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For Elise Neal, going Art UP is a creative step forward

NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER — Actress and native Memphian Elise Neal (“Hustle & Flow,” “Rosewood,” “Logan,” “The Hughleys”) has entered into a partnership with ArtUp. Neal will serve as an ArtUp Executive Fellow and will launch a Master Class series, where she and other entertainment industry experts will teach registered participants industry skills. Neal’s Master Class venture will be incubated at ArtUp while she serves as a mentor and coach to emerging entrepreneurs in the 2019-20 Creative Idea Incubator.

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(l-r) Linda Steele, Sheri Neely, Katyana Dandridge, Elise Neal, Paul Thomas, Jayme Stokes, Lee Rankin, and Nicole Gates. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

By TSD Newsroom

Actress and native Memphian Elise Neal (“Hustle & Flow,” “Rosewood,” “Logan,” “The Hughleys”) has entered into a partnership with ArtUp.

Neal will serve as an ArtUp Executive Fellow and will launch a Master Class series, where she and other entertainment industry experts will teach registered participants industry skills. Neal’s Master Class venture will be incubated at ArtUp while she serves as a mentor and coach to emerging entrepreneurs in the 2019-20 Creative Idea Incubator.

“With great productions either coming to the city or already being shot here such as “Christmas at Graceland” and “Bluff City Law,” the talent and supporting ecosystem must be developed and prepared for the demand,” said Neal.

Over the past five years, entertainment sector employment has grown 5.5 percent across the board in Tennessee.

“I come back and forth to the city a lot through my volunteer work. I enjoy that work. However, I am also happy to be giving back in a way that is in line with my entertainment background,” Neal said.

“I have been blessed to be active in this industry for more than 25 years and I want to share valuable information that can help others be successful as I have been. There aren’t any other organizations that I would rather be working with. ArtUp was founded right here in my hometown…but reaches across the world.”

ArtUp is gearing up for another cohort of their award-winning Creative Idea Incubator, which prepares individuals of all artistic backgrounds with the tools to develop a creative idea into a viable business for investors. Each participant receives modest startup cash, expert instruction, and completes curated site visits to help them create a comprehensive pitch deck for their creative enterprise.

“When deciding who we would select as our first Executive Fellow, Elise Neal was an obvious choice. With a solid career and passion for her work and the desire to give back in her hometown, we felt she would be a perfect match for our Incubator,” said Linda Steele, founder and CEO of ArtUp.

Neal will launch her creative venture from the ArtUp base in the South Main Artspace Lofts, located in the South Main Arts District.

ArtUp received a grant in early 2019 from the Strong, Prosperous, and Resilient Communities Challenge (SPARCC) to recruit residents of North Memphis to participate. The first information session for the ArtUp Creative Idea Incubator will be held at Lifeline to Success in Frayser on Sept. 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 1647 Dellwood Ave.

(To learn more: follow Elise Neal on Instagram @eliseneal, ArtUp @weartup on Instagram and Facebook, and @WeAreArtUp on Twitter.)

This article originally appeared in the New Tri-State Defender

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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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