By Charlene Crowell For most people who either work, receive retirement or other fixed benefits, it seems that your money always goes a lot quicker than it comes. While some economists marvel at Wall Street’s brisk trading and declare that the economy is better than ever, not everyone has been included.  On Main Street America, ...

By Khalil Abdullah Within the African American community, the conversation about the upcoming 2020 census ranges from ‘why bother’ to ‘we’re all in.’  Let’s speak to the ‘why bother’ question. FAQ: Why should I bother with Census 2020? I filled out the census form the last time and I didn’t see any improvements in my neighborhood ...

By Dianne Anderson A little nudge sometimes can have a big impact. When Dr. Fred Calhoun came on as Orange County NAACP branch president last February, one of his top goals was going after the thing he knew best — the educational system. Soon after taking his seat, he began sending notices to community colleges ...

By Charlene Crowell As a candidate, President Donald Trump promised if elected that deregulation of the federal government would be an administration priority. Soon after taking the oath of office, he issued an executive order requiring that all departments and agencies to eliminate two existing regulations for every one new regulation proposed. In some cases, ...

By Dianne Anderson Anti-poverty activist Connie Jones officially retired in August, but is still trying to pry away from the family food pantry that became the mission of her lifetime. During the next few weeks, she is finishing up the final touches on paperwork to hand over the reins to the Community Action Partnership of ...

By Ana B. Ibarra Special to California Black Media As states and communities rush to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products linked to vaping, Carol McGruder races from town to town, urging officials to include what she calls “the mother lode of all flavors”: menthol. McGruder, co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership ...

The cast is set for August Wilson’s “Jitney,” which will be presented by Center Theatre Group at the Mark Taper Forum November 22 through December 29, with the opening set for November 24. Originally presented by Manhattan Theatre Club, “Jitney” is directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson. The cast includes, in alphabetical order, Francois ...

By Charlene Crowell The nationally televised October 25 funeral services for the late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, paused partisan debates and revealed how a son of Baltimore worked tirelessly for his constituents and for this nation. In the days since his home-going, I have marveled at how his life’s work somehow brought together officials who ...

COMMENTARY By Ray Curry Secretary-Treasurer, UAW Laughter is the Best Medicine, says the Reader’s Digest version of America. 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 ...

By Lauren Poteat NNPA Newswire Washington Correspondent On Sunday night, Dave Chappelle, the legendary, no holds barred comedian, was awarded the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Gifted with a spirit of perseverance, determination and extreme creative intelligence, the award recognizes Chappelle as one of the world’s greatest humorists. Bestowed only on a select ...