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Kevin Epps, a 57-year-old documentary filmmaker, is standing trial for the 2016 fatal shooting of Marcus Polk, with community supporters rallying outside the San Francisco courthouse to protest what they call selective prosecution. The case, which was initially dropped but reopened in 2019, relies heavily on circumstantial evidence and testimony from Polk's estranged wife, whose credibility has been questioned due to inconsistent statements. The trial has reached the jury instruction phase after three weeks of testimony, with prosecutors arguing premeditated murder while the defense claims self-defense under California's Castle Doctrine, asserting that Epps acted to protect himself when Polk unlawfully entered the home where Epps was living. The judge ruled that jurors can consider self-defense arguments, bringing relief to Epps' supporters as the case moves toward closing arguments where he faces potential life imprisonment. # Key Takeaways

LaNiece Jones, who has led the Black Women Organized for Political Action/Training Institute for Leadership Development (BWOPA/TILE) since 1995, reflects on her organization's work empowering Black women leaders in California. In 2025, the organization underwent a significant leadership transition while expanding its statewide reach through advocacy training, voter education programs, and specialized masterclass series covering issues from economic empowerment to maternal health. Jones expresses frustration with systemic inequities where Black women contribute significantly to political movements yet receive inadequate recognition and resources in return. Looking ahead to 2026, she aims to recruit and elect Black women candidates to state and local offices while building the organizational infrastructure needed to transform grassroots activism into sustained political power. # Key Takeaways

The annual Lemon Grove Bonfire celebration, a tradition spanning over twenty years that was originally started by former Mayor Sessions, took place on Friday, December 5th. The festive community event drew more than 5,000 attendees who enjoyed various activities including musical performances, meeting Santa Claus at Lee's House, children's face painting, and socializing around the bonfire. Current Mayor Allison Snow welcomed participants and expressed appreciation for the numerous volunteers who organized the decorated park venue with Christmas lights and vendor booths. Despite parking challenges requiring some attendees to walk distances, the community gathering maintained an enthusiastic atmosphere with crowds arriving well before the evening fire lighting. # Key Takeaways

Kenneth Wayne King, born in San Diego in 1951, passed away on November 6, 2025, with his sister Betty at his side. Despite contracting polio as a young child during a family vacation in East Texas, which hospitalized him for over a year, he lived a full life characterized by his outgoing nature and strong relationships with family and friends. Known by the nickname "Woo-Tang," Kenneth was passionate about animals, fishing, and spending quality time with loved ones, often using his signature phrase "and jive." He is survived by his two children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his sister Betty, and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory. # Key Takeaways

Rae Huang, a 43-year-old affordable housing advocate and ordained Presbyterian minister, has announced her progressive candidacy for Los Angeles mayor, challenging incumbent Karen Bass from the left. The single mother of two, who would be LA's first Asian-American woman mayor if elected, is running on a platform of affordability issues including free public transit, government-owned social housing, a nonprofit public bank, and expanded childcare access. Drawing from her experience nearly losing her home as a single parent, Huang has spent six years as deputy director of Housing Now California, helping pass tenant protection legislation and advocating against homelessness criminalization. However, she faces significant hurdles including no prior elected office experience, limited endorsements, structural constraints on mayoral power in LA's government system, and an incumbent mayor who historically has strong odds of reelection despite recent criticism over wildfire response and homelessness.

This article commemorates three significant December 11th dates in African American music history. Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, born in 1926, achieved R&B success with her original version of "Hound Dog" and later experienced a career resurgence during the 1960s folk-blues revival before her death in 1984. Langston Hughes, the renowned Harlem Renaissance writer, premiered his innovative gospel theatrical production Black Nativity on this date in 1961, adding to his legacy as a poet and playwright. The date also marks the 1964 death of Sam Cooke, a pioneering soul artist who transitioned from gospel to rhythm and blues and created enduring hits that influenced generations of musicians. # Key Takeaways

Ann L. Felder King, who passed away on November 16, 2025, at age 99, lived a life dedicated to education, nursing, and faith-based community service. Beginning her career as an educator in a segregated rural Georgia school with minimal resources, she later transitioned to healthcare after raising eight children as a single mother in San Diego. Throughout her adult life, she maintained deep involvement with Bethel AME Church, where she taught and participated in missionary work. Her 25-year nursing career at UCSD Medical Center and her commitment to serving others left a lasting impact on her family and community, with five surviving children, 17 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren carrying forward her legacy.

