WSSNews Vol 40 No 5 | Thursday April 16, 2026

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

State of Black California: New Data Shows Black Californians Falling Behind as Leaders Convene at UCLA to Confront Crisis

UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studes

New data showing rising unemployment and widening economic gaps for Black Califor- nians framed a statewide conference at UCLA, where more than 200 advocates, policymak- ers, elected officials, scholars, entertainers and community leaders gathered to examine the conditions facing Black Californians and to THE of BLACK CALIFORNIA push solutions for a thriving Black California. Hosted by the UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies in partnership with the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), the "State of Black California" con- ference focused on collecting and confronting data on the condition of Black Californians

By Joe W. Bowers Jr. | California Black Media and connecting it to community experience, policy and political power.

Dr. Michael Stoll, UCLA professor and fac- ulty director of the Black Policy Project, re- ported that Black unemployment rose from 5.6% to 7.5%, adding roughly 25,000 unem- ployed workers - the largest increase among racial groups.

The rise was most pronounced among Black women, including those with college degrees a pattern that highlights why the issue is particularly urgent, as the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) reports that Black women are the primary earners in about 80% of Black households statewide.

The data also showed rising involuntary part-time work and a growing number of indi- viduals disconnected from both employment and education. Stoll pointed to the erosion of public sector jobs — long a pathway to stable, middle-class employment as a key factor reshaping opportunity.

The conference opened with community leaders who connected those findings to lived experience.

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San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter (SBRAAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to Host Community Diabetes Symposium

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — The San Ber- nardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host a Diabetes Symposium: A Health and Diabetes Education Event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Grace Var- gas Senior Center, 1411 S. Riverside Avenue, Rialto, CA.

This free, family-friendly event is part of the chapter's Physical and Mental Health initia- tive, supporting Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. The symposium aims to empower the community with educa- tion, resources, and tools to better understand and manage diabetes.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from expert speakers, receive free health screenings, participate in healthy cooking dem- onstrations and exercise sessions, and connect with vendors in the community for resources. Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy kids' activities, fresh produce giveaways, and raffle prizes.

The San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae

Chapter continues its mission of empowering women and enriching communities through impactful programs that promote health, edu- cation, and wellness across the Inland Empire. This event is FREE and open to the communi- ty. Registration is encouraged to help organiz- ers prepare for attendees. Community mem- bers can register in advance or at the event. For more information, visit sbraac-dst.org.

San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter (SBRAAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Building Community Relations Though Service

FREE Community

Health & Diabetes Education Event

Grace Vargas Senior Center 1411 S. Riverside Ave. Rialto, CA

• Get Free Screenings & Information
• • Blood glucose checks
• • Blood pressure checks
• • Diabetes education and Information

+ Free fresh produce (while supplies last)

• • Exercise sessions
• • Healthy Kids Corner
• • Healthy cooking demonstrations
• • Free raffle, prizes, and more
• Saturday, Register with QR Code