#NNPA BlackPress
Grosso Introduces Abortion Protection Policy
THE AFRO — The District of Columbia City Council is working to protect the civil rights of its residents by defying President Donald J. Trump’s attack on reproductive rights. Council member David Grosso (I- At Large) has introduced legislation that would guarantee all D.C. residents the right to access all reproductive healthcare options, including abortion.
By Mark F. Gray
The District of Columbia City Council is working to protect the civil rights of its residents by defying President Donald J. Trump’s attack on reproductive rights. Council member David Grosso (I- At Large) has introduced legislation that would guarantee all D.C. residents the right to access all reproductive healthcare options, including abortion.
Grosso’s bill, Strengthening Reproductive Health Protections Amendment Act of 2019, was co-sponsored by Council members Anita Bonds (D-At Large), Elissa Silverman (I- At Large), Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Mary Cheh (D- Ward 3), Brandon Todd (D-Ward 4), and Charles Allen (D- Ward 6). It seeks to, among other things, prohibit the criminalization of self-managed abortion and will protect health care professionals against employment discrimination based on their participation in providing abortion care.
“It is imperative that as a city we do our part to protect the rights of our residents,” wrote Grosso in his introductory statement. “We need lasting protection for reproductive health access now, no matter what happens in Congress. This legislation ensures that everyone in D.C. has access to the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion.”
According to Planned Parenthood, since 2018, 15 states have enacted 23 new abortion restrictions by ammending their reproductive rights laws in some form. Mississippi instituted a 15-week abortion ban last year. In May, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a six-week abortion ban into law, making the state the fourth in 2019 to enact a ban on abortion at a point in pregnancy before most patients would be aware of a pregnancy.
Alabama also passed the Human Life Protection Act which is the most restrictive of all. Any doctor who performs a banned abortion in the state would be guilty of a Class A felony, and could be sentenced to life in prison. Their arguments are that restrictive laws are meant to make access to abortion so difficult that it will not matter whether Roe v. Wade stands or not.
Last year’s confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh also has many abortion rights proponents feeling that Roe v. Wade could be amended as well since the high court is perceived to be leaning to the right on this issue.
“Across the country, reproductive health decisions—and specifically abortion rights are under attack,” said Grosso. “President Trump continues to nominate judges that will shift the ideological makeup of the courts, while state legislatures enact unconstitutional laws that restrict access to abortion.”
D.C.’s proposed legislation is designed to prohibit government from interfering with reproductive health decisions and from imposing arbitrary punishment on anyone choosing to abort a pregancy following a miscarriage, or “adverse pregnancy outcomes.” It would also prohibit employment discrimination against health care professionals if they assist or participate in abortion or sterilization procedures.
“While we are well aware that the District of Columbia is subject to the whims of Congress, we are fortunate right now to have a pro-reproductive health majority in the House of Representatives,” Grosso continued.
This article originally appeared in The Afro.
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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.
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 […]
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
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