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The small West African country of Benin has implemented a new law granting citizenship to descendants of enslaved people, with U.S. singer Ciara becoming one of the first public figures to receive citizenship under this initiative. Benin's efforts represent an acknowledgment of the country's historical role in the transatlantic slave trade and aim to heal historical wounds while promoting tourism centered on slavery-related memorial sites. The citizenship program is open to anyone over 18 who can prove their ancestors were deported during the slave trade, with applications processed through the recently launched "My Afro Origins" digital platform. Benin has a significant history in the slave trade, with European merchants having deported an estimated 1.5 million enslaved people from the Bight of Benin to the Americas.

Former President Barack Obama has urged Americans to actively participate in preserving democracy, emphasizing that citizens hold more power than presidents in a democracy. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson discussed her approach to dissenting opinions and expressed concern about American democracy during the Global Black Economic Forum. Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams outlined ten tactics used in autocracies during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, encouraging resistance through truth-telling and community action. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass strongly refuted reports that federal officials threatened to arrest her while conducting aggressive immigration enforcement operations in MacArthur Park.

Beyoncé's 13-year-old daughter Blue Ivy Carter has become a standout performer on the Cowboy Carter tour, drawing fans specifically to see her evolving stage presence. The young performer has progressed significantly since her debut during the 2023 Renaissance tour, now appearing in nearly every song and demonstrating professional-level skills alongside her mother. Behind-the-scenes insights revealed that Beyoncé was initially hesitant about her daughter performing but agreed after Blue proved her commitment through practice. The mother-daughter dynamic has resonated strongly with fans, particularly other mother-daughter pairs who attend concerts together and see Blue as an inspirational figure for the younger generation.

The article warns that the early release of FBI files on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. appears to be part of a coordinated effort to discredit his legacy and potentially dismantle MLK Day. The author connects this to a broader pattern of reactionary moves including voter suppression, book bans, and attacks on civil rights. Several examples are cited as evidence of this trend, including the renaming of Fort Gregg-Adams back to Fort Lee, the removal of Dr. Carla Hayden as Librarian of Congress, and far-right figures like Charlie Kirk publicly criticizing Dr. King and the Civil Rights Act. The commentary, published in The Afro, frames these actions as attempts to control the future by rewriting American history.

Dr. John E. Warren, the new Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Board of Directors, welcomes readers to Black Press "Local Newsrooms" with their 198-year history of service. He emphasizes that Black newspapers remain trusted messengers in communities of color while embracing digital media alongside traditional print formats. Warren highlights the economic power of these communities, which contribute over $4 trillion annually to the American economy, and encourages readers to support publications that reinvest in their communities. He calls for corporate America to fairly exchange advertising dollars with Black media outlets that serve communities with significant market spending power.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced she will not run for California governor, marking the first time in over 20 years she won't be a candidate for elected office. This decision follows her historic 107-day presidential campaign after becoming the Democratic nominee when President Biden withdrew from the race. Harris's statement indicated she's seeking new methods of public service beyond traditional political pathways, reflecting what many see as Black women's evolving relationship with American political institutions. While her future plans remain unspecified, Harris mentioned she will continue listening to Americans, helping elect Democrats, and will share more details about her plans in the coming months.

California's 2026 gubernatorial race features a crowded Democratic field vying to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. Prominent candidates include Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Secretary of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Representative Katie Porter, and several other high-profile Democrats. The race comes amid heightened tensions between California and the Trump administration, with Trump frequently criticizing the state's Democratic leadership and threatening federal funding cuts. California's gubernatorial contest is one of 36 governorship races occurring in 2026, with the state maintaining its position as a Democratic stronghold where Republicans haven't held the governor's office since Arnold Schwarzenegger's term ended in 2011.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris released a statement on July 30 announcing her decision not to run for Governor of California after months of reflection. Harris expressed her commitment to public service and her history of working within the system as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President. While acknowledging her love for California, she indicated she will pursue public service outside of elected office, suggesting she plans to find new methods to advance her values rather than following traditional political paths. Harris stated she will focus on supporting Democratic candidates and engaging with Americans, with more details about her future plans to be shared in coming months.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has announced she will not run for California governor in 2026 after giving the decision "serious thought" and "deep reflection." Harris stated her leadership will not be in elected office for now, though she plans to remain politically active by helping elect Democrats and will share more about her future plans in the coming months. Her decision leaves open the possibility of a 2028 presidential run while creating space in a crowded Democratic gubernatorial primary that already includes numerous high-profile candidates such as Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and former Rep. Katie Porter. Harris, who began her political career as San Francisco's district attorney and made history as the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President, has largely stayed out of politics since her 2024 presidential election loss, only occasionally commenting on issues like immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.

