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PRESS ROOM: National Newspaper Publishers Association Names Claudette Perry Executive Administrator

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Claudette Perry brings decades of experience from roles in corporate America, the public sector and government. She has been a member of the NNPA executive team for several years. However, her new role enables the NNPA to be better equipped to face new challenges and secure new opportunities,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President and Chief Executive Officer.

Published

6 years ago

April 4, 2019

Oakland Post

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

WASHINGTON, DC — The nation’s largest trade association of African American-owned newspapers and media companies, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), today announced Claudette Perry as its new Executive Administrator. NNPA’s member newspaper and media companies reach over 25 million readers each week in print and online.

“Claudette Perry brings decades of experience from roles in corporate America, the public sector and government. She has been a member of the NNPA executive team for several years. However, her new role enables the NNPA to be better equipped to face new challenges and secure new opportunities,” said Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President and Chief Executive Officer.

A multi-talented problem solver, Perry has worked with several organizations in the Nation’s Capital as well as regional, national and international corporations and institutions, including the White House, Capitol Hill, the Washington Urban League and many others. She is proudest of the work she has done that focuses on improving the quality of life for people of African descent.

“The Black Press of America, which is celebrating its 192nd year, has evolved to meet the needs of the changing world around us. Claudette’s competence is exceeded only by her commitment to advance the interests of NNPA’s members, partners and sponsors. This new role became necessary in order to better align our organization and ensure a higher level of service quality,” said Chavis.

Chavis made the announcement to the NNPA’s board and membership during the organization’s annual Black Press Week conference late last month.

As for Perry, she expects that her new role will better position her to address organizational change, including growth-related administrative, technical and operational challenges. “The NNPA’s many stakeholders are demanding increasingly higher levels of service quality, information and support. We will meet those demands for change by improving the level of services and instituting new office procedures,” said Perry.

“As with any organization, it’s critical that we continue to establish high standards and maintain the accountability required to meet those standards among the NNPA executive team and staff,” Perry continued. “The culture of the organization and publisher expectations will both be positively impacted,” Perry said.

Perry’s new role will keep her busy as she’ll be charged with managing the day-to-day oversight of office operations, coordinating and implementing procedures, programs, events and other staff-related functions of the NNPA. Foremost among her new responsibilities is enhancing the organization’s back office to include developing strategies that will enhance the trade association’s competitive stance and financial sustainability. She will also contribute to advertising sales efforts made by the NNPA on behalf of its member publications.

When Perry was asked why she accepted the new role, she replied, “Most of my life I have been an advocate for change and involved in the Black conscious movement in one way or another, so it feels good to know I am in my preferred element.”

Herself a longtime civil rights advocate and humanitarian, Perry said, “I have known Dr. Chavis to be a true and sincere fighter for justice, so I know that I am in the right place at the right time.”

She remains thankful for Chavis’ confidence, and the confidence of many of the publishers as she steps into her expanded role. “Several of the publishers in the NNPA as well as the corporate partners and sponsors have expressed and shown their appreciation for my work,” Perry added.

Perry also respects and appreciates her fellow team members on NNPA’s staff. “Like many organizations, the staff that makes the NNPA work is small in number but huge in accomplishments. Every employee does more than their fair share. We understand that the work we do is on behalf of the publishers, readers and advertisers of the Black Press. As the Voice of Black America, we strive each day to instill a level of comfort and confidence that demonstrates how much we care and lets them know that their inquiries and needs will be responded to professionally.”

“Our potential for success in the future is unlimited.”

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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