Magic And Cookie Johnson Support Sneaker Ball That Raised $350K For Private School Scholarships For Black And Brown Students

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 13, 2023

Magic And Cookie Johnson Support Sneaker Ball That Raised $350K For Private School Scholarships For Black And Brown Students

PSV is not a school but rather a village of families working together across and in partnership with private schools to bolster belonging and create a more equitable and healthy school experience.

Private School Village (PSV), a parent-focused nonprofit organization that supports Black and brown families across more than 65 Los Angeles private schools, celebrated its 5th anniversary at the Annual PSV Sneaker Soiree on Saturday, Nov. 4. More than 500 notable celebrities, business leaders, and supporters of PSV’s mission gathered at Second Home Hollywood for the prom-inspired, sneaker-themed fundraiser which raised more than $350,000 for the organizations newly-launched program, The Village Scholarship (TVS).

TVS is a partial elementary school scholarship designed to address affordability and the need to belong in a school community. The scholarship, for Black and brown students from low-income households, is set to roll out as a pilot program in January 2024 by naming its inaugural recipients. This first-of-its-kind scholarship is unique in that a parent-led organization is awarding financial support to families via a “portable” scholarship that empowers the recipient who may need to switch schools at some point. Additionally, it will not only impact representation and the organization’s efforts to increase racial socialization, but also, the scholarship aims to create increased opportunities to further evaluate and explore current school financial aid models to inspire ingenuity. Funds raised from the sneaker event supports at least four scholarships across a possible seven years of schooling, ensuring that deserving students have access to quality education and a supportive community.

“We are happy to support Private School Village and this new important scholarship program, The Village Scholarship. It helps pave a brighter future for Black and brown elementary school students,” said Earvin “Magic” and Cookie Johnson, longtime advocates for education and private school grandparents.

“PSV is a wonderful organization doing unique and long overdue work to better the experience for our children in schools. It embodies the spirit of community and showcases the incredible impact we can make when we come together.”

Renowned Actor and PSV Community Member Michael Ealy co-hosted the event urging guests to reflect on the impact of PSV and make generous contributions to support The Village Scholarship.

Ealy said, “The PSV Sneaker Soiree surpassed all expectations! With the immense power, diversity, and soul of this community, we are now able to cultivate a much healthier experience for our children’s education. We’re creating unforgettable memories! Together, we celebrated the joy of giving, the transformative impact it brings, all while dancing the night away.”

Producer/Actor & PSV Community Member Tory Kittles said, “I believe that PSV’s presence is crucial because there are no other organizations like it that specifically cater to the needs of the Black and brown community. As a parent, it has been incredibly valuable to receive support not only for myself and my family but also to witness the potential impact it can have on the community as a whole. It’s truly a unique and essential resource.”

Lisa Johnson, founder and executive director of PSV, expressed, “There is tremendous power in the PSV community – a community of Black and brown families working together across private schools to address challenges and experiences that largely impact us in these predominantly white institutions. The launch of The Village Scholarship is just one more way we are working collaboratively with our schools to solve for a decades old challenge—affordability! This is empowering, significant, and only the tip of the iceberg of what PSV can do, together!”

The 4-hour event also recognized outstanding individuals, such as Traci Allen, a kindergarten teacher at The Wesley School who was honored with the PSV Teacher of the Year Award for her dedication to helping students feel seen and valued. Additionally, the Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences Black Family Alliance won Parent Program of the Year for “Project X,” a project that increased racial socialization and racial literacy. These honorees were nominated by PSV community members and recipients were selected by a small group of parents from across private schools serving as the selection committee.

The event featured DJ MaL-Ski, Solo the artist, Art Rebel, digital caricature portraits, photo booths, a raffle to Cabo valued at $12,000, and an online auction, providing guests with a memorable and enjoyable experience. VIP guests included Cookie Johnson, Michael Ealy, Tory Kittles, Danny Pino, Jada Paul, Channing Dungey, Tanika Ray, Lizzy Mathis, Angel Laketa Moore, KJ Rose, Crystal Lee Brown, Angela Lewis, James Farrior, and Nichol Whiteman.

About Private School Village

Private School Village (PSV) is a parent-focused voluntary 501(c)3 nonprofit working to support Black and brown families once enrolled in private schools so that students fully thrive. PSV, founded in 2018, is a first-of-its-kind community-based organization that works in partnership with families and more than 65 greater Los Angeles-based private schools to increase racial literacy, socialization, representation, and support related research. PSV is not a school but rather a village of families working together across and in partnership with private schools to bolster belonging and create a more equitable and healthy school experience. For more information about the PSV Sneaker Soiree, check the Private School Village Instagram @privateschoolvillage.org.