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On December 3, 2025, State Senator Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson and the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease hosted a luncheon in San Diego addressing severe health disparities affecting Black mothers and pregnant women. Healthcare experts and policy leaders discussed how chronic conditions like heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes disproportionately harm Black women due to systemic racism, inadequate healthcare access, and structural barriers rather than individual failings. The speakers presented research showing that Black women face maternal mortality rates over four times higher than other groups and experience major pregnancy complications at up to three times the rate, regardless of education or income level. The event emphasized that these disparities stem from changeable policies and systems, offering concrete solutions including improved prenatal care, expanded screenings, and increased diversity in medical research and healthcare providers. # Key Takeaways

California's Medi-Cal program has expanded mental health services for children and youth under 19, eliminating the need for referrals or diagnoses to access care. Through the CalAIM initiative, the state is transforming healthcare delivery by integrating mental health, physical health, and family support services in schools, homes, and communities. The program includes screenings, therapy, crisis support, and specialized services for youth with serious needs, while also addressing opioid risks through prevention and peer mentorship programs. Additional resources include dyadic care for children and caregivers together, free apps like Soluna for teens and BrightLife Kids for younger children, and school-based services through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. # Key Takeaways

The Department of Homeland Security claims that 1.6 million unauthorized immigrants have self-deported since January, but immigration researcher Edward Kissam argues this figure is wildly inaccurate and based on flawed data interpretation. The administration's numbers appear to come from survey response declines that more likely reflect immigrants avoiding government contact out of fear rather than actually leaving the country. Survey data shows that immigrants and their families are instead "hunkering down" by withdrawing from civic life, avoiding schools, churches, workplaces, and government programs due to deportation fears. Evidence suggests actual voluntary departures total only around 205,000 people at most, far below DHS claims, while immigrant communities are demonstrating their determination to remain in the United States despite the hostile environment.

Previously unreleased photographs taken by Civil Rights photographer Matt Herron have been made public, showing Rosa Parks participating in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march, a decade after her famous bus boycott action. The photos, discovered on a contact sheet at Stanford University, were originally deemed unsuitable for publication because they were blurry or featured lesser-known individuals, but they now serve to illustrate Parks' sustained activism beyond her most famous act. Herron's widow is working with historians to return these images to the communities depicted, resulting in emotional reunions like the one between marcher Doris Wilson and the doctor who treated her blistered feet sixty years ago. The release coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and highlights the contributions of ordinary people who enabled Civil Rights leaders to effect change. # Key Takeaways

Indigenous tribes in Louisiana's coastal regions are battling severe land erosion that has consumed approximately 2,000 square miles since the 1930s, threatening their ancestral homes and traditional ways of life. The Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe and Grand Caillou/Dulac Band are implementing adaptive strategies including constructing makeshift oyster shell reefs to slow coastal retreat and building elevated, hurricane-resistant homes to withstand increasingly severe storms. These efforts aim to prevent the displacement experienced by the Jean Charles Choctaw Nation, which was forced to relocate after losing 98% of their island territory. The erosion crisis stems from multiple factors including Mississippi River levees disrupting natural sediment flow, saltwater intrusion through canals, groundwater extraction causing land subsidence, and climate change intensifying hurricanes and sea level rise. Despite their resilience and innovative solutions, these state-recognized tribes face significant obstacles including lack of federal recognition limiting access to government grants, insufficient oyster shell supplies for widespread reef construction, and recent federal funding cuts impeding critical infrastructure projects.

The federal government has released $3.6 billion in funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) after a 43-day delay caused by a government shutdown that left states scrambling to help vulnerable households prepare for winter. The funding gap forced several states to issue warnings about potential service disruptions and caused Maryland's governor to deploy $10.1 million in state funds as a temporary measure after the state recorded its first cold-related death of the season. The delay particularly threatened households with elderly residents, young children, and people with disabilities who depend on the program to afford heating and cooling costs amid rising energy prices. Energy assistance advocates emphasized the urgency of the release, noting that most LIHEAP recipients also rely on other federal programs that were similarly affected by the shutdown, compounding financial hardships for low-income families.

Lincoln High School hosted "Big Night" on December 3, 2025, a semester-ending exhibition where approximately 300 students and family members celebrated student projects from three specialized schools focusing on media arts, health sciences, and engineering. Students presented diverse projects centered around the question "How can I make my community a better place?" ranging from robotic t-shirt cannons to mental health research for immigrant communities. The campus-wide event featured a food truck dinner, student-led opening presentation with a raffle, and a scavenger hunt format allowing attendees to explore projects throughout different campus locations. The exhibition reflected the school's commitment to hands-on, career-focused education that prepares students to be active community members beyond graduation.

