Justice Calls for Breonna Taylor as Her Killers Remain Free
Calls for justice intensifies as Breonna Taylor’s killers remain free. Breonna Taylor’s story and the push for her killers to be behind bars was once an important topic on social media, but as her killers remain free and charges have been dropped people have seemed to loose sight on the bigger picture. Whether its signing petitions, voting in November or reaching out to politicians we must not forget about Breonna Taylor because she needs justice and so does her family. Let’s keep pushing for change and not forget about what’s more important in today’s world even if we feel like progress isn’t being made right away. As long as we continue to fight, we will see change.
Imagine dying in the comfort of your own home, in the hands of police officers and over something that you did not do. This is what happened to Breonna Taylor.
On March 13, 2020 Breonna Taylor, a 26-year old African American emergency medical technician was shot by Louisville Metro Police Department officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankinson, and Myles Cosgrove.
The three officers, not in their uniform, entered Taylor’s house executing a no-knock search warrant.
Ms. Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker were in bed but got up, after hearing loud banging at the door. After a brief exchange, Mr. Walker fired his gun. The police also fired several shots, hitting Ms. Taylor.
Taylor coughed and struggled to breathe for at least five minutes after she was shot, according to The Louisville Courier Journal. She received no medical attention for more than 20 minutes after she was struck, The Courier Journal reported.
The police were investigating two men who they thought were selling drugs out of a house that was far from Ms. Taylor’s home. However, a judge had also signed a warrant allowing the police to search Ms. Taylor’s residence because the police believed that one of the two men had used her apartment to receive packages. The judge’s order was a so-called no-knock warrant, which allowed the police to enter without warning and without identifying themselves as law enforcement.
According to Mr. Walker’s lawyer, no drugs were found in the apartment. City officials banned the use of “no-knock” warrants on June 11.
Breonna Taylor’s death has sparked outrage around the world. There have been calls for justice. Her killers remain free and have not been charged with any crimes.
Taylor’s case took long to receive national attention and as weeks go by her story has dwindled. What first started off as a posting spree and call for media attention has now quickly turned into something that no one wants to talk about.
This could be because charges were dropped against the officers who took part in her killing, however her killers need to be held accountable and her family needs justice after this dreadful killing.
Ever since the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks, Elijah Mcclain, Breonna Taylor, Sha-Asia Washington and (the list goes on), Black people around the world have spoken up on racism, sexism, and systematic and institutionalized racism within the healthcare system.
We must do all that we can to make sure that Breonna Taylor’s killers don’t get to walk free again. Whether its signing petitions, voting in November, reading more information on her case, or also reaching out to politicians, we must make sure that our voices are being heard and that these officers are held accountable for their actions.
According to Ms. Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, Taylor had big dreams.
“Breonna had her head on straight, and she was a very decent person. She didn’t deserve this. She wasn’t that type of person.
Don’t forget to sign this petition.
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/arrest-killers-breonna-taylor
Pictures are from:
1. bbc.com
2. vox.com
3. abc7ny.com
Report: Juana Norales
Instagram: @juana.n_
Justice for Elijah McClain
Elijah Mclain is a young boy who was murdered by police and is now trending on all social media platforms due to his innocent cause of death. In August 2019, police officers in Aurora, Colorado, approached the 23-year-old Elijah McClain while he was walking home from a store near his home.
Elijah Mclain is a young boy who was murdered by police and is now trending on all social media platforms due to his innocent cause of death. In August 2019, police officers in Aurora, Colorado, approached the 23-year-old Elijah McClain while he was walking home from a store near his home. Later that night, the Aurora Police Department said that an anonymous 911 caller had reported a “suspicious person” in a ski mask. When the officers confronted McClain who was not armed and had not committed a crime, they stated that he “resisted arrest.” In the 15 minutes that followed, the officers threw McClain to the ground, put him in a carotid hold, and called first responders, who injected him with ketamine. He had a heart attack on the way to the hospital and died days later after he was declared brain dead.
McClain’s family maintains that law enforcement’s use of excessive force led to his death. However, video of the incident has gone viral on all social media platforms regardless of the fact that it happened a year ago. In the video, it is very evident that Elijah McClain not resisting but was in fact pleading with the officers to release him. The officers were consequently cleared of wrongdoing on the basis of the body-camera footage and an inconclusive autopsy. McClain’s case has attracted people amid national protests against systemic racism and police brutality against Black people.
