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Arian Simone Moderates Toyota Nudge Into Greatness Dinner
ROLLING OUT — The Nudge Into Greatness dinner featured a stellar group of panelists who manage nonprofit organizations and are bringing a new perspective to Black business ownership. Attendees were able to hear from Paulana Lamonier of Black People Will Swim; Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, founder of Black History 101 Mobile Museum; Demetrius D. Harris, co-founder of Fly Compton Foundation; and Stanley Yorker, creative director and copywriter for Burrell Communications.
The post Arian Simone Moderates Toyota Nudge Into Greatness Dinner first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
By Chelsea Alexandra | RollingOut.com
Toyota recently hosted a Nudge Into Greatness dinner to celebrate community leaders, business professionals, and influencers who are moving communities forward. The event was held at 5church Midtown on the rooftop of the restaurant. Music was provided by DJ Vito and the event was hosted by Arian Simone, co-founder, and investor of the Fearless Fund.
The Nudge Into Greatness dinner also featured a stellar group of panelists who manage nonprofit organizations and are bringing a new perspective to Black business ownership. Attendees were able to hear from Paulana Lamonier of Black People Will Swim; Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, founder of Black History 101 Mobile Museum; Demetrius D. Harris, co-founder of Fly Compton Foundation; and Stanley Yorker, creative director and copywriter for Burrell Communications.
The goal of the evening was to share with the audience more about how these visionaries are working to advance community priorities forward and request and encourage attendees to nominate eligible organizations for $10,000 grant from Toyota.
How are you “nudging” the community forward?
I am working in the area of racial equity. The work that I do day-to-day involves creating jobs, reducing the wealth gap, and creating generational wealth for women of color-owned businesses.
Out of all the panelists tonight, which story resonated with you the most?
Honestly, all of them. It’s tough to pick, but we heard some amazing stories. Paulana has an organization teaching Black kids how to swim, Dr. Khalid has an organization that is a mobile museum for Black history from those around the world, and Demetrius’ organization is inspiring Black and Brown people to be pilots. So, all of this to me is worth recognition. I can’t pick one.
If you could nominate one organization for the $10,000 grant from Toyota who would it be?
Can I put the Fearless Foundation 501(c3) down? Somebody can nudge us. I’m kidding, but if I had to pick one organization it would be Dr. Khalid. He’s educating our youth in the area of Black history.
What’s next for you?
[More of] the work that we do at the Fearless Fund, expanding the fund, fundraising, and deploying more capital.
The post Arian Simone moderates Toyota Nudge Into Greatness Dinner appeared first on Rolling Out.
The post Arian Simone Moderates Toyota Nudge Into Greatness Dinner 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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