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Norton, Garza Receive NNPA Awards at Black Press Week Ceremony

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “What an honor to receive this affirmation from what I refer to as the source,” said Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who has fought to help the Black Press receive advertising from the federal government, whose various agencies has spent nearly $5 billion on ads over the past decade but just 5 percent of those dollars spent with African American-owned media.

Published

6 years ago

March 23, 2019

Oakland Post

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) honored Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) and Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza during a lively ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, March 21.

Norton received the NNPA’s Torch Award, given annually to someone that has made a positive impact in the African American community, while Garza received the NNPA Newsmaker of the Year in recognition of her work as an organizer, writer, public speaker and difference maker.

The NNPA is a trade association that represents more than 220 Black-owned media companies in the United States and promotes the profession of journalism and the business of publishing, while celebrating the evolution of the Black Press in America.

“What an honor to receive this affirmation from what I refer to as the source,” said Norton, who has fought to help the Black Press receive advertising from the federal government, whose various agencies has spent nearly $5 billion on ads over the past decade but just 5 percent of those dollars spent with African American-owned media.

After meeting with the Black Press of America two years ago, Norton sought a report from the Government Accountability Office detailing on what government agencies spend on advertising.

“I wasn’t surprised by what I found,” Norton said. “Very little goes to the Black Press and we are working to change that.”

Norton has prepared legislation that would require all government agencies to detail their advertising budget and who they’re placing ads with.

“I’m pleased that Democrats have captured the minority and that’s going to mean a lot for African Americans, period,” Norton said.

“I will be introducing a bill addressed to the appropriators and it’s very important it will be appropriators because they can demand in order for the agencies to get their money they have to do certain things,” she said.

Norton believes holding those agencies accountable will lead to leveling the playing field for black publishers.

Garza, who in 2018 founded Black Futures Lab that works to make black people powerful in politics, said she appreciates holding the torch alongside the Black Press.

“I feel like we got some work to do together,” Garza said.

A 2017 Sydney Peace Prize recipient, Garza said while the work of Black Lives Matter has shined a spotlight on police shootings of unarmed African Americans, it’s also important that black women are given their due respect.

“Black Lives Matter has always been about telling the truth… and the truth of the matter is there’s somethings we’ve got to talk about. Black women… our experiences were devalued and erased and told our job and role is to serve others even at the expense of yourself,” Garza said.

“My sister Dream Hampton, the executive producer of the television series, ‘Surviving R. Kelly,’ she’s walking around with security teams because we’re not able to tell the inconvenient truth that black women have been abused. Black women who have been telling their stories for decades are being abused and we have the ability to stop it,” she said.

The ceremony featured addresses by NNPA President Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., New York Carib News Publisher Karl Rodney, NNPA Association President Dorothy R. Leavell, and NNPA Foundation Chair Amelia Ashley-Ward.

Dr. Emil M. Thomas, the pastor of the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Palo Alto, California, served as the keynote speaker of the evening and brought the crowd to its feet with a stirring speech about truth, the ineptitude of the current White House administration, and the importance of the Black Press.

“Keep telling the truth,” Thomas said, urging Black Press members in a fiery dissertation that concluded with standing ovation from those in attendance.

Double O Entertainment, featuring the One Vision Band and singer Elyscia Nichole, provided live music during and after the ceremony.

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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