California’s Affirmative Action Ban Shutdown Analysis of Racial and Gender Disparities in the State

Thomas Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund says the passage of Prop. 16 will reopen discussions on race and gender disparities in California, which were shutdown by the 1996 ban on affirmative action (Proposition 209).

Businesses Owned by People of Color and Women Lose Billions as a Result of Affirmative Action Ban

Eva Paterson, President and Founder of The Equal Justice Society, says systemic racism has undermined the political and economic power of people of color. She says reinstating affirmative action will help in “very concrete ways,” including providing more educational opportunities for girls and students of color. Paterson notes that affirmative action policies based on class and poverty fail to desegregate our communities.

Race and Gender Conscious Programs Allow Us to Address Discrimination

Vincent Pan, Executive Director of Chinese for Affirmative Action, discusses barriers face by the Asian American community and says affirmative action is about equal pay and representation for women and people of color. He also notes that many small, Asian-owned businesses were left out of the Paycheck Protection Program and says that affirmative actions measures would have allowed the government to more specifically tailor programs to make sure all business owners were able access the support they were entitled to.

Affirmative Action – Can It Reduce Racial & Ethnic Inequities?

24 years ago California voters passed Proposition 209 banning racial preferences in admission to public universities, inspiring similar changes in nearly a dozen states. This November, affirmative action is again on the ballot in California (Proposition 16) at a time of growing protests over racial injustice. Meanwhile, opponents of affirmative action have challenged race-based preferences in the Supreme Court and last month the Department of Justice accused Yale of illegal admissions discrimination against white and Asian American students. A panel of veteran civil rights leaders makes the case for affirmative action as a tool for improving racial opportunity gaps in higher education, the work place and the culture.

COMING EVENTS

EMS & LA COUNTY’S JOINT INFORMATION CENTER ON COVID: NEWS BRIEFING WITH LA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAIR HILD L. SOLIS & LA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR BARBARA FERRER

WHEN: Thursday, March. 4, 2021, 2 pm – 3 pm

WHY:LA County’s COVID Joint Information Center continues a groundbreaking initiative to inform ethnic news media on the county’s response to the COVID 19 pandemic and the vaccine rollout. In addition to updates on health indicators, this briefing will bring eye witness accounts from the frontlines through community health workers (“promatoras”).

SACRAMENTO COUNTY’S FIGHT TO CONTROL COVID-19 — AN OVERVIEW BY HEALTH CARE EXPERTS AND REPORTS FROM THE FRONTLINES

WHEN: Wednesday, March. 10, 2021, 2 pm – 3 pm

WHY:A year into the pandemic speakers will update reporters and stakeholders on where Sacramento County is in the struggle to contain COVID-19 and roll out the vaccine; and the challenges facing leaders of nonprofit agencies serving groups hardest hit by the pandemic. The briefing will provide time for Q&A about the present and the future.

COVID MUST KNOWS FOR IMMIGRANTS: VACCINATION, TESTING, SAFETY

WHEN: Thursday, March. 18, 2021, 6 pm – 7 pm

WHY: TBD

SPOTTING AND PREVENTING PANDEMIC-RELATED SCAMS AND OTHER FRAUD IN MONTANA/THE MOUNTAIN WEST

WHEN: Wednesday, March. 24, 2021, 10 am – 11:30 am

WHY: Scammers thrive on catastrophes. Across Montana and the mountain West, scammers prey on people struggling to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout. In this briefing with ethnic and community media, the FTC joins with local legal experts, law enforcement professionals, nonprofits like the AARP and the BBB, and community service providers to explore the landscape of consumer fraud as it is impacting Montana’s communities — tribal, rural, low income, immigrant, refugees.

Information is an effective antidote to scams that promote fake cures, bogus test sites, get-rich-quick schemes, fake love affairs and more.

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RECENT EVENTS

PANDEMIC FALLOUT GLOBAL FAMINE ON THE HORIZON

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, 11 am – 12 noon

WHY: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated hunger and food insecurity around the world, with starvation rates spiking from 135 million to 270 million as the pandemic unfolds. “Famine is literally on the horizon,” says David Beasley, executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger.

Ethnic Media Services is honored to partner with the United Nations World Food Programme for a special briefing on the looming famine. Speakers will discuss food insecurity in some of the hardest-hit countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and how the pandemic has exacerbated existing crises. Speakers will also offer insights as to how relief efforts and local communities are attempting to circumvent the disaster.

BI-WEEKLY UPDATE ON COVID & VACCINE ROLLOUT LA COUNTY COMBATS HUNGER IN PANDEMIC

WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, 2 pm – 3 pm

WHY: Receive a bi-weekly update from Dr. Gonzalez on LA County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Get the latest information on food insecurity in LA County and the County’s multi-pronged response, including CalFresh (the new name for Food Stamps) and how to apply. Hear eyewitness account of what food insecurity looks like at the street level.