Photo Credits: @buttonslives @myskincolorisnotacrime @claratheprince
Report: Soila Douce (@soila.xx)
To Be Black In An Anti-Black World
Being black in America and the world at large is has many benefits but they certainly come with a cost.
Source: Vox Media
To be black is certainly a privilege in that we’re given the opportunity to freely partake in a diverse culture that spans across the globe. However, there are number of inconveniences that we experience in various places and at various stages, that can make it incredibly difficult to be a black person in this world.
“You Talk So White.”
Oftentimes, if you’re a black person and you have an expansive lexicon or speak with a certain cadence, you’re told that you “talk white.” This occurs to black people both by other black people, along with whites. And it still happens to this day.
The Code Switch
Let’s take it a step further. When you’re a black person entering the workforce, specifically in corporate and academic spaces, there’s a tendency that is taught and developed called “code switching.” Code switching is an assimilated (socially affiliated with “white”) way of speaking that deviates from using vernacular and informal ways of speech that are commonly said within the black community.
Source: Travel Noire
“Do They Like Black People Here?”
I’ll never forget when I took my first international trip. It was a school trip to Italy, and I was the only dark-skinned black male there. Prior heading to the airport, I found myself googling questions such as “How are black people treated in Rome?” and “Is Florence, Italy black-friendly?” These are not questions that any 16 year-old should be googling before their first international trip.
Source: Pinterest
Black People Who Work At *Insert Here*
Most black people, again, specifically within corporate and academic spaces have had to cope with being the only black person in the room some or all of the time. Therefore, there’s an inclination for us to do research, whether on LinkedIn or a masthead, on black people who work at a specific organization. Appropriate and intentionally diverse hiring practices aimed at hiring black staff and leadership should be more common than it is.
Photo 3 - Vox Media
Photo 2 - Courtesy Travel Noire
Photo 1 - She's Single/Pinterest
Report: Julian Alexander Randall
Juneteenth Flag: It’s Meaning and Symbolic Importance
While many of us took Juneteenth to celebrate, commemorate and be blackity, black, black, many also choose to educate and spread awareness and knowledge on the meaning behind this historic day. The Juneteenth Flag is a representation of the end of slavery in the United States. The flag contains several meanings and symbols. Governor Andrew Cuomo, made Juneteenth a holiday for state employees and a new legislation has been designed to hold police more accountable after the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed by a white Mineappolis police officer. According to mayor Bill De Blasio, Juneteenth will become an official city holiday starting next year. Unsure about the symbols and meaning behind the Juneteenth Flag
Source: Dallas News
What comes to mind when you hear the words “red white and blue?”
I would assume the American flag. However there is another flag with the same exact colors and that is the Juneteenth Flag.
The banner with its bold star in the middle is a representation of the end of slavery in the United States.
Activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation, created the flag in 1997 with the help of collaborators, and Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf.
The flag was later revised in 2000 into the version we know today, according to the National Juneteenth Observation Foundation. Seven years later, the date “June 19, 1865,” was added, memorializing the day Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told enslaved African Americans of their emancipation.
Communities around the country have held flags in ceremonies on Juneteenth in celebration of their freedom, for two decades now.
According to Haith “This country has so many aspects to it that are spiritual, and I believe this flag is of that nature. It (the idea for the design) just came through me.”
Now that we’ve discussed the flag and it’s symbolic importance let’s break down what each element of the flag represents.
Source: CNN
The star
Represents Texas, the Lone Star State. It was in Galveston in 1865, where Union soldiers informed enslaved African Americans, that under the Emancipation Proclamation, they were free. It also represents the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.
Source: CNN
The burst
The bursting outline around the star is inspired by a nova, a term that also means a new star. On the Juneteenth flag, this represents a new beginning for the African Americans of Galveston and throughout the land.
Source: KSL News Radio
The arc
Represents a new horizon: the opportunities and promise that lay ahead for black Americans.
Source: CBS
The colors
The red, white and blue represents the American flag, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are Americans.
June 19, 1865, represents the day that enslaved black people in Galveston, Texas became Americans under the law.
