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NNPA Demands NABJ Rescind Invitation to Donald Trump

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “I strongly oppose Trump’s participation in the NABJ annual convention and career fair,” declared NNPA National Chair Bobby Henry. The NNPA represents over 250 African American-owned newspapers and media companies and has been a pillar of the Black Press of America for 197 years.
The post NNPA Demands NABJ Rescind Invitation to Donald Trump first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has forcefully condemned the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for including former President Donald Trump in a panel during its annual convention. The stunning invitation has sparked widespread outrage within the journalism community.

“I strongly oppose Trump’s participation in the NABJ annual convention and career fair,” declared NNPA National Chair Bobby Henry. The NNPA represents over 250 African American-owned newspapers and media companies and has been a pillar of the Black Press of America for 197 years. “His divisive rhetoric and actions have harmed marginalized communities, particularly the Black community,” Henry continued. “Allowing him a platform at this event undermines the NABJ’s values of inclusion and solidarity and risks normalizing his damaging behavior.”

Henry emphasized the necessity of Black journalists to foster dialogues that uplift and empower marginalized voices, not those who have historically opposed minority interests.

Founded in 1975, the NABJ is a prominent organization for journalists of color in America. The decision to invite the controversial, twice-impeached, and 34-times convicted felon and former president has triggered a significant backlash from its members. “I have decided to step down as co-chair from this year’s #NABJ24 convention in Chicago,” tweeted NABJ convention co-chair Karen Attiah to her 234,000 followers. “To the journalists interviewing Trump, I wish them the best of luck. For everyone else, I’m looking forward to meeting and reconnecting with all of you in the Windy City.” Attiah noted that NABJ leadership did not consult her in the decision to provide Trump with a platform.

Journalist Kathia Woods, who will host a panel during the event, voiced her disappointment but affirmed her commitment to attending the convention due to her responsibilities. “I’m here for my young journalists to support and will continue to advocate for you,” Woods stated. “Also, Brandon is a friend, and he and his team worked really hard.”

Prominent journalists April Ryan and Yamiche Alcindor, both of whom Trump has previously targeted, also condemned the NABJ’s decision. However, Jemele Hill and Simone Sanders argued that the criticism might be premature. “We interviewed the President of the Heritage Foundation on @TheWeekendMSNBC,” Sanders wrote. “Some people thought it was a bad idea, but we asked real questions and got him on the record on key issues. Folks shouldn’t assume that all the journalists interviewing Trump at NABJ aren’t going to ask real questions or hold him accountable.”

Roland Martin, another prominent NABJ member, added that he found it troubling that no Black male journalists were invited to question Trump. Like so many others, Martin vehemently objected to including Fox News personality and Trump apologist Harris Faulkner, who will serve as moderator.

As the backlash grows, NABJ President Ken Lemon faces increasing calls for his resignation. “The NNPA is resolutely opposed to Donald Trump being scheduled to speak at the 2024 NABJ National Convention in Chicago,” stated NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. “For 197 years, the Black Press of America has been on the frontline of Black America’s struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. It is a tragic affront to Black America for NABJ to permit Trump to spew racist lies, hatred, and fascism at an NABJ national convention. The NNPA urgently calls upon NABJ leadership to immediately rescind the invitation. The eyes of Black America and the world are watching with shame and disgust.”

The post NNPA Demands NABJ Rescind Invitation to Donald Trump first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists:

  • Medaria Arradondo – Former Minneapolis Police Chief
  • Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil Rights Activist & Attorney
  • Dr. Yohuru Williams – Racial Justice Initiative,
  • UST Mary Moriarty – Hennepin County Attorney
  • Fireside Chat with Andre Locke – Father of Amir Locke

Special Guests:

  • Kennedy Pounds – Spoken Word Artist
  • Known MPLS – Youth Choir bringing purpose through song

This podcast episode looks at the past five years through the lens of grief, truth, and hope—and challenges us all to do more.

🔔 Subscribe to Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real wherever you get your podcasts or follow ‪@mnspokesmanrecorder‬ for more.

🔗 Visit https://spokesman-recorder.com for more coverage and stories from Minnesota’s trusted Black news source.

#GeorgeFloyd #BlackPress #SpokesmanRecorder #Minneapolis #BlackHistory

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