Los Angeles reveals plans to ‘re-fund’ the police after 2020 budget cuts

Share: It was the slaying of George Floyd in 2020 that turned  “defund the police” into the rally cry of the summer last year, with protesters fiercely fighting for revisions to police budgets across the country, the very boldest even calling for indefinite abolition. Just a few weeks later in Los Angeles, mayor Eric Garcetti would vow to slash $150 million from the annual police budget, appearing to hear and acknowledge the woes of the public—or so we thought.  While some activists viewed Garcetti’s efforts …

SweatFest makes home workouts a party on IG Live

Share: During the past six months of pandemic restrictions, it has been a challenge to find ways to get enough exercise to keep from turning into a gelatinous blob. Although LA County gyms, yoga studios and fitness facilities continue to suffer from “outside only” limitations, Angelenos have found creative ways to keep in shape while staying connected to the outer world at large. In the early days of the lockdown, acclaimed choreographer Ryan Heffington became an unlikely touchstone for wellness activity, which rapidly spread around …

Blackademia enlightens students amid America’s racist reckoning

Share: Prior to the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor that sparked worldwide outrage in recent months, the Blackademia program at PCC held meetings discussing police brutality. A few months ago, they discussed how the lives of Black people aren’t taken seriously. Some students believe they don’t get the same opportunities to work, go to school and speak as freely as others because of the color of their skin. They expressed their anger, sadness and concern for equality for all Black people.       “One of …

Say his name: Community remembers Anthony McClain

Share: The night of August 15, Pasadena Police officers conducted a traffic stop that ended in the shooting of Anthony McClain, an African-American man, by Officer Edwin Dumaguindin. McClain’s last two hours on this earth were spent alone at Huntington Hospital, leaving his three children without a father.  In the weeks following McClain’s death, strangers began to rally behind his story, protesting against the murder of African-Americans by police, and screaming “no justice, no peace” into the high heavens.  On Friday, Aug. 28, McClain’s family …

PCC’s Black community mobilizes support, demands reform after killing of Black individuals

Share: As evident with the thousands of protests that have ignited around the world, emotions such as anger, sadness, frustration, grief and fear only briefly touch upon what millions are experiencing as a result of the recent killing of Black individuals. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery lived across the country, but even PCC’s Black community feels the shared loss of their brothers and sisters.  With the deaths of Floyd, Taylor and Ahmaud spanning within months of each other, it became apparent to many …

Black lives matter: it’s more than just a hashtag

Share: A screenshot copy chain has been going around Instagram with the caption of “tag 10 people who support black lives matters”. This screenshot has received a lot of backlash and criticism from many people who believe it is a fake allyship. Sharing this screenshot does not do much for the movement or spread awareness. The ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement is not an aesthetic. It is also not an Instagram challenge. Anyone can share a trending post, but someone who truly supports the movement will …

7 helpful tips to ensure safety at a protest

Share: People are currently at high risk of becoming critically injured during the peaceful protests due to the extreme retaliation of the police. To ensure the safety of one and others, here is a list of steps to take as precautions during the protests. 1. Wear a Mask With the current pandemic the world is facing, masks not only lower the possibilities in catching COVID-19, but they as well come in use as barriers to prevent toxins of tear gas from entering the body. A …

10 ways to support the Black Lives Matter movement

Share: Injustice and racism has been a part of our country since 1619 when slavery began in the U.S.  and has not left since. Despite equal rights protests throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s, the Black community still sees frequent violence against their community today. However, modern advancements such as phones and social media are opening the eyes of others.  It is our responsibility as citizens to use our voices and resources to help make a change. Idly standing by as the police unjustly murder Black …

Editorial: PCC has a problem with responding to anti-Blackness

Share: The coronavirus already exposed many missteps of the college, but with the killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement against systemic racism, it’s evident once again that PCC’s leadership hasn’t prioritized relevant issues. On a campus that is only 4% Black, it’s easy to exist on the margins. By failing to address their students’ needs for racism prevention and resource support, PCC’s vice presidents and superintendent/president Erika Endrijonas have let their students down. The course of events leading up to PCC’s …

Crucial moment in supporting Black-Own Businesses

Share: Diversity is essential because it uplifts communities, promotes productivity and spirit, and helps the economy to grow. Especially in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, it is a crucial time to support the movement through supporting Black-owned businesses. There’s a history of big companies oppressing small businesses and putting a heavy burden on low-income communities. That is why it is important to support your local Black-owned businesses. Pasadena has restaurants that are black-owned like Bonnie’s B Smokin, Perry’s Joint, and many more (hyperlink …