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Kamala Harris, London Breed Help Sun Reporter Newspaper Celebrate 75th Anniversary

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The Sun-Reporter was founded in 1944 and it quickly became a social and political advocate for African Americans on issues like civil rights, discrimination, housing and education as well as a vital source of information at a time when there was little media coverage of Blacks in the mass media.

Published

6 years ago

May 16, 2019

Oakland Post

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Being at the helm of an African-American newspaper that has continuously published for 75 years counts as one of Amelia Ashley Ward’s greatest accomplishments.

In the more than 20 years since she’s taken over as publisher of the San Francisco Sun Reporter, Ward has achieved the kind of success that is rare in today’s world of click bait, paywalls and fake news.

By combining community activism with powerful content across the pages of her popular newspaper, Ward has played a vital role the elections of San Francisco’s first black woman mayor, London Breed; and the city’s first black District Attorney, Kamala Harris.

“We can tell the stories that connect our communities and people who want to talk to our communities know they have to use the Black Press to do so,” said Sun Reporter Publisher Amelia Ashley Ward, adding that she doesn’t take for granted that the paper is still in business. Accompanying Ward (left) in this photo are U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) (center) and London Breed, Mayor of San Francisco.

Both Harris, who is now a U.S. Senator and one of the leading Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election, and Breed were among the 1,000 or so on hand May 9 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown San Francisco to celebrate the Sun Reporter’s 75th anniversary.

“Seventy-five years of still publishing an African American-owned newspaper is certainly a great feeling because we struggle to get advertising and struggle to stay afloat,” said Ward, who also serves as the Chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation (NNPAF), a nonprofit organization that has traditionally focused on pre-professional training and encouraging excellence in the publishing industry.

“We can tell the stories that connect our communities and people who want to talk to our communities know they have to use the Black Press to do so,” Ward said, adding that she doesn’t take for granted that the paper is still in business.

The Sun-Reporter was founded in 1944 and it quickly became a social and political advocate for African Americans on issues like civil rights, discrimination, housing and education as well as a vital source of information at a time when there was little media coverage of Blacks in the mass media.

Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett reportedly acquired the newspaper through a poker game, and the publication, as we know it today, was born out of a merger between the Sun newspaper, which Goodlett owned, and another African-American publication, the Reporter, which was edited and published by his close friend, Thomas C. Fleming.

Goodlett served as publisher of the paper until shortly before his death in 1997.

Since then, Ward, who started her career as an intern at the Sun-Reporter, has run the publication which she said is guided by the wisdom and vision of its founder.

“We had a tribute to Dr. Goodlett who was the first NNPA President to get them into the White House,” Ward said.

NNPA Chairman Dorothy R. Leavell, owner and publisher of Chicago’s Crusader Newspaper Group; current NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.; NNPA Publishers Thurman Jones of the North Dallas Gazette and Kerri Watkins of the New York Daily Challenge were also on hand to celebrate the Sun Reporter’s anniversary.

They also paid tribute to Dr. Goodlett, whom former Mayor Willie Brown immortalized by naming the address at City Hall in his honor.

But the night clearly belonged to Ward, who proudly shared the spotlight with Breed and Harris – the trio entered the hotel’s ballroom to Alicia Keys’ hit song, “Girl on Fire.”

“The Sun-Reporter has been there for us, celebrating our community and telling our stories,” Breed said.

Ward said the achievements of many from the African American community like Breed and Harris “shows you the power of the Black Press and it shows that we are the most trusted voice in our community.”

“I was able to put the paper behind young African American women who wanted to ascend to power and help lead in a political way to make our communities and the world better,” she said.

Frederick Haynes of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, also saluted the Sun Reporter, Ward said.

“The theme of the night was ‘Truth Marching On,’ so Haynes spoke on that topic and then he summarized it by borrowing a phrase from Muhammad Ali when he was beating the drums and said, ‘The Champ is here,’” Ward said.

“Like with Kamala Harris, when everyone in the community is down and out and no one thinks they can do, the Sun Reporter will rise and be like ‘The Champ is here,’ and they will fight the battles,” she said.

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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