The Word with Jackie Rae

Passion is often a powerful force, driving individuals to give selflessly of their time and expertise.

For Erin Carey, coaching the Wilson High School's girls' basketball team was a labor of love. But after leading the Wilson Bruins to the CIF Southern Section Division 3A championship in 2020 — the school's first title in the sport in 20 years — the financial sacrifices began to take a toll.

Earning a stipend of just $4,533.03 for the entire season and having to maintain her job in aerospace — Carey made the difficult decision to step down from her coaching role for financial reasons in 2021.

Carey's passion for coaching and inspiring young women couldn't keep her away for long. In 2022, she returned to the head coaching position, driven by her love for the game and her desire to push her players to greatness.

Unfortunately, Carey's return was short-lived. Facing consistent personal attacks from parents, Carey made the difficult decision to step down mid-season earlier this year, citing the need to prioritize her mental health.

On this episode of The Word with Jackie Rae podcast, Carey opens up about her decision, highlighting the importance of mental health and the challenges of balancing passion with personal well-being.

Most candidates challenging incumbents in the current race for a seat on the City Council have little, if any, political experience.

Gerrie Schipske, a candidate for the 4th District seat, stands out as an exception. With over 20 years of political experience, Schipske has served as the Long Beach City College trustee from 1992 to 1996, ran for Congress in 2000 and served two terms on the City Council after being elected in 2006.

After redistricting absorbed portions of what was once District 5, Schipske is now running again.

On this episode of “The Word with Jackie Rae” podcast, Schipske discusses the need for transparency in local government, police reform and promoting a unified Long Beach.

To learn more about Gerrie Schipske visit her website, and for more about all the candidates, visit lbpost.com/elections.

In 2020, Tunua Thrash-Ntuk ran against Councilman Al Austin for the 8th District seat. Austin prevailed, but now that he's termed out, Thrash-Ntuk is running again with endorsements from most of the current City Council and mayor.

Thrash-Ntuk, who's previously been tapped by Mayor Rex Richardson to co-chair his transition committee and a policy task force on economic inclusion, says she's got a head start knowing how to get things done. She says she wants to revitalize underserved business corridors in the 8th District, bring in quality jobs and create safe neighborhoods.

On this episode of “The Word with Jackie Rae” podcast, Thrash-Ntuk explains why she believes her background and relationships with city leaders will earn her a seat in the City Council.

You can learn more about her on her website.

Read all the Long Beach Post's campaign coverage at lbpost.com/elections.

If diversity is the spice of life, Ketty Citterio has led a flavorful one. Citterio, the daughter of an Olympian, followed in her father's athletic footsteps and played professional basketball in her home country of Italy.

After studying foreign languages, Citterio traveled the world in the tourism industry before making her way to California. When she arrived in the United States 29 years ago, she worked as a linguist, translating English movies into Italian.

Eventually, Citterio longed for a community like the one her parents and five siblings helped her grow to love. She and her wife made their way to Long Beach, where Citterio joined Friends of Bixby Park and began working to help the unhoused in the park and make it safer for neighbors.

On this episode of "The Word with Jackie Rae" podcast, Citterio explains how the city's lacking response to the community's needs prompted her to run for Long Beach City Council District 2. To learn more about Citterio, you can visit her website.

Cristino Pinto has a unique background. He was born and raised in Angola, where he worked for the Angolan government before making Long Beach his home in the United States, where his goal was to further his education.

While he is currently working as a professor in the art history department at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College and Compton College, Pinto is hoping to add the title of District 6 council member to his resume.

On this episode of “The Word with Jackie Rae” podcast, we learn how Pinto wants to reduce traffic deaths, address homelessness and give a voice to a drastically underserved community.

To learn more about Pinto, you can visit his website here.

A new era is unfolding for residents in City Council District 8. Not only has the district expanded after the city completed redistricting in 2021 — Councilmember Al Austin is leaving an open seat for a new candidate after completing a 12-year tenure.

