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Phoenix Suns Owner Robert Sarver’s Pivotal Gift to Historic Thurgood Marshall Center Trust in Washington, DC

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “We’d like to thank The Penny and Robert Sarver Charitable Foundation for their generous donation to assist in upgrading the HVAC system at the Thurgood Marshall Center,” said Thomasina Yearwood, the president of the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust, Inc.
The post Phoenix Suns Owner Robert Sarver’s Pivotal Gift to Historic Thurgood Marshall Center Trust in Washington, DC first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2022

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

A national landmark is getting new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit thanks to a generous gift from the owner of one of the best teams in the National Basketball Association.

The Thurgood Marshall Center Trust for Service and Heritage received a $100,000.00 donation from The Penny and Robert Sarver Charitable Foundation that will go a long way toward the new HVAC system before summer activities begin at the historic landmark located in Washington, D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood.

“We’d like to thank The Penny and Robert Sarver Charitable Foundation for their generous donation to assist in upgrading the HVAC system at the Thurgood Marshall Center,” said Thomasina Yearwood, the president of the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust, Inc.

Yearwood’s national nonprofit organization is dedicated to educating, encouraging, and empowering children, youth, and families to pursue equality and social and economic justice through provocative dialogue and collective action.

“With the Thurgood Marshall Center being a historic building located in the Shaw community, it is committed to preserving the legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall and civil rights,” Yearwood stated.

“Additionally, with Justice Marshall being the first Black U.S. Supreme Court judge, it’s important that we continue this legacy, and this generous donation has made that happen.”

Saundra Lamb, the vice-chair of the Thurgood Marshall Trust, said Sarver’s contribution helps affirm the national connection and support for the center’s mission.

“It helps us with something that we found ourselves in vital need of with our HVAC system,” said Lamb, an attorney.

“We appreciate the Sarvers because they took time to hear, listen, and act. I think it’s a reiteration of how this is a national treasure and how we need all hands-on deck and encourage others to follow through.”

Lamb continued:

“I thank the Sarver family greatly because I know they have a lot going on right now, and the fact that they followed up and acted is a real tribute to them with all of the great things they are already doing.”

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, where Robert Sarver’s Phoenix Suns are vying for an NBA title, The Penny and Robert Sarver Charitable Foundation has earned a global reputation for its generosity.

Robert Sarver helped to build the Sarver Heart Center at the University of Arizona in memory of his late father, who was among the first to undergo heart bypass surgery.

With more than 150 doctors and scientists, the heart center helps prevent and cure cardiovascular disease through research, education, and patient care.

Physicians have spearheaded the development of the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart.

This award-winning project became the world’s first and only total artificial heart to win FDA approval as a bridge to human heart transplant in patients near death from heart failure.

The center also focuses on stroke research, heart disease in women, sudden cardiac death, minority-specific cardiovascular problems, and electrophysiology.

The Sarver Foundation also helped build the 70,000-square-foot Children’s Museum of Phoenix with a $1 million donation.

The Thurgood Marshall Center for Service & Heritage

“When I reached out to corporate leaders across the nation to help the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust Building, located in the heart of the Shaw Community in Washington, DC, to renovate and to upgrade its HVAC system, Robert Sarver was the first to immediately respond to help sustain this vitally historic nonprofit that represents the best of Thurgood Marshall’s legacy of civil rights advocacy and public educational programs,” said National Newspaper Publishers Association President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

“We hope that other American corporate leaders will follow the philanthropic example set by The Penny and Robert Sarver Charitable Foundation. Our nation is blessed with the ongoing generosity of the owner of the Phoenix Suns NBA Team,” Dr. Chavis stated.

Dr. Chavis also sits on the board of the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust. Chavis in addition confirmed, “The National STEM Honors Society, based in Boston, MA, has just announced plans to work with the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust to enhance K-12 education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics throughout the U.S. Again, the Sarver donation is so timely and on point for the center’s programmatic future.”

First constructed in 1853 as the 12th Street YMCA and built to house the nation’s first Black Young Men’s Christian Association, a renovated and restored Thurgood Marshall Center opened 22 years ago.

The 35,000-square-foot building quickly became a focal point in the community, where tens of thousands visit regularly.

Tenants of the historic building include the NNPA, the National Bar Association, Concerned Black Men, Inc., Washington Literacy Center, and 21st Century School Fund.

Since its inception, the center has served as a co-location for several nonprofits that serve children, youth, and families.

“It’s so important when you think about this historic building and the fact that we serve about 40,000 people who come through our doors each year,” Yearwood remarked.

“Making sure our HVAC system is operable and functioning helps us, and it helps meet the community needs as we serve them because we get so many calls from people who want to have events at the center.”

The post Phoenix Suns Owner Robert Sarver’s Pivotal Gift to Historic Thurgood Marshall Center Trust in Washington, DC first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Stacy M. Brown

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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