6 Black Celebrities Who Are Military Veterans

by Ahsan Washington

November 12, 2023

6 Black Celebrities Who Are Military Veterans

Each year much gratitude is shown for veterans who have occupied the four branches of the United States military: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.

Each year much gratitude is shown for veterans who have occupied the four branches of the United States military: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. These vets have made huge sacrifices in their own lives to serve our country on US soil and abroad. They can never be paid enough in honor or dollars. Their commitment is priceless.

BLACK ENTERPRISE thanks all US vets and extends a special thanks to the 29.2% of Black men and 16.9% of Black women who are currently enlisted in the military, while highlighting these six Black celebrities veterans.

MC Hammer

Long before he sold millions of records, the artist who gave us “Hammer Time” and “Can’t Touch This” gave the United States Navy three years of military service, according to SSS.Gov.

Ice T

Many know the rapper for his character Detective Odafin Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, but before becoming an actor and prior for his pimp persona, Ice T was in the 25th infantry division in Hawaii as an US Army soldier.

Sheryl Underwood

The talk show host and comedian has facilitated laughter and conversations around current events but once upon a time, Underwood was a field medic in the US Air Force. Underwood’s tour of duty landed her across the country and around the world in West Germany and South Korea, according to the Department of Defense.

Morgan Freeman

Prior to playing the role of God in “Bruce Almighty” and “Evan Almighty,” Freeman had already been sky high as a longtime veteran. After joining the service at the young age of 18, he became an Airman First Class for the US Air Force.

Nate Dog

This Long Beach, California rapper was a US Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan years before he laced harmonizing vocals over Hip-Hop tracks featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Warren G.

Sunny Anderson

Anderson is front and center on her cooking show on the Food Network and she was very much front and center in the US Air Force as a radio host for the military while stationed in Seoul, South Korea.

by Daniel Johnson

November 12, 2023

Virginia High School Renamed In Honor Of Carter G. Woodson

W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax City, VA voted on Nov. 9 to rename its school after Carter G. Woodson, the pioneer of Black History Month.

W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax City, VA, voted on Nov. 9 to rename its school after Carter G. Woodson, the pioneer of Black History Month. The school was initially named for W.T. Woodson, a noted segregationist, when it opened in 1962. When the 2023-2024 school year begins, the school will operate under the new name, Carter G. Woodson High School. According to Patch, the Fairfax County School Board Chair Elaine Tholen said ahead of the final vote, “What I really love about this perfect symmetry is the fact that Carter G. Woodson, not only was he a professor, got his PhD from Harvard, but he also was a school principal.”

The school’s renaming process began after some students and parents began expressing concern about W.T. Woodson’s legacy. In 1959, Woodson wrote in response to the “Brown v. Board of Education” ruling, “The order to desegregate schools is highly improper and infringes on human rights. To force integration of schools is to force social mixing, since attendance in public schools is usually compulsory. It takes advantage of the immaturity of children in that it tends to use it to force upon both parents and children social adjustments to which so many parents strongly object.”

It is because of this initial opposition to integration that students, parents, and community members began pushing for the school board to change the name. Due to the policy of Fairfax County Public Schools system, the board is given broad power to change the name of a school or facility, in order to create an inclusive or respectful environment. According to Patch, they have already changed the names of two high schools initially named for Confederate officers.

Megan McLaughlin, who along with Abrar Omeish oversaw the public engagement process and presented the renaming measure, told the publication, “Through multiple community meetings, public hearings, and online feedback forms, we have engaged in rich discussion and gained a deeper understanding about our shared history.”

Abrar said of the choice to change the school’s name, “One of the things that screams the loudest to me in this story is not only that we have to turn the tide and correct what’s been wrong, but that complicity is not OK.”

Abrar continued, “[W.T. Woodson] perhaps wasn’t Robert E. Lee or J.E.B. Stuart, but he was someone who enabled through his power and inaction, having that power, did the wrongs of our past. That makes us reflect. What are the many ways that we continue to be complicit as a system as individuals in various harms unfolding in our society?”