With a diverse professional background and a history of community leadership, Sharifa Batts is hoping she can secure the seat in the March election. Batts, who served as vice president of environment & sustainability for Ports of America, was also appointed by former Mayor Robert Garcia to Long Beach’s Equity and Human Relations Commission. Batts says her love for the community she grew up in is why she's dedicated to trying to beautify and improve District 8.

On this episode of “The Word with Jackie Rae” podcast, Batts explains why she believes her background, along with being a native of Long Beach, makes her the ideal candidate for the District 8 seat.

To learn more about candidate Sharifa Batts, you can visit her website.

Most of us can't remember our favorite toy at the age of 3. That could be because that toy did not ignite a passion within us.

Clifton Weaver is not like most of us. While we were begging our parents for the latest toy, Weaver was fervently asking his parents to play the 1974 album "Fire" by the Ohio Players.

Instead of playing the same album for their determined toddler over and over, Weaver's parents gave him his own turntable and copy of the album to play on repeat.

Looking back, that is the moment Weaver the DJ, also known as DJ Soft Touch, was born. On this episode of "The Word with Jackie Rae" podcast, we delve into Weaver's musical upbringing, discovering how his early experiences have become the foundation for his exceptional DJ skills and unwavering loyalty to vinyl.

Weaver is set to start his new residency in the downtown Los Angeles Arts District this week — and you can find him every month at his '60s soul/garage rock night at the Monty Bar in Westlake. You can find Weaver's upcoming DJ appearances by visiting his Instagram.

In a time when supporting local businesses is more critical than ever, the city of Long Beach took a significant step forward in November by introducing the Shop Long Beach app. This citywide initiative not only celebrates entrepreneurship but also aims to provide a lifeline for small business owners struggling with financial challenges.

The Shop Long Beach initiative offers a platform for small business owners to connect with their customers on a deeper level by providing exclusive rewards and incentives.

DW Ferrell is the visionary behind this endeavor. With his app called Localight, Ferrell's mission to give back to the community is deeply ingrained in his upbringing. From watching his father open their spare bedroom to unhoused individuals — to helping people in Compton learn tech before the rise of the internet, Ferrell has never wavered from his determination to use technology to empower people.

On this episode of “The Word with Jackie Rae" podcast, Ferrell explains how his unique background and understanding of systemic racism have allowed him to use his tech powers for good.

If you are a small business owner who would like to join the Shop Long Beach initiative or, if you are a customer who would like to start earning rewards at local businesses, you can download the Localight app or visit the website here.

Long Beach resident Jerlene Tatum has been a vocal advocate for justice, equity, and community empowerment.

In 2022, she stood as a liaison for the Rodriguez family after a Long Beach Unified School District officer fatally shot 18-year-old Mona Rodriguez.

Earlier this year, Tatum pitched her tent at Silverado Park, opposing the city's plan to repurpose the park's gym into a temporary homeless shelter. She argued it was unfair to take away the gym from an already park-poor community.

In the past, Tatum has sought to spotlight issues affecting marginalized communities in Long Beach, and she's now hoping to bring her perspective to the Long Beach Unified School District's governing board. She has announced her intention to run against school board member Erik Miller for his Area 2 seat representing Central and West Long Beach.

On this episode of "The Word with Jackie Rae" podcast, Tatum talks about her vision for the future of education in Long Beach.

We've also invited Miller on the show, but he has so far not responded to interview requests. The election is March 5.

The Long Beach Post and the Long Beach Business Journal have embarked on a new chapter: The publications now comprise the city's largest nonprofit newsroom after forming under a new charity called the Long Beach Journalism Initiative.

This move means we are now relying on the community for support.

A key player in this transition is Melissa Evans, former executive editor who has led this transition. She is now the CEO of the Long Beach Journalism Initiative, or LBJI.

Last week, LBJI got some significant news: we received our 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, which means donations to our work are now tax-deductible.

On this episode of "The Word with Jackie Rae" podcast, Evans explains why newsrooms nationwide are shifting toward nonprofit business models and what the move means for Long Beach.