Sean "Diddy" Combs has filed a new motion seeking release from federal custody before his October 3 sentencing, following his conviction on Mann Act violations despite acquittal on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. His attorneys argue that his nearly year-long detention represents an unprecedented application of a 114-year-old law originally intended to combat human trafficking and forced prostitution. They contend Combs is being unfairly punished for consensual sexual activities within a swinger lifestyle, not for coercion or profiteering. The legal team has offered a $50 million bond secured by Combs' Miami home, along with travel restrictions and electronic monitoring, while also citing the dangerous conditions at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center as further justification for his release.

City of Hope International Church recently hosted its annual "Pack the City with Hope Back-to-School Giveaway and Community Resource Fair," serving over 100 students and families from the greater San Diego area. The event provided backpacks, school supplies, personal care items, dental kits, and other resources to help students start the school year confidently, with 50 students receiving new headphones and 75 girls receiving feminine hygiene kits. Associated Barber College offered free haircuts, while various partners including Visionary Dental, Super Dentists, Dr. Chan DDS, Lincoln High School Alumni Association, and church members contributed to the event's success. Remaining supplies will be donated to Lincoln High School and Porter Elementary School, extending the event's impact beyond the church grounds.

The Africa Migration Report Poetry Anthology Series is seeking submissions of poems and short prose pieces exploring African migration experiences for a new anthology. This multi-volume initiative aims to collect works examining the historical and contemporary patterns of African and African diasporic migration, including motivations like education, employment, climate change, and conflict. Submissions must be 40 lines or less for poetry or 100 words maximum for prose, with each contributor allowed to submit up to three pieces. The series was inspired by the Africa Migration Report's 2nd Edition and is organized by Forced Migration and The Arts in collaboration with CivicLeicester and Regularise.

The Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (San Diego Alphas) attended the fraternity's 98th General Convention in Philadelphia where they received multiple recognitions. The chapter was honored as the second-highest fundraiser for March of Dimes, raising $13,896, and received recognition for traveling the farthest distance to attend. Additionally, Brother Don Long was inducted into the Western Region Hall of Fame, making the San Diego chapter the only one in Alpha's 119-year history to have two members receive this distinction. While maintaining their national presence, the San Diego Alphas continue their local focus with their upcoming Holiday Scholarship Ball to fund educational programming, having awarded $23,000 in scholarships to high school seniors in 2025.

A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that 60% of Americans use AI for information searches, with higher usage (74%) among adults under 30. The survey shows significant generational differences in AI adoption, with younger adults more likely to use AI for brainstorming and work tasks. While AI has become common for information searches, fewer Americans employ it for work tasks (40%), email writing, image creation, or shopping. The poll highlights both the current limitations of AI adoption and signals potential for increased future usage as younger generations continue embracing the technology across various aspects of life.

Hulk Hogan's recent death at age 71 has evoked deeply divided reactions among wrestling fans, especially in the Black community. While many celebrate Hogan's iconic status and undeniable influence in popularizing professional wrestling, others cannot separate his legacy from his documented racist comments, including slurs captured on recordings in 2007. Black wrestling enthusiasts like Kazeem Famuyide, who hosts "The Ringer Wrestling Show," express complex feelings about Hogan—acknowledging his childhood hero status while criticizing his apparent lack of genuine remorse for racist statements. The contradictory responses to Hogan's death reflect broader tensions about race within both wrestling culture and American society as a whole.

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor's bill (AB 62), which aims to help victims of racially motivated eminent domain recover lost property, received unanimous approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support. The bill establishes a process for reviewing claims of racially motivated property seizures through an agency's Office of Legal Affairs, which would then certify claimants' rights to original property, comparable assets, or monetary compensation. AB 62 follows in the spirit of SB 796, which facilitated the return of Bruce's Beach to descendants of the Black couple whose property was seized in 1924. Now headed to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations, the bill is part of the California Legislative Black Caucus's "Road to Repair" legislative package seeking justice for marginalized communities.

President Trump signed the controversial "Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R.1) on July 4, which cuts social program funding and expands tax breaks for the wealthy. San Diego County officials have expressed alarm about the bill's impact on residents dependent on federally funded safety net programs, potentially losing up to $286 million yearly in program support. The legislation will significantly affect food assistance with approximately 96,000 people expected to lose CalFresh benefits due to expanded work requirements, while healthcare changes will eventually impact hundreds of thousands of Medi-Cal recipients through stricter eligibility rules. Additionally, the bill proposes a 44% decrease in HUD's budget, severely affecting affordable housing initiatives, rental assistance, and homelessness reduction programs in San Diego.