Abrar also discussed the importance of creating narratives that increase diversity, saying, “It’s meaningful that Carter G. Woodson, being considered the Father of Black History, someone who was a contributor to the idea of an African American History Month, that that solution is through education.”

Abrar added, “I want us to take a moment to also appreciate what that requires. That resources and energies and blood, sweat and tears were spent to not only develop, but then to push forward and try to raise year, after year, after year, the importance of creating these narratives, so that a child in school’s first exposure to black people is not enslavement.”

by Daniel Johnson

November 12, 2023

Laila Edwards Is The First Black Woman On US National Hockey Team

Laila Edwards, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, became the first Black woman to play for the United States Senior National Team when she took the ice for her shift during a game against Canada on Nov 11

Laila Edwards, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, became the first Black woman to play for the United States Senior National hockey team when she took the ice during a game against Canada on Nov. 11. Edwards was rightfully critical of her milestone moment, as she told Andscape ahead of the contest, “It’s an honor to be the first Black woman on the national team, but this team’s been around for a long time.”

Edwards continued, “And not to sound ungrateful, but it would have been nice to have someone that looked like me on that team before me. I’m glad that I’m able to be that someone for another little Black girl out there.”

At 6’1 Edwards is an imposing figure on the ice and was the tallest player on the ice during the contest. In addition to her size, Edwards possesses unusual skills for her age, which is a reason why she is making her Olympic debut at just 19 years of age.

Hilary Knight, a four-time Olympian, remarked to The Athletic that she is dazzled by some of the things Edwards can do with the puck, “The way she can rip the puck, it looks like it’s about to break the glass or rip the netting,” Knight said. “I wish I had all those things at that age.”

https://twitter.com/espnW/status/1722385269595288051?t=_ym6fiLcHrOQ9PbmnFgUqQ&s=19

Edwards’ inclusion on the roster positions her as a player to watch for the next world competition in 2024, coming off of a Frozen Four appearance, which netted her an inclusion on the all tournament team, alongside four of her teammates.

Her older sister, Chayla, is also on the Wisconsin team. Laila also was declared the MVP of the World Under 18 Championship, which she won in 2022. In 2026, Edwards will be eligible for the Olympic national team in the Winter Olympics competition, which would make her the second Black player to compete, following in Jordan Greenway’s footsteps on the men’s side.

“I want to be an inspiration for all young girls — but especially young girls of color — so they'll be able to look at me and say oh she can do it so I can do it too.”@BadgerWHockey’s Laila Edwards before her historical debut with the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team. pic.twitter.com/9oZ8VObz51
— Ashley Washburn (@ashleyjwashburn) November 8, 2023

Team USA Coach John Wroblewski is also understanding of the gifts Edwards possesses, telling The Athletic, “I don’t think there’s another woman like her in the game right now.”

Edwards showed so much promise after her freshman year at Bishop Kearney, a private school in Rochester, NY, with an elite girls’ hockey program, that she verbally committed to Wisconsin. All she did from that point was establish herself as the premier hockey player in the country, amassing 147 goals and 417 points while at Bishop Kearney.

Important to note that it's not just Laila Edwards making history for Team USA – there will be THREE Black women on the ice today with Sophie Jaques joining Sarah Nurse for Canada https://t.co/EUKg8X2O0R
— Nicole Haase (@NicoleHaase) November 11, 2023

As a man who has been around hockey at its highest levels for the better part of 15 years, Wroblewski knows talent when he sees it–and he says he sees tremendous gifts in Edwards.

He told The Athletic, “The interesting thing about her is that you look at the size and that she puts up points, but the most impressive thing about her (is her) brain. Her computer is extremely advanced. She’s got very nifty hands, and she’s able to navigate the neutral zone extremely well. She’s sort of a dream to play with.”

Edwards’ sister Chayla is excited to watch both the growth in her sister’s game and to see what this can lead to for future generations of Black girls who might be in the stands, dreaming of being where her sister is.

Chayla told The Athletic, “It’s very surreal,” Chayla said. “Beyond anything, I’m just really proud (of her) and excited for the younger girls to see her play. It’s going to bring me so much joy that she can be a person for them to look up to.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 12, 2023

‘University Of Dope’ Card Game, Created By Black Women Duo, Tests Your Hip-Hop Knowledge

The drinking card game is meant to honor Hip Hop hits, as well as history.

Two Black women are expanding upon Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary in an innovative way. Their card game, University of Dope, seeks to engage players on facts regarding the artists and songs of the genre.

