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The Biggest Afro Business Association in the World Visits Cali, Colombia
NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBCC is the biggest Afro business association in the world, established in 1993. It has more than 120 local headquarters in 40 states in 50 nations. The Chamber is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining Afro American communities, through the business spirit and capitalist activity within the United States and through the interaction with the Afro-Diaspora. Cali has the greatest concentration of Afro Colombian population in Colombia, with 1.1 million people; and it is the second in Latin America.
By Harry C. Alford & Kay DeBow, NNPA Newswire Contributors
The potential of the city region and its progress are presented to the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC).
Dateline: Cali, Colombia — The city region has competitive advantages that are focused on: A diverse business fabric; its disposition towards international markets; highly developed human capital; presence of foreign investment; the primary services pole; the most developed and sophisticated network of roads in the country; an international airport; and Buenaventura’s port – the country’s main port in the Pacific Coast — as the commercial canal to Pacific Asia.
For such reasons and others, NBCC will be in the city – event organized in collaboration between the Secretary of Economic Development in Cali, and the Promotion Agency for Investment in Valle del Cauca, Invest Pacific. During their weeklong visit, NBCC will evidence the economic and business potential of the region which will allow value connections between the entities as well as contributing to the strengthening of the city’s businesses.
“This is a business association of African Americans interested in investing in Colombia and they’ve chosen Cali for being a diverse city and with active participation of the Afro population. Furthermore, it’s been chosen for its competitive potential as a service city. From the Maurice Armitage Administration, we aim to improve the income generation and opportunities of the people of Cali and the Afro population. We will present to them all investment possibilities in different sectors from infrastructure, services, and technology, among others. And we hope these businessmen will take back with them the best image of the city region,” manifested Angélica Mayolo Obregón, Secretary of Economic Development in Cali.
“Invest Pacific, in collaboration with Cali’s City Hall, through the Secretary of Economic Development, continues to strengthen the promotional strategies and relationships between global key players and our local business fabric. The visit from these business owners affiliated to such an important Chamber of Commerce, represents an opportunity to explore related projects and stretch commercial bonds with the region,” informed Alejandro Ossa Cárdenas, Executive Director of Invest Pacific.
NBCC is the biggest Afro business association in the world, established in 1993. It has more than 120 local headquarters in 40 states in 50 nations. The Chamber is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining Afro American communities, through the business spirit and capitalist activity within the United States and through the interaction with the Afro-Diaspora. Cali has the greatest concentration of Afro Colombian population in Colombia, with 1.1 million people; and it is the second in Latin America.
During their visit, the two co-founders of NBCC, Harry C. Alford and Kay DeBow will be present. Mr. Alford is characterized as the most important person in the empowerment of Afro American businesses in the United States. He uses a visionary concept of what Afro descendants should do to occupy their place in the primary economic current. Creator of a global organization that has won its place at the table of the White House and in the higher ranks of corporative America.
Ms. Courtney Reynolds, chairman of the NBCC states, “I am in Cali on behalf of several businesses of the State of Louisiana from various industries. It is important that we seize these international opportunities which represent win-win opportunities for all.”
Harry C. Alford, president, and CEO stated, “The NBCC has been working diligently for over 10 years to bring our businesses and resources to Colombia. Our goal is to work with the Federal, State, Municipal, and Territorial interests of the public, private, and civil society. The NBCC has signed MOUs (Memorandum of Understandings) with the City of Cali, Comfandi, The University of Santiago de Cali, and the City of Quibdo. The purpose is to: to increase opportunities for Small Businesses, and industries of Cali and the Pacific Coastal areas with members and affiliates of the NBCC throughout the Diaspora to work together to reduce the barriers of trade and investment and demonstration of social responsibility; and job creation for economic empowerment”. Other North American business owners interested in connecting with Cali businesses related to bioenergy, bio-business, and construction will also be participating. They will be looking to create relationships and increase the possibilities of a commercial network between Cali business owners and NBCC.
Mr. Alford is the Co-Founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce ®. Ms. DeBow is the Co-Founder, of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Website: www.nationalbcc.org Emails: halford@nationalbcc.org kdebow@nationalbcc.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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