Monterey Bay Black Folks Event Calendar |
Week of Mon Oct 19th through Sun Oct 25th, 2020 |
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About the Monterey Bay Black Folks Event Calendar
The purpose of the Monterey Bay Black Folks Event Calendar is to connect the Black Community of CSU Monterey Bay with the local Black Communities of the Greater Monterey Bay Area. The idea for the calendar came out of the community forums organized as part of CSUMB's annual Super Saturday Black student recruitment events. The Calendar is edited by Steven Goings with new editions being released every Monday. To submit an event for possible inclusion, please send to AfricanQuazar@gmail.com. The submission deadline is Friday at 6pm.
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Editor's Note:
Throughout this newsletter, Blue Underlined copy (including above!) indicates a searchable link.
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Steven's Take on Drama Surrounding Candidacy of Jon Wizard
Politics – especially partisan politics -- is by its very nature adversarial. People who are passionate about specific issues and candidates can become quite emotional in the advocacy of their beliefs and may even express outrage when they encounter community members with different or opposite points of view.
Obviously, this can lead to interpersonal and intergroup conflicts. These conflicts are greatly amplified when politics and competing interests intersect with race and other social identities.
This is precisely what is happening regarding Seaside Mayoral Candidate Jon Wizard -- and his endorsement by the Monterey County Weekly.
As with virtually all elected officials, Wizard has his supporters and detractors. He became a lightning rod when he called for the defunding of police at one of the many Black Lives Matter protests in response to the cop-knee-on-neck killing of George Floyd. (Although "defunding" was the rhetoric Wizard used at the protest, "reallocation" is what he actually advocated for in policy.)
Like the issue of pro-life vs. pro-choice that surrounds abortion, what to do about policing deeply divides communities along very personal lines associated with the instinct for safety and survival.
Some in the community -- and particularly the Black community -- feel that policing as currently constituted in this country is a fundamental threat to the safety and survival of Black people.
Others feel abolishing, defunding (and for some even reforming) the police would be a fundamental threat to the safety and survival of communities, including the Black community.
Underneath the dehumanizing rhetoric that can infect adherents on both sides of the issue is a shared value of safety and survival.
Community members are not more or less Black, or more or less "for Seaside" by virtue of where they stand on policing or where they stand on the candidacy or recall of Jon Wizard. They simply disagree. Passionately.
Any and every comment to the contrary on either side is just wrong -- and ultimately destructive.
As I said above, conflicts are greatly amplified when they intersect with race and other social identities. In this case race and generations. Tensions between generations are as old as time.
With just the slightest application of empathy, it is easy to understand that generations generally become more conservative as they age. Having spent decades in the struggle to build up the Black communities of Seaside and the Greater Monterey Bay Area, members of the Elder Generation have a vested interest in resisting radical change they may feel will erase their accomplishments or transform the communities they have built into something unrecognizable.
Likewise, younger generations tend to be progressive risk-takers and innovators untied to what has come before in their search for stamping their own mark on what-is-yet-to-be. They have a vested interest in not being held back by those generations who have come before them.
Despite these age-old tensions. For the good of the greater Black community, it is imperative that Black Folks on either side of the Generation Gap treat each other with respect.
Alas, the wording of the Monterey County Weekly's endorsement of Jon Wizard is a disservice to the unity of the Black community and has had the effect -- intended or not -- of exacerbating pre-existing tensions:
"How do you know you’re doing something right? By taking a strong stand for change and reform, and thereby ticking off members of the police union and the old guard of Black leadership in the city – so badly that they’re backing a half-assed recall attempt against him – Councilmember Jon Wizard has proven himself willing to stand up to the powers that be."
Now to be clear, I am against the recall myself. But at least I have sense enough not to call any of the efforts of a segment of the Black community of Seaside half-assed! "Half-assed" and "old guard" are not terms of respect. And in fact they have opened up some very old wounds within the Black community.
As the stronghold of Black cultural and political power in the Monterey Bay area, the Black Folks of Seaside have a longstanding resentment of other cities, communities and entities attempting to interfere or thwart the will of Seaside and its Black communities.
Make no mistake about it, despite predictable tensions between new and established generations of leaders in the Black community, our Elders are revered. Language that is perceived as dismissive -- particularly when applied by folks outside of our community is deeply resented.
