The California Teachers Association backs Proposition 50, a redistricting initiative, to protect education and voting rights in California. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Black voices at a mental health conference highlight unique challenges and the need for culturally informed care and advocacy in their communities. To read the full story click the link in comments.

🚨 ANNOUNCING Onyx 25! 🚨 The Sacramento OBSERVER proudly unveils Sacramento’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Leaders! These honorees are Rooted in Responsibility. Polished in Purpose. #ONYX25 #SacramentoObserver #BlackExcellence

California Black leaders are urging support for Proposition 50, a temporary measure to protect Black and Brown voting power, ahead of the November 4th special election. To read the full story click the link in comments.

By Bo Tefu A Win for Asm. Isaac Bryan: Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Increasing Incarcerated Firefighters Pay  California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan To read the full story click the link in comments.

Meet Mumm and Dean, twin sisters who are empowering Sacramento's creative community through their podcast and mentorship programs for screenwriters. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Tens of thousands protest in Los Angeles and across the US against Trump administration's authoritarianism. Playful demonstrations support Proposition 50. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Thousands of people gathered at the California State Capitol for a “No Kings” protest, rejecting authoritarianism and demanding accountability from To read the full story click the link in comments.

Xavier Smalls, a Sacramento native, went from pre-med to acting and now debuts his short film, Picture Perfect, at the Oak Park Black Film Festival. To read the full story click the link in comments.

New mural in Oakland, California, unveiled to promote unity and combat rising hate crimes. Art brings community together during United Against Hate week. To read the full story click the link in comments.

The Black Alumni Scholarship Fund at UC San Diego has been renamed the Goins Alumni Scholarship Fund and is now available to all students, regardless of race, after a lawsuit alleging discrimination was filed against the university. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Sacramento City Unified plans to launch an African American studies program by 2027-28, expanding culturally relevant coursework and addressing systemic inequities. To read the full story click the link in comments.

By Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D.California Secretary of State As voters across the state prepare to make their voices heard on Prop 50 — arguably one of the To read the full story click the link in comments.

Sacramento's poetry community has been growing over the past few decades, with multiple spaces hosting events and workshops, and the city now celebrating its own Poetry Week in October. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Proposition 50 in California would redraw congressional district maps temporarily, sparking debate on voter representation and political power. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County’s esteemed public health officer, announces her retirement after a career defined by guiding the county through the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more using the link in comments.

Governor Newsom signs bill rescinding data sharing for CalFresh enrollment, addressing privacy concerns. Previously, data was shared to increase food stamp enrollment. Read more using the link in comments.

Experience the powerful storytelling of the Oak Park Black Film Festival, celebrating resilience, creativity, and community in Sacramento's Black film scene. Read more using the link in comments.

Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County’s esteemed public health officer, announces her retirement after a career defined by guiding the county through the COVID-19 pandemic. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Governor Newsom signs bill rescinding data sharing for CalFresh enrollment, addressing privacy concerns. Previously, data was shared to increase food stamp enrollment. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Experience the powerful storytelling of the Oak Park Black Film Festival, celebrating resilience, creativity, and community in Sacramento's Black film scene. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Californians with diabetes will soon be able to purchase state-branded insulin at reduced prices, thanks to Governor Gavin Newsom's initiative. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Despite federal environmental justice grant rollbacks, Black-led organizations in Sacramento argue that their work continues, unaffected by federal cuts. To read the full story click the link in comments.

California Assemblymembers Bonta and Jackson celebrate the signing of bills to improve education outcomes, including expulsion process reform and early childhood education system strengthening. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Governor Newsom vetoes bill allowing California car dealers to charge higher fees, citing the high cost of living and minimal justification for increase. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Barack Obama urges California voters to approve Proposition 50, a proposal to add Democrat-held House seats and gain Democratic control. To read the full story click the link in comments.

The 2025 NAMI California Conference in Sacramento will focus heavily on Black mental health, with the goal of reducing stigma and providing essential resources. To read the full story click the link in comments.

New California law requires children to pass a seat belt test or use booster seats until taller. Fines for non-compliance. To read the full story click the link in comments.

The ongoing government shutdown highlights the clash between Democrats and Republicans over health care policy, with millions of Americans at risk of losing coverage. To read the full story click the link in comments.

California creates a groundbreaking agency for reparations for Black Americans, becoming the first state to address systemic injustice. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Black students in Sacramento's largest school districts still lag behind their peers in English and math test scores, highlighting the need for major policy shifts to address systemic barriers and close the achievement gap. Read more using the link in comments.

This Week's OBSERVER - Audio Edition (October 5-11, 2025) - The Sacramento Observer To read the full story click the link in comments.

Aftershock 2025, a rock-centric music festival held in Sacramento, featured a high-profile lineup of major headliners and cult favorites, but also Read more using the link in comments.

Black students in Sacramento's largest school districts still lag behind their peers in English and math test scores, highlighting the need for major policy shifts to address systemic barriers and close the achievement gap. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Aftershock 2025, a rock-centric music festival held in Sacramento, featured a high-profile lineup of major headliners and cult favorites, but also To read the full story click the link in comments.

Nakia Porter, a former Sacramento County woman beaten by Solano County sheriff’s deputies in 2020, receives a historic $17 million settlement. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Aftershock 2025 in Sacramento featured major headliners such as Korn and Bring Me The Horizon, as well as Black-fronted alternative bands Sleep Theory, Trash Talk, and Nonpoint, who are reshaping representation in rock and metal. To read the full story click the link in comments.

California has become the first state to ban ultraprocessed foods from school meals, requiring K-12 schools to phase out foods with potentially harmful ingredients over the next 10 years. To read the full story click the link in comments.

City recruiting community ambassadors to help connect Sacramento’s diverse neighborhoods - The Sacramento Observer To read the full story click the link in comments.

Rising homelessness in Sacramento disproportionately affects Black residents, who are 3.7 times more likely to experience housing instability. Part 2 of Concrete Roses. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Join the Woman on Fire Gala on Oct. 19 to celebrate trailblazing Black women in Sacramento. Enjoy live entertainment, dinner, and an awards ceremony. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Eaton Fire victims and activists express anger over the McChrystal Group's report on emergency response. They feel the report lacks accountability and respect for Altadena's Black residents. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Protect Voters First Coalition warns that California's Proposition 50 could dilute Black voting power and erode the nonpartisan redistricting system. Read more using the link in comments.

Sacramento’s Concrete Roses As The City Blossoms, Its Black Unhoused Struggle To Find Places To Take Root And Thrive. The OBSERVER Shares Their Stories, To read the full story click the link in comments.

Too many Black Americans wait longer for transplants—and some never get the chance they deserve. We’re asking Black voices across the country: What does organ donation mean to you? Take our quick survey – your answers can save lives.

Acclaimed filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee discusses his latest project, 'The Best Man: Unfinished Business,' a novel that continues the beloved film franchise. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Scott Perry, the new General Manager of the Sacramento Kings, is determined to build a winning culture based on the values of structure, determination, and perseverance.

Protect Voters First Coalition warns that California's Proposition 50 could dilute Black voting power and erode the nonpartisan redistricting system. To read the full story click the link in comments.

Discover how Sacramento can transform food waste into opportunity. Community leaders discuss food recovery, policy changes, and neighborhood solutions. Read more using the link in comments.

Special report examines Sacramento’s growing homelessness crisis and its disproportionate number of Black residents, who make up 33% of the unhoused population. Read more using the link in comments.