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Celebrities Join Metrolink in Highlighting Environmental and Social Opportunities

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL — The participants included NBA greats Norm Nixon and Byron Scott, NFL star Eric Dickerson, award-winning singer Jeffrey Osborne and actor/comedian Cedric the Entertainer. The legends united with Metrolink to promote the environmental benefits of riding the train, share commentary about points of interest along the route and acquaint passengers with various community-based organizations that are doing positive work in the Southland.

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CEO Stephanie Wiggins, center, poses with Byron Scott, left, and Jeffrey Osborne, who serve as guest conductors on the Metrolink rail system. (Photo by: Jose Ubeda | Metrolink)

By Cora Jackson-Fossett

Metrolink riders will soon hear famous voices announcing train stops. As part of its Guest Conductor Program, the rail service invited several local celebrities and community leaders to record messages and announcements.

The participants included NBA greats Norm Nixon and Byron Scott, NFL star Eric Dickerson, award-winning singer Jeffrey Osborne and actor/comedian Cedric the Entertainer. The legends united with Metrolink to promote the environmental benefits of riding the train, share commentary about points of interest along the route and acquaint passengers with various community-based organizations that are doing positive work in the Southland.

According to Metrolink CEO Stephanie Wiggins, “We have about 40,000 riders a day and about 1 million a month among the six counties that we operate in. This program is a great way to elevate awareness because people get on the train and may tune out the announcements, but when they hear Byron Scott, they will listen and that will get people more engaged.

“He’s acknowledging the smart choice that they made by riding Metrolink and that should make them feel better. And then he is telling them about another way that they can contribute on a social level,” explained Wiggins.

In Scott’s case, he talked about A Community of Friends nonprofit. Scott recently partnered with the organization in its mission to end homelessness and provide permanent supportive housing for those with mental illness,” Scott said.

Stephanie Wiggins shares a laugh with Jeffrey Osborne. (Photo by: Jose Ubeda | Metrolink)

Stephanie Wiggins shares a laugh with Jeffrey Osborne. (Photo by: Jose Ubeda | Metrolink)

“It is great that I was able to get my message out about an organization that I have so much love for and is doing so many wonderful things. I think Metrolink is doing the same thing as far as providing a service. It is a much easier way of transportation. You can rest and relax and it is great for the environment and it takes cars off the street,” he added.

Expressing similar comments, Osborne said, “Public transportation is great! Going from one point to another point is a lot easier instead of going through TSA. Going and coming is so simple when you ride public transportation. I love it!”

The positive response by Scott and Osborne confirms the success of using guest conductors. In the past, the agency recruited former Angels baseball player Tim Salmon, members of the California Assembly, Congressman Gil Cisneros and members of the Metrolink Board of Directors to record messages.

The Guest Conductor Program aligns with Wiggins’ vision of increasing the profile of the six-county, 538 route-mile system. By using Metrolink’s extensive network, riders can reduce traffic worries, save time and enjoy amenities such as clean restrooms, security courtesy of the L.A. Sherriff’s Department and charging outlets and USB ports on certain seats.

“This is a nice way to incentivize people to get out of their cars and contribute to something that will make an environmental impact,” said Wiggins. “We have 62 stations in over 50 cities. We are a part of the community and we want people to know that!”

This article originally appeared in The Los Angeles Sentinel.

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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.

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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 […]

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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

Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

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