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OCTFME Shares Plans for 202Creates

THE AFRO — This September marks the four year anniversary of 202Creates Month in the District and all month long Washington, D.C. residents will have the chance to participate in events and activities to recognize the creative community in the city. Beginning as a monthly celebration by Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2016, the initiative turned into a movement created to honor and showcase creatives in all eight Wards who contribute to D.C.’s growing economy through various platforms such as fashion, music, culinary arts and more, according to its site.

Published

5 years ago

September 12, 2019

Oakland Post

Office of Cable Television of Film Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) Director Ange shared her plans for the future of 202Creates. (Courtesy Photo)

By Brianna Rhodes,

This September marks the four year anniversary of 202Creates Month in the District and all month long Washington, D.C. residents will have the chance to participate in events and activities to recognize the creative community in the city.

Beginning as a monthly celebration by Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2016, the initiative turned into a movement created to honor and showcase creatives in all eight Wards who contribute to D.C.’s growing economy through various platforms such as fashion, music, culinary arts and more, according to its site.

Office of Cable Television of Film Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) Director Angie M. Gates is helping lead the celebration of events in the city throughout the month to recognize and amplify the city’s growing creative achievements and culture.

“What we’ve realized with 202Creates when it started in 2016, is [that] a month is not enough time to contain everything that we need to do as far as the creatives– but to dedicate an entire month to the creative community has been key,” Gates said. “As you know, D.C. is a very culturally diverse community and I think that at the end of the day, it’s just going to continue to grow even more — become more engaged. I think this gives the creatives the opportunity to share their talents.”

202Creates has reached many achievements throughout the years, including being deemed one of the top 40 most vibrant arts communities in America, according to the 2018 NCAR Arts Vibrancy Index.

202Creates also offers many resources for creatives and entrepreneurs including office space, a podcast studio, a photography studio a residency program and more, according to its website.

Check out some of the events that are open to the public during 202Creates Month below:

Aug. 29 – 202Creates Month Kickoff Event at Eaton Hotel, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Aug. 31 – Sept. 1 – Labor Day Weekend Music Festival at the Lincoln Theatre, 7 p.m. -10 p.m.

Sept. 7 – La Cosecha Presents: Calle Latina at Union Market at Union Market, 11 a.m.-7 pm.

Sept. 7 – Sept. 22 – The REACH Opening Festival at the Kennedy Center

Sept. 9 – Sept. 13 – DC Startup Week at Metro DC, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Sept. 14 – Art All Night, various locations, 7 pm. – Midnight

Sept. 19 – OCTFME celebrates second anniversary of radio station at Union District Oyster Bar and Lounge, 6 p.m.-9 pm.

Sept. 21 – Fiesta DC Parade on Constitution Ave, 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 – Fiesta DC Festival on 7th Street NW 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sept. 23- Sept. 29 – March on Washington Film Festival

Sept. 28 – The Sound of Family and Fun Festival at 2240 Martin Luther King Ave, SE, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Sept. 28 – Closing Event, Busboys and Poets (Anacostia Area), 6-10 p.m.

To learn more visit http://www.202creates.com.

This article originally appeared in The Afro.

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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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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 […]

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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