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COMMENTARY: Where is There Peace When There’s So Much War in 2022?
NNPA NEWSWIRE — In 2022, Russia has decimated Ukraine and left 40 million people without water, food, heat, and a place to sleep. As Ukraine and Russia starts its second month of war or military action, thousands are crying, and many are dying. There is no plausible reason for the war, but insanity also does not have a reason.
The post COMMENTARY: Where is There Peace When There’s So Much War in 2022? first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
By Roger Caldwell, NNPA Newswire Contributor
“Until the philosophy, which holds one race superior, and another inferior, is finally and permanently discredited, and abandoned, everywhere is war. Until there is no longer first class or second-class citizens of any nation. Until the color of a man’s skin is of no more significance, than the color of his eyes, I’ve got to say war,” sings Bob Marley.
In 2022, Russia has decimated Ukraine and left 40 million people without water, food, heat, and a place to sleep. As Ukraine and Russia starts its second month of war or military action, thousands are crying, and many are dying. There is no plausible reason for the war, but insanity also does not have a reason.
With Russia being a nuclear power no one can predict what President Putin is going to do in the short-run or long-term. When you look around the planet there are different reasons for military conflicts but again people are dying. In many of these conflicts they have gone on for two and three decades and they are still fighting.
There are wars in the east, there are wars in the west, there are wars down south and there are wars up in the north. There are rumors of war and who really wins?
Ukraine is predicting that they are winning the war but in a month 70% to 80% of the homes businesses and infrastructure have been destroyed. Therefore, when the war is over there will be nothing to come home to because everything is destroyed. In many of these conflicts around the globe people keep fighting and there is no endgame.
The majority of the reasons for these conflicts are civil wars, drug wars, ethnic violence, and terrorist insurgency. As many of these conflicts have no end in sight, “Is there a world body that has the credibility to bring these wars to an end.”
Some of these military conflicts around the world are as follows:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Chad
- Colombia
- DR Congo
- Yemen
- Iraq
- Libya
- Mali
- Mozambique
- Niger
- Nigeria
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Russia
- Ukraine
Many of the superpowers are always at war, because they supply the weapons to keep the different countries fighting. Everywhere and everyone are at war.
All over the planet especially in Africa, there are droughts and floods causing a sharp drop in crop production in China, Russia, the United States, and other countries. Ukraine is one of the largest producers of wheat in the world, and at this point they are at war. Economic sanctions against Russia are hurting the food supply chain in exports of fertilizers and food.
Fertilizer is the start of global food production chain, so the world depends on Russia. With the war in Ukraine, and the war in the Black Sea is blocking ship movements and food exports are being destroyed.
Farmers are reporting 300% increase in their cost, and the cost of production of food will be passed on to the consumer. Food scarcity and food inflation will be the reason in the summer why many of the food shelves in grocery stores will be empty.
The only situation that can change the destruction on the planet is peace. The problem with war all over the planet is nothing gets done, because everyone is destroying instead of building.
“Until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all’ without regard to race, I’ll say war,” sings Bob Marley. There is war in the east, war in the west, war up north, and war down south.
The post COMMENTARY: Where is There Peace When There’s So Much War in 2022? 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.
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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