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Remembering Sinéad O’Connor

Artists like Flavor Flav & Ice-T took to their social media accounts lamenting their pain following the passing of Sinéad O’Connor. “She was very supportive of Public Enemy,” said the clock-wearing rapper turned Reality TV star. “She stood for something…unlike most people,” said the rapper-turned-actor. The Irish singer and activist, 56, best known for the […]
The post Remembering Sinéad O’Connor first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 year ago

July 27, 2023

Forward Times Staff

Artists like Flavor Flav & Ice-T took to their social media accounts lamenting their pain following the passing of Sinéad O’Connor. “She was very supportive of Public Enemy,” said the clock-wearing rapper turned Reality TV star. “She stood for something…unlike most people,” said the rapper-turned-actor. The Irish singer and activist, 56, best known for the song Nothing Compares 2 U, was found at her home in Herne Hill, south London at 11:18 BST. Police say she was “unresponsive” and “pronounced dead at the scene”.

Her longtime friend Bob Geldof, the Irish musician and activist, confirmed her death, as did her family in a statement, according to the BBC and the Irish public broadcaster RTE.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinead,” the statement said. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”

The mother of 4 was still grieving the death of her son Shane, who tragically committed suicide in January 2022.

Remembering Sinéad O’Connor:

In the realm of music, some artists leave an indelible mark on the world, transcending boundaries and inspiring generations with their talent and fearlessness. Sinéad O’Connor was undoubtedly one of those trailblazers whose powerful voice and unapologetic stance made her an unforgettable figure in the music industry. As we remember this iconic artist, let’s take a journey through her life, career, and lasting impact on the world of music.

A Voice that Echoed Emotion:

Born on December 8, 1966, in Dublin, Ireland, Sinéad O’Connor’s extraordinary voice became her most potent instrument. Her hauntingly beautiful vocals and emotionally charged performances captivated audiences worldwide. With a rare ability to infuse each note with raw emotion, she touched the hearts of millions and earned her place as one of the most influential singers of her time.

A Defiant Stand Against Injustice:

Sinéad O’Connor was not only known for her musical prowess but also for her unwavering determination to speak out against injustice and societal norms. In 1990, during a performance on “Saturday Night Live,” she made headlines when she tore a picture of Pope John Paul II as a protest against the Catholic Church’s handling of child abuse scandals. This fearless act sparked controversy and backlash, but it also emphasized her dedication to advocating for truth and accountability.

Breaking Barriers with ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’:

In 1990, Sinéad O’Connor released her most iconic song, “Nothing Compares 2 U.” The heart-wrenching ballad, originally penned by Prince, became an international sensation. Its haunting melody and emotional depth struck a chord with listeners, making it a timeless classic that remains relevant even today. The song earned her four Grammy nominations and catapulted her to global stardom.

An Advocate for Mental Health:

Throughout her life, Sinéad O’Connor openly discussed her struggles with mental health issues, challenging the stigma surrounding mental illness. Her willingness to share her vulnerabilities endeared her to fans and made her an advocate for mental health awareness. By speaking candidly about her battles, she paved the way for destigmatizing mental health discussions in the public domain.

Legacy of Fearless Artistry:

Sinéad O’Connor’s discography spans over three decades and includes numerous albums that showcase her versatility and poetic brilliance. From the ethereal “Troy” to the soul-stirring “Thank You for Hearing Me,” her music remains a testament to her profound artistry and dedication to pushing creative boundaries.

As we remember Sinéad O’Connor, we celebrate her powerful voice, courageous spirit, and unwavering commitment to using her platform for the greater good, including in 1992 when she controversially ripped up a picture of Pope John Paul II during a performance on US TV show Saturday Night Live. Shredding the picture, which she removed from a frame in her mother’s home after her death, was a protest against child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.

Her timeless music and advocacy for social and mental health issues continue to inspire and resonate with fans around the world. Sinéad’s legacy reminds us that art can be a potent force for change and that standing up for what we believe in is essential, even in the face of adversity. Though she may no longer be with us, her voice lives on through her music, eternally reminding us to be authentic, compassionate, and fearless in our pursuit of truth and justice.

Police say the death of Sinéad O’Connor is not being treated as suspicious, following the discovery of her body on Wednesday.

Tributes have been pouring in for the Brit and Grammy Award-winning artist, including from singer Annie Lennox, who shared a poetic tribute to O’Connor, calling her “fierce and fragile… impulsive, bold and beautiful… with an incredible voice”. “May the angels hold you in their tender arms and give you rest,” she added.

We are sending prayers to her sons, close family, and friends.

The post Remembering Sinéad O’Connor appeared first on Forward Times.

The post Remembering Sinéad O’Connor 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.

Published

1 week ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

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 […]

Published

1 week ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

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