The Upward Bound Summer Academy at San Diego State University recently concluded with a Research Projects Defense Presentation Symposium where low-income, first-generation high school students showcased their research on community issues. During the six-week program, students lived on campus, attended lectures, received stipends, and conducted independent research on topics including mental health, homelessness, immigration policy, and climate change. Participants from ten high schools across three school districts were guided by instructors from SDSU's Institute for Transformative Education (ITE), which has been running federally funded TRIO programs since 1983. The symposium highlighted the students' college-level research capabilities while emphasizing the importance of continued funding for such programs that serve historically underserved communities.

A federal judge, Sheryl H. Lipman, has scheduled sentencing for five former Memphis police officers convicted in Tyre Nichols' 2023 beating death to occur in December 2023, following an unexpected recusal by the previous judge Mark Norris. The sentencing dates could change depending on rulings on several sealed motions, including a request for a new trial for three of the officers. The case stems from a January 2023 incident where the five Black officers violently beat Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop near his home, with some officers later found guilty of federal charges including obstruction of justice and civil rights violations. The beating, which was captured on video and resulted in Nichols' death, sparked nationwide protests and prompted scrutiny of police practices in Memphis.

Archaeologists at William & Mary have discovered an intact foundation and artifact-filled cellar from a 1700s building that once housed the Williamsburg Bray School, the nation's oldest surviving schoolhouse for Black children. The school educated hundreds of mostly enslaved students in the 1760s before later serving as a private residence and eventually becoming part of William & Mary's campus, where it was used as dormitory housing for some of the first female college students in America. After historians identified the structure in 2020 using tree ring dating, it was relocated to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for restoration while archaeologists continue excavating the original site. The cellar has yielded various artifacts spanning centuries, including slate pencil fragments, jewelry, handmade ceramics associated with enslaved communities, and items from its later use as Methodist women's housing.

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Kenneth Harris, a 38-year-old retired veteran, relocated from Atlanta to Nairobi, Kenya two years ago seeking a place where his dark skin is a mark of shared heritage rather than suspicion. He is part of a growing wave of African Americans moving to Kenya to connect with their ancestral roots, attracted by the tropical climate and welcoming community. In Nairobi, Harris runs an Airbnb business and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in an upmarket neighborhood, describing Kenya as his "new home." This trend reflects a broader movement of African Americans seeking better quality of life abroad, with businesses like Adilah Relocation Services helping facilitate these transitions.

Vice President Kamala Harris's potential gubernatorial run in California is creating tension among the state's Democrats. While some representatives like Ro Khanna and Mike Levin support her candidacy, others express concerns that her run could negatively impact vulnerable Democrats in swing districts as the party tries to retake the House. Harris is carefully deliberating her options, which include running for governor, creating political organizations, or preparing for a potential 2028 presidential bid. The decision is complicated by mixed polling data, redistricting concerns, and questions about whether being governor aligns with her political ambitions after serving as Vice President.

Two young men incarcerated at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility have graduated from Southwestern College with associate's degrees and have been accepted to four-year universities. Their achievement was celebrated with family members, San Diego County Chief Probation Officer Tamika Nelson, and Probation staff in attendance at both the graduation ceremony and a private dinner afterward at the detention facility. Both graduates are participants in the Youth Development Academy Fire Program, with one earning a degree in communication and the other in sociology. Their success demonstrates how educational opportunities and structured programs can help justice-involved youth change their life trajectories and highlights the San Diego County Probation Department's commitment to rehabilitation.

A 27-year-old gunman from Las Vegas, Shane Tamura, attacked a Manhattan skyscraper on Monday evening, killing four people including NYPD officer Didarul Islam before taking his own life. Tamura entered the Park Avenue building that houses the NFL and major companies like Blackstone and KPMG, opening fire in the lobby before continuing his rampage on the 33rd floor. Police found multiple magazine rounds and a revolver in the suspect's Nevada-registered vehicle, and a note referencing mental illness possibly related to CTE was discovered at the scene. The attack temporarily halted parts of Midtown Manhattan as police worked for hours to clear the building floor by floor.

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron have filed a defamation lawsuit against conservative commentator Candace Owens for repeatedly claiming that Brigitte was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux (who is actually her brother). Despite the lawsuit, Owens has doubled down on her false claims, even releasing an eight-part podcast series called "Becoming Brigitte" after the Macrons requested a retraction. This case represents a broader trend of gender-focused conspiracy theories targeting prominent women in politics and culture, including Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris, which experts attribute to these women's influence, perceived left-leaning politics, and breaking of traditional gender stereotypes.