The inspiration behind the game was sparked by its creators, A.V. “$upreme” Perkins and Marian “Skinny Bee” Andoh-Clark, from a simple discussion on their love of the art form, and more specifically, Hip Hop’s Wu-Tang Clan. When the two could not find a drinking game with a theme based on the iconic rap group, the entrepreneurs decided to take on the task themselves.

However, the women did not stop with the New York City Hip-Hop collective, but widened their content to honor a range of artists who have made a name for themselves in the genre. Now, with the game gaining its own popularity, played by Method Man, Peter Guns, and D Nice, University of Dope is building its own lane amidst Hip Hop’s 50th-anniversary celebrations

Source: **(Photo credit: University of Dope)**

“What makes this game so significant in this year is that we are the children of Hip Hop. Like we don’t know life before hip hop,” shared A.V. Perkins in conversation with media personality Jazmyn Summers for Newsone. “To grow up in the genre and see our greats still able to contribute to the genre and us to create our game, and just have all of that synergy is mind-blowing.”

The game tests one’s Hip-Hop knowledge and allows players to reminisce on their favorite hits while debating on hypothetical situations.

With its diverse gameplay and recognition of past and present Hip-Hop stars, University of Dope is keeping the party going with its “The Kickback” event in December, as part of the Art Basel festivities in Miami.

“We want to take game night and put it on its head,” expressed Perkins. “We’re bringing the nostalgia of old school hip hop and updating it with tech, making it an experience that connects people.”

The game, including its R&B and family-friendly versions, can be found on its website, in addition to retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

by Daniel Johnson

November 12, 2023

Nadia Mohamed Becomes Nation’s First Elected Somali American Mayor

Nadia Mohamed made history on Nov. 7 when she was elected by the people of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, to be their mayor. According to the Philadelphia Tribune, Mohamed is believed to be the first Somali-American democratically elected to be mayor in United States history.

Mohamed also became the first Black mayor in the town’s history, in addition to becoming the first Somali-American mayor in Minnesota’s history. Mohamed was previously the first Somali-American elected to city council in 2019. There was another Somali-American mayor, but Deqa Dhalac was appointed by a city council vote in 2021 by the South Portland, Maine, council. In any case, Mohamed is excited about her win and eager to get started, as she told the Minneapolis Star Tribune, “This is a milestone. This is not the destination. As mayor, I want to ensure people see themselves reflected in our policies.”

St Louis Parks Makes History in Minnesota by electing the first Muslim Mayor in the history of the state and younges in the history of city. Nadia Mohamed. pic.twitter.com/Q24GUBjBUo
— CAIR MN (@CAIRMN) November 8, 2023

Mohamed ran a progressive campaign focused on community policing and housing reform to create more affordable housing. She also received a boon in the form of an endorsement from the outgoing mayor, Jake Spano, whose choice not to seek reelection cleared the path for Mohamed’s victory. Mohamed also secured endorsements from Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Rep. Larry Kraft, and Rep. Cheryl Youakim.

Nadia Mohamed, a Somali-Muslim woman, has been elected mayor of St Louis Park. The city is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Minnesota. Contrary to those who wish to instigate tension between our communities,this election represents a sign of hope and unity. pic.twitter.com/tIXTgKbZZp
— Habon Abdulle, PhD (@HabonDaud) November 8, 2023

Mohamed won her election handily, capturing almost 60% of the vote from her constituents. Mohamed reflected on the quiet strength of her mother, who inspired her as she made her campaign. Mohamed told supporters on election day, “I have watched a courageous woman handle her business every day. That courage comes easy to me now.”

Minneapolis and St. Paul elections may dominate tomorrow morning’s headlines, but history was made tonight in the western suburbs.

St. Louis Park and Golden Valley both elected a Black woman as their next mayor!

Congratulations to mayors-elect Roslyn Harmon and Nadia Mohamed.
— Cedrick Frazier (@CedrickFrazier) November 8, 2023

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 12, 2023

Virginia Democrats Nominate First Black House Speaker, Don Scott

Scott is expected to be voted in at the beginning of the 2024 legislative session.

Virginia’s newly cemented Democratic majority in the State house is already making historic moves. The members have nominated Del. Don Scott to be House speaker, who would become the first Black person in the state to hold this position.

