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OP-ED: 3 Ways to Be a Reproductive Justice Voter on Election Day

NNPA NEWSWIRE — On Election Day, Black women will be voting for candidates who address all our issues — not just reproductive rights. I invite every Black voter to join Black women in being Reproductive Justice voters. That is the only way that we will turn the tide of anti-Black oppression and reclaim our civil and human rights. Your vote is your power.
The post OP-ED: 3 Ways to Be a Reproductive Justice Voter on Election Day first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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By Marcela Howell, President & CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda

No matter what happens on Election Day, we know that Black women will turn out in force. Despite gerrymandering, voter intimidation, unfair voter ID laws and purging African Americans and other people of color from the voting rolls, I believe Black voters — especially Black women — will cast ballots in unprecedented numbers. That turnout will be because of Reproductive Justice (RJ) — not the overturn of Roe but, rather, the overall attack on Black women’s and birthing people’s human and civil rights is on the ballot.

If you’re uncertain about how to be an RJ voter here are 3 ways to ensure your success at the polls.

  1. Make a voting plan. Do your research before you go to the polls. Make sure you understand where candidates stand on Reproductive Justice issues such as abortion access, voting rights, housing, education, health care, clean water, etc. You can learn more about RJ issues by reading our Black RJ Policy Agenda.
  2. Know your rights. Whether you’re voting by mail, in person, or by dropping off your ballot you have rights. As Black women and communities face mounting attacks on our reproductive rights, we are also facing extreme attacks on our voting rights — including the threat of violent voter intimidation. That is why Black women’s organizations and advocacy groups have been making an unprecedented investment to turn out Black voters, by engaging and educating Black women through our I AM A RJ VOTER campaign. We have billboards in seven states and have reached more than 800,000 Black women voters by mail If you have questions about your voter registration status visit blackwomen.vote or call 866-OUR-VOTE.
  3. Share your voting story. After you cast your ballot let your friends and family members know why you are a Reproductive Justice voter. Share your story on social media or in person. Reproductive Justice voters support legal abortion, but we are not single-issue voters we also support clean water, fair housing, healthcare access, and more.

On Election Day, Black women will be voting for candidates who address all our issues — not just reproductive rights. I invite every Black voter to join Black women in being Reproductive Justice voters. That is the only way that we will turn the tide of anti-Black oppression and reclaim our civil and human rights. Your vote is your power.

The post OP-ED: 3 Ways to Be a Reproductive Justice Voter on Election Day 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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