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OP-ED: ‘Crypto Black’

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Too often, marginalized communities are consigned to the sidelines to witness the economic innovation and progress of others. Yet today, I believe that Black America should take a deeper and a more informed look at the emerging marketplace for cryptocurrency. I am not an expert on crypto, but I know that in the communities that I have worked for civil rights over the past 60 years deserve to have greater access to information and knowledge that is factual and honest about the specific benefits that may come from attaining crypto digital assets.

Published

3 weeks ago

October 29, 2024

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Opportunity Agenda for Black America

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

We salute Vice President Kamala Harris for her leadership and innovative Economic Opportunity Agenda for America’s future economic development progress. In particular, for underserved communities of color this is good news. Especially for Black Americans striving to gain economic sustainability, all opportunities to achieve financial freedom and equity should be given priority attention and engagement.

The Harris Agenda emphasizes the need to provide people, “With the tools to achieve financial freedom, lower costs to better provide for themselves and their families and protect their rights.” I believe that increasing financial literacy on all the new and evolving financial assets including cryptocurrencies is also strategically important.

Too often, marginalized communities are consigned to the sidelines to witness the economic innovation and progress of others. Yet today, I believe that Black America should take a deeper and a more informed look at the emerging marketplace for cryptocurrency. I am not an expert on crypto, but I know that in the communities that I have worked for civil rights over the past 60 years deserve to have greater access to information and knowledge that is factual and honest about the specific benefits that may come from attaining crypto digital assets.

I coined the term “Crypto Black” as timely call to action to Black Americans — and actually to all Americans — to take seriously the need to do personal and collective research, study and appropriate responses to the opportunities to gain greater financial literacy about the tools and potential benefits of acquiring cryptocurrency.

There are multiple collaborative roles that the government, the private sector, and civil society must all do together to advance the opportunity agenda in the crypto space.

First, we need to foster better financial literacy education about digital assets inside the Black Community. Too many Black Americans have fallen prey to major scammers inside this space – and too few have been able to access the windfall of opportunities from innovation in cryptocurrency. How do we close this gap? Education. We need community workshops on cryptocurrency literacy, just like we have had in the past on financial literacy. Black Americans can – and should – be leaders in adopting this revolutionary technology, but we need to understand how it works, and how to access its benefits.

In his recent book, “Hijacking Bitcoin,” Roger Ver – one of the founding fathers of cryptocurrency – shares how he and others sought to spread this technology to unlock financial freedom for people around the world but have had to grapple with scammers and self-interested individuals who flooded into the space. Ver bears many scars from this decade-plus fight. He and others who are advancing cryptocurrencies for the right reasons should find ways and means to work with Black business leaders in the United States Black Chamber (USBC), the National Urban League and with many others.

Second, we need to ensure that the growing number Black crypto CEOs and entrepreneurs have a seat at the most important industry tables. While there are a few in the Black community that have been early adopters of cryptocurrency, we have not seen enough Black founders and CEOs at the head of the most important digital asset companies. There are many areas where a future President Harris could help promote Black leaders in this field. One idea for the next Administration is to host regular conversations on crypto and ensure that Black crypto entrepreneurs have a leadership role.

Third, digital assets if properly researched and attained can help to unlock innovative wealth advancement for millions of Black Americans. I am hopeful personally that our next President of the United States, Kamala Harris, will seize this moment with a bold vision and a series of forward-looking public policies. “Crypto Black” will be good for Black America.

Benjamin F, Chavis Jr. is the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and a long-term civil rights leader who can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.

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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