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Commentary: The Jackson Five – Five

NNPA NEWSWIRE — With hits like “I’ll Be There,” “The Love You Save” and “I Want You Back,” the brothers Jackson took the world by storm. Their trailblazing act set the stage for music’s single most influential artist — the King of Pop: Michael Jackson.

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In 1965, pop music's most celebrated and dynamic dynasty was born when five brothers from Gary, Indiana formed The Jackson 5. (Publicity photo of the Jackson 5 from their 1972 television special. / CBS Television / Wikimedia Commons)

Motown’s Celebrated Icons Started Churning Out Hits in 1965

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Fifty-five years ago, music changed forever.

In 1965, pop music’s most celebrated and dynamic dynasty was born when five brothers from Gary, Indiana formed The Jackson 5.

With hits like “I’ll Be There,” “The Love You Save” and “I Want You Back,” the brothers Jackson took the world by storm. Their trailblazing act set the stage for music’s single most influential artist — the King of Pop: Michael Jackson.

While the Jackson 5 never won a Grammy, Michael would eventually dominate all awards and shatter every record known to music.

With hits too numerous to recite and including “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Bad,” and “Man in the Mirror,” Michael’s solo accomplishments remain unchallenged, for he was not only idolized by fans but considered a star among all other celebrities.

To put in perspective, the praise heaped upon Michael, think Beyoncé and add 100 times or more to that.

However, it should not be mistaken, whatever the Jackson 5 — who were later rebranded as The Jacksons — lacked in awards, they more than made up for it in record sales and concert receipts.

As far as talent, it wasn’t all Michael.

On stage, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon, and even Randy proved as talented as any pop star. That’s far from hyperbole. Anyone who shared the stage with Michael that often —and more than held their own — had to possess similar talent.

The only thing better than a Michael Jackson concert was a show featuring Michael AND his brothers.

“Nobody worked harder than Michael,” family patriarch, the late Joseph Jackson, once told this reporter. “But nobody except my boys could run with him,” Jackson stated.

Jermaine, perhaps the best-known group member not named Michael, also was ticketed for superstardom. It was no mistake that Jermaine was seen as the glue to hold the brothers together.

He also possessed a string of hits including, “Let’s Get Serious,” “Dynamite,” and “When the Rain Begins to Fall.”

Tito would go on to front a Blues band, while Jackie found success producing other artists.

The Jackson Five earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, while Michael was inducted as a solo artist four years later.

Michael Jackson died in 2009, but his music continues to top the charts routinely.

Michael’s legacy has eclipsed Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and all other superstars. His estate continues to rake in hundreds of millions of dollars each year, and fans are as loyal as ever.

The Jacksons have since resumed touring, wowing a new generation of fans, and remains a top concert draw.

“There was always magic in Michael and something special in all of them,” Motown Records founder Berry Gordy stated.

Stated Motown Legend Stevie Wonder: “There will never be another Michael nor another Jackson Five.”

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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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