COMMUNITIES UNITE TO COMBAT ANTI-ASIAN VIOLENCE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, 11 am – 12 noon

WHY: A rash of brutal crimes targeting Asian Americans, especially elders, highlights an epidemic of anti-Asian violence and the need for communities to work together to counter racial and ethnic divisions and stereotypes. Speakers provide data on the spike in anti-Asian hate crimes and efforts to forge cross-ethnic coalitions to combat the divisive politics of the Trump years.

COVID DEATH RATES SPOTLIGHT HEALTH EQUITY ISSUES 

WHEN: Friday, February 12, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST / 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST

WHY: In California, 55 percent of COVID deaths are LatinX people, according to data recently released by the Department of Public Health. In New York, South Asians have the highest rates of positivity and hospitalization among Asians, second only to Hispanics for positivity and Blacks for hospitalization. Chinese patients had the highest mortality rate of all groups and were nearly 1.5 times more likely to die than Whites. Across the U.S., Black people account for 39 percent of COVID deaths, and the Native American community has almost double the mortality rates of Whites, according to CDC data. COVID death rates spotlight the gaping inequities in COVID health care and hospitalizations. Moreover, at-risk ethnicities have not been prioritized for vaccine distribution. Speakers will discuss the gaps in health equity amid the pandemic.

LA COUNTY TOWN HALL: IMMIGRATION REFORMS – WHAT’S CHANGED NOW, WHAT COULD CHANGE?

WHEN: Thursday, February 11, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

WHY: President Biden’s proposed immigration reforms and new executive orders have raised expectations among immigrants across LA County. What changes can we expect in terms of the proposed moratorium on deportations, Temporary Protective Status, Public Charge and a path to citizenship? Hear from experts and have a chance to ask questions.

TRACKING COVID-19: A BIWEEKLY BRIEFING FOR ETHNIC & COMMUNITY MEDIA

WHEN: Thursday, February 11, 2:00 – 3:00 PM (and every other week following)

WHY: Receive bi-weekly updates from the people leading Los Angeles County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You will hear from Public Health experts, elected officials and frontline providers working to help our diverse communities keep themselves and their families safe. Learn more about Los Angeles County’s programs to assist residents with information about vaccinations, free food assistance and important programs around relief for renters and small business owners. Ask the questions you need to know to inform your audience.

WHEN CAN WE REOPEN SCHOOLS?– SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND ON DIVISIVE ISSUE

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 5, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

WHY: Across the country the question of when to reopen public schools has become a deeply divisive issue. The stakes are highest for students of color in major urban districts whom studies show are losing ground the longer they are out of the classroom and who have the least confidence in the safety of their schools and the responsiveness of their school officials. There’s no single blueprint–we need solutions customized to local needs, education experts advise. EMS’s panel offers a range of perspectives on the struggle to get children back to the classroom.

PRESIDENT BIDEN’S BOLD IMMIGRATION PLAN: WHAT CAN IMMIGRANTS EXPECT?

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 29, 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM PST

WHY: On the eve of his inauguration,President Joe Biden released a bold immigration plan, re-instating DACA, rolling back the Trump administration’s changes to asylum process, stopping work on the border wall, and extending temporary protected status, among other policy changes. Biden has also stated his support for expanding business immigration, and cutting through the green card backlog.

Q-ANON, DOMESTIC TERRORISM AND THE THREAT TO DEMOCRACY

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 22, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

WHY: Experts dissect the conspiracies, disinformation and extremist groups that were behind the insurrection against the U.S. government and how religion plays a part in the dangerous radicalization of some Americans, including minority ethnic groups.

THE CHALLENGES OF VACCINE DISTRIBUTION

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 13, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST

WHY: 20 million doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were expected to be in people’s arms by the end of 2020, but thus far, only 4.5 million people have received a single dose of the two dose vaccine. This roundtable discussion will discuss the challenges of vaccine distribution, vaccine hesitancy, and possible alternatives to the two-dose regimen so that more people can get an initial dose of the vaccine. We will also discuss priorities for vaccinations: should ethnicities with higher populations of deaths from COVID jump to the front of the line?

HOW SAFE IS YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE? 

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 8, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

WHY: Voting is the most basic right in American democracy but many are surprised to learn it’s not enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Despite unprecedented voter turnout on Nov. 3 and in the Jan. 5 Georgia Senate runoffs, voting barriers persist and public distrust of election outcomes is at historic levels. What are key proposals for rebuilding trust and reforming the electoral system?

INCOME CLIFF LOOMS FOR MILLIONS — WHAT FEDERAL RELIEF BILL COULD MEAN

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 22, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

WHY: Speakers will focus on the bleak prospects for economic recovery this winter amid the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the unemployment crisis; expiring eviction moratoriums which threaten to render millions of U.S. residents homeless; and the limits of the Congressional relief package.

