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IN MEMORIAM: Funeral of A. Donald McEachin Includes Tributes by Secretary Marcia Fudge, Speaker Pelosi and Leader Clyburn
NNPA NEWSWIRE — The Honorable A. Donald McEachin’s life and legacy were relayed today in striking fashion by his friends and family. We won’t forget.
The post IN MEMORIAM: Funeral of A. Donald McEachin Includes Tributes by Secretary Marcia Fudge, Speaker Pelosi and Leader Clyburn first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
HENRICO, VA — Honoring McEachin: A Virginian From the Old School. Today in Henrico, Va., at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, led by Rev. Dr. Lance Watson, a large number of federal and state leaders from past and present administrations, along with community activists, constituents and countless present and former staff employed in federal and local government connected to Virginia attended the funeral of the Honorable A. Donald McEachin.
Though he had been dealing with health challenges related to colorectal cancer in recent years, his death on Nov. 28 at only 61 years old was met with a surprise and sadness that traveled through Richmond and the political quarters in Virginia as well as north to Capitol Hill in Washington.
With 46 members of Congress sitting at stage right a row behind Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles James and Attorney General Jason Miyares, a large crowd of McEachin’s friends, staff and admirers took part in a tribute to McEachin’s life of public service.
McEachin is only the third African American to be elected to Congress in the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia behind attorney and abolitionist John Mercer Langston and Congressman Bobby Scott.
The historic and social connections of McEachin’s legacy were heard in the words of many who spoke today. Their personal stories about McEachin provided a roadmap on how one individual can impact so many lives directly and indirectly through public service.
Rev. Tyrone Nelson, McEachin’s former law partner Donald Gee, Rev. Stephen Tillett, Del. Lamont Bagby, former Congressman Cedric Richmond, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and Rev. Dr. John Kinney paid rousing tribute to McEachin today from the stage. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Tim Kaine and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn also spoke.
In one of the most indelible moments of the afternoon, McEachin Constituent Services Director, Rev. Sylvia Copeland spoke on behalf of Team McEachin about all the special details that made working with the Congressman unique and memorable — from his love of popcorn, Subway’s steak and cheese and Mountain Dew to his devotion to community and family.
“We won’t forget how ADM persistently challenged the team to connect, build and maintain relationships with key community leaders ensuring our district’s performance aligned with his overall goals, we won’t forget,” Copeland said.
McEachin’s office was known for superior constituent service.
“It’s just a blessing to praise the Lord, hallelujah I’m free,” Sen. Tim Kaine sang at the end of his remarks. McEachin and Kaine’s relationship dated back to when the two were lawyers in their twenties.
“When I call Donald my good friend it’s not like the way we do sometimes on the floor of the House when you really don’t mean it,” said U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.
“When I call Donald McEachin my good friend I really do mean it,” Clyburn added before relating several personal moments he enjoyed with McEachin.
Del. Bagby, a protege of McEachin’s, who is also Chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, told the audience that many of the judges and lawyers present in the room were likely here “because of Donald McEachin.” Bagby also relayed that the passage of a predatory lending bill he passed through the General Assembly was a particular point of pride because McEachin’s law firm assisted many clients on the issue.
“These stories are personal for me. Donald made it personal for each and every one of you here. I know he did something to encourage you and to help you. To give you a leg up. He was a good man, he was a good Delegate… but he was most in tune with his family,” Bagby said.
There were many notable attendees among the many members of Congress and others in attendance today in the endless rows of pews at St. Paul’s. We’ll name a few: House Minority Leader Don Scott, State Senator L. Louise Lucas, fmr. Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax, State Senator Jennifer McClellan, State Senator Creigh Deeds, State Senator Lionell Spruill, fmr. Del. Jay Jones and his father fmr. Del. Jerrauld Jones, January 6th Committee Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, soon-to-be U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, incoming Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford, State Senator Dick Saslaw, Clerk of the Senate Susan Clarke Schaar and Republican Missouri Congressman Billy Long.
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi received a standing ovation from the audience before she spoke after Pastor Watson complimented her leadership. The Virginia Union University Choir sang several songs that were unforgettable.
McEachin is survived by his wife Colette McEachin, who serves as the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond, and their children Joseph “Mac” McEachin, Elizabeth McEachin and Alexandra McEachin.
A. Donald McEachin’s life and legacy were relayed today in striking fashion by his friends and family. We won’t forget.
Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke
The post IN MEMORIAM: Funeral of A. Donald McEachin Includes Tributes by Secretary Marcia Fudge, Speaker Pelosi and Leader Clyburn first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
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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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