While it is likely the Monterey County Weekly had no idea how deeply their poor choice of words would reverberate in the Black community -- particularly among our Elders -- they need to be responsible for the effect their words have.
No matter their intention, trust has been damaged. The Monterey County Weekly owes an apology to the Black community of Seaside for its dismissive and disrespectful language in service of their candidate-of-choice.
-- Steven Goings
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Written by NAACP Executive Director and Communications Officer Yvonne Thomas (pictured) on behalf of President Josh Stewart
"The NAACP is the oldest, largest, and most widely recognized civil rights organization in the United States. We are non-partisan, and do not endorse candidates for political office at any level. That being said, when the Monterey County Weekly's editorial board endorsed and applauded a Seaside Mayoral candidate for "doing something right" and "ticking off the old guard of Black leadership in the city," the Monterey County NAACP realized that we could not remain silent while one of our own local media outlets publicizes a political endorsement with words that we find to be insulting, condescending, and that can be construed as racist.
Monterey County Weekly, you have our attention, and we are definitely offended.
In one single sentence, you have chosen to make this about race. You have snidely looked down your noses at the "old guard of Black leadership" in our community. And we are here to remind you to watch your tone when you speak about our former Mayors, former City Councilmen, current Ministers, Philanthropists, businessmen, long time black residents, and Executive Committee members of the the Monterey County Branch NAACP. We are extremely proud of their history and the representation of strong Black leadership that has been pervasive and instrumental in keeping the Seaside Black community viable on the Monterey Peninsula for decades.
The current growing pains experienced by Seaside are being exacerbated by random groups of interlopers who seem to be studying from the Gentrification for Dummies handbook.
Oh, yes. We see you.
The future of Seaside depends on the strength of its citizens and its leadership working hand in hand to help the city grow. We have a very strong and devoted group of residents who along with the Monterey County NAACP are dedicated to make this happen. We have learned our lessons well from the "old guard of Black leadership," We trust and admire their legacies and their sacrifices. They have also trained us not to allow history to repeat itself.
Once upon a time, Black soldiers were not allowed to..."
Click Here to continue reading NAACP Press Release
Seaside's Black History and Black Leadership Matters!
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NAACP Monterey County Branch Recruiting New Leadership
From Nomination Committee Chair Steven Goings:
On Thursday, October 22, 2020 at the 7 pm meeting of the NAACP General Membership Meeting, the Nomination Committee will reveal its slate of nominees for the Offices and Executive Committee of the Monterey County Branch NAACP. All nominees will have been verified by the Secretary of the Branch to have been members-in-good standing uninterrupted since April 1, 2020.
Per the NAACP 2020 Branch Elections Manual "After the report of the Nomination Committee has been received, the Chair shall make the following statement: 'The floor is now open for further nominations for the office of President.'" Branch members not nominated by the Nomination Committee may nominate themselves or each other in turn as the floor is opened for further nominations for the Officers and Executive Committee of the Branch. Per the Elections Manual, candidates nominated in this manner "must be made by written petition, and signed by at least three members in good standing. For the purpose of signing a petition, 'Member in Good Standing' shall mean a member whose membership is current at least 30-days prior to the date he/she signed the petition."
Members of the Monterey County Branch who are interested in serving as an Officer for the 2021-2022 term of office are highly encouraged to download the attached Officer's Petition and obtain a minimum of three signatures in case they are not nominated directly by the Nominations Committee. You are encouraged to send your signed petitions to mcbnaacp1049@att.net and copy the Nomination Committee Chair Steven Goings at sgoings@csumb.edu.
Sincerely,
Steven Goings,
Nomination Committee Chair Oct 19, 2020
Important Links
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Black Candidates Endorsed by Monterey County Weekly:
Jon Wizard
for
Mayor of Seaside
Tinisha Dunn
for
Seaside City Council
Debbie Anthony
for
Monterey Peninsula College Board of Trustees
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Steven Goings' Go Fund Me for Miriam Smith: Click Here to Donate
I have a personal policy against giving to political campaigns. There is too much money in politics as it is. Money also acts as a bar against the political participation of poor people and lower economic classes. My friend, the amazing Black Lives Matter and Pause the Calls activist Miriam Smith is one of those people. Miriam is running for a seat on the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Miriam, her nine children and her grandchildren have all gone to school in the district and she feels that "Blacks have been overlooked for years." Please join me in supporting Miriam's basic needs so that she doesn't deplete what little money she has trying to self-fund her campaign.
