Solomon O. Smith

2 months ago | sdvoice.info | Solomon O. Smith

In recent months, the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD) and Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) have been hit with two lawsuits and numerous reports alleging racist incidents targeting Black residents. Last November, a formal complaint was filed on behalf of several students and two teachers — Bella Ivory and an anonymous complainant — against Beverly Hills High School. Attorneys Bradley C. Gage and Benjamin Crump are representing the plaintiffs.

Jan 16, 2025 | ourweekly.com | Solomon O. Smith

The Eaton Fire has left a devastating mark on Southern California, including the Black and Brown communities of Pasadena and Altadena, where homeowners are grappling with unimaginable loss. Among them is Ruth Hopkins, publisher of The Pasadena Journal, the area’s only Black newspaper. Hopkins lost her family home and with it, over 60 years of archives documenting the rich history, culture, and lives of Black residents in the Altadena-Pasadena area.

Jan 16, 2025 | westsidestorynewspaper.com | Solomon O. Smith

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black MediaThe Eaton Fire has left a devastating mark on Southern California, including the Black and Brown communities of Pasadena and Altadena, where homeowners are grappling with unimaginable loss. Among them is Ruth Hopkins, publisher of The Pasadena Journal, the area’s only Black newspaper. Hopkins lost her family home and with it, over 60 years of archives documenting the rich history, culture, and lives of Black residents in the Altadena-Pasadena area.

Aug 9, 2024 | voices.aaja.org | Solomon O. Smith

On a hot Saturday in July, volunteers from KTown for All, street-level advocacy for homeless people in Koreatown, gathered near a large tree in the parking lot of the Immanuel Presbyterian Church to talk, get to know new members and walk through their neighborhood. New arrivals form a circle depositing supplies in the center and are welcomed by Sherin Varghese, leader of KTown for All.  “Originally it was advocating for interim shelter,” explained Varghese.

Feb 29, 2024 | eurweb.com | Solomon O. Smith |Billie Jordan Sushine

*Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass hosted Black mayors visiting from different parts of the country this past weekend. While in L.A., Bass, who declared homelessness her top priority after she was sworn in as mayor, took her guests on a tour of the Hilda L. Solis Care First Village. The development features an innovative design, using modular units, and offers wraparound mental health care and social services.