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Senator Laphonza Butler Makes Black Community a Priority

NNPA NEWSWIRE — On Feb. 26, she visited Southern California to attend a meeting of National Newspaper Publishers Association (Black Press of America) hosted by NNPA Chairman Emeritus and Sentinel Executive Publisher Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., to discuss issues and challenges Black media from across the country are having with doing business with the federal government.
The post Senator Laphonza Butler Makes Black Community a Priority first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

9 months ago

February 29, 2024

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Black publishers from across the country, leaders and students at CSUDH, and celebrating Black History Month in L.A. Council Chambers were all part of the Senator’s visit to the Southland.

By Danny J. Bakewell, Jr., Executive Publisher | Los Angeles Sentinel

California U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler has moved with urgency to address constituent concerns since her appointment to the position in Oct. 2023 by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

In the past five months, she has conducted listening sessions across the state with people of all ages on topics including mental health, reproductive freedom, and the future of our democracy.

Los Angeles Councilmember Heather Hutt and Mayor Karen Bass hold breakfast honoring Senator Laphonza Butler in Mayor Conference Room. L-R: CM Curren Price Jr., CW Heather Hutt, Laphonza Butler, CW Imelda Padilla, CM Bob Blumenfield, Los Angeles City Council Meeting in Los Angeles City Hall, John Ferraro Council Chamber.

On Feb. 26, she visited Southern California to attend a meeting of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (Black Press of America) hosted by NNPA Chairman Emeritus and Sentinel Executive Publisher Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., to discuss issues and challenges Black media from across the country are having with doing business with the federal government.

“We are so appreciative that Senator Butler would take time out of her busy schedule to come and meet with Black Publishers from across the nation,” said Bakewell.

Sen. Butler reads the latest news in the L.A. Sentinel. (E. Mesiyah McGinnis/L.A. Sentinel)

“Laphonza Butler, even before her historic appointment, has always been an advocate of the Black press, and we are confident that she will take the concerns of publishers from across the country back to Washington, D.C. and advocate for the Black press that our voices and constituency should and will be included in national advertising throughout the country,” he added.

NNPA President Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr. also considered the meeting to be productive and laid the foundation for similar gatherings in the future.

“The National Newspaper Publishers Association was pleased to have an in-depth discussion with The Honorable U.S Senator LaPhonza Butler in Los Angeles.  We were graciously hosted by Bakewell Media and the Los Angeles Sentinel,” said Dr. Chavis.

“Senator Butler is a freedom fighter, and the NNPA welcomes the opportunity to work with Senator Butler in the interests of freedom, justice, and equality.”

L.A. Sentinel staff pose with Sen. Butler and NNPA publishers. (E. Mesiyah McGinnis/L.A. Sentinel)

Other attendees at the NNPA meeting were NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr., publisher of The Westside Gazette in Fort Lauderdale, FL; NNPA 2nd Vice Chair Jackie Hampton, publisher of Mississippi Link in Jackson, MS.; Paul Cob, publisher of Post News Group in Oakland, CA; NNPA Board Member Terri Sanders, publisher of The Omaha Star; and former NNPA Chairman Bob Bogle, publisher of The Philadelphia Tribune.

Following her visit to Crenshaw Blvd. and the Los Angeles Sentinel office, the Senator traveled to Carson to the campus of California State University – Dominguez Hills, where she met with Dr. Thomas Parham, president of CSUDH, and participated in a town hall on mental health hosted by the Born This Way Foundation.

Sen. Butler is briefed by Dr. Thomas Parham, president of CSUDH. (Matt Brown)

The event brought together youth mental health advocates, students, faculty, and administrators for a panel discussion on ways to better identify the mental health needs of young people and improve the quality and availability of services in the spaces where they’re most needed.

She partnered with BTW, Butler said, “because the most effective and lasting solutions to the challenges facing young people are the ones that are formed and invested in together. [These are the] solutions where we all feel heard and seen, and where we know that we are collectively trying to make a difference.”

Dr. Parham introduces Butler during the town hall at CSUDH. (Matt Brown)

The Senator added, “The Honorable Shirley Chisholm reminded us that ‘service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.’”

Reacting to Butler’s remarks, Dr. Parham said, “Senator Butler, in my opinion, continues to pay that rent by serving this nation, her state, and her community. She came to CSUDH to listen, understanding that it is difficult to design community interventions in absence of consultation with the people the interventions are designed to serve.”

More than 200 students listen as Butler speaks about her journey in life. (Matt Brown)

Parham noted that Butler is the first sitting U.S. Senator to visit the campus since 1977 when then-Delaware Sen. Joe Biden stopped by the campus.

“We were proud to host Sen. Butler, knowing that your Cal State University Dominguez Hills should be the place where important issues like mental health become the topics of critical discourse and analysis,” stated Parham.

More than 200 students listen as Butler speaks about her journey in life. (Matt Brown)

Sen. Butler was also recognized by the Los Angeles City Council as part of the city’s 2024 Black History Month Celebration. On Feb. 23, the Council saluted her contributions to the city of Los Angeles and the country as a whole.

Commending Butler’s ethics and integrity, Councilwoman Heather Hutt said, “This Black History Month, it’s important that the city recognizes the individuals who contribute to the Black community and Black History.

“Senator Laphonza Butler is a remarkable trailblazer who advocates for the American worker, equality, and the future that our next generation deserves. Her successful achievements have had a huge impact on the people of our City and State. I am honored to give her flowers.”

Echoing those sentiments, Councilman Curren Price insisted, “Sen. Laphonza Butler embodies a larger-than-life presence, leading with urgency, compassion, and great determination. She is a powerhouse for working families, a titan in the realm of labor and it is no surprise that her name is cemented in the history of labor issues, fighting tooth and nail to better the lives of our most vulnerable working–class families.

“Sen. Butler stood shoulder to shoulder with me and my team, championing the wage increase and paid sick leave. She was a driving force behind this change and many other great labor policies, and she continues to champion progress in the Senate, ensuring a brighter future for us all.”

Throughout her visit, Butler repeatedly committed to representing all California citizens to the best of her ability during her time in the U.S. Senate.

The post Senator Laphonza Butler Makes Black Community a Priority 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