Thursday, July 9 | Volume 40 No.17

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Kamala Harris Says State and Local Leadership Matters as Much as Washington

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said traveling the country since the 2024 Presiden- tial election during her book tour gave her an opportunity to hear directly from Americans about the challenges they face every day, re- inforcing her belief that many people feel un- heard by Washington and increasingly look to state elected officials for solutions.

Speaking at UCLA on June 23 during a dis- cussion hosted by The States Project, Harris said she deliberately used her travels to spend time listening to people rather than simply talking to them.

"After the election I needed to take a minute, but when that minute was over, I needed to lis- ten," said Harris.

One conversation that stayed with her was with a single mother of three in Jackson, Mis- sissippi, who was attending cosmetology school while raising her children on a $150 weekly grocery budget. Harris said the woman also told her the tap water was sometimes too contaminated to bathe her children.

When Harris asked what she wanted others to understand about families like hers, the wom- an replied, "Don't they see me?"

"There are a lot of people who feel that they are not interested, and that their every- day fears and worries and hopes aren't being

In California, about one in every ten babies is born too early. But for Black women, the risk of giving birth early- called preterm birth—are nearly twice as high. Early births can mean more health risks for both the baby and the mother.

That's why the Black Infant Health (BIH) program is such a vital resource in our community.

BIH recognizes that racism, economic stress, and where you live can all affect a mother's health and her baby's chance of survival.

heard," Harris said.

“People are done with the status quo," Har- ris added. “They're done. It's not working for them."

She said political leaders must focus on solv-

Rallying Around Sisters

PERINATAL EQUITY IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY black infant health

Empowering Pregnant and Mothering Black Women

The program offers a free, culturally supportive program for Black and African American women. If you're a Black woman who is pregnant or has had a baby in the last six months, BIH is for you, regardless of your income. Program participants can earn essentials like diapers, clothes, baby supplies, and safe sleep supplies.

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media ing everyday problems while presenting a broader vision for the country's future.

To continue, visit www.westsidestorynewspaper.com.

BIH is more than just classes. It's a community where you can build friendships, gain confidence, and feel seen and heard by someone that cares about you. If you or someone you know is pregnant or has a newborn, reach out. These programs are free, supportive, and grounded in love, respect, and culture.

Together, we can build healthy beginnings for Black families. For more information, visit dph.sbcounty.gov/bih or call 844-352-3985.

• SAN BERNARDINO
• Public Health
• COUNTY