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In the Spotlight:
Advisory Committee for CSUMB's Center for Black Student Success
The CBSS Advisory Committee had its inaugural meeting on Oct 12, 2020. Members in attendance included...
Community Members: Helen Rucker, Alice Jordan, Debbie Anthony, Tyller Williamson, Dirrick Williams and Pastor Eugene Jones
CSUMB Faculty: Dr. Umi Vaughan, Dr. Vivian Waldrup-Patterson, Dr. Vanessa Lopez-Littleton, Dr. Ibrahim Shelton, George Station and Steven Goings
CSUMB Staff: Dr. Brian Corpening, Rhonda Mercadal-Evans, Artemas "Marco" Dowell, Nizhoni Chow-Garcia and Shanae Vaifanua
CSUMB Students: Darchelle Burnett, Jaya Hodges, Judah Young and Zah-Rah Latour
Here are some highlights from the rich discussion:
On background of the CBSS: Dr. Littleton, one of the driving forces behind the development of the center, reported that due to the sharp decline of Black enrollment at CSUMB as well as lagging retention ad graduation rates, the CBSS development was a critical need to shore up a weak sense of belonging and connection to the institution by Black and African heritage students.
On current activities of the CBSS: Founding CBSS faculty director Dr. Umi Vaughan states the purpose of the Center is to increase retention and improve the experience of Black students. The Center is focused on mentorship, research opportunities, programming and financial assistance. Dr. Vaughan wants the center to have longevity and acknowledges that Black staff and faculty have struggled to thrive on the campus as well. Dr. Vaughan reports he is consulting with other universities to help set up the Center for success and announced major financial support from Chevron.
On signature programming of the CBSS: Dr. Vaughan referenced the following programs:
- Toni Morrison Author's Conversation Series
- Black Money Matters Financial Literacy Series
- Daniel Hale Black Health Education Series
- Madame C.J. Walker/Robert F. Smith Black Professional Series
"What did you want from the CBSS?": As a conversation starter for the Open Dialogue/Brainstorming Session, Dr. Vaughan posed this simple question.
Click Here to read highlights from Open Dialogue/Brainstorming Session.
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In the Spotlight:
Lighthouse Full Gospel Church
Lighthouse Full Gospel Church, Pentecostal, Inc., International was established in San Francisco, California in the year 1932. From its inception, this assembly has been a multi-cultural, multi-racial congregation with a diverse style of worship. We make it a point to remain relevant and current while holding fast to the unchanging Word of God.
Over the years Lighthouse Full Gospel Church, has been a guiding light to many souls. Through this Seaside branch, many lives have been influenced and souls saved. Great men and women have been equipped and sent out into the harvest field to promote the gospel and to help advance the kingdom of God.
Lighthouse is a place where visitors from various walks of life are quick to exclaim that they witness the mighty presence of the Lord upon their entry into our sanctuary—and a sweet spirit among the congregation. We are a loving and caring family! In fact, our primary slogan is: "Love is caring and sharing." We understand that love cannot be well defined without our being willing to share, and vice versa.
Through the years this assembly has worked diligently to teach the Word of God uncompromisingly and to challenge its members to walk in the ways of the Lord. In this endeavor, we have witnessed God's mighty working power, both spiritually and naturally as God has healed, delivered and set many free. Many members have become devoted students of truth, and have gone on to become ministers and other Christian leaders.
This assembly has been and remains a ministry used of God to bless and minister to the needs of others both near and far as we watch God and then join Him in his work of reconciliation. God has also blessed us to partner with other ministries that are working to help advance the kingdom of God. We are better together.
We are a growing Assembly with a heart with a mind to fulfill all that God has assigned us. We truly believe we can do all things that God calls us to do as we trust Him for the necessary strength, wisdom and provision.
We purpose to be a refuge where the weary can find rest, the hurt can be healed; the broken can be made whole again, the lost can find the Savior and all can be shown the love of Christ. Join us and allow us to share the love of Jesus with YOU.
Our Motto: "Ministering to the total person--body, spirit and soul."
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Fall 2020 Historically Black Virtual Church Tour...
On Oct 18th, 2020, we visited Lighthouse Full Gospel Church. Here is a link to the Sunday Service Recording.