African Americans today are still fighting for equality and justice which takes us back to the meaning and symbols behind the flag, with Haith emphasizing that the colors symbolize the continuous commitment of people in the United States to do better and to live up to the American ideal of liberty and justice for all.
Report: Juana Norales
Instagram: @juana.n_
Black Lives Matter: and That Includes Black Trans and Queer Lives
With the Black Lives Matter movement taking center stages, and June being Pride Month, these two causes have united to bring awareness to an underrepresented community.
With the Black Lives Matter movement taking center stages, and June being Pride Month, these two causes have united to bring awareness to an underrepresented community.
On Sunday, in Brooklyn, a peaceful protest was held to support the transgender members of the black community. It was called "Brooklyn Liberation: An Action for Black Trans Lives." Several local organizations, including The Okra Project, Marsha P. Johnson Institute, For the Gworls, G.L.I.T.S. and Black Trans Femmes in the Arts, put this event together. The protest was put together to honor the lives of black trans women who were unjustly killed, and have not received a lot of media coverage. Some of the lives honored were, Layleen Polanco, Dominique "Rem'mie" Fells, and Riah Milton. Transgender activist Raquel Willis, author Ceyenne Doroshow, and the family of Layleen Polanco, were all among the featured speakers at the rally. Protesters chanted and carried homemade signs with the phrase "Black Trans Lives Matter."
Brooklyn was not the only American city that was putting on peaceful protests and gatherings supporting black trans lives. Los Angeles decided to hold a march supporting black trans lives, in lieu of their annual Pride Parade. The day before, volunteers painted the words "All Black Lives Matter," on the street, at the intersection of Hollywood and Highland Avenue. Some of the words were painted in the colors of different pride flags, including the non-binary flag, the transgender flag, and the original rainbow pride flag. The event itself, which was organized by All Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, was not just a plea for justice but a celebration that included music, dancing and performances by queer Black artists.
Report: Anna Bechtel
A New Juneteenth
This day has gained major recognition over the past few months as it has renewed interest within the black community of millennials in the latest number of deaths including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many more past and present.
For those who are unaware, Juneteenth is June 19, 1865. On this day African-Americans in Galveston, TX were freed. A holiday that commemorates the end of slavery that has been celebrated since the late 1800s.
This day has gained major recognition over the past few months as it has renewed interest within the black community of millennials in the latest number of deaths including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many more past and present.
In America, the equivalent holiday is Fourth of July that commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the United States. This is a holiday that white Americans take pride in celebrating with barbeques every summer and dressing in red, white, and blue to honor the flag. It is a day that goes into the white American history books.
With the recent events of deaths of black people by white police, it’s different now. The death of George Floyd sparked a revolution. The black community has begun to forcibly take its power back. Protests and looting has erupted all over the country and some internationally. For the cause that this has highlighted, major celebrities and organizations have donated large funds to campaigns and non-profits that assist in the bailouts for those arrested in the Black Lives Matter movement protests.
Major retail brands have taken stance on raising standards of equality and respect for people of color in America. Brands like Band-aid are showing support changing their product to show equality with all races. With this, major entertainment corporations are being called out for the indecent treatment of black celebrities such as Gabrielle Union and the racial intolerance she experienced working with NBC.
The black community is on a path to clean up racism in America, taking down corporations that profit off of their culture. Calling out racial injustices one corporation at a time. This is forcing a long list of retailers to reevaluate their diversity. Many retail brands have reported the percentage of black employees within their companies with many having a low number.
Fast food industries are starting to feel the effects of their stances as well. Wendy’s losing black business once word got out that the CEO donated funds to President Trump’s campaign, then the burning of Wendy’s location after the murder of Rayshard Brooks.
Black Americans have reached their peak of intolerance and are now outraged. The celebration of Juneteenth is to highlight the fact that although black people were freed, it seems that all these years they’ve been mentally enslaved along with their dignity. We’ve reached a point to expose every injustice we go through, whether its a large corporation or a middle-aged white racist yielding their white privilege by falsifying attacks from black people.
The black community celebrates Juneteenth to honor the black lives lost and how far we’ve come in the fight to end racism. This is a day to go into the history books for our black children of the future to learn about.