HOW LA COUNTY SERVES OUR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 21, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST

WHY: LA County sees its investment in immigrant communities as an investment in the county’s future. In this seventh and final briefing in its Ethnic Media COVID-19 Communications Initiative, hear from county leaders at the forefront of serving the needs of all immigrants who will also update reporters on the status of Public Charge, TPS and DACA.

HIGHEST EVICTION RATES IN CALIFORNIA — CENTRAL VALLEY’S TENANTS PUSH FOR HOUSING RIGHTS

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 18, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

WHY: California’s Central Valley—the fastest growing region of the state with 7.2 million—has long been seen as a low-rent sanctuary amidst a crisis in affordable housing. But data show that narrative is false: the Valley actually has the highest level of rent-burdened households (people who pay more than half their income to rent) and the highest eviction rates in California, and virtually no permanent tenant protection laws. Tenants are pushing back, especially women of color with children who are disproportionately impacted by evictions. Key demands are for the right to counsel, an end to the seven year stigma on their rental and credit records, and a “Homes Guarantee” for all Central Valley residents. The Valley offers a microcosm of policy changes that could help stabilize housing in communities hit hardest by the absence of affordable housing.

MEETING LA’S HEALTH CARE NEEDS IN THE PANDEMIC

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 17, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST

WHY: What is LA County doing to ensure all its residents have access to health care during the pandemic? Hear from experts, health care providers and project managers about My Health LA’s 200 clinic network, who qualifies for MediCal coverage, how to access mental health care, and more. This is the sixth of seven briefings hosted by the County to ensure ethnic media and our diverse audiences know about its resources and programs, particularly for those hit hardest by the pandemic.

FTC’S BRIEFING ON NEW INFORMATION ABOUT SCAMS TARGETING YOUR COMMUNITIES

WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

WHY: The financial impact of the pandemic has created an environment that’s ripe for scammers. Many of these scams specifically target Black and Latino consumers and other immigrants. The FTC has important new information to share with your audience to help them spot and avoid scams targeting your communities. As a trusted source in your community you play an important role in the fight against scams.

SUPPORTING LA’S ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN THE PANDEMIC

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 14, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST

WHY: Essential workers are heroes of the pandemic but many pay a high cost, putting themselves and their families at risk to do the work that keeps LA County functioning. This briefing spotlights the programs the county provides to support them.

THE RACE GAP IN 2020 ELECTIONS: WHY WHITE VOTERS, INCLUDING WOMEN, BACKED TRUMP

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 11, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

WHY: The highest turnout election in 120 years in the United States showed a clear race gap: majorities of people of color voted for Biden, while three out of five whites preferred Trump. White women moved slightly towards the President, according to exit polling, while women of color turned out in high numbers to reject the incumbent.

LA COUNTY SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN PANDEMIC

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 10, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

WHY: Small businesses, clobbered by the pandemic, are vital to the county’s recovery. What county services are available to support these businesses and how can people access them? County officials working on the frontlines will describe their work and offer recommendations.

KEEPING LA HOUSED IN THE PANDEMIC – COUNTY OFFERS HELP WITH EVICTION, FORECLOSURE, DISPUTE RESOLUTION, HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 7, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST

WHY: This third in a series of briefings hosted by LA County for ethnic media focuses on issues of housing insecurity worsened by the pandemic. County officials explain services and resources for tenants facing eviction, homeowners facing foreclosure, and people needing shelter. The briefings are part of a ground-breaking communications initiative by the County to ensure those hit hardest by the pandemic know how to access its services. It includes a five week advertising campaign spotlighting key resources and services.

QUESTIONS RARELY ASKED ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

WHEN: Friday, Dec. 4, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

WHY: In this briefing, EMS will explore the questions rarely asked about domestic violence: the causes of male aggression, how women can access the legal system once they are ready to flee, and why the justice system often fails victims of intimate partner violence.

HOW LA COUNTY IS MEETING HEALTH CARE AND FOOD SECURITY NEEDS IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

WHEN: Thursday, December 3, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST

WHY: Between Dec. 3-Dec. 21, LA County will present 7 one-hour news briefings between 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. every Thursday and Monday to identify the most critical challenges the county’s diverse communities face due to the COVID 19 pandemic and the specific services county departments are providing to address them. This groundbreaking communications initiative includes a five week advertising campaign in 12 languages through ethnic media news outlets to reinforce the message that the county wants people to contact its departments to connect directly to these services. The December 3 briefing spotlights services such as health screenings, COVID-19 tests, cash assistance, and food give-aways.

LA COUNTY SPEARHEADS COUNTY’S FIRST ‘UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK’ (11/30-12/6)

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 30, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM PST

WHY: From November 30th – December 6th, Los Angeles County will participate in its inaugural “United Against Hate Week.” The week-long campaign is being spearheaded by LA vs Hate, a coalition launched in late August 2020 by the LA County Commission of Human Relations (LACCHR) at the request of the Board of Supervisors, led by Supervisor Hilda Solis, to counter the troubling trend of increases in hate crimes and acts in the County.

