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A Silver Room Block Party Farewell and More Fun Things to Do This Weekend
This weekend is bittersweet. For the last time, we will have the Silver Room Sound System Block Party, the unapologetically Black celebration of love, music and harmony. Since businessman Eric Williams started the festival in 2002, it has become thee destination event for the summer. People met at the Silver Room Block Party and got […]
The post A Silver Room Block Party Farewell and More Fun Things to Do This Weekend first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
This weekend is bittersweet.
For the last time, we will have the Silver Room Sound System Block Party, the unapologetically Black celebration of love, music and harmony.
Since businessman Eric Williams started the festival in 2002, it has become thee destination event for the summer. People met at the Silver Room Block Party and got married. Friendships, memories and being turned on to good music, this event served as the setting for all of that for many.
But, as Williams articulated in this video, the cost to put on the event became too much, financially and relationally.
“This went from being 90 percent fun and 10 percent business to 90 percent business 10 percent fun,” he said in the video.
We do understand. But a big shoutout to Williams for gifting us this beloved event all these years. We can’t wait to see what you will do next.
With that said, the final Silver Room Sound System Block Party, which takes place Saturday and Sunday at Oakwood Beach on 39th, should be legendary.
It is one of several thrilling activities to get into this weekend.
51st annual Fiesta del Sol (July 27-30)
This four-day festival is another destination event that showcases the best Latin American food, drinks, music, dancing, crafts and more. Sign us up.
Pier 31 Restaurant (July 28-30)
Pier 31 Restaurant, and the adjoining 31st Street Beach, are the central headquarters for live entertainment, whether it is house, old-school Hip-hop, R&B or Afrobeats. The party doesn’t stop, even on school nights.
18th Annual Silver Room Sound System Block Party 2023 (July 29-30)
The multigenerational block party has always been a Chicago summer staple. Expect more of the same for this year’s edition, which takes place at Oakwood Beach — beautiful people, fantastic live music, great food and really swell energy.
Bantu Fest 2023 (July 29-31)
Another summertime destination event for Black Chicagoans. This event brings people from 30 countries to the Midway Plaisance to celebrate love, unity, music and fun. You have to get in on this one.
THE ATTIC PICNIC 20-Year Anniversary Part 2 (July 29)
House music in the park, Calumet Park, that is. This family-friendly event has been going strong for decades and ain’t slowing down soon.
From The ‘Go Fest (July 29)
This FREE event, taking place at the DuSable Museum, is brought to you by the talented youth of True Star, the innovative media arts and youth development program. This 3rd annual festival will feature the city’s best young creatives, so come out and support.
Deon Cole at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana (July 29)
A homecoming event for one of the most accomplished comedians around. Cole is truly Chicago’s own, and few of the new guys have reached his level of stardom. Plus, the dude is hilarious.
The 35th Annual GhanaFest (July 29)
The Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago and its affiliates present its flagship event at Washington Park. Expect a parade featuring an array of cultural performances. There will be delectable Ghanaian foods, live music and various activities.
The 17th Annual Better Love Yourself Trunk Party (July 30)
Terisa Griffin’s long-running program is about uplifting the next generation of college students. Thanks to this trunk party event at Malcolm X College, over 100 college-bound students will get the resources they need to excel on campus.
The post A Silver Room Block Party Farewell and More Fun Things to Do This Weekend appeared first on Chicago Defender.
The post A Silver Room Block Party Farewell and More Fun Things to Do This 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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