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Op-Ed: We’re All on the Menu

NNPA NEWSWIRE – We cannot ignore the stark choice between a Donald Trump-led administration and one run by Vice President Kamala Harris. The Harris administration would continue to fight for the issues that matter—justice, fairness, and equality for all Americans. On the other hand, a Trump administration would take us backward, deepening divisions and undoing the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve.

Published

2 months ago

September 8, 2024

Oakland Post

Economic Inequality, Criminal Justice Reform, Project 2025, Anti-DEI, Voting Rights, and Women’s Reproductive Rights

As we approach one of the most consequential elections in recent memory, we must pause and consider the stakes. Economic inequality, criminal justice reform, diversity and inclusion, voting rights, and women’s reproductive freedoms are all under threat. These issues profoundly affect our lives, yet many still underestimate their importance. The truth is, we’re all on the menu, and there’s no room for complacency.

In 2008, we united as a country, bringing an unprecedented wave of energy to the polls that made history with Obama’s election. We showed up because we believed in the possibility of a better, fairer America. It takes the same energy today, but the stakes are higher. This is now or never. We cannot afford to fail.

Economic inequality is not just a talking point—it’s a growing chasm that affects every aspect of our society. The wealthiest Americans continue to amass fortunes, while too many people of color, working families, and young adults struggle to make ends meet. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this disparity in painful ways. While billionaires saw their wealth surge, frontline workers—disproportionately Black and Brown—risked their lives for minimal wages. If we don’t vote, we allow this imbalance to persist. We need leaders who will champion policies that bridge the gap, raise wages, and provide opportunities for all Americans—not just the wealthy few.

The same urgency exists for criminal justice reform. We’ve all seen how broken the system is. The system persistently targets, arrests, and imprisons Black men and women disproportionately. We’ve marched and protested, but progress is still too slow. This election is our chance to push for real change. We need leaders who will implement reforms that end mass incarceration, hold law enforcement accountable, and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. Our voices, through our votes, can demand a justice system that works for everyone, not just the privileged.

Then there is Project 2025, an agenda that advocates for reversing progress, specifically in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI programs have played a crucial role in guaranteeing a seat at the table for people of color, women, and other marginalized communities. The opposition wants to gut these programs, labeling them unnecessary when they are, in fact, the bedrock of a fair society. Without mobilizing and voting, we risk losing decades of progress. The time for passive hope is over—this is the moment for active engagement.

And let’s not forget the ongoing assault on voting rights. The efforts to suppress our votes have intensified in recent years, mainly targeting minority communities. Voter ID laws, purging voter rolls, and limiting early voting are all tactics designed to keep us from the polls. If our votes didn’t matter, they wouldn’t be trying so hard to silence us. We must vote to preserve our right to vote, plain and simple. This election is not just about choosing a president—it’s about defending the very foundation of our democracy.

When it comes to women’s reproductive rights, the situation is dire. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has stripped millions of women of the right to make decisions about their bodies. This is more than a legal issue—it’s a moral one. Women, especially women of color, are bearing the brunt of this attack on bodily autonomy. We require leaders who will fight to restore these rights and ensure that women are not forced into dangerous, life-threatening situations. Voting in this election means standing up for women’s fundamental human rights nationwide.

We cannot ignore the stark choice between a Donald Trump-led administration and one run by Vice President Kamala Harris. The Harris administration would continue to fight for the issues that matter—justice, fairness, and equality for all Americans. On the other hand, a Trump administration would take us backward, deepening divisions and undoing the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve. Vice President Harris represents America’s vision—a country where everyone has a fair shot and the opportunity to thrive.

This is our moment. It’s not just about this election—it’s about the future of our nation. We need the same energy we brought to the polls in 2008. We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines or think someone else will handle it. We are the ones who must act. This is now or never—our future is in our hands, and it’s time to fight.

All of us are on the menu. Let’s flip the script. Through collective action, we can change the course and ensure a future of equality, justice, and opportunity for everyone. We must prioritize voting for ourselves, our communities, and future generations to win.

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