals that were once sung in praise houses where enslaved people worshipped. These cultural custodians, including the touring group Voices of Gullah, travel across the country performing songs in the Gullah Creole language to maintain their heritage. Scholars like Eric Crawford have documented these authentic performances, recognizing that these singers represent perhaps the closest connection to how enslaved people originally performed these spirituals, while community leaders work to ensure younger generations continue this cultural legacy.

Alicia Eugenia White Bell (1943-2025) was a dedicated community servant who led a remarkable life marked by academic excellence, civil rights activism, and extensive community service in San Diego. After graduating as salutatorian from Paine College in 1965, she joined the Peace Corps and participated in the historic Selma to Montgomery march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her professional career included 20 years as a Deputy Probation Officer for San Diego County's Juvenile Division, alongside entrepreneurship and volunteer leadership in numerous community organizations. Alicia's legacy encompasses her faith-based service at Phillips Temple CME Church, her creative talents in design, and her devotion to family, particularly her sons Charlton and Damon, and grandson Amir.

A rapidly spreading wildfire dubbed the Canyon Fire has prompted evacuations for thousands of residents northwest of Los Angeles, growing from 30 acres to nearly 5,400 acres within 24 hours. Firefighters have achieved 28% containment as of Friday evening, allowing some evacuation orders to be reduced to warnings despite the challenging conditions of extreme heat and dryness. About 400 firefighters continue to battle the blaze, which is spreading eastward toward Castaic in Los Angeles County, while a firefighter suffered major injuries when their truck rolled down a steep hillside. The Canyon Fire is one of several active wildfires in California, including the Gifford Fire which has burned almost 100,000 acres across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

The FBI's 2024 Uniform Crime Report shows a complex picture of U.S. crime trends, with violent crime rates falling 4.5% and property crime dropping 8.1%, while the total number of murders actually increased despite a lower per-capita rate. News headlines claiming crime dropped "in every category" fail to acknowledge significant issues not included in the general statistics, such as cargo theft (40,995 incidents), human trafficking (3,725 offenses), and over 8,000 hate crimes primarily targeting Black individuals, Jewish communities, LGBTQ+ people, and Asian Americans. The article raises concerns about the selective reporting of crime statistics and notes potential political pressures on federal agencies following President Trump's removal of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner after a reportedly displeasing jobs report.

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The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted to protect and enforce the 14th and 15th Amendments in response to voter suppression by various government entities. Originally applying to seven states and subdivisions in four others, the Act prohibits denying voting rights based on race and previously required certain jurisdictions to obtain federal preclearance for voting changes. A significant 2013 Supreme Court decision ruled Section 4's preclearance formula unconstitutional, effectively neutralizing Section 5's enforcement mechanism. The Act has undergone several extensions and amendments since its inception, while recent court decisions have both limited and upheld different aspects of its protections.