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Civil Rights icon, pioneer Joseph E. Lowery celebrates 98th birthday

ATLANTA VOICE — Joseph E. Lowery celebrated his 98th birthday last night at the Georgia Freight Depot with hundreds of Atlantans who came out to pay their respects and celebrate with the iconic Civil Rights leader.

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Joseph E. Lowery (Photo by: Tianna Faulkner | The Atlanta Voice )

By Tianna Faulkner

Joseph E. Lowery celebrated his 98th birthday last night at the Georgia Freight Depot with hundreds of Atlantans who came out to pay their respects and celebrate with the iconic Civil Rights leader.

Lowery, who has fought over eight decades for social justice and civil rights, said he felt nothing but gratitude at his birthday celebration, from benefits from the lavish event that will benefit his organization the Lowery Institute. Every two years, Lowery has a big celebration in Atlanta and he doesn’t disappoint, celebrating with big named stars and even a few of his Civil Rights colleagues.

Lowery himself was more focused on everyone taking the time to talk and love each other and having a great time at his birthday party and dinner celebration.

Stars in attendance at Lowery’s birthday celebration included journalist and national correspondent Roland Martin, actress Cassie Davis, R&B artist Regina Belle, Ambassador Andrew Young, Civil Rights leader C.T. Vivian, and Atlanta Mayor Keshia Lance Bottoms. Scholar activists and the Lowery Institute Change Agents were also in attendance.

“This is a great night for Lowery. He’s an amazing individual,” said Martin, who hosted the posh party and celebration and live-streamed the event so that people around the country and the world could also experience Lowery’s birthday celebration. “We always have to appreciate and honor our heroes. That’s highly important. At the end of the day when you look at the rights that we have, it’s folks like him who put the work in.”

“Thank you,” Dr. Lowery said, as Belle led everyone in singing happy birthday to him. Belle also sang a song called “Freedom,” dedicated to Lowery and the work and contributions he has made over the years. He also received a digital birthday card, where over 200 people from Atlanta to Africa signed the birthday card and took a pledge to vote for the pledge to vote campaign.

A Civil Rights advocate since the 1950s, Lowery is a pastor, leader, freedom fighter, and father. He co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and played an integral part in desegregating buses and public accommodations in Mobile, Alabama.

Lowery’s legacy and work have been continued through the Lowery Institute, which was founded in 2001 on his 80th birthday. The Institute has a commitment to advocating for non-violence, social justice, food insecurities, HIV/AIDS, and more.

Lowery’s daughter, Cheryl Lowery, serves as the CEO of the Lowery Institute, where she ensures the work and the foundation that her father has created is passed on to a new generation of leaders.

“I’m just so excited that my dad is having his 98th birthday and he’s here to experience so much love from the community,” she said. “Two of his birthday wishes is that we register, get educated, and vote and that we love each other.”

“There is nothing more important than stopping by to wish Lowery a happy birthday,” Bottoms said. “He means so much to our city, country, and our world and it is a blessing to still be able to celebrate with him and we are the city that we are because of men like him.”

“I am one of Joe Lowery’s admirers and assistants since I met him in 1960,” said Ambassador Young. “Seeing him here tonight looking good and smiling and surrounded by people who love and respect him is a wonderful occasion. He’s been loyal, faithful, and devoted to serving Jesus Christ and all his children and given leadership throughout the south and through several presidential campaigns.”

Sponsors for the Lowery Institute include Marta, Coke-a-cola, Clark Atlanta University, Kroger, and Delta.

“The more things change, the more they stay the same, but we are moving,” said Dr. Lowery.

For more information about Dr. Lowery or the Lowery Institute, visit www.loweryinstitute.org.

This article originally appeared in The Atlanta Voice.

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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.

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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 […]

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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

Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

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