You can become a valued member or make a tax-deductible donation by clicking the link here. Your support will directly contribute to sustaining quality journalism and ensuring that the Long Beach Post remains a vital source of information for our community.

In July 2020, Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments from her foot. At the time, the circumstances surrounding the incident were hazy. Less than a month later, Tory Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was named as the shooter.

Although charges would not be officially filed until October 2020, Lanez had no intention of letting the case play out in court. He quickly enlisted the court of public opinion when he released his album called "Daystar," filled with lyrics proclaiming his innocence on songs like "Money over Fallouts," which seemed to question the validity of the shooting with the lyrics, "How the f--- did you get shot in your foot and not hit any bones or tendons?"

In the same month, a judge issued a protective order against Lanez, prohibiting him from being within 100 yards of Stallion. Although the two performers did not cross paths, a judge ruled that Lanez was in violation of the order when both he and Stallion performed at the Rolling Loud event in July 2021.

In April 2022, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office stated that Lanez violated the orders against him by addressing his ex-girlfriend directly on social media and by discussing DNA evidence. In December 2022, the trial began. The prosecution recited statements made by Los Angeles Police Detective Ryan Stogner, who alleged that Lanez yelled, "Dance, b----," while firing at Stallion.

The twists and turns that occurred during the trial leading to Lanez's 10-year prison sentence are too numerous to mention. While Lanez's fans took to social media to voice their opinions about the trial, independent legal affairs reporter Meghann Cuniff quickly became the reliable source for delivering the facts surrounding the case.

On this episode of "The Word with Jackie Rae," Cuniff reveals how the defense failed to divert the blame to Kelsey Harris, Stallion's ex-friend who was present at the time of the shooting, and her thoughts on Lanez's upcoming appeal. 

You can follow and support Cuniff as she continues to give extensive coverage on high-profile cases by visiting her website, or you can follow her on Instagram.

In July of 2020, hip-hop artists Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion left a party in Los Angeles. Prosecutors say that at some point, an altercation escalated between the two, resulting in Lanez firing at Stallion and causing injuries to both feet.

Stallion underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments, and Lanez was charged with felony assault in October of 2020.

Ultimately, Lanez was charged with assault with a semi-automatic firearm, having a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. He was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison on Aug. 8, 2023.

Now, Lanez is seeking assistance from the Long Beach-based legal organization Unite The People, where Lanez once served as a board member.

In 2021, Lanez donated $50,000 to pay off the legal fees for 30 families working with Unite the People, stating, "Going through my own situations, I can understand how the legal system can be."

The nonprofit, founded in 2016 by Cesar McDowell, promotes social justice in the area of legal and judicial reform throughout the United States. Typically, it helps people who have been over-sentenced by the justice system because they couldn't afford high-powered attorneys.

So why is Unite the People helping Lanez, who had the means to hire attorneys and fight the charges? On this episode of The Word with Jackie Rae, attorneys Crystal Morgan and Michael Hayden explain why they think Lanez was treated unfairly

In the world of entrepreneurship, challenges are commonplace, but for Black-owned businesses, these hurdles can be especially daunting. Marvin Wilcher, CEO of Camp Nova, a marketing, media, and brand design company, believes that dwelling on these disadvantages can hinder the progress of new entrepreneurs.

"Yes, there is a disadvantage in being an African American-owned business in some industries," admits Wilcher. However, he also emphasizes that overcoming these challenges can transform individuals into better businesspeople.

Emery Morrison, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Camp Nova, echoes this sentiment. He believes that excelling in business not only benefits their own enterprise but also opens doors for other African Americans. "When you have an opportunity to hire, you give us and other people who look like that — opportunities,” says Morrison.

On this episode of "The Word with Jackie Rae" podcast, Morrison delved into his background in hip-hop, explaining how it led him to the creation of branded cell phones. Meanwhile, Wilcher revealed how offering part of his land to cannabis farmers paved the way for his entry into the cannabis business. These diverse ventures eventually converged, resulting in the formation of Camp Nova—a multifaceted product, branding, and media company.

To discover more about this inspiring journey and the company's endeavors, you can follow them on Instagram or visit their website.

