Sacramento Observer

08/22/2024

California lawmakers and Google reach a deal to support local media with a $122.5M commitment, including a $55M fund administered by UC Berkeley. The agreement, which includes AI tech support, replaces earlier proposals for tech giants to pay news outlets for content. Critics question the deal's effectiveness, while supporters see it as a step towards sustaining local journalism. You can read more about the agreement and how it will affect local journalism in your community by using the link below. 🗞: Jeanne Kuang | CalMatters.org ers 📸: Fred Greaves | .org

🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/california-tried-to-make-google-pay-news-outlets-the-company-cut-a-deal-that-includes-funding-ai-2/

08/21/2024

The inaugural event for Sacramento State's Black Honors College was a star-studded affair, heralding a commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of Black culture. The college is open to all and requires a 3.5 GPA for admission. Notable figures like former President Obama and Vice President Harris sent their congratulations, and the college received a $2.5 million donation from the Tsakopoulos family. The college aims to inspire academic excellence and address the concerning low graduation rates for Black students. Check out the photos from the event and read more using the link below. 🗞 & 📸: Madelaine Church

🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/sacramento-state-black-honors-college-3/

08/20/2024

California Community Colleges are highlighting the importance of financial aid for students. The deadline for applying for aid for the 2024-25 school year is Sept. 3. The aid covers tuition, books, and other costs, with additional grants for students with dependents, undocumented students, and Dreamer Service Incentive Grant recipients. Check out the link and share this post with 1 person who could use the information.

🗞: McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/apply-now-sept-3-is-financial-aid-deadline-for-california-community-colleges/

08/20/2024

Oprah Winfrey Explains Why She 'Never' Thought She'd 'Make It' To 60

08/20/2024

Senior Staff Writer Genoa Barrow is working on something special and needs YOUR help! She is hosting a series of photoshoots with our photographers and is looking for models—but not any models: seniors. If you know community elders, please share this with them. Participants must RSVP for the photoshoots by using the link below.

🔗: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgj_7xP6mWNuHXd-Gb00WJPd0ipMBxt55xAg9s28IBQQ1DWg/viewform

08/19/2024

Superintendent Bennie L. Toliver, a revered pastor and leader of the Progressive Church of God in Christ, has passed away at the age of 90. Known for his powerful preaching and pastoral teachings, Toliver served the church for 75 years. His legacy will be celebrated with two memorial services planned for August 22 and 23. Learn more by reading the article linked below.

🗞: Genoa Barrow
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/bennie-tolliver-longtime-progressive-cogic-pastor-passes

08/15/2024

California's Ebony Alert system, designed to locate missing Black youth, has been criticized for its slow response. A 14-year-old girl had been missing for over 75 days without an alert being issued. The system, created to address the disproportionate number of Black children reported missing, is under scrutiny for its discretionary criteria. Click the link below to read the story and share your thoughts in the comments.

🗞: Robert J. Hansen
📸: Courtesy of the families of Kamara Green (14 - Missing since May 14) & Sophia Barajas (13 - Returned home Aug. 1)
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/missing-black-teens-ebony-alert/

08/15/2024

Dr. Dre is aiming for gold! The music mogul is dead-ass serious about competing in archery at the 2028 Olympics in his hometown of LA and he's been practicing since junior high. Can't wait to see!

08/14/2024

Melanie Shelby, a former lobbyist, has left the world of politics to pursue her dream of creating an elegant, additive-free tequila. Her tequila, Enelalma, pays homage to the shared culture of indigenous and African American communities. Enelalma is currently being sold in Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Southern California. Click the link to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey.

🗞: Robert J. Hansen
📸: Seth Patterson
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/shelby-tequila-cultural-connection

08/13/2024

Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority has launched a political action committee, AKA 1908 PAC, to support federal campaigns and political parties. This move, driven by the chance to elect one of their own to the White House, reflects the powerful political force of the Divine Nine, a collective of historically Black sororities and fraternities. Click the link to learn more about this new PAC. 🗞: US Media Group

🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/alpha-kappa-alpha-pac-political-action/

08/13/2024

Community advocates and the family of Asaiah Washington demand transparency and accountability from the Sacramento Sheriff’s office following his death in jail. Washington's death is one of several recent incidents in Sacramento jails, raising concerns about conditions and medical care for incarcerated individuals. Read more using the link below.

🗞 & 📸: Robert J. Hansen
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/sacramento-jail-deaths-accountability/

08/13/2024

Google faces legal action for monopolizing search services and advertising, as California bills seek to revive local journalism. SB 1327 proposes a data extraction fee to fund newsrooms, while AB 886 targets Google's search violations. If the bills pass, Google threatens to remove news from California, sparking debate over Big Tech's influence on the media landscape. Read the opinion piece by clicking the link and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

🗞: Laura Rearwin Ward | CalMatters
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/california-bills-could-restore-journalism-after-big-techs-second-gold-rush-pushed-industry-to-the-brink-2/

08/12/2024

Democratic National Convention Announced Speakers

08/12/2024

Free support is available to victims and witnesses who report hate. CA vs Hate is not affiliated with law enforcement, and your report can be made anonymously, regardless of immigration status.

Your voice matters in the fight to reduce hate. Join us in making California a safer and more inclusive place for all.

