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AUTO REVIEW: 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
NNPA NEWSWIRE — I had the SEL trim package which is the top of the line. It had LED headlights, daytime running lights and automatic high beams. Blind spot warning with lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning were among the driver safety aids.
By Frank S. Washington, AboutThatCar.com, NNPA Newswire Contributor
DETROIT – The 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a no-nonsense crossover designed to handle day-to-day driving needs. Its angular styling was eye catching. There was the three-bar grille and 18-inch alloy wheels.
It was powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that made 152 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It was mated to a continuously variable transmission or CVT that was engineered to act like it had eight gears. It also had all-wheel-drive.
The Eclipse Cross had an EPA rating of 25 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined.
This was not a particularly fast or quick crossover. It was made for deliberate driving. At times the CVT would act as if it was shifting gears. However, as with most eight-speeds I felt first two gear shifts but not the rest. This transmission could also be shifted manually, and it had paddle shifters as well.
On surface streets the Eclipse Cross was more than adequate. On the expressways I had to practice premeditated driving. Acceleration was lacking, thus, passing had to be planned.
Handling and sight lines were good. The suspension provided a firm ride. Of course, the electric power steering was sensitive to driver input. This engine was a little loud under hard acceleration, but it quieted down after it warmed up.
The interior was nicely done. Two analogue instruments in front of the driver, the odometer and speedometer, were separated by a TFT screen. My test vehicle had a heated steering wheel as well as heated front and rear seats.
I found the dual moonroof interesting. The one over the front passengers was retractable and the one over the second-row seats was fixed. Getting into the second row was a little tight. But once seated in the second row there was plenty of head space. Hip space was pretty good and there was a good bit of leg space. However, the seat cushion seemed a little short not providing that much support to my lower legs.
The 2019 Eclipse Cross had all the connectivity you expect. There was Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, Bluetooth and a Mitsubishi Connect telematics system.
Back in the day, of all the Japanese automakers Mitsubishi was known to have the best engineering prowess. Some of that expertise was evident in the Eclipse Cross.
It had pushbutton start stop as well as lock and unlock. I thought the folding sideview mirrors were surprising at this price point. Of course, there was a rearview camera – it’s the law – with rear cross traffic alert.
The head-up-display was on a screen that was camouflaged in the vehicle’s cowl atop the steering wheel. The projection was on the screen and not the windshield. A panel slid back, and the screen came up. The same process was used to retract she screen when the ignition was turned off.
It was all a little elaborate and a little loud too because of the electric motor making all that stuff move. I also thought controlling the audio system could have been a little simpler. To change the station took some doing and took my eye of the road; that’s a never a good thing.
I had the SEL trim package which is the top of the line. It had LED headlights, daytime running lights and automatic high beams. Blind spot warning with lane change assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning were among the driver safety aids.
For $32,310 as tested, the 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross had a lot to offer.
Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com
#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.
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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
#NNPA BlackPress
Election Night on The Yard at Howard University
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