‘UNITE FOR AMERICA’ LIVE STREAMING EVENT FOR KAMALA HARRIS HOSTED BY OPRAH WINFREY

‘UNITE FOR AMERICA’ LIVE STREAMING EVENT HOSTED BY OPRAH WINFREY IN COLLABORATION WITH
‘WIN WITH BLACK WOMEN’ AND OVER 140 ‘WIN WITH HARRIS’ GRASSROOTS GROUPS
ON SEPTEMBER 19 AT 8 PM/ET 

‘Unite for America’ Event to Bring Together Voters in Battleground States and Beyond in Advance of November 5th Election Day

  

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 9, 2024) – Oprah Winfrey, in collaboration with Win with Black Women, will host a live-streaming event “Unite for America” to bring together grassroots groups that have each hosted their own Zooms in support of Vice President Kamala Harris to take place on September 19 at 8 pm/ET across multiple platforms including Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and Twitch.

** To learn more and register to join the event, please visit UniteForAmerica2024 **

In this live, free, streaming event, Oprah brings together voters from all over the country to discuss why they are supporting Kamala Harris, what’s at stake in this election and why voting in this presidential election matters. In addition to those joining online, Oprah will invite 400 local voters to join this discussion in person. The event will serve as a call to action to work in communities throughout battleground states to register people to vote and build support in advance of November 5th. 

The root of this event took hold in July, just a few hours after Vice President Kamala Harris announced her plans to run for President of the United States, when the conveners of Win With Black Women held a collective roll call, led by founder Jotaka Eaddy, which quickly blossomed to 90,000 Black women tuning in to show their support across a variety of platforms. That grassroots surge, led and centered by Black women, inspired a variety of groups to host their own Zoom calls including White Dudes for Harris, Win with Black Men, Comics for Kamala, Republicans for Harris, Latino Men for Kamala and many more. In response to this organic tidal wave of voter support around the country, Oprah Winfrey and Eaddy connected to discuss the idea of holding one unified call for voters across the country. 

Win With Black Women’s catalyzing call raised $1.5 million in just three hours, with over $20 million being raised to date by the over 140 groups now supporting the Harris/Waltz presidential campaign.  

"This ‘Unite for America’ call will be a powerful moment that demonstrates the urgency that we all feel in this moment and more importantly the impact of our collective activation to move our nation forward with Vice President Kamala Harris as our 47th President,” said Jotaka Eaddy, social impact strategist and founder of Win with Black Women (WWBW). “I cannot think of anyone better to host this event than Oprah Winfrey, who has brought Americans of different generations, backgrounds, and experiences together in conversation for decades.”

“The diversity of groups represented in this voter rally event – from Oprah Winfrey, Win With Black Women, Win With Black Men to groups like White Dudes for Harris and Swifties for Kamala – adds strength to the movement,” said Khalil Thompson of Win With Black Men. “To witness such an organic groundswell of support for a vision of the future rooted in equality, progress, and joy with a future that is soon to be led, for the first time, by a Black woman…that’s life changing.”

“We understand the importance of showing up for progress that benefits all women,” said Shannon Watts, organizer of White Women: Answer the Call and Show Up for Kamala Harris. “There is no better person than Oprah Winfrey to lead this event and bring together so many diverse groups of people who are fiercely determined to uplift every community in our nation and elect Kamala Harris.”

“You have seen so many groups come together because we realize that an injustice to one of us is an injustice to all of us,” said Regina Montoya, co-lead of Latinas for Harris. “The next several weeks will be crucial for the future of all of these groups, which is why we are thrilled to join and show our solidarity. We are ready to Unite for America and show what these groups are capable of.”

"We couldn't be more excited to be participating in Unite for America,” said Ross Morales Rocketto of White Dudes for Harris. “We stand on the shoulders of the incredible work of Win with Black Women and Win With Black Men. We exist to create space in the Democratic Party for white men to do their part to help elect Kamala Harris to become the 47th President of the United States."

“As the official AANHPI affinity group working with the Harris Walz campaign to mobilize the South Asian community nationwide, we know the importance of South Asian voters as a key voting bloc in many battleground states,” said Harini Krishnan of South Asians for Harris. “From knocking on doors to recurring phonebanks to combatting misinformation through digital media campaigns to assembling a voter protection team, we are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that South Asian voters are the margin of victory this cycle in electing Kamala Harris as our first Black and South Asian woman President.”

“JD Vance and the Project 2025 agenda would reduce us to our roles as mothers or the expectation of becoming one, but our value extends far beyond that,” said Blaire Postman of Cat Ladies for Kamala. “We’re proud to stand with everyone on this call to create a future where women are defined by their impact, not outdated stereotypes.”

