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COMMENTARY: Joy

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Mr. [John] Reaves died last month, and many shared their fond memories of him and the Smokey John’s BBQ experience. Meanwhile, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) had a rough month with the passing of television anchor Nancy Parker in New Orleans; mother, son and daughter Marsha Edwards, Christopher Edwards II and Erin Edwards of Atlanta; and former television anchor Donna Davis of Memphis.

Published

5 years ago

September 5, 2019

Oakland Post

(Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

My Truth

By Cheryl Smith, Publisher, I Messenger Media L.L.C., Texas Metro News

The month of August was filled with answers, especially if you take into consideration an important question, “Why?” I’ve heard people pose the question when someone transitions, even though they don’t want to question “God.”

When I first moved to Dallas in 1981, I visited a restaurant called “Smokey John’s Barbecue.” I actually visited weekly, to pick up my Black newspapers, get some fish and on the second Saturday of each month, attend Florida A&M University Alumni meetings.

It was also the place where the first meeting of the Dallas Metroplex Council of Black Alumni Associations was held. The owner, John Reaves, was the best, and his restaurant was a fun place, especially on Friday nights when there was entertainment and some of any and everybody came by for a good time, fellowship and great food.

John Reaves, owner of Smokey John’s Barbecue, was the best, and his restaurant was a fun place, especially on Friday nights when there was entertainment and some of any and everybody came by for a good time, fellowship and great food.

Well, Mr. Reaves died last month, and many shared their fond memories of him and the Smokey John’s BBQ experience. Meanwhile, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) had a rough month with the passing of television anchor Nancy Parker in New Orleans; mother, son and daughter Marsha Edwards, Christopher Edwards II and Erin Edwards of Atlanta; and former television anchor Donna Davis of Memphis.

Then I received a call last week about long-time friend and Warrior, Thelma Youngblood. I met “Youngblood” in the early 1990s and we’ve been friends ever since. I think we were drawn to one another because we respected one another’s candor.

Now, she’d probably laugh at that observation, but it was true. There was nothing fake or pretentious about our relationship. Born in Ennis, TX, and an honors graduate from Jackson High School in Corsicana, Youngblood said how she felt and I did the same. We didn’t always agree, and we didn’t always agree to disagree.

Instead we respected one another’s opinions and decisions. Youngblood and I didn’t choose our friends based on each other’s likes or dislikes and we knew when to pump the brakes on certain issues. The last time I talked to Youngblood, earlier this summer, I told her how great she sounded. It was good to hear her voice, sounding so strong and vibrant.

When I got back into town from the NABJ convention, I called her on August 14 but didn’t get an answer. I then called a mutual friend, and no answer. Youngblood remained on my mind. I even asked a member of our distribution team if she answered the door when he took the paper by. Yes, with over 300 distribution drops, Youngblood’s house was my only home drop and she appreciated the courtesy immensely, at times giving her commentary on what she had read or what was going on in the world.

I’m going to miss her. To know her is to love her. I won’t profess to have totally reconciled this thing called death, but I do realize that death is part of life.

Which brings me to my truth. As I continued to massage my temples and remember the good memories, in the face of death, I received quite a bit of exciting news that succeeded in easing the pain to a certain extent. You see, two of my children are pregnant. One with a boy and the other with a “to be determined.”

Then I got word of two special young ladies, both journalists, who will be giving birth soon. Television anchor Amanda Fitzpatrick had her Gender Reveal event and we celebrated the news, “It’s a girl.” Next, radio personality Dareia Tolbert -Jacobs had her Gender Reveal event and we celebrated that news: “It’s a boy.”

For me, as I process all the wonderful people in my life who are no longer with me, I will be happy just to hear that mothers and babies are healthy. Just think about the high maternal morbidity rate for Black women. Healthy moms and babies must be the priority.

Death and birth can both be stressful. We celebrate the joy of birth. We must also celebrate the joy of living and the lives of those who have transitioned. And, we must make sure we are living joyous lives.

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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.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

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.

Oakland Post

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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 […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

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