See news from the Rafiki Coalition as it celebrates the retirement of Executive Director Perry Lang after more than a decade of service. The dedication of the coalition continues as it announces its "First Saturday" Healthy Party for Black History Month.

In its quest to reactivate a dormant federal law that was passed in 1945 by the 79th United States Congress under President Harry S. Truman to honor an American scientist, Dr. George Washington Carver, the Healing Institute, Be A Champion Foundation and its collaborative partners have developed the award-winning Carver Scholars Program. The program is designed to address the digital divide and bridge the gap in Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Math and Medicine to prepare underserved students for emerging career pathways. Read the Details.

Happy New Year from Wright Enterprises! This W.E. Community Spotlight Newsletter, originally posted December 31, 2016, highlights "The Power of Giving" locally, nationally and internationally. Warriors' Steph Curry shows leadership off the court by impacting lives of people in need; The Mazisi Foundation of Durban, South Africa demonstrates in deed how the arts can make a substantive difference; Malibongwe Seniors, also of Durban, kick a ball around for health and inspiration; and W.E. reminds giving should not be for just one season of the year. Giving benefits the giver as it transforms the receiver. Don't just wait until the year-end to invest in community. Read and be inspired!

Iris Canada made news in April and September 2016 as the trials and tribulations of her fight to age in place with a covenant she had paid for to stay in her apartment of over 50 years was being challenged as the new owner of her building allegedly wanted to skirt around San Francisco condo-conversion laws resulting in an effort to evict her. Through it all, she remained steadfast and received support of groups like The Housing Committee of San Francisco. Ms. Canada inspired many during the Christmas Holidays by playing Santa and giving back. See exclusive photos shared with Wright Enterprises of her giving and her honors.

News Posted Courtesy of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, San Francisco Chapter. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, San Francisco is a partner with Covered California. The partnership is in strategic alignment with the organization's health initiatives.

Original Post- Thursday, 12/22/16-"Make Christmas Merry," is the call to action from Wright Enterprises. As recent news from Berlin and Oakland comes to mind, W.E. says the specters of the times are reminders to cherish what we have with the ones we have in our lives. NFL's Marshawn Lynch opened his "Beastmode" Store in downtown Oakland as children and nonprofits gathered to benefit from the occasion of the visit of Black Santa. Among other news, The African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council applauds the CALPERS for taking a stand against tobacco. San Francisco artist and activist, Kevin Epps, uses Facebook to Fight Eviction two days before Christmas.

AATCLC, Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, NAATPN, Inc., Truth Initiative, and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids convened a national press conference asking President Barack Obama to issue an executive order prohibiting the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco products. The group says no word from President Obama, yet you can get the details yourself from the news conference held in the article. Take action to protect your family, don't wait for POTUS.

W.E. reposts Tuesday's news on prlog.org from the Durban Film Mart. December 12, 2016 is the last day to submit film projects to the 2017 Durban FilmMart-Edition 8. The CA Black Chamber of Commerce Trade Mission to South Africa stimulated new opportunities. Call for projects results in creativity with commerce to ensue.

Z Hotel in Jack London Square Rebrand marks one of the fun places you can visit in Oakland! New Museum exhibit, holiday fun and more are just a few reasons Frances Wong and Allie Neal of "Visit Oakland" say" Come on Over to Visit Oakland!"