Featured
Premiere Black Women’s Organization Spearheads International Change
NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Our mission is to convene hearings and conversations that evaluate the impact of current public policy and initiate new policies that address major threats to the well-being of Black women, their families and communities. We are a membership driven organization with a seat at the table for all those who believe as we do, that it is our duty to help make life better for others.”
By Lauren Poteat, NNPA Washington Correspondent
During the height of the 48th Annual Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), members of the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI), gave way to their 10th Annual Gala and Policy Forum, centered around ‘Leadership in a Global Black Women’s Movement.’
Focused on the need for women to support other women, the CBC events brought together global thinkers and advocates for the movement of Black women into global citizenship, spearheaded by IBWPPI Co-Founder/President, Barbara A. Perkins.
“The International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute takes pride in educating and training Black women on how to take control of their futures,” Perkins said. “We are the only organization focused solely on policies that are the priority of Black Women and are advocates for Black women and girls globally through acts of kindness and public policy, that are simple, yet bold and compelling.”
As part of the anniversary panel, comprised of the Hon. Paula A. Cox, the former Premier of Bermuda, Her Excellency Audrey P. Marks, the Ambassador of Jamaica to the U.S., the Hon. Katherine Forbes-Smith the Senate President of the Bahamas, Princess Dr. Moradeun Ogunlana of Nigeria, the CEO of Innovative Global Consulting and Dr. Julianne Malveaux, the founder and president of Economic Education, dynamic women set the stage with dialogue centered around the unique experiences and issues that their individual countries faced when it came to women in leadership—a discussion right on que with IBWPPI’s main mission.
“Our work stretches far beyond our backyards,” Perkins said. “Our mission is to convene hearings and conversations that evaluate the impact of current public policy and initiate new policies that address major threats to the well-being of Black women, their families and communities. We are a membership driven organization with a seat at the table for all those who believe as we do, that it is our duty to help make life better for others.”
Adamant about women’s rights, Perkins further stated that her vision for the organization has and will be to push people forward—over the next 10 years.
Tackling human trafficking with legislative change, economic security, health and wellness, education, while also sponsoring forums, town halls, workshops and events that raise awareness and funds for victims in need of support—IBWPPI continues to challenge the status quo and to establish itself as a premiere institution for Black women.
“Our goal is to promote Acts of Kindness as the key to good public policy,” Perkins stated. “We use gender diplomacy to engage in critical dialogue and to convene leadership groups at home and abroad. This model works as we begin to chart the next 10 years while training the next generation of international leaders through our Young Ambassadors Program.”
Founded in 2009, inspired by the legacy of Dr. Dorothy I. Height, Chair Emeritus, National Council of Negro Women, IBWPPI currently consist of partners in North America, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Cuba, Haiti and Ghana Africa.
Seeking to expand representation, every year these women convene in a different country during the month of March, while also supporting various missions including: 500 pairs of work-boots and rain-boots for communities in Haiti, Ghana and the Bahamas in the aftermath of natural disasters, promoting clean water in Haiti, and establishing a Reading Room Initiative in each country, where individuals convene IBWPPI Work.
To learn more about IBWPPI or how to become a member, please visit: IBWPPI Membership
Featured
Defender ONE-on-ONE: U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee
Texas Congressman Christian Menefee reflects on his first 250 days in the U.S. House. Hear his insights on legislative priorities, minority party challenges, and why every vote matters.
In an exclusive interview with The Defender, Texas Congressman Christian Menefee sits down to reflect on his first 250 days serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Congressman Menefee shares key insights into his legislative priorities, introducing new bills, and navigating the day-to-day challenges of serving in the house minority. He breaks down why every vote matters in shaping our communities and offers a preview of the urgent legislative issues he plans to tackle next.

