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Giddings receives AFRIMMA’s Leadership Award

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Before a packed venue of over 2,000, from various African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Congo, Tanzania, Liberia, Kenya, Cameroon, Somalia, and Zambia, the applause was explosive as Ms. Giddings walked from her front row seat and climbed the stairs to the stage, to accept her prestigious award.

Published

5 years ago

November 13, 2019

Oakland Post

Ms. Helen Giddings (Standing) Left to Right: Ifeoma Obiagwu; Helen Giddings (AFRIMMA Transformational Leadership Award Recipient); Anderson Obiagwu (CEO, Big A Entertainment and Founder of AFRIMMA Awards); and Regina Onyeibe (City of Dallas, Africa Liaison). Photo Credits: Earnestine Cole

By Earnestine Cole, ITWPA Reporter, Special to Texas Metro News

Helen Giddings, a former 26-year member of the Texas House of Representatives, received a Transformational Leadership Award, at the 6th Annual AFRIMMA Music Awards, held at The Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas. Her recognition at AFRIMMA, an all Africa Music Awards, was a culmination of her many years of dedicated and insightful work in South Africa. In June 2007, Ms. Giddings, was appointed as Honorary Counsel of South Africa in Texas.

She was fortunate to meet and build a lasting friendship with the late South African President Nelson Mandela and worked closely with him and members of his cabinet, during her 26 visits to South Africa. A video shown at the event, chronicled Giddings’ work in South Africa, which included her leading a Texas Delegation to the country that was approved by Governor George W. Bush.

The video started out with these words: “While some are elected to lead, a special breed become leaders through actions, that inspire others to do more and become more, Representative Helen Giddings, a lifelong resident of Dallas County is a leader extraordinaire. She has a strong commitment to building meaningful and enduring relationships between the United States and Africa.”

In the video, Ms. Giddings was heralded as being vocal and active in the reaffirmation and revitalization of Africa. Accolades for her work in South Africa were numerous including her: commitment to actively work to help South Africa transform its political miracle into a sustainably democratic, economic and social model for all of Africa to adopt; leading legislation to lift Texas Sanctions against South Africa; being a passionate advocate for education by arranging the collection and shipment of over 200,000 textbooks for distribution to South African school children; and having an interest in the arts; hosting a 92-member all male choir from South Africa, for a month-long concert tour in America.

“I can’t think of a finer example of Transformational Leadership, than Ms. Helen Giddings, former State Representative for District 109, representing those on the south side for 13 terms,” said Regina Onyeibe, Africa Liaison for the City of Dallas, in her introduction of Ms. Giddings. “She is responsible for my first trip as the City of Dallas’ Africa Liaison to South Africa. Ms. Giddings is a leader. She stands up for women and children’s rights. This lady is so deserving of this award.”

Before a packed venue of over 2,000, from various African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Congo, Tanzania, Liberia, Kenya, Cameroon, Somalia, and Zambia, the applause was explosive as Ms. Giddings walked from her front row seat and climbed the stairs to the stage, to accept her prestigious award.

“In AFRIMMA, we love to support people on this side that recognizes that Africa is a place that needs their support”, said Ifeoma Obiagwu, of Big A Entertainment. “Ms. Giddings has done a lot for Africa and we just want to recognize and thank her for seeing something good. The children’s lives have been impacted. We appreciate what she has done.” In her eloquent acceptance speech, Giddings did not disappoint the crowd at the AFRIMMA Music Awards. “Good Evening, brothers and sisters and welcome to Dallas,” she said. “We want to thank AFRIMMA for bringing Africa to Dallas.

It is so good to see you all here and to share the incredible music of Africa. Africa is the birthplace of civilization. And so if it is the birthplace of civilization, then it’s the birthplace of art and music. Thank you for bringing your incredible music here. You and I share the same ancestors and nothing can ever change that. We are the descendants of kings and queens. And we carry that on through the music we make.”

Poison Ivy, the Music DJ for the Dallas Mavericks Games, was the Mistress of Ceremony for the Africa Music Awards. A native of Kenya, Poison Ivy, won the award for the “Best African DJ, USA.” Comedian Basket Mouth, from Nigeria brought never-ending laughter. He is the Chris Rock of Africa and performs to sold-out crowds. Rema, a 19-year-old Rapper from Nigeria, won the “Video of the Year Award.” Rema was excited about meeting Ms. Giddings and talked to her about his desire to have his music played in America. Beth Huddleston, Protocol Officer for the City of Dallas, witnessed the excitement and positive influence that the AFRIMMA Music Awards, had on the massive crowd gathered at The Bomb Factory. “Thank you AFRIMMA for bringing such beauty, creativity, power, energy and healing forces to our great city,” said Ms. Huddleston in her Greeting. We are so grateful for you. What a fantastic venue and what a fantastic program for our great city.”

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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.

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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