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Michigan’s Ashley Myatt Crowned Miss Black America in Historic 55th Anniversary Pageant

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The festivities commenced on Friday and culminated in the grand crowning ceremony on Saturday night, where Myatt, a native of Detroit, expressed her joy and disbelief at winning the prestigious title. “I feel amazing. This is such a great opportunity, especially for little girls who may be looking up to me,” Myatt shared.
The post Michigan’s Ashley Myatt Crowned Miss Black America in Historic 55th Anniversary Pageant first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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

In a dazzling celebration of black beauty, talent, and achievement, Michigan’s Ashley Myatt was crowned Miss Black America on Saturday night at the historic 55th-anniversary pageant. The glamorous event unfolded at the former House of Blues venue within the Showboat Resort Atlantic City. Myatt emerged as the standout among the five final candidates. This group included first runner-up Courtney Renford from New York as well as Donna Fairclough, Azraya Davis from New Jersey, and Malani Brayboy from Georgia.

The festivities commenced on Friday and culminated in the grand crowning ceremony on Saturday night, where Myatt, a native of Detroit, expressed her joy and disbelief at winning the prestigious title. “I feel amazing. This is such a great opportunity, especially for little girls who may be looking up to me,” Myatt shared. “And it’s just a great opportunity to stand here today. Thank you so much. I’m so happy.” The diverse contestants, aged 17 to 29, showcased their intelligence, talent, and charisma throughout the competition, making the final decision challenging for the judges.

“The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is proud and pleased to have a national strategic media alliance with the Miss Black America Pageant under the founding leadership of J. Morris Anderson of Philadelphia,” NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., who served as a judge for the contest. The NNPA is the trade association of more than 230 African-American-owned newspapers and media companies that comprise the Black Press of America. “For the past 55 years, the Miss Black America Pageant has effectively uplifted the genius and beauty of emerging women leaders of Black America,” Chavis continued.

“Across the United States and worldwide, Miss Black America is acknowledged as an empowering journey and a global social change phenomenon.” Myatt, a University of Toledo graduate in veterinary medicine, currently works as a vet technician and aspires to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, a field she studied at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia. The pageant’s return to the city where the “Historic Protest Pageant of 1968” occurred generated considerable anticipation.

Anderson’s daughter, Aleta Anderson, emphasized distinguishing the Miss Black America Pageant from a Black Miss America pageant. “I’ve been working with this pageant since I was a little girl,” Anderson declared. “The thing that it originally was meant for is still there, and it means so much more in that it provides an opportunity for the young women to participate.”

The post Michigan’s Ashley Myatt Crowned Miss Black America in Historic 55th Anniversary Pageant 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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