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FAFO Ain’t a Forcefield: Why Black Silence on Immigration Won’t Save Us

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE – Some Black folks think staying quiet during ICE raids keeps them safe. It doesn’t. When the system’s done targeting one group, it comes for the rest of us. Citizenship won’t save you. Silence won’t protect you. Solidarity isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Published

1 year ago

June 10, 2025

Oakland Post

By Jasmyne A. Cannick

This might come as a shock to some Black folks sipping their tea, minding their own melanin-rich business, and lounging comfortably in their FAFO suite watching Latinos get rounded up in full slave catcher cosplay—but let me remind you: FAFO is not a forcefield.

Let’s get right to it: I’ve been hearing a lot of Black folks shrug off what’s happening with ICE and our Latino brothers and sisters with a quick, “That’s their L.” And I get it—some of y’all are still recovering from watching folks wave Trump flags like they were auditioning for a deportation sponsorship. But this idea that we can stay quiet, stay cute, and somehow stay safe? That’s not strategy. That’s denial.

Yes. A whole lot of us watched in disbelief while some Latinos proudly hopped on the Trump train, waving flags and ignoring every warning we gave. And now that the train’s derailed and folks are getting dragged off it, some Black folks are reclining like, “Welp, you asked for it.” And listen—that part of the conversation is real. Actions have consequences.

But…

If you think staying quiet, uninvolved, or emotionally checked out is gonna shield us from the same mess? That’s cute. And dangerously delusional.

How does the African proverb go?

He who digs a grave for his enemy might as well be digging one for himself.

Your Citizenship Won’t Save You

Thinking your American citizenship, your clean record, your church attendance, and being “prayed up” is gonna save you?

I hate to break it to you, but it won’t.

This country is shifting. Fast. And not in our favor. What’s legal today can be criminalized tomorrow with a signature, a press conference, and a spin cycle on Fox News. And if you think that sounds dramatic, remember: we used to be illegal. Our bodies, our marriages, our votes, our very presence—criminalized. Legal status didn’t protect us then, and it won’t save us now.

You can’t outrun anti-Blackness with paperwork, paychecks, or prayers.

So no—don’t get too comfortable just because you’re not on the list today. History shows us that when they run out of folks to target, they make new rules for the rest of us.

And if you don’t believe that?
Ask a Black immigrant.
Ask a trans youth.
Ask a woman in Texas.
Ask a Palestinian protester.
Ask your ancestors.

That Assata Quote Won’t Cover Your Absence

And let me say this—especially to the brothas and sistas who love to call themselves “conscious,” “woke,” “revolutionary,” or whatever term is trending this week—while you’re sitting this one out, all quiet and unbothered, you’re sending a loud message to your Black immigrant cousins: you’re on your own.

And don’t hit me with the “that’s not my fight” nonsense.

Because if you’re out here quoting Marcus Garvey, rocking red, black, and green, posting Pan-African flags, but turning your back on Black folks being deported, detained, or banned from entering this country—you’re not conscious. You’re just curated. You’re not radical. You’re selective.

Pan-Africanism isn’t about vibes, fashion, or throwing up a fist on Instagram. It means all Black people everywhere. Even the ones who don’t sound like you. Even the ones who weren’t born here. Even the ones ICE is coming for at 5am

If your liberation has borders, it’s not liberation—it’s branding.

So, while you’re off somewhere being too “busy” or “neutral,” know that silence is a choice. And that choice tells your Black immigrant fam exactly where they stand with you.

And that’s the part you won’t be able to pretty up with a quote from Assata.

You’re Watching the Warning Play Out in Real Time

This was always supposed to be about the “bad hombres,” right? That’s what Trump said. That was the sales pitch. And no, that was never a good or moral argument—but at least that was the lie they told to get folks comfortable.

Fast forward to now—and they’re snatching people from their homes, their jobs, and their kids’ graduations. Broad daylight kidnappings dressed up as law enforcement. No warrants. No dignity. No shame. Just vibes, badges, and trauma.

So, if you’re still pretending this is about criminals—you’re not paying attention. Or you’re lying to yourself. Either way, they’re coming for you next.

Now, this isn’t the only reason Black folks should care and stay tapped in. But for the “I’m just minding my own Black business” crowd? This might be the best one I’ve got. Because what happens to immigrants is your business. What happens when systems get away with dehumanizing them is a blueprint for how they’ll come for you next. If history’s taught us anything, it’s that silence doesn’t protect us—it just clears the runway.

This moment calls for more than petty satisfaction. It calls for clarity, memory, and solidarity rooted in survival. Because history has shown us—again and again—that when the system finishes eating the folks it came for first, it always circles back for us.

Jasmyne Cannick is a political strategist and writer in Los Angeles. Find her at iamjasmyne.com.