AS GLOBAL MIGRATION PLUMMETS, HOW WILL BORDERS REOPEN AND ECONOMIES RESTART

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 20 11:00 am-12:00 pm PST

WHY: As the health crisis of Covid-19 heads towards a new and likely final phase, a major report by the Migration Policy Institute illustrates the challenge to governments everywhere: how to reimagine borders and reopen economies and societies after the devastation of the pandemic. Journalists in key regions (India and Mexico) illustrate the reality on the ground.

COVID INFECTIONS SURGE AS US FACES THIRD WAVE OF PANDEMIC: TOP PANDEMIC EXPERTS DISCUSS THE CRISIS AND WHAT A BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MIGHT MEAN

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 13 10:30 am-11:30 am PST

WHY: The U.S. is experiencing a massive resurgence of the COVID pandemic, with infection rates rising to 100,000 per day, and death rates at 240,000, the highest in the world. Experts say this third wave was predictable, and could have been prevented. Join EMS for a special briefing at which the nation’s top pandemic experts discuss what we can expect to see in this third wave, whether the U.S is adequately prepared, when we might expect to see a vaccine and the challenges of distribution to the most vulnerable populations.

HEALTHCARE FIELD OFFERS CAREER PATHWAYS FOR LATINX JOB SEEKERS

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 10 11:00 am-12:00 pm PST

WHY: A looming demand for 500,000 health care workers in California by 2024 is creating new opportunities for Latinx job seekers, especially those fluent in Spanish. Futuro Health, a nonprofit working with Kaiser Permanente and SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, has launched a free, industry specific online English course to increase the readiness of bilingual residents of LA County, Orange County and the inland Empire to pursue a health care career.

ANALYSTS TAKE STOCK OF THE ETHNIC VOTE AND ITS IMPACT

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 6 11:00 am-12:00 pm PST

WHY: A panel of experts will take a candid, post-mortem look at the 2020 Presidential results, including participation rates, preferences and voting access for Black, Latinx, Asian-American & Pacific Islander, Native American. To what extent did immigrant voters turn out and make a difference? How decisive was Black turnout? How did Native Americans vote?

IMMIGRATION: THE 2016 WEDGE ISSUE THAT FELL OFF THE RADAR IN 2020

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 30 11:00 am-12:00 pm PST

WHY: No issue has been more central to Donald Trump’s Administration than immigration. Yet the issue has largely been ignored during the debates and the presidential campaign, overshadowed by the pandemic, health care and economic concerns. Experts will examine the balance of his actions on legal and unauthorized immigration, refugee policies and temporary visitors, among others. Moving forward, and depending on the result of the elections, will there be a deepening of the restrictions or a new day where immigration reform finally happens?

REPORT ON RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE IN FIVE LOS ANGELES ASIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 28 11:00 am-12:00 pm PST

WHY: Researchers and community leaders will present findings from a new collaborative report that examines relationship violence in five Los Angeles Asian American communities at a virtual press conference. The research explores the risk and protective factors of domestic violence in Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, North Indian Hindu, and Pakistani Muslim communities as well as effective solutions for domestic violence prevention.

HOW TO COVER ELECTION NIGHT, NOV. 3

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 27 11:00 am-11:30 am PST

WHY: Experts forecast that Nov. 3 will be the most unpredictable election night in recent history. Several experts have cautioned the media against calling race results on election night. How can reporters responsibly cover election night results? Will the large number of mail-in ballots defer conclusive results for several days? Will there be an undertabulation of ethnic votes? And what about down-ballot races?

THE CRISIS OF ACCESSING HEALTHCARE DURING COVID

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 23 11:00 am-12:00 pm PST

WHY: Covering the role of community health workers during the pandemic, how they have helped underserved communities to get access to health care, and the critical shortage of these front-line health workers. Also covering essential workers, who are largely underpaid and uninsured

AFTER THE CENSUS COUNT: ADVOCATES OUTLINE WHAT’S NEXT

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 20 10:30 am-11:30 am PST

WHY: Is the 2020 Census over? What’s next? What are the consequences of being missed in the 2020 Census for immigrant and ethnic minority populations? What do advocates say can be done to ensure some equity in funding and representation for those states and populations at risk?

MANIPULATING THE VOTE: HOW TO SPOT DISINFORMATION THAT THREATENS US ELECTIONS

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 16, 11:00 am-12:00 pm PDT

WHY: More than ever, deliberate media manipulation is a staple of our media and political environments. Bad actors seek to create confusion, depress voter enthusiasm, and change the course of the elections. Our communities are attacked in specific and tailored ways and, as journalists, we need to know how to spot and address this crisis.

