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Melinda French Gates Champions Social Progress Through Pivotal Ventures

NNPA NEWSWIRE — In 2022, French Gates expanded her mission by launching the Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to further support philanthropic initiatives with a flexible approach to driving impact.
The post Melinda French Gates Champions Social Progress Through Pivotal Ventures first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Melinda French Gates has been at the forefront of philanthropic innovation since founding Pivotal Ventures in 2015. Pivotal Ventures is dedicated to advancing social progress through a strategic blend of venture capital investments, advocacy funding, and philanthropic grantmaking. In 2022, French Gates expanded her mission by launching the Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to further support philanthropic initiatives with a flexible approach to driving impact.

“When it comes to solving big, complicated problems, it helps to have a lot of tools in your toolbox,” French Gates stated in a previous interview. This philosophy underpins Pivotal Ventures’ efforts to bridge philanthropy, venture capital, and policy advocacy. The organization’s primary focus areas include:

  • Increasing the number of women graduating, investing, and leading in technology: Pivotal Ventures is committed to enhancing women’s roles and leadership in the tech industry, promoting innovation and diversity.
  • Accelerating investment in women and girls of color: By focusing on the talents and contributions of women and girls of color, Pivotal Ventures aims to magnify their transformative impact through targeted investments.
  • Increasing the number of women running for and holding public office: Given that more than half of the U.S. adult population is female, Pivotal Ventures advocates for greater female representation in lawmaking institutions to ensure their perspectives are included in policymaking.
  • Backing the creation of a modern caregiving system: The organization supports initiatives to develop a caregiving system that enables families to effectively balance work and care responsibilities.
  • Securing a comprehensive federal paid family and medical leave policy: Pivotal Ventures pushes for policies that benefit all working families, regardless of location or job type.
  • Expanding access to mental health support for young people: Pivotal Ventures focuses on providing mental health resources for youth, particularly LGBTQ+ youth and young people of color, who are underserved by existing systems designed for adults.

In addition to her philanthropic endeavors, French Gates is an outspoken advocate in the political arena. She has openly opposed Donald Trump’s policies and declared her support for President Joe Biden’s reelection bid. “In this election, I cannot vote for a man who rolls back women’s reproductive rights and says the heinous things that he says about women. So, I absolutely am not voting for Trump, and I will vote for Biden,” she told Gayle King on “CBS Mornings.”

French Gates emphasized the critical role of women voters, particularly in battleground states, in shaping the upcoming election. “It is going to come down in this election—it will come down to the women turning out in the battleground states,” she insisted. “They … women turned out in the midterm elections and said, ‘This is enough,’ and we’ve got to do it again.” A staunch reproductive rights advocate, French Gates celebrated the recent Supreme Court decision upholding access to the abortion medication mifepristone but acknowledged the ongoing battle for reproductive freedoms. “Today’s Supreme Court decision is welcome news, but the fight for reproductive rights is far from over,” she wrote on the social media platform X.

French Gates’ dedication to philanthropy began with her co-founding the Gates Foundation, where she guided the world’s largest charity for over two decades. Her past and present initiatives reflect her commitment to creating a healthier, more prosperous, and more equitable future. As the author of the bestselling book “The Moment of Lift” and creator of Moment of Lift Books, she continues to share her vision for a more equal world. “For over 25 years, I’ve worked to unlock a healthier, more prosperous, more equal future,” French Gates stated. “Today, with Pivotal, I’m as committed as ever to accelerating progress and advancing women’s power and influence around the globe.”

The post Melinda French Gates Champions Social Progress Through Pivotal Ventures 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.

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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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