Thursday, May 7, 2026 | Vol 40 No 8

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

California Youth Groups Participate in Legislative Advocacy Days at the State Capitol ers.

Various youth organizations and youth-led initiatives participated in legislative advocacy days last month at the California State Capitol to amplify the voices of Black communities and help cultivate the next generation of lead-

Among the organizations, the NAACP Cal- ifornia-Hawaii State Conference youth coun-

In San Bernardino County, Black babies are almost three times more likely to die before their first birthday than white babies. From 2018 to 2023, the number of babies born too early went up by more than 10%. Black mothers also have a higher chance of feeling sad or depressed during pregnancy, which can affect both mom and baby.

SFBU cils and young people sponsored by the Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWO- PA) engaged directly with state legislators, ad- vocated for policy reforms, and gained experi- ence in the legislative process.

Wisdom O. Cole, the Senior National Director of Advocacy for the NAACP, told California Black Media (CBM) that the youth councils

Rallying Around Sisters

Perinatal Equity in San Bernardino County

But there is hope-and people are taking action. That's where FIMR, the Fetal Infant Mortality Review, comes in.

FIMR is a local group of doctors, nurses, community leaders, and neighbors. They work together to learn why some babies die and how to stop it from happening. They look at real cases (mom's and baby's information is kept private) and share ideas to help make care better for families.

from across the state visited the capital city to monitor legislation that the organization has made priorities: from data centers that affect energy bills to voting rights, and the impact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has on California communities.

See "California Youth Groups..." page 7

Together, we can build healthy beginnings for Black families.

For more information, visit dph.sbcounty.gov/mcah or email [email protected].

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

Public Health