“This Unite For America rally represents a resurgence of joy, hope, and optimism,” said Pastor Mike McBride of Win With the Black Church. “That is because we are not gathering just to celebrate an individual – we’re proud to be coalescing around a shared set of values, like justice, equity, and the betterment of our communities.”

Unite For America Event Details:
When: Thursday, September 19th, 2024 at 8pm ET
Where: Register to join the conversation at UniteForAmerica2024.com

Ferlanda Fox Nixon Esq. Named President & CEO of NRBP

The Board of Directors of the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) announced today that Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq. is joining the organization as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 16, 2024. Nixon will fill the role currently held by Chip Hallock who is retiring after 25 years of distinguished service. As president and CEO, Nixon will serve as the senior officer of the organization, responsible for all administrative and management functions while executing NRBP’s mission to strengthen the greater Newark, NJ business community through connections, resources, and advocacy.

Nixon comes to NRBP from senior leadership roles with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, where she most recently served as Chief of Policy and External Affairs. Nixon and Hallock will work together during her initial weeks to ensure a smooth organizational transition.

“I am excited and honored to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership team as president and CEO,” Nixon said. “Newark is a terrific regional business community with unlimited potential. I’m looking forward to working with the Board, staff and members as we proactively engage with businesses of all sizes to positively impact the community and the region.”

Jennifer Mazawey, NRBP’s Board Chair, is delighted that Nixon has accepted the role. “We are very excited that Ferlanda will be leading NRBP and helping us to forward our mission. Ferlanda brings an outstanding record of success in partnering with a wide variety of constituents and is recognized as a collaborator. We look forward to her leadership now and in the years to come.”

“It is a pleasure to have Ferlanda take the reins,” said Chip Hallock, NRBP outgoing president and CEO. “She is the consummate professional and I am confident that she will successfully execute and expand on NRBP’s mission and vision. Her leadership will help continue to grow NRBP’s impact on and in the greater Newark business community.”

Nixon brings over 30 years of leadership experience as a corporate attorney, independent business consultant, nonprofit leader, and chamber of commerce executive. She has an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Syracuse University and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center. She also holds the professional certification of Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives and is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The NRBP Board of Directors retained Waverly Partners, a national executive search firm, to assist in the recruiting effort. Waverly Partners contacted hundreds of executives at chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and other public and private sector leaders over the course of the search. Nixon was selected following a comprehensive process undertaken by a committee of the NRBP Board.

About the Newark Regional Business Partnership
Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is a diverse membership organization whose mission is to strengthen the business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. NRBP connects its members to partners and resources that can help strengthen their business and increase the economic competitiveness of Newark and the region. More than 300 corporations, small businesses, organizations, and professional service firms are members of NRBP.

Black Education Advocates Demand ABC News Presidential Debate Address Crisis in Black Student Achievement

The Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools (FCCS) is demanding that when Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris take the stage for Tuesday's ABC News Presidential Debate, they address the education crisis affecting Black children.

So far this election season, mainstream media and the candidates have spent too much time focusing on issues rather than the massive failures that are taking place in America's classrooms, and no group has been impacted more than African American children.

"We need to focus on the needs of Black children," said Sarah Carpenter, founder and CEO of the Memphis-based Powerful Parent Movement. "Saving democracy is a vital issue, as well as addressing the border, but America cannot be a world leader in the future if our children are not getting a high-quality education."

In 2019, Carpenter's organization collaborated with other Black educators and activists to form FCCS  to advocate for Black children and parental choice, including:

1. Dr. Howard Fuller, Former Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools; Founder and Director of the Institute for the Transformation of Learning at Marquette University
2. Jalen Rose, former NBA star; Founder & Board President of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Detroit, MI
3. Dr. Steve Perry, educator, author, Founder of Capital Preparatory Schools, FCCS Board Chair
4. Geoffrey Canada, Founder and President of the Harlem Children's Zone
5. Sarah Carpenter – Executive Director of Memphis Lift
6. Dr. Charlene Reid, Co-CEO of Excellence Community Schools, Bronx, NY and Stamford, CT
7. Rev. Al Cockfield- Founder & CEO Lamad Academy Charter, Co-Founder & Board Chair BLACC, FCCS Board Member
8. Emory Edwards, FCCS Board Member, Indianapolis, IN
9. Jeremiah Grace, Executive Director of the Black Latino Asian Charter Coalition (BLACC)
10. Jay Artis-Wright, Executive Director of FCCS
11. Sonya Thomas, Executive Director of Nashville Propel
12. Trenace Dorsey-Hollins, Executive Director of Parent Shield Fort Worth

According to the National College Attainment Network, "In every state, Black students were less likely to demonstrate college and career readiness compared to White students." The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress reported that only 13% of Black fourth-graders are proficient in reading and 11% in math, reflecting significant declines in post-pandemic performance.

A recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal highlights that while Democrats focus on student loan debt and increasing teacher pay, they are falling short on K-12 education reform. At the same time, an August article in Politico (discusses how the GOP is losing the academic culture wars).  A survey from FCCS this summer reveals that, in swing states, there is a strong demand among Black and Latino swing state voters for improvements in K-12 education that embrace more options and cultural relevance, which includes school choice and access to courses such as African American studies.

"Allowing the majority-white teachers' union to be the loudest voice on education policy ignores the diverse needs of students of color and perpetuates inequalities we've seen in schools for over 70 years," said FCCS Board Chair and Founder of Capital Prep Academy, Dr. Steve Perry.

This prominent group of Black education advocates are demanding that both parties provide urgent solutions to an education crisis that is predominantly impacting Black students. They are offering their expertise to support policies that will close the opportunity gap by:

• Improving School choice.
• Increasing access to college and career readiness.
• Expanding academic offerings that include cultural studies.
• Expanding the opportunities for African Americans to open and teach in existing public schools.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's new book 'Lovely One: A Memoir'

In her inspiring, intimate memoir, the first Black woman to ever be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States chronicles her extraordinary life story.

With this unflinching account, Justice Ketanji BrownJackson invites readers into her life and world, tracing her family’s ascent from segregation to her confirmation on America’s highest court within the span of one generation.

Named “Ketanji Onyika,” meaning “Lovely One,” based on a suggestion from her aunt, a Peace Corps worker stationed in West Africa, Justice Jackson learned from her educator parents to take pride in her heritage since birth. She describes her resolve as a young girl to honor this legacy and realize her dreams: from hearing stories of her grandparents and parents breaking barriers in the segregated South, to honing her voice in high school as an oratory champion and student body president, to graduating magna cum laude from Harvard, where she performed in musical theater and improv and participated in pivotal student organizations.

Here, Justice Jackson pulls back the curtain, marrying the public record of her life with what is less known. She reveals what it takes to advance in the legal profession when most people in power don’t look like you, and to reconcile a demanding career with the joys and sacrifices of marriage and motherhood.

Through trials and triumphs, Justice Jackson’s journey will resonate with dreamers everywhere, especially those who nourish outsized ambitions and refuse to be turned aside. This moving, openhearted tale will spread hope for a more just world, for generations to come.

Check out Lovely One: A Memoir on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3AOS3J1

The HBCU Tour Kicks Off with a Successful Launch at Florida A&M University

Florida Rising's HBCU Tour has officially hit the ground running with an electrifying kickoff at Florida A&M University (FAMU)! The inaugural event, held during Set Market Fridays as part of the South Carolina State vs. FAMU football game weekend, energized students and the community, marking the beginning of a dynamic series of engagements across historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

The atmosphere at FAMU was electric as students gathered to participate in the first stop of The HBCU Tour, an effort dedicated to mobilizing Black and Brown communities ahead of the upcoming elections. The event highlighted the importance of voter participation, with students eagerly discussing their voting plans and solidifying their commitment to making their voices heard.

"We're thrilled with the turnout and enthusiasm we witnessed at FAMU," said Nubian Roberts, Black Constituency Director of Florida Rising. "This event set the tone for what we anticipate will be a powerful and impactful tour, as we work together to empower students and ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to participate in the electoral process."

The HBCU Tour aims to engage students in meaningful conversations about social, economic, and racial justice, while also providing them with the tools to take action in their communities. As part of this initiative, students are encouraged to create a voting plan, register to vote, and stay informed about key issues affecting their lives.

The next stops on The HBCU Tour include:

Florida Memorial University on September 7, 2024, during the Edward Waters at Florida Memorial University football game

Bethune Cookman University on September 21, 2024, during the Clark Atlanta University at Bethune Cookman University football game

Edward Waters University on September 28, 2024, during the Tuskegee at Edward Waters University football game

"The energy and commitment we've seen from students at FAMU are truly inspiring," said Dwight Bullard, Senior Political Advisor of Florida Rising. "Their eagerness to engage in the democratic process and their passion for driving change reaffirm the importance of this tour. We're excited to continue this journey across other HBCUs, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among students as we head into the election season."

Florida Rising continues to bring together Black and Brown communities across the state to advance social, economic, and racial justice, with The HBCU Tour serving as a crucial platform for engaging the next generation of leaders.

For more information about The HBCU Tour, including upcoming events and resources, please visit www.thehbcutour.com.