This week we visit New Hope Baptist Church, Seaside
Sun Oct 25, 10 AM
New Hope Baptist Church, Seaside
Ways to attend Sunday's Service:
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Go to New Hope Facebook page where the service will be broadcast live
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To join the Historically Black Church Tour Watch Party, join the Monterey Bay Black Folks Calendar Facebook group and login before 11 am. All members will receive a watch party notification through Facebook.
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Recruiting Teachers of Color for MPUSD!
Ann Jealous has been in conversation with MPUSD Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh about the need to bring in more Black and teachers of color to Monterey K-12 schools, and asked for our help in getting word out to possible candidates for the Alder Teacher Residency program they are offering.
Adler Teacher Residency is recruiting now for the 2021-2022 school year. Application deadline Nov. 9, 2020.
$15,000 living stipend
$10,000 tuition reimbursement for math, science, and SPED candidates
Year-long apprenticeship with Mentor Teacher
Master's Degree and Credential in one-year
Priority hiring for full-time position at MPUSD
Requirements: BA completed by June 2021; 3.0 GPA preferred; eligible to work in US
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Voter Registration at the Recognizing Military Service Center
Weekly: Wed-Sat from 3 to 6 PM
Located at 2087 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside
Long time members, Mary Davis and Yvonne Kirkland will be on hand to register voters at the RMSC. At the same time, Michelle's Soul Food Kitchen is available on-site for take out.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Voter Registration Drive, contact Mary Davis at Mary.Davis0406@gmail.com
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Black Money Matters Financial Literacy Series
Financial Coaches, Mecca and Kwesi Dreams
The Center for Black Student Success invites you to learn why Black Money Matters and how to make your money work for you.
October 22, 2020
6:00pm — 7:30pm
Join financial coaches Mecca and Kwesi Dreams for a workshop on financial literacy directed at college-age Black youth. Through a series of practical exercises and in a fun, down-to-earth presentation style Mecca and Kwesi will give participants a solid base of information and good habits with which to build their financial future.
Cultural Programming
The Center for Black Student Success brings relevant cultural programming to campus by welcoming authors, artists, scholars, and performers from throughout the African Diaspora to enrich the CSUMB experience with concerts, workshops, exhibits focused on engaging and inspiring Black students.
Upcoming events include:
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Chef/Musician/Researcher: Roberto Perez (URBAN PILÓN) November 12, 2020, Time: 6-7:30 pm
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Nate Cameron: December 3, 2020, Time: 6-7:30 pm
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Upcoming
Community Events:
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Panetta and Sawyer on Systemic Racism:
October 19, 2020 5:00 - 5:30 P.M. PST
Congressman Jimmy Panetta and Activist Nathaniel Sawyer will sit down behind the computer screen through Facebook and YouTube Live to speak on systemic racism and policy.
You will not want to miss a groundbreaking conversation between the young, powerful activist and academic Nathaniel Sawyer and giant Jimmy Panetta
Click Here to view previous discussion on Systemic Racism with Nathaniel Sawyer and State Senator Bill Monning
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From Dr. Vanessa Lopez Littleton on above Youth Summit:
Greetings,
Please save the date and share this event with your networks.
Register here for event updates and details.
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Upcoming
NATIONAL Events:
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Useful Links:
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Here is something the Monterey County Branch NAACP is working on. You can send your entries directly to lbogene@yahoo.com
- Check out the list and add your bio and photo to it.
- We all know the so-called criminal justice system treats our folks much more harshly than others, sometimes just having community members show up at court can make a difference in how things turn out.
- Check it out or add your favorite to the list
- With so few African Americans working in our K-12 and higher education systems, our kids have too few opportunities to see professionals and role models who look like them. We are looking for Black community members and professionals who can be called on to be occasional guest speakers in local classrooms.
Black Voices and Photo Portrait Project
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Local photographer Nic Coury has launched this Black Portrait Project and looking for subjects. If interested in posing for a professional picture message him on Facebook or send me (africanquazar@gmail.com) your contact info for me to forward.
- Just the basic public contact and position info
- Click on this google document to share your thoughts about what is needed in the Black community. We will prioritize them for further action.
- Check out the current list of churches, update existing entries or add new ones.
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Monterey Bay Black Folks Weekly Event Calendar
Submit to AfricanQuazar@gmail.com
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