Client News
Of all the recommendations laid out by the California’s Reparations Task Force, cash payments to Black residents alone, while essential, will not fully restore the fundamental civil rights destroyed by centuries of systemic racism. James Woodson, Executive Director of the California Black Power Network, explains how restoring the right to vote and reducing barriers for Black people to register and to vote further reparative justice in a new piece for Capitol Weekly.
He also advocates for two bills that do just that: ACA 8 would amend the California state constitution to end slavery, forced labor and involuntary servitude, including as punishment for a crime; ACA 4 would amend the California Constitution to restore voting rights to Californians who are serving time. California lawmakers are also considering an automatic voter registration law (SB 299) which would expand the electorate to better reflect California’s population.
In Fresno, which has seen some of the highest rent spikes nationwide in recent years, thousands of families are “rent-burdened,” spending 30% of their income or more on rent. A coalition of community-based organizations, including Power California, recently advocated for Fresno’s City Council to adopt rent control and tenant protections in the city budget, which they failed to do. Read more about the dire housing crisis in Fresno at the Fresno Bee.
We are thrilled to share that the Rosenberg Foundation appointed Krea Gomez as Senior Program Officer. In her new position, Krea will support the Foundation’s Leading Edge Fund and its current and alumni fellows. Krea will also play a leadership role in the Foundation’s criminal legal system, youth justice, and farmworker and Indigenous justice funding strategies, deepening partnerships with leaders and organizations on the front lines of fighting for change. Congratulations, Krea!
On Saturday, July 29, the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute will host an important event to help Black Women build an economic action plan. The latest event in the Conversation for Black Women tour will provide attendees with resources including job coaches, recruiters, mentors, apprenticeship programs, homeownership counseling, financial planning, and entrepreneurship support. Visit California Black Women’s Collective on social media for more information.
Change Consulting in The News
In a recent interview with Femi Magazine, Change Consulting Founder and CEO Bilen Mesfin Packwood talked about how she was inspired to start her own communications agency, why it is essential to do everything we can to transform the justice system, how her experiences as a mother inspires her work, and more. We love to see it!