Genoa Barrow

Fueled by a desire to be of service, Pamela “Pam” Haynes worked in politics and was happy in the background, helping people get elected to public office. The opportunity came to be out in front and she took it.

Education champion Dr. Colette Harris-Mathews is campaigning to join the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees. She looks to fill the Area 5 seat, being vacated by longtime trustee Pam Haynes, who is retiring after 25 years on the board. Dr. Harris-Mathews, a Sacramento native, has her own long history with Los Rios, having served and represented the local college district in the classroom and beyond in several leadership roles. Before retiring in 2020, Dr. Harris-Mathews was a dean and professor of ethnic studies and communication studies at Cosumnes River College, interim president of the district’s Black Faculty and Staff Association, Region F Board of Governor for the Faculty Association for California Community College, and founding faculty member for CRC’s Umoja Diop Scholars program. She also heads Harris Mathews Consulting, a communication, organizational development, leadership, and educational firm.

The term “weathering” is used to describe the deterioration of Black people’s health that stems from the constant stress caused by continued racism and discrimination.

Explore the meaning behind the adage 'Black don't crack' and its implications for African Americans' aging process. Learn about its motivational value and potential misnomers.

Remembering Dr. Tchaka Muhammed, a community advocate and cultural historian, who passed away at 82. His legacy lives on in the community.

SAN FRANCISCO – She’s showing her age and that’s a very good thing. Sacramento-based funk singer Dawn Silva made a triumphant return to the stage recently, performing Oct. 12 at the Great American Music Hall.

Dr. Colette Harris-Mathews will represent Area 5 on the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees. Area 5 includes the Land Park, Curtis Park, Oak Park, Pocket, Greenhaven, and Meadowview neighborhoods.

Dr. Ephraim Williams, who served as pastor of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church for 49 years, passed away Nov. 9. He was 91 years old. Rev. Williams grew the church’s congregation from 100 members to more than 2,400 and built a worship center and a family life center in Oak Park during his career. OBSERVER file photo

It is projected that by 2030, 10.8 million residents – one-fourth of California’s population – will be older adults. Californians are living longer and the state’s aging population has forced policymakers to focus more on the growing ranks of older adults as they plan for the state’s future.

By Genoa Barrow