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IN MEMORIAM: Quincy Jones: Music Titan and Trailblazer Dies at 91

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Jones excelled as a musician and producer, working with greats like Count Basie, Elvis Presley, Charlie Parker, Charlie Mingus, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra to name a few. He scored many films and produced iconic films like The Wiz, The Italian Job, In Cold Blood, In the Heat of the Night, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial and The Color Purple. He also had a film and television production company, which famously produced The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, launching rapper Will Smith’s acting career.

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By Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D, NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor

Legendary musician, producer and entertainment giant Quincy Jones has died. Arnold Robinson, Jones’ publicist, said he died on Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.

“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”

Jones excelled as a musician and producer, working with greats like Count Basie, Elvis Presley, Charlie Parker, Charlie Mingus, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra to name a few. He scored many films and produced iconic films like The Wiz, The Italian Job, In Cold Blood, In the Heat of the Night, E.T. the Extra Terrestrial and The Color Purple. He also had a film and television production company, which famously produced The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, launching rapper Will Smith’s acting career.

Jones was born in Chicago, to parents who descended from slaves. After his parents divorced, he moved to Seattle at age 14 with his father where he learned to play multiple musical instruments. He studied music at Seattle University, eventually moving to Boston and then NYC to play with legendary bandleader Lionel Hampton. The rest is history.

Jones has been nominated for seven Academy Awards. In 1968, Jones became the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “The Eyes of Love” from the film, “Banning.” Jones was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on the 1967 film, “In Cold Blood,” making him the first African American to be nominated twice in the same year. In 1971, the trailblazer became the first African American to be the musical director and conductor of the Academy Awards. In 1986, he was nominated for Best Picture for the Color Purple, which he scored and produced.

Over the course of his 75-year career, Jones won 28 Grammys, including three Producer of the Year awards, two Song of the Year awards, and two Album of the Year awards. The multi-hyphenate produced three of the most successful albums by music superstar Michael Jackson: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987). He also won the Grammy Living Legend Award (1991). In 2001, Jones received a Kennedy Center honor and in 2010, he received a National Medal of Arts medal from President Barack Obama. The iconic bandleader was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

In 1995. Jones gathered 45 music legends and pop stars to produce the single, “We are the World,” for the USA for Africa charity. The single sold 800,000 copies in three days and raised more than $60 million for African famine relief and inspired other musician-driven charitable efforts. Jones won the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award that same year.

Jones was recently had a 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl featuring iconic performers like Steve Wonder, Angélique Kidjo, Patti Austin, Aloe Blacc, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson and rising stars Samara Joy and BJ the Chicago Kid.

Jones was married three times and has seven children. He was married to Jeri Caldwell (1957-1966), Swedish actress Ulla Andersson (1967-1974) and actress Peggy Lipton (1984-1989), who is the mother of actress Rashida Jones and designer Kidada Jones. He is survived by his children Jolie, Rachel, Martina, Quincy III, Kidada, Rashida, and Kenya and six grandchildren. He was 91.

Rest in power.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on social media @Ntellectual.

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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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