St. Stephen's Cathedral Church of God in Christ hosted its sixth annual Spirit of Christmas live recorded jazz concert on the first Saturday of December, featuring vocalist Daneen Wilburn and several accomplished musicians. The free community event attracted an enthusiastic audience who enjoyed Christmas music performed in a jazz style, with backing vocalists supporting Wilburn's performances. The celebration included religious elements with messages from Pastor Brent Murphy and Pastor James Moore, while Dee Stanford served as host. Local businesses and organizations sponsored the event, and attendees expressed strong appreciation for the concert, noting it created a festive atmosphere filled with holiday spirit.

In this opinion piece, Dr. John E. Warren argues that rising costs and shrinking product sizes are creating financial strain for all Americans, but communities of color have long faced affordability challenges. He contends that African Americans, who collectively spend over $4 trillion annually, should leverage their economic power more strategically by demanding better treatment from businesses and holding elected officials accountable. Warren criticizes what he views as racially-motivated opposition to healthcare policies and calls on people of color to make wiser spending choices by cutting back on non-essential purchases like fast food, cigarettes, and sodas. He frames consumer spending as a form of voting power that can force corporations and politicians to reconsider their priorities regarding affordability and racial equity. # Key Takeaways

Representative Jasmine Crockett announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Texas during a December 8 rally in Dallas, positioning herself as a fierce opponent of Trump and MAGA policies. Her announcement comes alongside other major Texas political developments, including Pastor Frederick Haynes III filing to run for her former congressional district and Colin Allred switching from the Senate race to pursue a House seat. These candidacies are converging now because filing deadlines for the 2026 congressional races occurred this week, with the political landscape further reshaped by a recent Supreme Court ruling on Texas congressional maps. Crockett, known for her confrontational approach toward President Trump during her time in Congress, will face a competitive Democratic primary before potentially challenging Republican Senator John Cornyn.

The San Diego City Council has authorized a $30 million settlement to the family of Konoa Wilson, a 16-year-old Black youth fatally shot by police, marking one of the largest police shooting settlements in United States history. The incident occurred in January when Wilson was fleeing from an armed assailant at a downtown train station and encountered Officer Daniel Gold, who allegedly fired without warning as the teenager ran past him. This settlement amount surpasses the $27 million paid to George Floyd's family following his murder by Minneapolis police in 2020. Council member Henry Foster expressed frustration about the lack of police accountability and progress since Floyd's death, while the officer involved remains under investigation on administrative duty.

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President Trump made racist comments about Representative Ilhan Omar and Somali immigrants during a December 4 White House cabinet meeting, continuing a pattern of attacks against Omar and other members of "the Squad" that began during his first term. The Congressional Black Caucus condemned these remarks as part of broader Republican racism, while security concerns for Omar intensified following reports of violent threats against her from a Florida man. Beyond these direct attacks, multiple Congressional Black Caucus members face challenges to their political power through Republican-led redistricting efforts in states like Texas, Missouri, and Indiana. In response to these redistricting pressures, Representative Jasmine Crockett announced her 2026 Senate campaign against John Cornyn after being drawn out of her Texas district.

California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, representing Los Angeles' 55th District and serving as Vice Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, reflects on his 2025 legislative achievements focused on equity and justice reform. His most significant accomplishments include raising wages for incarcerated firefighters from $1 to federal minimum wage and helping pass Proposition 50 to protect Black political representation against federal interference. Despite these victories, Bryan experienced frustration when Governor Newsom vetoed five CLBC priorities, including legislation that would have created university admission preferences for descendants of enslaved people. Looking ahead to 2026, he prioritizes protecting California's budget from cuts that would harm vulnerable communities and maintaining state autonomy against federal pressures he characterizes as authoritarian.