THE CONTAGION OF HATE – THE OTHER VIRUS IN AMERICA

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 9, 11:00 am-12:15 pm PDT

WHY: Many people of color say they have experienced hate-motivated crime and discrimination amid the COVID pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests. Stop AAPI Hate has recorded 2,583 incidents of hate crimes and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. White supremacy groups are proliferating, targeting people of all races. Our speakers will discuss how hate is contagious, much like a virus, and what to do if you are a bystander or victim.

A PRIMER ON THE SF ELECTIONS – WHY VOTING IN LOCAL ELECTIONS MATTERS, HOW RANKED-CHOICE VOTING WORKS, AND HOW TO OVERCOME LANGUAGE BARRIERS

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 11:00 am-12:00 pm PDT

WHY: We in the ethnic and community media need to ensure that forecasts of uncertainty about the Nov.3. elections don’t become self-fulfilling prophecy. We can do this by reporting facts – including the historic importance local elections play as incubators for reform. Studies show when voters worry the ballots will be too complicated, they tend not to vote. Our speakers will explain how to fill in a rank-choice-voting ballot and overcome language barriers.

SURVIVING THE GIG ECONOMY – WHO PAYS FOR THAT $10 UBER RIDE?

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 11:00 am-12:00 pm PDT

WHY: The U.S. labor force is increasingly moving towards the gig economy. More than one-third of workers in the U.S. – overwhelmingly people of color and first generation immigrants – participate in the informal labor force, working long hours for low, inconsistent wages, and no benefits. California voters will weigh in on the gig economy via Prop. 22 on the November ballot, which seeks to keep app-based drivers as independent contractors, rather than employees. Experts will discuss Prop. 22, the feasibility of the gig economy, and the impact of the COVID pandemic.

SANTA CLARA VALLEY’S MEASURE T: WHY CONNECTING TO NATURE IS GOOD FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 1, 11:00 am-12:00 pm PDT

WHY: Pandemic lock-downs have taught us all the value of public parks and open space – people yearn to connect to nature after staying indoors. Learn how Measure T will ensure that open spaces in Santa Clara Valley stay protected and accessible, and why expanding public access to nature improves public health.

THE HEALTH IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE US AND WORLDWIDE

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 25, 11:00 am-12:15 pm PDT

WHY: Low-income communities around the globe and people of color are the hardest-hit by the increasing threat of climate change. Four eminent researchers will discuss the science of climate change, its impacts on communities of color and low-income people, and possible policy solutions.

SPOTTING AND PREVENTING SCAMS IN THE INLAND EMPIRE?

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 24, 11 am-12:30 pm PDT

WHY: Pandemic-related scams are flourishing amidst deepening economic hardships –desperation is a perfect seedground for fraud. In this briefing with ethnic and community media, the FTC joins with legal experts, law enforcement professionals, nonprofits like the BBB and community service providers to spotlight the landscape of consumer fraud as it is impacting the Inland Empire.

ON LIFE SUPPORT BECAUSE OF COVID-19: WILL ARTS AND CULTURE NEED A “NEW DEAL” TO SURVIVE?

WHEN: Friday, September 11, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm-3 pm EDT

WHY: Since the first COVID-19 case was reported in January 2020, virtually every arts organization in the country has had cancellations; theaters and performing venues have gone dark; productions and tours have been halted, at a combined loss of $12 billion. Some 94% of artists and performers have seen their incomes plummet, according to Americans for the Arts. EMS speaks with arts promoters and artists to learn more about the effects of the pandemic and what it would take to rescue arts in the United States.

VOTING ACCESS AND SAFETY DURING THE PANDEMIC: IS CALIFORNIA READY?

WHEN: Wednesday, September 9th, 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. PDT

WHY: The Golden State has pledged to make mail-in ballots available for all voters and to be ready to receive the influx, as well as to make in-person voting available for those who want to use it. Is California ready to ensure that all communities get a chance to vote in a safe manner, guarantee access to special needs and seniors as well as immigrant and first time voters?

REFRAMING THE DEBATE OVER LAW AND ORDER: HOW TO PROVIDE SAFETY AND JUSTICE IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND ASSESS IMPACT OF RIGHT-WING EXTREMISM?

WHEN: Friday, September 4, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm-3 pm EDT

WHY: The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic 60% increase in hunger and food insecurity in America. At least 54 million people in the US face hunger, close to 60 million who went hungry in the Great Depression of 1929. Food banks regularly see long lines — 40% are seeking food assistance for the first time. How did we reach this point and what are policies needed to address both the current crisis and the structural issue of hunger in America?

BRIEFING WITH ASSEMBLYMEMBER DAVID CHIU: UPDATE ON LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS EVICTION CRISIS FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS?

WHEN: Wednesday, September 2, 11:00-11:45 am PDT

WHY: Assemblymember David Chiu has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to avoid mass evictions of millions of Californians who are out of rent while ensuring that landlords are able to meet their financial obligations. He will provide an update on what the legislature was and wasn’t able to do and outline next steps.

