Imperial Valley News Center
Special Program: African American Pioneer Diplomats, Ebenezer Bassett and Frederick Douglass
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- Written by State Department
Washington, DC - In recognition of African American History Month and the bicentennial of Frederick Douglass’s birth, the United States Diplomacy Center is hosting a panel discussion highlighting the diplomatic careers of two prominent 19th century African Americans who served as U.S. ministers to Haiti. Ebenezer Bassett was the country’s first African American diplomat, and Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist, writer, activist, civil servant, and diplomat. Christopher Teal, a U.S. Foreign Service Officer and author of Hero of Hispaniola: America’s First Black Diplomat, Ebenezer D. Bassett, will discuss his current project, a documentary on Bassett, after screening a clip from his upcoming film. Dr. Ka’mal McClarin, Curator at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, National Park Service, will lend insight into Douglass’s little-known diplomatic career. Several artifacts belonging to Douglass during his time in Haiti will be on display.
Death of Pakistani Human Rights and Democracy Advocate Asma Jahangir
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- Written by State Department
Washington, DC - We join Pakistan and others around the world in mourning the untimely death of Pakistani human rights and democracy advocate, Asma Jahangir. For years, she courageously defended the rights of those who did not have a voice, and championed the rule of law, democracy, and human rights including freedom of religion or belief. Her work in Pakistan, including as a founder and chair of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, and with the United Nations and groups such as the International Crisis Group and the South Asia Forum for Human Rights, made her a global icon in human rights.
After the Thomas Fire: growers inspire with resiliency, optimism
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- Written by Karen Ross, Secretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture
Sacramento, California - The recent holiday season collapsed in flames for thousands of Ventura and Santa Barbara County residents in the path of the catastrophic Thomas Fire. It is considered the largest fire in California history, burning nearly 282,000 acres and destroying more than one-thousand homes and other structures. The fire spread across 440 square miles, more land than any California city except Los Angeles. It burned all the way to the Pacific Ocean, and it also damaged terrain near the community of Fillmore, about 30 miles away.
The Munchies
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- Written by John Grimaldi
San Diego, California - One of the well-known effects of marijuana usage is popularly called “the munchies” – a strong desire to snack. So, was it accidental that a young Girl Scout in San Diego managed to sell 300 boxes of Girl Scout cookies in the space of just six hours standing in front of a newly opened pot shop, asks the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC].
Paying FICA doesn’t change benefits - Social Security Matters
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- Written by AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor
Washington, DC - Dear Rusty: I am 73 and self-employed, but each year I must pay self-employment tax – money for Social Security and Medicare – as part of my income taxes. I have been collecting Social Security since I was 62, and always hoped that my benefit might increase due to these continued FICA contributions. I guess not. Must I continue to pay this tax? Signed: Still Paying Social Security
Third Anniversary of the Signing of the Minsk Package of Measures
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- Written by State Department
Washington, DC - Yesterday marked the somber third anniversary of the signing of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Sadly, Russia continues to disregard its commitments under the Minsk agreements, stoking a hot conflict in Ukraine that has cost over 10,000 lives, including more than 2,500 civilians, and has displaced 1.6 million Ukrainians.
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