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OP-ED: President Biden’s Lasting Legacy

NNPA NEWSWIRE — How poetic is it that the first woman, the first Black American, and first Asian American to be elected vice president of this great country at the behest of Joe Biden, has set a new standard and brought us into the 21st century?
The post OP-ED: President Biden’s Lasting Legacy first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

11 months ago

December 27, 2023

Oakland Post

By: Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn

Much ink has been spilled about what President Biden hasn’t done with little regard for the successes that would secure any previous administration’s legacy as being the most productive since President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society. This administration has secured $132 billion in student loan debt relief for 3.6 million borrowers, including $53.5 billion for public servants and nearly $12 billion for borrowers with disabilities. However, the prevailing narrative centers on the Republicans-led rejection of his targeted student debt relief plan that was upheld by a right-leaning U.S. Supreme Court.

I’ve heard rumblings that this president has failed the Black community when, in fact, he has invested over $7 billion in HBCUs in 3 short years, produced the lowest Black unemployment rate on record, and begun the earnest work of closing the digital divide for Black families by making broadband accessible and affordable. The November Consumer Price Index revealed that inflation fell to 3.1% — down two-thirds from its peak; that consumers are paying less for essentials such as milk, eggs, and other appliances; and the median gas price has fallen below $3.00. With wages higher than before the pandemic and the creation of 14.1 million jobs, can anyone honestly argue with President Biden’s record?

Despite this incredible record, what will arguably become President Biden’s greatest and most lasting achievements was reached this month with the confirmation of his 160th judge to lifetime appointments on the federal bench. I repeat and italicize for emphasis: 160 judges confirmed for lifetime appointments on the federal bench. This number includes well over 100 women, more Black female appellate judges than all former presidents combined, and roughly 60% being women of color. This number also includes the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson; the first South Asian woman judge; and the first Navajo federal judge.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of this milestone. Every president selects judges whose record reflects the values they hold dear. Donald Trump’s Federalist Society-sponsored selections reflected his extremism and penchant for vitriol. Trump’s appointed judges are wreaking havoc today, as evidenced by this summer’s U.S. Supreme Court overturning of affirmative action and Roe v. Wade. We should all take pride in the fact that under President Biden, the daughter of two public school teachers can ascend to the highest court of the land and that a first-generation Chicago native can make history as the first Muslim woman on the federal bench. It’s only fitting that this process made possible another glass-breaking moment: this month, Vice President Harris set the record for breaking the most ties in the Senate by a vice president. The record was previously held by John C. Calhoun, a staunch defender of slavery. How poetic is it that the first woman, the first Black American, and first Asian American to be elected vice president of this great country at the behest of Joe Biden, has set a new standard and brought us into the 21st century?

This is what this country is all about: moving the needle closer toward justice at every possible turn. With President Biden’s legislative successes, from clean energy investments in the Inflation Reduction Act to the manufacturing renaissance made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act, to the historic investments for veterans in the PACT Act, we are laying the foundation for a more secure, stable and successful future for our children and grandchildren. But foundations are worth little without a complete structure. When undergirded by the decisions his judicial nominees are capable of rendering, President Biden is framing structures that will ensure that “the greatness of this country will be accessible and affordable for all Americans” for generations to come.

The post OP-ED: President Biden’s Lasting Legacy 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.

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