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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NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts found Darius Cooper with nine seconds left for the game winning touchdown as his team beat the Tennessee Titans 24-20 in Nashville. Hurts finished the day 26/37 for 264 yards. He threw for two touchdowns and two interceptions. Prior to the final drive, the Eagles ran 25 plays for 45 […]
The post NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

6 days ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Prior to the final drive, the Eagles ran 25 plays for 45 yards. During the final drive Hurts went 6-8 with 61 passing yards and the touchdown. Titans defensive tackle — and team captain — Jeffery Simmons said this week that the way to defend Jalen Hurts is to make him “play quarterback.”

Hurts said to Simmons after today’s game: “You started that sh**. I had to finish it.”

Running back Saquon Barkley suffered a stinger in the first half but he ultimately finished the game. He had four carries and nine yards and one catch for eleven yards. He will get an MRI for his injury, but admitted to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network he was fine.

Caleb Williams leaves game against Vikings with apparent lower-body injury

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was helped off the field with a right leg injury with 7:42 remaining in the fourth quarter. Williams was down, writhing in pain after scrambling to his left. After departing the injury tent, Williams raised his right fist, acknowledging the crowd while expressing his frustration. Testing will commence on Monday to find out more details about his injury.

“We’ll know tomorrow,” Johnson admitted regarding Williams’ injury. “He’s in good spirits. He’s a team player.”

Williams finished the day with 138 passing yards and one interception.

“I’m actually happy it’s nothing with the knee — that was my first inclination,” Johnson said. “But, a hamstring could be pretty damaging as well. So, we’ll see. We’ll see how bad it is tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”

Bryce Young once again dominated the Falcons

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is 5-1 against the Atlanta Falcons and is undefeated at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Today, Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns as he led the Panthers to a 34-3 dismembering of the Atlanta Falcons. Georgia Tech alumnus Darren Waller caught two touchdowns and linebacker Devin Lloyd returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown.

Cooper Rush started his second straight game for the Falcons and it did not go well. The partisan crowd voiced their displeasure after Rush completed 10/17 passes for 86 yards and two interceptions. Jack Strand entered the game for Rush prompting cheers from the Falcons fans. The rookie threw a pick-six on his first career pass attempt. Strand was the first QB to accomplish that feat since Sam Darnold in 2018 and is the first Falcons player to do that since Brett Favre in 1991. Strand finished the day with 59 passing yards and 16 rushing yards.

According to reports, quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. is expected to make his season debut this Thursday at the Green Bay Packers. His return should help the Falcons. They are the first team since the 2008 Rams to not run any plays in the red zone after the first two games to open a season.

The bright spots for the Falcons today were the Spelman College Jaguarettes performing with the Falcons cheerleaders and Florida A&M’s marching band, The Marching 100, also performed during halftime!

Jayden Daniels gets carted off after apparent arm injury

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels appeared to injure his left elbow on the final play of the first half in his game against the Dallas Cowboys. During the play, Daniels got stepped on, braced himself for the fall, and his elbow bent the wrong way. Daniels draped a towel over his head as he exited the field on the cart.

He was later ruled out.

Daniels suffered a dislocated elbow to the same arm during week nine of last season against the Washington Commanders, which led to him being shut down for the remainder of the season.

The post NFL: Week Two Recap | Jalen Hurts did not fold; Caleb Williams exits game with injury appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win

Master the complete vehicle-purchase negotiation framework with Roosevelt Gist and Roosevelt. Learn every stage, tactic, and win!
The post The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

6 days ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Negotiation framework stages, tactics, and winning strategies from AutoNetwork

Roosevelt Gist and Roosevelt deliver the complete vehicle-purchase negotiation framework in Episode 8 of The Color of Our Money Is Green. This episode covers the three foundations of every effective negotiation, the full seven-stage negotiation sequence with exact language for every stage, and five of the most common dealership tactics with the specific response each one requires.
What You Learn in This Episode:
The three foundations that make every negotiation tactic work
The complete seven-stage car-buying negotiation sequence
Exact language for every stage of the dealership conversation
Five common dealership tactics — the turnover, the four-square, the packed payment, spot delivery, and forced add-ons — and how to counter each one
Why signing preliminary paperwork isn’t the same as signing the final contract
___________________________________________________________________
“The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost” — stan.store/RGist
____________________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.

How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost

AutoNetwork.com
CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.

The post The Complete Negotiation Framework — Every Stage, Every Tactic, Every Win appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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Mazda CX-90 Luxury: Heated Seats & Premium Comfort! #shorts

Stay toasty in the CX-90! Plush Nappa leather, heated/ventilated seats, and a memory-equipped heated steering wheel deliver ultimate luxury.
The post Mazda CX-90 Luxury: Heated Seats & Premium Comfort! #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

6 days ago

September 20, 2026

Oakland Post

Mazda CX-90 interior with heated seats offering premium comfort.

Experience ultimate comfort in the CX-90. Nappa leather, heated/ventilated seats, 8-way power adjustments, and memory settings for both front passengers. The heated steering wheel with memory tilt/telescope adds premium convenience.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/EH5A4eQ4ipY