For cinephiles and avid TV consumers, the months-long Hollywood writer strikes spelled impending doom for beloved shows and movies as the entertainment industry came to a grinding halt.

There was the possibility that actors like Bella Ramsey—known for her role as Ellie in "The Last of Us"—could age out her iconic role. For the writers themselves, it was a fight for a livable wage.

Fortunately, the Writers Guild of America's impending agreement could serve as a beacon of hope, ultimately paving the way for SAG-AFTRA to also secure an agreement.

But the strikes ultimately dragged on for months as the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers failed to reach agreements with the writers and actors unions.

On this episode of "The Word with Jackie Rae," author, screenwriter, and Long Beach resident Raqiyah Mays discusses the challenges posed by the WGA strike and the necessity of this labor action. She also dives deep into her background in journalism, her childhood desire to write, and more.

"The strike was really about standing up to the bullies, you know, making sure that we get a piece of the billions and billions of dollars that the studios are actually making," Mays said. "And it's unfortunate that the strike had to go what, five months and a deal was made in three days? That's ridiculous."

To learn more about Raqiyah Mays you can visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

Long nights in the studio and early mornings in a classroom. This was the early reality for Long Beach native and Cambodian-American singer-songwriter Satica.

A lot has changed since Satica was a young teenager who posted her music on MySpace just to see if anyone would appreciate her sound. Now, at 30, Satica looks back and reflects on attending Poly High School, her Cambodian parents, the city of Long Beach and how it all set her on her musical path.

On this episode of “The Word with Jackie Rae,” Satica talks about her musical and writing inspirations, as well as her upcoming project. You can follow Satica’s journey on Instagram.

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Long Beach, a new star has emerged to capture the essence of the city's diverse and mouthwatering cuisine.

Caitlin Antonios joined the Long Beach Post as a food reporter in May and has quickly become a cherished voice in the community.

From her understanding of the Long Beach Health Department, her news background and her insight into what might tantalize the taste buds of readers, Antonios has already made a name for herself in the local food scene.

On this episode of “The Word with Jackie Rae,” we learn about Antonios’ career in journalism and how she went from a breaking news and crime reporter to a food reporter for the Post.

You can follow Antonios at twitter.com/caitlinantonios.

I knew it was going to stir intense emotions when I wrote about a prominent white woman in Long Beach repeating a racial slur, but I didn’t realize it would still be causing controversy months later.

It is interesting to sit back and watch how things play out. When I originally wrote the column addressing a long-standing staple in the food community and the creator of Long Beach Black Restaurant Week, Terri Henry, using the N-word on multiple occasions, I thought that it would result in the same song and dance we see time and time again.

A public apology, assurances that the behavior was not a reflection of her character, and a promise to be better. Nothing of the sort took place. Instead, Henry doubled down and said the apologies that were needed were given privately, and she fully expected her work in the Black community to absolve her of any and all backlash.

For the most part, she was right. Not only were several Black restaurant owners involved with Black Restaurant Week unmoved by her behavior, but they also continued to work with her. Things took a turn when writer Brian Addison, another prominent figure in the Long Beach food scene, challenged Henry’s selling of Long Beach Black Restaurant Week as a way to scam the Black community.

That assertion resulted in a very public battle over Black Restaurant Week between two white residents in Long Beach. As odd as that is, Addison’s claims did result in Henry issuing her first public apology, seven months after her repeated use of the racial slur.

While the mudslinging was well underway, Addison sent me a text mocking Terri Henry. It included a picture of her, which he intentionally altered to feature a cartoon bubble right beside her with the same racial slur that he felt was reason enough for everyone in the community to sever ties with her.

What is the difference between what Henry said and a text message Addison created and circulated to his friends that included a racial slur? None.

There was a difference in the aftermath. Almost immediately, Addison issued a private apology to me, as well as posted a public apology on his Facebook page, ‘Long Beach Food Scene.’

This all reinforced my belief that we need to talk about these issues more openly.

