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OP-ED: DJ Envy’s Wisdom

NNPA NEWSWIRE — My path to becoming a Discover the Unexpected ambassador started when I made the decision to go to Hampton University. My mother stressed education and emphasized the importance of getting a degree at a Black institution. She instilled a sense of pride in our household about Historically Black Colleges and Universities so that when it came time for me to apply for school, going to an HBCU felt like the natural thing to do.

Published

5 years ago

September 6, 2019

Oakland Post

By DJ Envy, Discover the Unexpected Program Ambassador

Hey, everyone. It’s DJ Envy.

I am really proud to be writing to you all at the conclusion of Chevrolet’s Discover the Unexpected Journalism Fellowship. It has been a real pleasure for me to serve as a Discover the Unexpected ambassador, and I can’t wait to see everyone in Detroit.

My path to becoming a Discover the Unexpected ambassador started when I made the decision to go to Hampton University. My mother stressed education and emphasized the importance of getting a degree at a Black institution. She instilled a sense of pride in our household about Historically Black Colleges and Universities so that when it came time for me to apply for school, going to an HBCU felt like the natural thing to do.

As the first child in my family to attend college, and coming from a predominantly white high school, I wanted to be in a college environment with people who looked like me and had similar life experiences.

My path into the music and entertainment business was helped by my friends and classmates at Hampton. They exposed me to music that was popular in their hometowns and allowed me to share my music with them. By catering to a diverse crowd, I was able to gain the wisdom and musical acumen necessary to transition from being a local mixtape disc jockey into becoming a disc jockey the whole country knew about. I remember how students on campus who didn’t even know me would promote and spread my music by buying my mixtapes, and then they’d take my music back with them to their hometowns.

I wish that the Chevrolet DTU program had existed when I was in college. I know it will play an important role in kick-starting these current DTU Fellows’ careers in journalism and media. I believe this experience can empower these young journalism students to reach the next level in their careers.

I wanted to be an ambassador for DTU because the program marries together three things that I care passionately about: an HBCU education, a career in media and cars!

It’s important to me that the DTU Fellows take full advantage of the experience. I feel that they need to cherish this opportunity because so many others would love to have the chances they are getting. I cannot stress this enough: For the Fellows to get the most out of the program, they need to network constantly, take every photo, write down or record every piece of advice they get, and never quit hustling.

I feel that standing up for Black journalism is critical right now because so many media companies are not Black-owned. As a result, some of these companies struggle to relate to the problems faced by the majority of the Black population. I feel that these companies may not be able to connect as well with the personal anger our community feels on certain stories and that they may have an agenda when they cast the Black community in a certain light. That’s why it’s crucial to me that African Americans understand that “we owe it to ourselves to help change the narrative.” I feel that changing the way African Americans are being portrayed in the media can only come from having Black journalists in positions of power. Chevrolet Discover the Unexpected is training the next generation of Black journalists to help make that change happen.

Oakland Post

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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.

Oakland Post

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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