#NNPA BlackPress
Black Press Urges DSCC to Expand Black Media Reach in New Ad Campaign
NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Black voters have the power to shape the outcome of the 2024 election and will play a critical role in defending the Democrats’ Senate majority that is fighting for the values, priorities, and issues that matter most for Black Americans,” said Jessica Knight Henry, DSCC Deputy Executive Director. “This campaign will build on Senate Democrats’ efforts to meet Black voters wherever they are and ensure that every voter has the information they need to make their plan to vote and make their voice heard.”
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has launched a new advertising initiative to encourage Black voter turnout in seven key battleground states. The campaign, “Our Vote. Our Power,” will appear in select Black-owned media outlets across Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. The effort focuses on promoting voter participation in the 2024 Senate elections while urging individuals to create a voting plan using the online platform IWillVote.com, where everyone can access information to plan their involvement in the election.
“Black voters have the power to shape the outcome of the 2024 election and will play a critical role in defending the Democrats’ Senate majority that is fighting for the values, priorities, and issues that matter most for Black Americans,” said Jessica Knight Henry, DSCC Deputy Executive Director. “This campaign will build on Senate Democrats’ efforts to meet Black voters wherever they are and ensure that every voter has the information they need to make their plan to vote and make their voice heard.”
The campaign’s ads will run in publications including the Florida Star, Baltimore Times, Michigan Chronicle, Call & Post, West Philly Journal, Houston Style Magazine, Dallas Weekly, and the Milwaukee Community Journal starting immediately. An example of the ads is below:
“Technology and social media have given us the opportunity to see history almost repeat itself,” said Jessica Washington, CEO of The Dallas Weekly. “The Black Press has been pivotal in advocating the necessity of civic engagement from our community. This was the case for the first Black vote as it is for this 2024 election.”
Washington added that the Texas senate election between Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Congressman Colin Allred will have a massive impact on education, immigration, and the state’s economy. “Dallas Weekly will do their part, as we have for 70 years, to inform our community on the power of their vote,” Washington affirmed.
However, National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Chair Bobby Henry, publisher of the Westside Gazette in Fort Lauderdale, voiced concern over the limited scope of the DSCC’s outreach. “I appreciate the effort to reach out to Black voters with your new advertising campaign, but the limited placement in just a handful of local Black newspapers is disappointing and inadequate,” Henry stated. “Black voters have consistently been at the forefront of shaping our nation’s political landscape, and yet, once again, we are seeing minimal investment in ensuring our communities are thoroughly engaged and informed.”
The NNPA is the trade association representing over 200 Black-owned newspapers and media companies, comprising the 197-year-old Black Press of America.
Henry called for a more significant investment. “Our communities deserve more than token outreach; they deserve a comprehensive, robust effort that spans the diversity and geographic reach of Black media outlets nationwide,” he demanded. “To effectively energize Black voters and convey the importance of their participation, there must be a more significant investment in the publications that have historically served as trusted voices and sources of information.”
#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
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