HUNGER IN AMERICA NEARS LEVELS OF GREAT DEPRESSION – WHAT CAN BE DONE?

WHEN: Friday, August 28, 2020, 11 am PDT / 2 pm EDT

WHY: The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic 60% increase in hunger and food insecurity in America. At least 54 million people in the US face hunger, close to 60 million who went hungry in the Great Depression of 1929. Food banks regularly see long lines — 40% are seeking food assistance for the first time. How did we reach this point and what are policies needed to address both the current crisis and the structural issue of hunger in America?

DEPRESSION – WHAT CAN BE DONE?

WHEN: Friday, August 28, 2020, 11 am PDT / 2 pm EDT

WHY: The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic 60% increase in hunger and food insecurity in America. At least 54 million people in the US face hunger, close to 60 million who went hungry in the Great Depression of 1929. Food banks regularly see long lines — 40% are seeking food assistance for the first time. How did we reach this point and what are policies needed to address both the current crisis and the structural issue of hunger in America?

HOW SECURE IS OUR RIGHT TO VOTE? THE STAKES AND CHALLENGES FOR AMERICA’S ELECTORAL SYSTEM?

WHEN: Friday, August 21, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm – 3 pm EDT

WHY: For the first time voters of color represent a rising proportion of voters in both the 2020 presidential elections and in many swing states. Yet experts point to widespread dysfunctions in the electoral system — exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic — which threaten voter access especially in communities of color. The conference will provide an overview on what needs to be done to secure people’s right to vote; a new survey of concerns by first-time API and LatinX voters; issues of language access; and Black voter suppression in key southern states.

THE SCIENCE OF COVID-19: WHAT WE STILL DON’T KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS, TREATMENTS AND VACCINE, STOPPING THE SPREAD?

WHEN: Friday, August 14, 11:15 am-12:15 pm PDT / 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm EDT

WHY: Seven months into the pandemic, what have we learned about the virus and what do we need to know? How close are we to a vaccine and what treatments work best? Why haven’t we been able to stop the spread? Three leading experts will address these and related questions in a one-hour discussion.

AMID PANDEMIC, TRUMP ESCALATES WAR ON IMMIGRANTS

WHEN: Friday, August 7, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm – 3 pm EDT

WHY: Immigrants, who make up a significant portion of the nation’s essential workers, have nonetheless been targeted by the Trump administration during the pandemic. This briefing will explore the huge number of changes to immigration policy in recent months, with deep dives into DACA, Temporary Protected Status, and business immigration.

EVICTION THREAT LOOMS: 350 LATINX FAMILIES FIGHT BACK IN EAST PALO ALTO

WHEN: Monday, August 3, 11 am-12 pm PDT

WHY: Three families who rent apartments in East Palo Alto, lost work due to COVID-19 and now face eviction share their stories and how they organized to form a wider network to renegotiate with landlords.

DISTANCE LEARNING FOR K-12: CAN IT BE DONE WITH EQUITY FOR ALL KIDS?

WHEN: Friday, July 31, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm – 3 pm EDT

WHY: Most school districts across the country will rely on distance learning or hybrid models at the beginning of the school year, providing a challenge to educators and parents. As some families seek creative solutions –learning pods, tutors- what can be done to make sure that vulnerable and low income students who have limited options do not fall further behind?

AS THREAT LOOMS OVER CENSUS 2020, AN UPDATE FROM STATES AND COMMUNITIES AT RISK OF AN UNDERCOUNT

WHEN: Friday, July 24, 11 am-12 pm PDT / 2 pm – 3 pm EDT

WHY: As enumerators get ready to knock on doors starting August 11 to follow up on households that failed to self-respond to the Census questionnaire, and the Trump Administration issues a policy order seeking to bar undocumented immigrants from being counted for reapportionment, experts provide updates on what states and populations are being left behind, how enumerators will deal with the pandemic, and what options are available if there is a huge undercount.

FALLOUT FROM THE PANDEMIC: A TSUNAMI OF EVICTIONS POISED TO HIT U.S.

WHEN/WHERE: July 17, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Millions of workers laid off during the COVID pandemic have not been able to pay their rents. State and local politicians have enacted eviction moratoriums. But many of those protections are set to expire in August, setting off a tidal wave of evictions. Speakers will explore who is most at risk, measures to extend the moratoriums, and litigation and advocacy aimed at protecting tenants.

CALIFORNIA’S HOTTEST SPOT FOR COVID-19: IMPERIAL COUNTY’S LESSONS FOR FIGHTING THE SURGE

WHEN/WHERE: July 10, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Imperial county has the highest COVID-19 infection rate in California – six times higher than the state average – and the case load is rising, ICU units are 98% full. One fourth of residents live in poverty, 85% are Latino. The county is a microcosm of the racial and economic disparities that fuel the surge. Why have public health strategies failed so far? What do those advocating for the most vulnerable residents – farmworkers, low wage essential workers – think should be done?

