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Hey, Bro… Donald Trump is not your friend.

Trump’s pattern of racism and discrimination goes back to the 1970s, when the US Justice Department sued his real estate business for racial discrimination, alleging that they had systematically refused to rent apartments to Black tenants.

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OP-ED: Hey, Bro… Donald Trump is not your friend.

I was born in 1989, the same year Donald Trump took out full-page newspaper ads in four different papers calling for five New York Black and Brown teenagers falsely accused of rape and assault to be sentenced to death. In the ads, Trump called the teens “wild criminals” who “should be forced to suffer.”

The teens, then known as the Central Park Five, would be exonerated after DNA evidence confirmed that convicted murderer Matias Reyes was responsible. Even after the truth emerged, Trump continued to assert their guilt publicly and refused to acknowledge their exoneration.

The attacks Trump waged just months after my birth not only fueled public outrage at the time but also helped contribute to the villainization and racial profiling that have haunted Black men in America for decades.

If you think I’m cherry-picking one example from Trump’s past, I’m not, and Trump’s record proves it. Years after his moment with Exonerated Five, Trump promoted a racist birther conspiracy that alleged President Barack Obama was not born in the United States. Trump was determined to delegitimize the first Black president by questioning his very identity and place in American society.

In Trump’s mind, Black men could become wealthy and powerful as entertainers or athletes, but no Black man could ever legitimately become president of the United States. Trump spent years trying to paint Obama as an untrustworthy outsider with a funny name who had lied to the American people and schemed his way to become the leader of the free world.

Trump’s pattern of racism and discrimination goes back to the 1970s, when the US Justice Department sued his real estate business for racial discrimination, alleging that they had systematically refused to rent apartments to Black tenants. The practice of denying opportunities based on race extended to his casino ventures as well, where reports indicated that Black employees faced barriers to advancement and were often relegated to lower-paying positions.

These examples from Trump’s past are not isolated — they reflect a prejudiced worldview held by him since he was a young man starting in the business world. Trump doesn’t understand, and doesn’t care to understand, the unique experience of being a Black man in America. His actions have fed into a broader societal tendency to view Black men through a lens of suspicion and fear.

Whether it’s employment, health care, or education, Black men face disproportionate challenges at every turn. We need leaders who understand those challenges and are committed to making change. Donald Trump is not one of those leaders. He is an example of the work still needed to combat racism and achieve progress for us all.

The evidence is clear that Donald Trump has not been a friend to Black men during his four decades of public life.

As a Black man seeking an ally in the White House who will fight for equality and justice, I’ll be voting for Kamala Harris in November. I’ll be voting for someone with a proven track record of advocating for civil rights and for marginalized people. I’ll be voting for someone who will uplift our community and not worsen the systemic inequalities that have held back generations of people.

In November, I’ll be voting for a future where Black men and Black communities across the country are seen, protected, heard, and valued.

 

 

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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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