A few months ago, I sat down with three leaders from the Black community: Honey Blu of New Era Long Beach and the April Parker Foundation, Senay Kenfe of The Six, and Wes Porter of Urban Society of Long Beach. The goal was to have a conversation about why we as Black people use a word that has always and will always be used outside of the community as a way to show hate and devalue us.

While I felt the conversation was enlightening and needed, I struggled with releasing it so long after Henry’s initial use of the word. But here we are again.

While I am disappointed that the use of the N-word by a prominent white person in the community has happened again, I am proud of the resolve several people in the community have to move forward together.

I invite you to listen to the first episode of The Conversation, a podcast that brings leaders from the community together to discuss difficult topics and, hopefully, bring about change.

In a market dominated by cultural preferences, Black Americans have demonstrated a significant financial commitment to the beauty and haircare industry. According to the 2018 Nielsen report, African Americans spent $54 million on beauty and haircare products in 2017.

Despite the substantial spending power, Black entrepreneurs often struggle to own beauty supply stores as more than 70% of stores in the United States are owned by Korean Americans.

The hold Korean Americans have on this sector can be traced back to their control over the vast majority of the supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution and retail of hair extensions.

While owning a beauty supply store may be difficult for African Americans, it’s not impossible, especially for those who are familiar with breaking barriers. In 2002, George Mack became the second African American driver to participate in the Indianapolis 500—following in the footsteps of Willy T. Ribbs, the first African American to compete in the event in 1991.

Eventually, Mack’s desire to embrace his heritage led him to rebrand himself from George Mack to Baron Bey. Transitioning from racing to entrepreneurship, he founded Coast Auto Care and Tires, a venture that resonated with his automotive enthusiasm.

On this episode of "The Word with Jackie Rae," Bey shares how he navigated the challenges of transitioning from a race car driver to a thriving beauty supply store owner. Bey believes his establishment, Long Beach Hair Gallery, at 1323 Long Beach Blvd., stands as a testament to his determination and the potential for African Americans to succeed in a market that may have once seemed impenetrable.

Long Beach Hair Gallery is open Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Coast Auto Care and Tires, is at 550 E Pacific Coast Hwy, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Nov. 10, 2013, 39-year-old Donte Jordan was shot in the back by police officers as he walked away from them. Police said Jordan fit the description of a man shooting a gun at a Shell gas station shortly before police arrived.

Although Jordan had dropped the gun he'd been holding before he was shot, the District Attorney's office concluded the officers “acted lawfully in self-defense and the defense of others,” saying Jordan “was walking down a public street carrying the handgun he had used only moments before.”

Jordan’s mother Pamela Fields does not agree with the actions taken by police or the findings of the DA. While she cannot bring her son back, she says enjoying his memorial bench in Seaside Park every Sunday brings her some comfort.

While she is grateful for the help Audrena Redmond with Black Lives Matter Long Beach and the Long Beach Arts Council put into making the memorial bench a reality, she says she's been hurt by a recent memo from Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica and Chief Police Wally Hebeish saying the bench is inappropriate and never should have been allowed. Fields said this attitude underscores the lack of respect and concern  Long Beach police have for Black citizens.

On today’s episode of "The Word With Jackie Rae" podcast, Fields and Redmond discuss what went into making the bench a reality and why pushback from the city leaders has exacerbated distrust in the community.

In 2014, the nonprofit Students for Fair Admissions was formed with a single goal: to challenge affirmative action policies.

Nearly a decade later, the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down race-conscious admissions at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

What does this mean for the country? California may give a glimpse. The state banned affirmative action at public universities in 1996, causing an immediate drop in enrollment rates for Latino and African American students.

While Latino rates have since recovered, mostly as a result of changes in demographics, Black student enrollment has not. In 1995, 6% of entering freshmen at UC Berkeley were African American. By 2017, those numbers had dropped to less than 3%.

On today's episode of "The Word with Jackie Rae," Dr. Jose Moreno, associate professor and chair of the Department of Chicano & Latino Studies at Cal State Long Beach, discusses why the Supreme Court ruling could have long-lasting effects.