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PRESS ROOM: NAACP 110th Convention Mobilizing in Detroit
NNPA NEWSWIRE — This year’s event will highlight the 400th year recognition of the first enslaved Africans brought to the shores of Virginia in 1619. It’s a seminal moment for the 110-year-old organization that seeks to honor the gains won in the past four centuries by the ancestors of enslaved Africans, while determining a powerful 2020 agenda where those gains will be threatened like never before.
Fighting Racism and Defending the Vote, Among Key Issues to be Discussed
BALTIMORE (March 8, 2019) – The nation’s foremost civil rights organization will kick off its 110th national convention on July 20-24, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan.
“In a country shaped by race relations, pollution and polarizing political struggles, Detroit stands out as the epitome of the urgent need and struggle for change,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “Coming to this city represents a moment where we begin to actualize these necessary changes, and to ensure the NAACP’s position as the key protector of the Black vote and protector of the Black community.”
“This is a time for strategic reflection of the progress made and a pragmatic analysis of the challenges we face in this growing climate of racism and hate that threatens our communities in ways we haven’t seen in generations,” said Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors.
This year’s event will highlight the 400th year recognition of the first enslaved Africans brought to the shores of Virginia in 1619. It’s a seminal moment for the 110-year-old organization that seeks to honor the gains won in the past four centuries by the ancestors of enslaved Africans, while determining a powerful 2020 agenda where those gains will be threatened like never before.
Thousands are expected to convene in Detroit, the home of one of NAACP’s strongest branches with more than 10,000 members. Among the key topics will be panel discussions bringing together some of the brightest minds in the African-American community to help hone strategies for moving forward in the face of growing racism and an all-out assault on civil rights.
NAACP also proudly announces that next year in 2020, Boston, MA will host the NAACP’s 111th national convention. Boston is home to one of the association’s earliest conferences in 1911 and the Boston Branch remains one of the strongest branches in the nation.
About the NAACP 110th Annual Convention
The NAACP will bring together elected officials, key entertainers, authors, athletes and young leaders for a number of workshops, discussions and televised events designed to sustain dialogue which promotes solutions to problems like police brutality, racist rhetoric leading to innumerable #LivingWhileBlack incidents, voter suppression, partisan gerrymandering and sexual violence and mental health in the Black community.
Other highlights will include the 41st anniversary of NAACP ACT-SO (Academic, Cultural, Technical and Scientific Olympics) final competition and awards, Freedom Fund Banquet, health pavilion, a retail expo and author and a diversity career fair.
More information about the 2019 NAACP National Convention, including a detailed schedule of events can be found here. Media interested in covering the event should email communications@naacpnet.org.
ABOUT THE NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas by visiting NAACP.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.
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 […]
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 connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.
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
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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University
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