Scott is expected to be voted in at the beginning of their 2024 legislative session, as his nomination on Nov. 11 was officially made by the House Democratic Caucus, as confirmed by the Philadelphia Tribune. The upcoming appointment comes after the Nov. 7 elections thwarted Republicans’, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin, attempt to have a majority across all governmental entities.

“Virginia voters sent a resounding message on Tuesday that they wanted a Commonwealth that moved forward, and that is exactly what I intend to do as your next Speaker,” stated Scott in a statement on the news.

Now, with the State House and Senate holding a Democratic majority, Virginia faces a divided government for the next two years. They plan to advance progressive issues to be signed off on by the Republican official, especially in minimum wage increases and gun-control legislation.

Gov. Youngkin has also proposed a 15-week abortion ban, which Scott bluntly declined.

“It’s dead,” shared the Delegate on the women’s rights issue in an interview with the Associated Press. “The Democrats, we’re the party of freedom. I never thought that Republicans would become a nanny state, telling women to do with their bodies.”

Of his upcoming role, the Caucus expressed their delight in having Scott lead Virginia forward, “Speaker-designee Scott’s personal story – one of resilience, second chances, and historic firsts – reflects that of many Virginians and people across the nation.”

Scott’s story includes not only being a U.S. Navy veteran who acquired his J.D., but also of serving time in prison decades ago for a felony drug conviction. The Texas native’s journey to politics, while unorthodox, is a testimony of his own dedication to not only bettering his life but the lives of his constituents and fellow Virginians.

“I know I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors who built that Capitol,” shared Scott to the news outlet. “I just wake up with so much gratitude to be in this position. … I know there are so many people who are a lot smarter than me, who are Black, who never got this chance.”

The former minority leader is prepared to enact change in the former Confederacy Capitol in the hopes of working with the Governor’s support to progress the state of Virginia.

by Daniel Johnson

November 12, 2023

Former NFL Player D.J. Hayden, Five Others Dead In Houston Crash

Former NFL cornerback and University of Houston standout DJ Hayden died along with five others in a tragic car crash on Nov 11.

Former NFL cornerback and University of Houston standout D.J. Hayden died along with five others in a tragic car crash on Nov. 11 in downtown Houston. According to the Houston Chronicle, a crash happened at approximately 2 a.m. at the intersection of Fannin and Pierce streets. Megan Howard, assistant chief of the Houston Police Department, told the Chronicle that a Chrysler 300 ran a red light traveling at a “high velocity” before smashing into an Acura SUV entering the intersection from Fannin.

Four people died at the scene, including a man who appeared to be homeless and the driver of the Chrysler. Four others were taken to a nearby hospital, where two of them died. One woman is currently in critical condition, and police interviewed a male passenger who was traveling in the SUV at the hospital. Howard told the Houston Chronicle, “We’re just looking to get more information from what appears to be one of the survivors of the SUV.”

The Raiders Family is mourning the tragic loss of former cornerback D.J. Hayden. pic.twitter.com/cZPn9z181D
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 11, 2023

According to CBS News, the University of Houston Athletics Department released a statement confirming that Hayden, Zach McMillan, and Ralph Oragwu who all played for the university perished in the crash.

“We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, as we collectively mourn the loss of three individuals who made an indelible impact on each life they touched,” the university said. “While their combined talents provided Houston Football some of its most unforgettable moments, their unique legacies will best be remembered for the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities and defied the odds.”

Man Dj & Zach were the ones that hosted me on my recruiting visit to Houston. Great human beings. Me and Ralph used to go at it in team and 1 on 1’s. I can’t even believe I’m typing this. To all my UH Brothers i love you dearly. My deepest condolences to all the families
— Bj Singleton (Bub) (@single10bryan93) November 11, 2023

Hayden was drafted in 2013 in the first round of the NFL Draft by the then Oakland Raiders before eventually playing for the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars across eight seasons. Hayden last played in 2020 as a member of the Jaguars.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of D. J. Hayden. pic.twitter.com/Yh4XObysPv
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) November 12, 2023

The Las Vegas Raiders issued a statement upon learning of Hayden’s death.

“D.J.’s courage, perseverance, and dedication to his teammates will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him,” the Raiders said. “The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with D.J.’s loved ones at this time.”

https://twitter.com/CryptidAnalysis/status/1723418085648974191?t=TDuBOYv2UFf-NblMIlFxJw&s=19

Tragic news to report this morning: I can confirm from multiple sources that former Houston football players D.J. Hayden and Zach McMillan were among those killed in a collision early Saturday morning in Houston.
Hayden was a former first-round pick of the @Raiders in 2013 who… pic.twitter.com/CHwheE65lh
— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) November 11, 2023

Our entire community is heartbroken over the tragic passing of former Football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffery Lewis in his recovery ahead.

