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The California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA) Will Hurt African American and Other Minority Owned Newspapers

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The value that the Black newspapers bring to their community cannot be replaced by technology platforms, but platforms play a significant role in helping to connect people with important community outlets that cover local events, support community news publishers, and increase readership. All of this translates into increased revenue for Black publishers through ad clicks, paid subscriptions, and donations. Rearranging the financing of news online would place this all at risk and fly in the face of the purported goals of this bill.
The post The California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA) Will Hurt African American and Other Minority Owned Newspapers first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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CJPA prevents minority-owned newspapers from keeping communities informed, lines pockets of Big Corporate Media

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

California state legislators are pushing legislation that would enrich huge legacy media corporations at the expense of independent, minority-owned newspapers that serve their individual communities. The bill, known as the California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA), claims to rescue local journalism when, in reality, it would make it harder for community newspapers to do what they do best – keep citizens engaged and informed with the news that matters to them.

As the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, which represents 30 California publications that engage the interests of the more than 2,237,000 Black Americans in the state, I agree there’s more work to do to shore up the local news organizations and support community journalists. It’s no secret that these businesses face many challenges, especially as the way readers consume news is evolving. We need an all-in effort to secure a more sustainable future for news.

Where CJPA falls short is its provision requiring online platforms to pay news publishers for linking to or hosting news content. This mandate creates numerous unintended consequences that would stifle minority-owned publications’ ability to deliver news and information to people, build online communities, and generate local advertising revenue.

First and foremost, this violates the principles of the open web. Many Black Californians rely on the internet to access essential news and information – it sparks their creativity, fosters connection, and introduces them to diverse perspectives. And when it comes to notifying our communities of news, information, and dangers related to public health, natural disasters, crime in their area, or scams, time is of the essence. CJPA would limit Californians’ access to relevant news and information.

Meta has already said they’d remove news in California if the bill passes, and recently, Google announced that it is testing the removal of news links for some users in the state to prepare should CJPA go into effect. The value that the Black newspapers bring to their community cannot be replaced by technology platforms, but platforms play a significant role in helping to connect people with important community outlets that cover local events, support community news publishers, and increase readership. All of this translates into increased revenue for Black publishers through ad clicks, paid subscriptions, and donations. Rearranging the financing of news online would place this all at risk and fly in the face of the purported goals of this bill.

Moreover, there is no guarantee that the fees derived from the bill will land where they are needed most: in the hands of local journalists who produce news content in California. Unfortunately, the majority of the funds would go to large publishers and investment firms from outside the state, with already deep pockets.

Over the years, our newspapers have greatly benefited from collaboration with technology companies. For example, through the Google News Initiative, publications have received funding and training that have helped us adapt our business models and pursue innovative strategies to reach additional members of our community. CJPA would likely put an end to those impactful programs.

Local journalism is facing financial pressure and our industry needs to adapt to the preferences of our readers. However, CJPA, while well-intentioned, will not provide a long-term, sustainable solution. I urge California lawmakers to hold discussions between the platforms, news publishers, and the state to explore a different solution to these problems. It’s critical that we find an alternative proposal to ensure support goes to the minority-owned news organizations that serve vulnerable communities in the state of California.

The post The California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA) Will Hurt African American and Other Minority Owned Newspapers 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.

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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 […]

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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

Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

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