#NNPA BlackPress
The Once and Future King: Josh Gibson is Number One After Negro League Stats Join MLB
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Josh Gibson’s legacy has been recognized and celebrated in the years following his untimely death. In 1972, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This induction helped to solidify his place in baseball history and brought renewed attention to the contributions of Negro Leagues players. Gibson’s story continues to inspire and his career is a reminder of the racial barriers in professional sports.
The post The Once and Future King: Josh Gibson is Number One After Negro League Stats Join MLB first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor
Just a few months before Jackie Robinson would make history and break the color barrier preventing Black players from competing in Major League Baseball, Josh Gibson passed away at 35 years old. In the early 1940s he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died on January 20, 1947 of a stroke.
But Josh Gibson lives in his statistical achievements which place him at the top of all baseball players of all time. The MLB announced on May 29, that it has added the statistics of over 2,300 Negro Leagues players from 1920 to 1948. The update in records now means that Josh Gibson is now Major League Baseball’s all-time career leader in batting average at .372. Gibson overtakes Ty Cobb who is at .367. Gibson also surpasses baseball legend Babe Ruth in career slugging percentage.
Gibson’s legendary career in the Negro Leagues was showcased during the many years he played for Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays. He was commonly referred to as the “Black Babe Ruth,” and hit nearly 800 home runs during his career. Gibson, who was a catcher, played in numerous East-West All-Star Games and helped lead his teams to multiple league championships.
Gibson’s legacy has been recognized and celebrated in the years following his untimely death. In 1972, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This induction helped to solidify his place in baseball history and brought renewed attention to the contributions of Negro Leagues players. Gibson’s story continues to inspire and his career is a reminder of the racial barriers in professional sports.
Pitcher Satchel Paige, whom many consider one of the best pitchers to play the game, is also a big winner on the updated stat sheet. In 1948, at the age of 42, Paige broke into MLB with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the oldest rookie in major league history. Paige’s career in the Negro Leagues spanned over two decades. He played for the Birmingham Black Barons, the Pittsburgh Crawfords, and the Kansas City Monarchs. Paiges’ dominance on the mound was legendary and he often pitched multiple games in a single day.
The incorporation of the stats of Negro Leagues players has been pushed for by many Negro Leagues historians for years. Now that the moment has arrived, the full history of professional baseball moves a bit closer to being valid.
Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the publisher of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and speaks on Crisis Comms on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke
The post The Once and Future King: Josh Gibson is Number One After Negro League Stats Join MLB first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
#NNPA BlackPress
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.
#NNPA BlackPress
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
#NNPA BlackPress
Election Night on The Yard at Howard University
Election Night on The Yard at Howard University
-
Alameda County3 weeks ago
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price Announces $7.5 Million Settlement Agreement with Walmart
-
Activism2 weeks ago
‘Jim Crow Was and Remains Real in Alameda County (and) It Is What We Are Challenging and Trying to Fix Every Day,’ Says D.A. Pamela Price
-
Activism4 weeks ago
OP-ED: Hydrogen’s Promise a Path to Cleaner Air and Jobs for Oakland
-
Bay Area3 weeks ago
In the City Attorney Race, Ryan Richardson Is Better for Oakland
-
Activism2 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of October 30 – November 5, 2024
-
Business4 weeks ago
Harris Promises 1 Million Forgivable Loans for Black Businesses
-
Business4 weeks ago
Study Confirms California’s $20/Hour Fast Food Wage Raises Pay Without Job Losses
-
Community4 weeks ago
Terry T. Backs Oakland Comedy Residency by Oakland’s Luenell at Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club in Las Vegas