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WNBA and Oprah Honoring Breonna Taylor and #SayHerName

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At the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida on July 25th, in what has been called a “wubble” (women’s bubble) the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) kicked off their shortened (because of the pandemic) and delayed from May season.

The league dedicated the season to Breonna Taylor and the #SayHerName movement.  Some players will also wear Breonna’s name on their jerseys for the duration of the 22-game season.

“We are dedicating this season to Breonna Taylor, an outstanding EMT [Emergency Medical Technician] who was murdered over 130 days ago in her home.  We are also dedicating this season to Say Her Name Campaign, a campaign committed to saying the names and fighting for justice for Black women.  Black women who are so often forgotten in this fight for justice, who do not have people marching in the streets for them” said Layshia Clarendon of the New York Liberty.

There are 12 teams in the WNBA.  More games will be nationally broadcast this season, so more eyes on the league and their statements.

“We’re so proud of our players speaking out on these issues.  There’s nothing political about that.  It’s a statement of their values.  They’re bringing awareness to issues that have long been ignored , particularly as they advocate for female victims of racial injustice and police brutality” said Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner.

The Liberty in their game against the Seattle Storm also had 26 seconds of silence to honor Taylor who was 26 years old when she was killed.  She would have been 27 on June 5th.

“Black Live Matter” was also printed on the edge of the basketball court where all the games will be played.

Breonna Taylor was shot 8 times and killed by Brett Hankison, Jon Mattingly, and Myles Cosgrove, police officers in her home while sleeping in bed with her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, in Louisville, Kentucky on March 13th shortly after midnight.  

Hankison is appealing his firing and Mattingly and Cosgrove have been placed on administrative leave.  No charges have been filed against any of the three.  

#SayHerName was created by Kimberlé Crenshaw “ . . . to make the death of Black women an active part of this conversation by saying their names”.  

Breonna Taylor, Tanesha Anderson, Miriam Carey, Yvette Smith, Natasha McKenna, Rekia Boyd, Mya Hall, Michelle Cusseaux, Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, Riah Milton are some of the women who have be killed whose names are being lifted up.

And for the first time in its 20-year publication history, Oprah will not grace the cover of her O magazine, Breonna Taylor’s image will be on the cover.  Oprah says that the cover by digital artist Alexis Franklin, captured “not just a likeness but a soul”.

O is on newsstands and available via download on August 11th.

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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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