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UCLA Bruins Women’s Basketball says the Pac-12 is the best conference in the country.

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL — UCLA recognizes its weaknesses. One of the issues the Bruins faced was having a backup plan when their scoring leaders were double-teamed. This game, UCLA lacked a counter offense. Moving forward, UCLA women’s basketball head coach Cori Close will emphasize other players stepping up when needed. She will challenge her players to take that next step.

Published

5 years ago

March 9, 2020

Oakland Post

By Khari Jones Jr., Contributing Writer, Los Angeles Sentinel

The UCLA Bruins took a disappointing loss against the Stanford Cardinal. They are exiting the Pac-12 tournament with their heads held high and will use this as preparation for the NCAA tournament in a few weeks.

UCLA recognizes its weaknesses. One of the issues the Bruins faced was having a backup plan when their scoring leaders were double-teamed. This game, UCLA lacked a counter offense. Moving forward, UCLA women’s basketball head coach Cori Close will emphasize other players stepping up when needed. She will challenge her players to take that next step.

Close mentioned that it begins with her and that she can handle losing. She also states that Stanford played to their identity more than the Bruins played to their own identity, which caused issues throughout the game. But it’s hard for them to swallow being overpowered and not executing.

This loss was a reality check for UCLA. It was tough for them to accept the fact they were outplayed, but Close acknowledges the fact they will come back stronger. According to Close, she says, “The Pac-12 is the best conference in the country. I can pretty much guarantee you we will come out differently for the first couple of rounds of the NCAA tournament. We will be much tougher, we will be much more together, and we will be able to execute through difficult circumstances on a higher level.”

Close encourages her team to embrace the challenges that come with playing in the Pac12. You grow the most when you have to conquer tough things. “I’m ready to take the fruits of our labor of going against each other and go apply that to somebody else. I’m so thankful for what grinding it out has done for our team.”

The Bruins do not doubt in their mind that playing in the Pac-12 conference has made them better as a team. Playing in this conference forces you to level up, it’s a grind. The competitiveness of the Pac-12 elevates teams to play at the best version of themselves with all the different styles of play.

Coaches in this conference believe other conferences are not as prepared in terms of excellence. Close mentions, “I am very grateful for how it prepares us. Right now, of course, we are disappointed, and it stings. I don’t think anything but good can come from these environments. It’s like your dress rehearsal for the NCAA tournament. It gives you a taste of the intensity, which we require, the attention to detail, and what must happen to be able to play your best when your best is needed. The duration of the conference from a tactical standpoint is the best preparation you can ask for.”

Michaela Onyenwere knows that they will be better moving forward, and the team is extremely motivated. She mentions that from this point, it’s win or go home. UCLA has a chance to regroup, get their minds right, and reenergize themselves. Onyenwere says, “I think this will motivate us. Because from here on out, it’s one and done. We don’t want to go home. I believe we will get better and come back stronger.”

Close says her final words to the media, “I appreciate you guys in covering the tournament. This has been one of the best years for Pac-12 Women’s Basketball not only on the court but also in our coverage and telling the stories of these women. As frustrated as I am in this loss I am very grateful for all the work you guys put in and the way you tell these stories. We need you, our game needs you and we appreciate you. Thank you for your work and your efforts.”

The post UCLA Bruins Women’s Basketball says the Pac-12 is the best conference in the country. appeared first on Los Angeles Sentinel.

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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