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Congresswoman Maxine Waters Statement at Historic Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee Hearing

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion, created by Chairwoman Waters and led by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion, is the first of its kind in Congress, dedicated to looking at diversity and inclusion issues under the Committee’s jurisdiction.

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WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, the House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion convened its first hearing, entitled “An Overview of Diversity Trends in the Financial Services Industry,” with Daniel Garcia-Diaz, Director, Financial Markets and Community Investment, U.S. Government Accountability Office.

During the hearing, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, discussed the importance of examining the systemic exclusion of women, people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and other members of society who have to fight for a seat at the table.

The Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion, created by Chairwoman Waters and led by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion, is the first of its kind in Congress, dedicated to looking at diversity and inclusion issues under the Committee’s jurisdiction.

See Chairwoman Waters’ opening statement at yesterday’s hearing and her exchange with the witness below.
Chairwoman Waters’ Opening Statement:

“Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Today we are convening for the first time the Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion, which will examine and resolve the systemic economic exclusion of women, people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and other members of our society who have to fight for a seat at the table.

“I’m pleased that the Subcommittee is beginning with this hearing on an issue that has stymied the financial services industry, including women and minorities in management.

“Beginning in February 2005, 14 years ago, the Financial Services Committee requested that the GAO review diversity trends in the financial services industry. In 2006, GAO looked at diversity from 1993 to 2004 and reported that the percentage of minorities in management rose from 11.1 percent to 15.5, with the percentage of African-Americans rising from 5.6 percent to 6.6 percent.

“GAO has since updated its report several times. In GAO’s most recent report covering 2007 to 2015, minority representation increased from 17 percent to 21 percent. However, the percentage of African-Americans in senior roles decreased from 6.5 percent to 6.3 percent and all minorities continue to be underrepresented.

“For years, policymakers, diversity advocates, and diverse professionals in the financial services industry have sent the message that diversity and inclusion must be more than words—they require action and resolve. Unfortunately, the data shows that the financial services industry lacks both.

“Today, this Subcommittee begins the process of shining light on these trends and begins its work to improve the industry so that our financial system works for everybody.

“I am so pleased that Ms. Beatty has taken the leadership on this Diversity Subcommittee. There’s nobody, no one else, who can do a job better than she can.”

Watch Chairwoman Waters’ Q&A with Daniel Garcia-Diaz below:

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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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