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10 Fun Things to Do This August 11-13 Weekend
Hip-hop is celebrating its 50th birthday all weekend, and you’re invited to join. This weekend is chock full of events and celebrations commemorating the genre’s golden anniversary. If you just want to get out of the house and have fun, you’re welcome to do that too. Without further adieu, here are the best activities to do […]
The post 10 Fun Things to Do This August 11-13 Weekend first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
Hip-hop is celebrating its 50th birthday all weekend, and you’re invited to join. This weekend is chock full of events and celebrations commemorating the genre’s golden anniversary.
If you just want to get out of the house and have fun, you’re welcome to do that too. Without further adieu, here are the best activities to do this weekend, Hip-hop related or otherwise:
The Bud Billiken® Parade (August 12)
The most prominent African-American parade in the nation is back for its 94th year. As always, the procession of bands and floats down King Drive will celebrate Black youth and affirm family. It really doesn’t get any stronger than that!
2023 DanceAfrica Chicago (August 11-13)
This three-day celebration of African and African diasporic dance, music and folklore is a feast for the eyes, ears and soul.
FAN EXPO Chicago (August 10-13)
For the comic book nerd in your life, Chicago’s longest-running fan and comic convention is back and in effect at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
My House Music Festival 2023 (August 12, 13)
House music non-stop. That’s on the menu for this annual festival.
The Legendary Earthquake, Luenell and Donnell Rawlings (August 12)
All Summer, the events at The Country Club Hills Amphitheater have been bringing the heat. This weekend is no different with these acclaimed comics.
107.5 WGCI Summer Jam (August 12)
Lil Durk, Dd Osama and Fendida Rapper star in this annual festival to close the Summer at the United Center.
The 16th Annual Firefest (August 12)
The Firefest is a full-fledged Hip-hop block party on the Westside at the Firehouse Community Arts Center.
JAZZ-N-QUE (August 13)
A free meal and music at Morgan Park Presbyterian Church. All you have to do is bring a blanket and a lawn chair.
Sundays on State (August 13)
They call this the most iconic block party Chicago has ever seen. The food, music, art, vendors and “people watching” make this event a must.
THE F.O.R.C.E. Tour: LL Cool J, The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, & DJ Z-Trip (August 13)
What a way to close out Hip-hop’s birthday weekend at the United Center: A concert extravaganza featuring legendary Ladies Love Cool James and The Roots Crew, along with Jazzy Jeff and Z-Trip. It should be an epic celebration.
The post 10 Fun Things to Do This August 11-13 Weekend appeared first on Chicago Defender.
The post 10 Fun Things to Do This August 11-13 Weekend first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me
NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.
Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.
A Familiar Disappointment
I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.
In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.
The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough
On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.
I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?
Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.
One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.
A Call for Action Beyond Words
White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.
If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health
The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]
The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.
The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.
“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”
To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.
Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.
“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”
For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org
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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University
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