Black talent being shut out of the Golden Globes is not just a travesty but also a testament to the power of the work and the narratives being told that challenge the status quo. Why folks assume that awards shows invested in the same media industries that continue to perpetuate and recycle the vilest stereotypes of black identity and behavior would somehow acknowledge the stories, performances and behind-the-scenes work that challenges dominant ways of thinking about Black people on and off-screen is befuddling. ... read more »

It is a fundamental Kawaida contention that we must bear the burden and glory of our history with strength, dignity and determination. Surely, the times ahead of us will demand of us the resourcefulness, resilience and righteous resistance by which we understand and assert ourselves in history and as history, embodied and unfolding. This means, in the language of everyday people, there can be no half-steppin’, no nick namin’ the truth, no spittin’ in the wind to see which way to go. On the contrary, we must be the storm riders and river turners Howard Thurman and Gwen Brooks calls on us to be. And like Harriet Tubman, we must reject individual escape, turn around towards our people, confront our oppressor and oppression and dare continue the difficult and demanding work and struggle to achieve freedom, justice, peace and other goods in and for the world. ... read more »

Today the House of Representatives will vote on whether to impeach President Trump. If it votes yes, sometime early in the new year I will take an oath on the Senate floor to uphold the Constitution, review evidence and follow the facts wherever they lead, regardless of party or ideology. Every one of my colleagues will be required to do the same. ... read more »

Scripture: Matthew 2:7-11 What is it that makes Christmas, Christmas for you? I have learned along life’s way that there are different things for different people that make Christmas, ... read more »

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There’s no state in America quite like California. In troubled times for the Nation, California is where the American Dream is alive and well. The most diverse state in the world’s most diverse democracy, California is big-hearted, thriving, inclusive and bold. ... read more »

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in South Los Angeles. The tree is lit on Century and  Broadway, Spotify released their zillionth holiday playlist and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza has become a Winter Wonderland filled with holiday decorations and a melanated Santa Clause. December can quickly become a month-long sprint from store to holiday gathering and everywhere in between. Sometimes we can allow holiday stress to to define the holiday season. We try to budget for more gifts or try to squeeze in more holiday house visits than Mr. Claus himself, but our holiday memories are rarely about the stuff. The toys and gadgets, even those most desired, will gather dust before long. How many of these holiday gifts do we remember years later? Our strongest memories are connected to the people we love and as adults, children remember their family or community traditions more than any gift. Winter Wonderland is a remarkable opportunity to celebrate the simple things that make the holidays in South LA so beautiful and start or continue a family tradition and create life-long memories. ... read more »

“Harriet” the movie is a portrayal, based on the life of the legendary African American heroine.  It is not, nor is it intended to be a documentary of her remarkable life.  At times during the movie historical facts are noted on the screen.  Harriet Tubman lived for 91 years, this movie covers about 8 to 10 years of her life.  So we know there is much more to her life that we don’t see in the movie.  I pray the movie raises interest in Harriet Tubman, particularly among young people, many of whom had unfortunately never heard of Harriet Tubman.  ... read more »

“I’m not a lawyer, but it seemed clear to me that the Justices (Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was absent because, in the words of Chief John Roberts, she was “indisposed due to illness”) thought the issue was what the pleading standard for a §1981 claim should be, not at this point whether Comcast had racially discriminated against Byron Allen.” — Armstrong Williams ... read more »

Census 2020 could be the most important and inclusive civic activity our country has ever experienced, covering every person in the United States of America.  Our constitution requires an accurate recording of the nation's population every ten years.  It is a centerpiece of our democracy that must honor its diversity and inclusivity in the process. ... read more »

Thirteen years ago, I moved to a heavily-policed neighborhood in southern California. I realized things were different when suddenly I was pulled over by the police three times in one week. I’d been pulled over before, but something other than the frequency of these stops stood out to me. It was the first time police asked me if I was a gang member.  ... read more »

As California deals with raging wildfires and unprecedented power shut-offs, residents are grappling with the roller coaster of emotions that often come with personal loss and an uncertain future. The reality is many residents who have been displaced will need mental health and other support services as they try to piece their lives back together.  ... read more »

But, not when it’s the only medicine, responds the America that far too many have known and continue to know. Not when the United States alone is one of the world’s top 33 most developed countries that does not have a form of universal health care that covers all of its population. ... read more »

A recent Daily Beast article written by Sil Lai Abrams is the latest example that in the age of social media, factchecking and accuracy are no longer criteria to getting a story published. ... read more »

Make no mistake: Kamala Harris has been committed to criminal justice reform her entire career. You don’t have to take her word for it - her actions speak for themselves. Here in California, we saw first hand how she fought with her whole heart to keep our families safe and out of the system. ... read more »