In this video, you’ll hear about: • Reflections on his first 250 days in Congress • Key legislation introduced and priority bills • Navigating the realities and strategy of serving in the house minority • Why civic engagement and voter participation remain critical • What lies ahead on his legislative agenda

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#ChristianMenefee #USCongress #TexasPolitics #TheDefender #CommunityNews #CivicEngagement #houseofrepresentativeselection2026
Chapters
0:00 Introduction and the Importance of Voting
1:12 First 250 Days and Improving Constituent Services
2:40 Oversight Committee and Environmental Justice
4:05 Rebuilding an Empty Congressional Office
6:10 The SET Act: Ending Vacancies in Representation
8:25 Life in the Minority and Playing Defense
10:45 Foreign Policy, Inflation, and Gas Prices
12:50 Economic Goals: Child Care and Housing
14:20 Redistricting and Respecting Leadership
16:15 The Rotisserie Chicken Vote and SNAP Benefits
18:20 Congressional Black Caucus Highlights
19:45 Final Call to Action for Texas Voters
Make sure to check your voter registration status and head to the polls to make your voice heard in the upcoming election. If you found this update helpful, please like this video and subscribe to stay informed on the issues that matter most to your community. 📢
#TexasPolitics #Congress #Houston #VotingRights #ChristianMenefee
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Black Enterprise
How To Manage Conflict at Work
Learn to leverage conflict, not avoid it! Unlock performance and profits with these expert tips.
Leadership consultant Dethra U. Giles, founder and CEO of ExecuPrep and author of “That’s Not What I Said: Master Conflict With Conversational Competence,” shares her framework for how to stop avoiding tough conversations at work and instead how to start leveraging conflict to unlock performance, productivity, and profits.
Black Enterprise
How To Overcome Financial Setbacks and Win
Layoffs and uncertainty hitting hard? Learn to leverage your mindset and make wealthy decisions to overcome financial setbacks. You can win!
The lives and livelihoods of millions of working professionals, especially Black women, continue to be disrupted by layoffs and economic uncertainty. The difference between surviving and thriving starts with leveraging your greatest asset—your mindset. Money expert and author Dominique Broadway, founder and CEO of Finances De*mys*ti*fied, joins the BE Wealth Accelerator podcast series with a powerful message of encouragement: You can overcome setbacks, face your financial challenges head on, and win—one wealthy decision at a time.
Black Enterprise
How To Overcome Financial Setbacks and Win
Don’t let economic uncertainty derail your dreams. Learn to leverage your mindset, face financial challenges, and win one wealthy decision at a time.
The lives and livelihoods of millions of working professionals, especially Black women, continue to be disrupted by layoffs and economic uncertainty. The difference between surviving and thriving starts with leveraging your greatest asset—your mindset. Money expert and author Dominique Broadway, founder and CEO of Finances De*mys*ti*fied, joins the BE Wealth Accelerator podcast series with a powerful message of encouragement: You can overcome setbacks, face your financial challenges head on, and win—one wealthy decision at a time.
Featured
Sports Talk: Texans vs Cowboys
Sports Talk: Texans vs. Cowboys – Get the latest analysis and opinions on the big game. Visit Defender Network for more!
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Black Enterprise
Social Media Success through Songs
Teach music appreciation with catchy tunes! See how Brandon A. Booth turns popular songs into viral lessons.
From Michael Jackson and Beyonce, to the “Pink Panther” and “Law & Order” theme songs, you’ve probably seen lots of viral videos with hundreds of thousands of views of music students learning popular songs, while using the solfège system of “do re me fa so la ti do.” The beloved music instructor introducing music appreciation to a new generation —in the classroom and on social media — is Brandon A. Booth, Arts Department Chair & Director of Vocal Music at ConneXions: A Community Based Arts School in Baltimore. The Hampton University alum discusses his journey as a Grammy-nominated music educator turned social media sensation, while sharing his love for music with students.
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How To Overcome Financial Setbacks and Win
How To Overcome Financial Setbacks and Win
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Car Warranty Explained: Battery, Maintenance & Roadside #shorts
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2026 Voting Guide: Every Candidate and Proposition Explained!
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Defender ONE-on-ONE: U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee
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