08/09/2024

The Tevis Cup, a renowned endurance ride in California, recently saw the historic participation of Erna Valdivia, the first African American junior participant in its 68-year history. Valdivia, a 17-year-old from Southern California, is following in the footsteps of two African American riders who preceded her, Larry Luster and Patricia Gay, whose stories remain largely unknown.

Valdivia's journey began when she fell for Love Story, a feral horse, and was gifted the horse by her mother, Vera V-Abdallah. Despite the challenges, Valdivia and her horse completed the 100-mile ride, a feat that only 56 horses achieved this year.
🗞 & 📸 by Roberta Alvarado

🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/african-american-tevis-cup

08/07/2024

Vice President Harris Introduces Gov. Tim Walz as Running Mate https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/kamala-harris-tim-walz-vice-presidential-nomination/

08/06/2024

The Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce's Tech Inclusion Initiative is empowering BIPOC small business owners with free tech training and mentorship. The program, funded by the city, has a goal to reach 100 businesses and aims to enhance business operations through AI and social media management. Registration is open online, with networking events and mentorship opportunities available. Get more details on how to sign up by clicking the link now.

🗞: Christine Shelby
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/07/sacramento-black-chamber-of-commerce-leads-tech-inclusion-initiative-for-bipoc-business-owners/

08/05/2024

Alarming incidents of racism at Luther Burbank High School have sparked outrage and calls for accountability. A teacher repeatedly used racial slurs in a staff meeting, and a biology final included racist questions. The district has promised zero tolerance for such behavior, but educators and students demand more action and transparency. Read more on whats being done using the link below.

🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/08/racial-slurs-at-luther-burbank/
🗞: Kaya Do-Khanh
📸: Madelaine Church

08/05/2024

🏃🏾‍♂️ Noah Lyles defeats the competition and takes home the gold in the 100m race at the 🥇🔥 "

08/02/2024

Simone Biles makes history with second all-around Olympic gymnastics title, 8 years after her first.

Read more:

By Will Graves | The Associated Press Simone Biles, of the United States, celebrates after winning the gold medal during the women’s artistic gymnastics

08/01/2024

Maya Rudolph Returns As Kamala Harris on Saturday Night Live

Just when we thought Saturday Night Live couldn't get any better, Maya Rudolph is back as Kamala Harris! Get ready for some hilarious political satire in this must-see video.

07/31/2024

Observer Photographer .coollens was in attendance at yesterday’s concert and shot these photos for us. Did you attend? Let us know in the comments.

07/29/2024

Vice President Kamala Harris, endorsed by President Joe Biden, outlined her campaign stance on key issues June 22, including abortion rights, the economy, and gun violence. Harris pledged to continue the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to reduce gun violence and improve the economy while advocating for reproductive freedom. Staff Writer Robert J. Hansen's story is available now using the link below.

📸 Courtesy of Robert J. Hansen
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/07/harris-biden-campaign-speech/

07/29/2024

Sacramento's civil rights champion Virna Canson left a legacy of activism and impact. From her early days as a youth advisor for the NAACP to her role as regional director, she fought for racial equity in education and housing. Her story, documented in a film by Chris Lango, sheds light on her unsung contributions to the civil rights movement in the West. Read the story 🗞 by Observer Intern Sterling Davies using the link in stories. 📸 Courtesy of the Observer Archives.

07/25/2024

Black Youth Leadership Project, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young Black individuals in California's legislative and political arena, is making strides in education advocacy and mentorship. The organization's initiatives include free educational programs, a podcast, and a mentorship program aimed at reducing substance abuse among youth. Click the link below to read more about what the organization does to empower area youth.

🗞 & 📸: Keyshawn Davis | Solving Sacramento
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/07/the-black-youth-leadership-project-advances-educational-advocacy/

This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative.

07/24/2024

Sacramento native Jaylen Wells, drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA draft, reflects on his journey from high school to the league. Wells discusses his breakout game, new teammates, and future plans, including a matchup with the Kings in Sacramento.

🗞: Mark Haynes
📸: Russell Stiger Jr.
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/07/sacramento-native-jaylen-wells-nba/

07/24/2024

Kamala Harris' campaign has surpassed $100 million in donations! 💸 Watch the incredible impact and support behind her historic run for the presidency.

07/24/2024

Sacramento County Grand Jury criticizes Sacramento County Unified School District for failing to meet the needs of special education students. The district is under scrutiny for disproportionately affecting Black students and faces lawsuits over segregation. A lawsuit and a settlement with the Black Parallel School Board aim to address these issues, with a detailed plan expected soon.

🗞: Sterling Davies
🔗: https://sacobserver.com/2024/07/sacramento-county-grand-jury-report/

07/23/2024

Did you hear? This year, we won big at the California Newspaper Publishers Association awards, with seven recognitions across various categories. Genoa Barrow's work on mass incarceration and sickle cell disease, Steve Magagnini's profile of Sac State's new president Dr. Luke Wood, and Srishti Prabha's coverage of arts education stand out. Scroll through the pics to see the stories and photos that won. Many thanks to our readers, subscribers, and advertisers for their support.

07/23/2024

The Democratic National Convention is set to name Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's nominee by August 7 through a virtual roll call. The decision to forego an in-person convention was made to meet ballot access deadlines and vet a vice-presidential candidate. With 770 delegates already endorsing Harris and a record fundraising haul, Democrats are gearing up to nominate a candidate they believe can defeat Donald Trump in November. DNC chair Jaime Harrison emphasized the party's commitment to a transparent and orderly process to unite the Democratic Party behind a nominee.