Statement: https://t.co/Fy83ref2Uw pic.twitter.com/vIkEamxJfB
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) November 11, 2023

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 12, 2023

CU Buffaloes Star Travis Hunter Scores Big NIL Deal With Squishmallows

The Colorado Buffaloes' player now has a NIL valuation of over $2.2 million.

Travis Hunter is building his brand as he advances in his football career. The renowned cornerback for the University of Colorado Buffaloes has signed an NIL deal with Squishmallows.

Hunter has made huge strides on and off the field, as the Deion Sanders-led athlete has signed to promote the brand Squishmallows, stuffed animals that have been frequently spotted in the football star’s room behind his popular streams on Twitch. On 3 confirmed the Hunter’s paid partnership with the company on Nov. 10.

The deal will be lucrative for both parties, as Hunter is already a fan of the plushy toys and is becoming a top-followed college player across a variety of social media platforms, garnering over 1.9 million followers overall. However, this brand deal is not the first for Hunter, who has already been backed by Fortnite, Celsius Fitness Drinks, American Eagle, along many others.

A former big name in Heisman Trophy contender discussions, repeated losses throughout the season have dampened Hunter’s chances to win the coveted award, but not his ability to secure brand deals. As for his latest agreement, Hunter promoted the Squishmallows’ attendance at last home game of the season for Colorado Nov. 11.

“I know you’ve seen me and my Squishmallows, now is the chance to get yours,” shared Hunter on his social media.

The brand came out in full support for Fan Fest at Folsom Field despite the team’s 31-34 loss to Arizona.

In On 3’s NIL Valuation, the Suwanee, Georgia native is also valued at $2.2 million, a monetary number based on his “performance, influence and exposure” within the sports world and overall society. With NIL deal’s on the rise for high school and college athletes, Hunter is a prominent face as he secures the bag for his performance on the field and personality off of it.

by Daniel Johnson

November 12, 2023

San Francisco Clears Out Homeless Population Ahead Of APEC Summit

Ahead of President Joe Biden’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Summit, San Francisco is clearing its streets of the homeless.

As many cities do when hosting world leaders, San Francisco is preparing by sanitizing the city’s homeless population. As Yahoo reported, ahead of President Joe Biden’s planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Summit, which began on Nov. 11 and runs until Nov. 17, the city is undertaking a massive beautification effort.

The summit is expected to draw thousands of visitors and protestors to San Francisco as American and Chinese tensions and areas of cooperation are explored. However, despite the attempts at eradicating the presence of the city’s sizeable homeless population, experts like Jennifer Friedenbach, the Executive Director of the Coalition for Homelessness, say that does more harm than good.

Friedenbach told Yahoo, “They want to clean up the city’s image and use this conference as a way to draw back tourism. These efforts never work because folks don’t have disappearing power. People are out there because there’s not enough housing. There’s not enough shelter.”

According to a 2022 report from Applied Survey Research, the homeless population in San Francisco is composed mostly of Black people, they make up 60% of the homeless population despite being just 7% of its total population. In December 2022, a federal judge blocked the city from clearing homeless encampments unless there was a offer of shelter, albeit temporarily. Friedenbach’s organization brought a lawsuit against the city earlier in 2022 alleging that they were running the homeless population out of San Francisco with “the express purpose of removing visible signs of homelessness from San Francisco’s street.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom echoed the sentiment that the homeless need to be cleared off the street, saying that everything has to “get dialed up” and compared the efforts to what people do before company comes over to visit. Business owners in San Francisco are hoping to cash in on the expected $53 million that will be generated by the APEC summit, as the San Francisco Travel Association estimates.

The city’s homeless population, like Christie Palominos, are now in the position of deciding what they want to keep before they are moved into permanent housing. Palominos told Yahoo, “They’re clearing out the homeless people because they don’t want them to see this,” Palominos also described her feelings about those who think they are better than the city’s homeless population.

Palominos continued, “Usually I stay as long as I can, but it’s kind of hard because there are certain people who pick on you. They think they’re better than you.” Palominos added, “Walk a day in my shoes. I guarantee that some of these rich people who walk around in these high-rises wouldn’t survive.”