GOOD NEWS IN CHALLENGING TIMES: SAN MATEO COUNTY LEADS STATE IN CENSUS SELF RESPONSE RATES 

WHEN/WHERE: June 30, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Leaders of San Mateo’s census outreach discuss how the county wound up leading the state with the highest self-response rates as of mid-June, and spotlight the areas where they are still grappling with high undercounts. Can San Mateo offer lessons for neighboring counties like San Francisco which lag behind the state average?

STRATEGIES FOR KEEPING IMMIGRANT FAMILIES HEALTHY AND SAFE

WHEN/WHERE: June 26, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: COVID-19 is having a disparate impact on communities of color and immigrants as widespread fear and confusion fueled by anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies prevent many immigrants from accessing health care and other services. This briefing will provide information about the programs and supports immigrants are eligible for, explain how to access them, and share an on-the-ground view of the impact of the pandemic on immigrant communities. Advocates will also share what is happening to fight for the inclusion of immigrants in future legislation.

SPOTTING AND AVOIDING SCAMS TARGETING DIVERSE COMMUNITIES IN INDIANAPOLIS + INDIANA

WHEN/WHERE: June 25, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM EST, online video conference

WHY: Every year, scammers steal hundreds of millions of dollars from people, selling fake services and worthless products. Scammers pretending to be the government threaten people with jail if they don’t pay nonexistent fines or fees. Our briefing will bring together public officials, legal aid providers, community advocates, and those who’ve experienced fraud to talk with local reporters about how to better inform people and help them protect themselves from scams.

GOING BACK TO “NORMAL” IS NOT AN OPTION AS U.S. SYSTEMS FAIL – CAN WE IMAGINE A MORE EQUITABLE FUTURE?

WHEN/WHERE: June 19, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: The inadequacy of America’s health care, economic, and policing systems has been laid bare by a perfect storm of crises that are hitting the country at the same time.  Four experts in the fields of race relations and criminal justice reform, immigrant integration, the job sector, and health care will share their perspectives on how to reimagine these systems in hopes of building a more equitable future.

WHY ARE OLDER AMERICANS SHOWING THE HIGHEST COVID-19 FATALITY RATES?

WHEN/WHERE: June 12, 11 AM-12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY:8 out of 10 COVID-related deaths in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years old and older, reports the Centers for Disease Control. Up to 70 percent of COVID 19 hospitalizations are of people aged 85 or older in certain communities.

TRACKING THE PANDEMIC: CAUGHT IN THE GRIP OF A TRIPLE CRISIS – HOW DOES AMERICA MOVE FORWARD?

WHEN/WHERE: June 5, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY:The United States is in the grip of a triple crisis: the COVID 19 pandemic, the resulting economic collapse and an eruption of civil unrest over racial injustice. What have we learned and what can we do to address the deep seated structural inequalities these crises reveal. EMS has invited leaders and advocates in the civil rights and racial justice field to share their recommendations.

CALL-TO-ACTION TO SAN FRANCISCO PARENTS: COUNT US IN!

WHEN/WHERE: June 3, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY: EMS announce the winners of an Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) – sponsored city-wide contest for 14-21 year-olds on “Why My Family Counts” and introduces four of the 100-plus contestants. Census advocates document how San Francisco is behind the state-wide average in self-response rates, possible reasons why and what is to be done.

STRATEGIES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE

WHEN/WHERE: May 29, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY:A majority of “mom and pop” small businesses are founded by ethnic Americans. Many have been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. EMS’s May 29 briefing brings together experts to discuss strategies for recovery and even long-term growth. Overall, 90 percent of minority and women founded business were shut out of the Paycheck Protection Program.

THE SHADOW PANDEMIC: COVID-19’S IMPACT ON WOMEN

WHEN/WHERE: May 22, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, online video conference

WHY: Experts will present and discuss a UN Women Report that explains how the crisis has exacerbated gender inequality, discuss the history of women and pandemics and track the rise of domestic violence and impact on key women issues going forward.

CENSUS DELAYS – WHAT TEXAS REDISTRICTING MEANS FOR IMMIGRANTS AND COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

WHEN/WHERE: May 20, 1 PM – 2 PM CST, online video conference

WHY: A delay in the census because of COVID-19 pandemic could push Texas redistricting into legislative overtime. Next year’s redistricting round will be the first time in nearly half a century that the Texas legislature can redraw maps without any federal supervision to ensure they don’t discriminate against communities of color.

CORONAVIRUS SCAMS, HOW TO AVOID THEM, RESOURCES FOR DEALING WITH THE PANDEMIC’S FINANCIAL IMPACT

WHEN/WHERE: May 15, 11-11:30 PM PST (English) & 11:30-12 PM PST (Spanish), online video conference

WHY: Two experts – both lawyers with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency – will share information on Coronavirus scams they’re seeing, advice on how to avoid them, and resources for getting through the pandemic’s financial impact.

