By Dianne Anderson In the conservative battleground of Orange County where racial division runs deep, organizers are carving out space for community building and something a lot less familiar lately, solidarity in joy. On Sunday, July 12, “Joy as Resistance” is set to explore art, music and deeper dialogue about how Black and Brown communities ...

By Dianne Anderson Juneteenth, one of the longest running celebrations in history, is breaking out in a big way across the calendar, packing weekends with fun, food, music, and in the spirit of the holiday, community organizing. In Long Beach, modern Juneteenth pioneers are getting outside the city limits, connecting local residents with one of ...

By Dianne Anderson Hate crime, mostly targeting Black people, continues to reach the highest levels in a decade in Orange County, even as local groups brace for key Stop the Hate funding and resources to soon run out. It’s a reality facing a lot of nonprofits, but whatever happens, organizers say they will keep reaching ...

by Dianne Anderson Moms that can’t afford childcare, or don’t want to send their kids off miles away, all while making money on a valuable side business, are in luck. The First 5 Orange County Child Care Business Incubator has already trained 194 participants to open licensed home childcare businesses, providing help for affordable and ...

By Dianne Anderson From Orange County to Long Beach, students and volunteers are getting energized around rising up and early on their day off for hard work and no pay. But it doesn’t mean it won’t be fun. On their “Day On, Not a Day Off,” they will be thinking of Dr. King as less ...

By Dianne Anderson Across Orange County this Juneteenth, thousands will meet up for incredible edibles, music, hugs from longtime friends and faraway family, face painting and jumpers for the kids with nonstop fun for everyone. For his grand annual festivity, Dwayne Shipp is energized to be back on familiar ground in Santa Ana after hosting ...

UC Irvine scholars are among 198 recipients of prestigious award this year University of California, Irvine professors Coleman Collins and Simon Huttegger have been awarded 2025 Guggenheim Fellowships. As part of the 100th class of fellows, they are among 198 American and Canadian scientists, scholars and artists receiving this year’s prestigious grants. Guggenheim Fellowships have been ...

By Dianne Anderson Too much silence at a time of deep federal cuts to critical programs has some health advocates more than a little nervous, while others are coming out strong to continue the fight for health access and women’s rights. Across the board, cuts will hit Black and Brown women especially hard, with Black ...

By Dianne Anderson Unplug, unwind, take a deeper breath with some time off from the political frenzy of the unrelenting loop, but first, indulge in a full immersion into the rhythm of Black excellence. On Wednesday, February 12, Irvine Valley College campus will liven up with a live drum circle, connect with the community and ...

by Dianne Anderson Long Beach, while known for its wide spectrum of diversity, still has a lot to learn when it comes to the history of the Black experience, a gap design that has played out in many ways through the decades. That obvious blindspot inspired Oba Totton to create the upcoming local Legacy and ...