Lincoln High School's defensive end Ernesto "Prince" Tavizon officially committed to play football at the University of Oregon during the early signing period, becoming the second consecutive player from Lincoln to join a major college program. The highly-recruited athlete, who reclassified as a 2026 recruit after an exceptional sophomore season, attracted interest from several elite universities including Notre Dame and Texas. Throughout his high school career, Tavizon demonstrated exceptional skills as both a pass rusher and power rusher, accumulating impressive statistics including over 190 total tackles across two seasons and making the game-winning sack that secured Lincoln's 2024 state championship. Beyond athletics, Tavizon shows community leadership by founding Prince's Resilient Foundation, which provided free Thanksgiving meals to those in need. # Key Takeaways

A recent study by the News Literacy Project reveals that an overwhelming majority of American teenagers view news media as dishonest and fake, with 84% using negative descriptors and many believing journalists regularly fabricate information. This erosion of trust coincides with intensified attacks on journalism from the Trump administration, including public insults toward reporters, federal investigations into major networks, and a White House website labeling journalists as biased. Against this backdrop of declining media credibility and political pressure, the Black Press of America, represented by the National Newspaper Publishers Association, recently celebrated its 198-year legacy of serving communities and advocating for justice. The combination of teenage distrust and governmental intimidation poses a significant threat to press freedom and an informed democratic society.

Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell's Atlanta church, 2819 Church, has experienced explosive growth over the past three years, expanding from fewer than 200 attendees in 2023 to approximately 6,000 weekly worshippers. The nondenominational, theologically conservative congregation attracts predominantly young Black adults with Mitchell's raw, unfiltered preaching style that emphasizes biblical teaching without sugarcoating difficult topics about sin and repentance. Mitchell, who openly shares his past struggles with drug dealing and suicide attempts, delivers intense sermons without prepared notes, creating an emotionally charged worship experience that resonates particularly with younger generations seeking authenticity. The church's rapid expansion has created logistical challenges, requiring a move to a larger building and the addition of multiple services, while a recent prayer event drew an estimated 40,000 people who overwhelmed State Farm Arena's capacity. # Key Takeaways

The San Diego city attorney's office has reached a tentative $30 million settlement with the family of Konoa Wilson, a 16-year-old Black teenager fatally shot by police officer Daniel Gold in January. Video evidence showed Wilson fleeing from an armed assailant at a downtown train station when Officer Gold, without warning or identifying himself, shot the unarmed teen twice in the back as he ran past seeking safety. The proposed settlement, which requires city council approval, would surpass the $27 million paid to George Floyd's family and become one of the largest police killing settlements in United States history. Officer Gold, described as a rookie, remains on administrative assignment while the case undergoes review. # Key Takeaways

Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett is delaying her decision until Monday on whether to seek reelection to the House or enter the competitive Democratic Senate primary race. The 44-year-old civil rights lawyer, known for viral confrontations with Republicans, has been conducting strategic calls with Democratic figures including asking Colin Allred to switch to a gubernatorial run and discussing voter mobilization with Stacey Abrams. While supporters believe her fundraising prowess and ability to energize base voters could help Democrats compete in the traditionally red state, critics worry her controversial statements and partisan image could backfire in a statewide race and harm down-ballot candidates. Texas Democrats are divided over whether Crockett represents a genuine opportunity or another case of party self-sabotage in a state they haven't won statewide since 1994.

Alina Habba, who previously served as Donald Trump's personal attorney, has stepped down from her position as New Jersey's US Attorney following a legal challenge to her appointment. A federal appeals court ruled that her temporary appointment, which bypassed Senate confirmation requirements, violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and was therefore unlawful. Attorney General Pam Bondi accepted the resignation while criticizing the court's decision and announcing that Habba would continue working at the Justice Department as a senior adviser. This case is part of a broader pattern affecting multiple Trump-appointed US attorneys whose appointments have been challenged for circumventing the traditional Senate confirmation process. # Key Takeaways

Over 60 community organizations and the Trust SD Coalition protested on December 4th, demanding San Diego remove Flock Safety's automated license plate recognition system from the city. The coalition's concerns stem from a data breach that occurred in January 2024, where thousands of unauthorized searches of San Diegans' location data were conducted by outside entities, violating California's Senate Bill 34 which prohibits sharing such information with federal or out-of-state agencies. City officials concealed this breach in their required February 2025 surveillance report, only revealing it later. The groups argue that the insecure storage of residents' travel data puts vulnerable communities at risk of unjust detention or deportation.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott, which began 70 years ago on December 5, 1955, is being commemorated with events reuniting descendants of civil rights leaders and original participants who remember distributing flyers and walking for 381 days to protest segregated buses. The historic boycott, sparked by Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her seat, successfully challenged bus segregation laws and established a model of nonviolent economic protest that activists continue to employ today. Modern organizers have launched contemporary boycotts targeting corporations like Target and Amazon over their diversity policies and political affiliations, drawing direct inspiration from the Montgomery example. While today's boycotts utilize social media and focus on consumer purchasing power rather than carpools and walking, the fundamental strategy of leveraging economic pressure to drive social change remains unchanged. # Key Takeaways