MIDDLE EASTERN NORTH AFRICAN (MENA) AND THE 2020 CENSUS – THE STAKES FOR POLITICAL REPRESENTATION

WHEN/WHERE: May 13, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: An online video conference with ethnic and community media from California to discuss the challenges of engaging Middle Eastern and North African communities in the 2020 census, featuring media, community leaders, and stakeholders.

COVID-19’S IMPACT ON THE DEVELOPING WORLD

WHEN/WHERE: May 8, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: The UN World Food Program predicts “hunger pandemics”; migration flows have ground to a halt; desperate people seek survival in the forests, putting the rainforest at risk. Experts review the trends as the pandemic spreads to the developing world. Global leadership will have to address these crises as an integral part of the pandemic.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC – CAN AMERICA SAFELY GO BACK TO WORK IN MAY?

WHEN/WHERE: May 1, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: An online video conference discussing the COVID-19 pandemic, the California government’s response to the crisis, health disparities among Latinos and African Americans, and the impact on children and education.

HOW TO DETECT AND REPORT ON DISINFORMATION

WHEN/WHERE: April 24, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: Ethnic media are trusted messengers but we are inundated with mis- and dis-information about issues crucial to our communities – from the 2020 census to the pandemic to elections. EMS is honored to host a seminar with two of the country’s leading disinformation experts. The zoom conference call will cover real-world examples of census disinformation and offer recommendations for how to report on disinformation responsibly.

TRACKING THE PANDEMIC – A CONVERSATION WITH CALIFORNIA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER RICARDO LARA

WHEN/WHERE: April 22, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: California’s worker compensation system aims to provide medical and wage benefits to those injured on the job. What happens when workers deemed “essential” get sick from COVID-19 on the job? Many are uninsured or underinsured or are undocumented. What are California authorities doing to keep employers and insurers in check.

COVID-19 VIDEO CONFERENCE: PANDEMIC IMPACT ON ETHNIC POPULATIONS

WHEN/WHERE: April 17, 11 AM – 12 PM PST, online video conference

WHY: An ethnic media briefing on the ongoing COVID-19 situation, including an update on the pandemic and briefing on statewide initiatives to mitigate the impact.

ACCESSING HEALTHCARE AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES DURING THE PANDEMIC

WHEN/WHERE: April 8, online video conference

WHY: This will be EMS’s third online briefing for ethnic news media to hear from Medical and legal experts and advocates about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the health and wellbeing of their communities EMS will host these telebriefings on a weekly basis over the next eight to ten weeks.

CALIFORNIA COMPLETE COUNT – CENSUS 2020 BRIEFING

WHEN/WHERE: April 1, online video conference

WHY: The telebriefing gives you direct access to California’s leading expert on the census, Ditas Katague, Director of California Complete Count office for the 2020 census.

COVID-19 BRIEFING – THE BASICS FOR ALL COMMUNITIES

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 27, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PST (English) / 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM PST (Spanish)

WHY: Public health officials, frontline health care providers, legal experts & advocates addressed major concerns for all communities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE HIGH STAKES FOR FLORIDA’S DIVERSE COMMUNITIES IN THE 2020 CENSUS

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 24, 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST online video conference

WHY: An online video conference with ethnic and community media from Miami-Dade & Broward Counties to discuss the challenges of engaging Florida’s diverse communities in the 2020 census.  Learn why advocates see the census as a tool of empowerment for their communities.

CENSUS BRIEFING: THE STAKES FOR PACIFIC ISLANDERS

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 14, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PST, Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, San Mateo

WHY: The population of Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians in California has grown dramatically over the last decade, yet the community remains largely invisible.  The census is an ideal opportunity to strengthen communications with these groups.

ADDRESSING SECURITY OF INFORMATION AND PRIVACY ISSUES

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 13, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST

WHY: Leading civil rights advocates and states census officials will host a telephone press briefing to discuss the start of the 2020 census, protections around census data confidentiality, and the work being done to encourage participation across the country.

CALIFORNIA CENSUS ROUNDTABLE FOR NATIVE AMERICAN MEDIA

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 9, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PST Pala Casino Spa and Resort, Pala

WHY: A roundtable on the 2020 Census in California featuring representatives from the Census Bureau, Native American media and community leaders, and stakeholders and experts.

THE HIGH STAKES FOR SOUTH, SOUTHEAST, & CENTRAL ASIANS IN THE 2020 CENSUS

WHEN/WHERE: Mar 5, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PST Chinese for Affirmative Action, San Francisco

WHY: A focus on South, Southeast, and Central Asian populations, to amplify the voice & activities of community leaders working to promote the Census and strengthen communications outreach by building connections to nonprofits and ethnic media.

Stay tuned for our exclusive event coverage on these events.