The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Open Forum

Helmed by Dr. John Warren, editor/publisher, and Latanya West, managing editor, of the indispensable weekly, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, “Grits, Biscuits & Politics 2.0” was reborn on Nov. 5, 2019 at the newspaper’s headquarters, 3619 College Avenue.

This fascinating session drew a room packed with movers and shakers in education, law, religion, culture, business, social services and politics all keen to share viewpoints, forecasts and productive conversation about the issues affecting Americans of every background.

Said Dr. Warren, “My goal is to educate without saying ‘school is in session.’ I want a place and time for an open and educational dialogue for all who are interested, with an emphasis on Blacks since we need to do catch-up.”

At $15 per ticket, this forum is a deal. You get great grits, fluffy biscuits, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs and sausage, and lots of tea or coffee from 7:30 - 8 am, prepared by Tanya Davis, executive chef, Baker’s Oven & Creamer, and served by volunteers. Then, fortified for the day, you get brain food dispensed with Dr. Warren’s trademark wit and insight — and also from special guests. On Nov. 5 that guest was Dr. Willie Blair, state president of BAPAC (Black American Political Association of California.

In the audience was Andriea St. Julian, Esq., president, Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association. At the microphone were multiple articulate speakers on everything from soaring rents, home ownership, homelessness and water, to voter suppression in 26 states.

Dr. Blair noted that 95% of Black women consistently vote; that nimbyism is alive and well in California (and nationally); and that the 1964 Civil Rights Act is under siege with Roe, Miranda and other safeguards threatened.

Dr. Warren reminded the group of 192 years of Black newspaper publishing (Voice & Viewpoint will be 60 in 2020), that community participation (or even simple errands) is hampered by costly trolley and bus fares, causing riders to pay three times to get somewhere. Yet, he urged, reading, asking questions, thinking, involving family and neighbors, and sticking together are crucial to the kind of progress envisioned by Citizen Thomas Paine in the American Revolution.

“Grits, Biscuits & Politics 2.0” will be back Dec. 12 from 7:30 - 9 am, 3619 College Avenue, with informed speakers, great breakfast, your questions and good company—four of the things that make life worth living. Go to https://sdvoice.info for more information. And for pete’s sake, subscribe! The paper is available online, or in your hand via snail mail.