Photo Credits:
https://im-media.voltron.voanews.com/Drupal/01live-166/styles/sourced/s3/2020-05/AP20150280747351.jpg?itok=iAbC1SFF
https://www.niemanlab.org/images/black-lives-matter-protest-cc.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EFdbLfZBxes/maxresdefault.jpg
Report: Josephine Coiscou
Trump's Fumble On Juneteenth Leads To New Nationally Recognized Holiday
“Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration… especially in times like this, it is a reminder of how far we’ve come, but also how much work we have to do to become truly free.” - @juliaforboston (twitter)
Juneteenth represents when slavery was officially abolished in the United States. While the Emancipation Proclamation ordered to end slavery in 1863, it took two years before slaves in Texas were free on June 19, 1865. Across the country, Americans, specifically the black community, hold week-long celebrations to honor “freedom”. “Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration… especially in times like this, it is a reminder of how far we’ve come, but also how much work we have to do to become truly free", tweeted @juliaforboston.
Recently, United States President, Donald Trump decided that despite the pandemic he would hold a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma on the weekend of Juneteenth. Why is this a problem? “Did they really not know what Juneteenth was? I don’t believe it. You couldn’t get all the way to scheduling a rally without someone pointing it out. No, this was deliberate signaling. What really surprised them was the backlash. They were trying to do a Reagan, signaling support for racists with a campaign event- but America has changed”, tweeted @paulkrugman.
Historically, Tulsa is known for having one of America’s worst race riots, known as the Tulsa Race Massacre. This particular race riot was an attack on Tulsa’s predominately black Greenwood neighborhood, killing hundreds of black people, leaving thousands of people homeless, and destroying black businesses. The Tulsa Massacre also destroyed Black Wall Street, which was the wealthiest black community in America in 1921.
Prior to Trump’s decision to hold his rally in Tulsa during Juneteenth weekend, Juneteenth was not common knowledge to most Americans. Although bringing light to Juneteenth probably was not Trump’s intention, his ignorance granted a lot of people a free history lesson.
Now that more people are aware of Juneteenth’s significance, cities and even some states are taking steps towards recognizing Juneteenth as a paid-holiday.
Photo Credits:
Tulsa Massacre photo- History.com
Woman with flag: Chicagotribune.com
Report: Brionna Thompson
Pull Up or Shut Up
Imagine heavily supporting a brand or business that doesn’t care to even represent you. Imagine you buy from a brand or business that doesn’t support you or your people.
Imagine heavily supporting a brand or business that doesn’t care to even represent you. Imagine you buy from a brand or business that doesn’t support you or your people. During the past few weeks, the United States has been a fragile state. There has been protesting as well as the emergence of awareness. For years, black people have been underrepresented at almost all the brands that profit off of the black dollar. They said enough is enough.
A challenge has emerged on social media that challenged brands to expose the percentage of black employees that they house within a 72 hour period. Many brands have put out statements regarding the black lives matter movement, but the point of the challenge was to ensure that diversity is glorified and is not just a trend for the current movement. The founder stated, “We have to look at businesses and what role they play. They play a huge role in this problem we’re facing,” she said. “They’re saying, ‘I’m donating to Black Lives Matter and NAACP,’ and they move on...For me, it was really a time to say something’s got to give. The only way we’ll see change is if we take a conversation we’re having within the industry and take it out to the consumers.”
Businesses that profit off of the black dollar, as well as the appropriation of black culture, should start showing their support through their numbers. What better way to show support for black lives than to hire more black, qualified, employees.
Photo Credit: @pullupforchange
Report: Soila Douce (@soila.xx)
Prabal Gurung is the Fashion Designer We Need During These Times
Today, influential people are held to a higher standard of how to respond to crises. The money and power they possess are crucial in turning the tide in fighting for justice.
Today, influential people are held to a higher standard of how to respond to crises. The money and power they possess are crucial in turning the tide in fighting for justice. Some called to action include fashion designers, who now have to adjust not only to the ongoing pandemic, but to recent racist incidents shedding light on the fashion industry. A designer contributing to the cause is Prabal Gurung, who for years has actively included diversity and pushed for more Asian representation in fashion.
Recently on Instagram, Gurung detailed how his brand “posted, donated, signed petitions, marched in protests, spoken on panels, and shared important resources.” In light of George Floyd’s murder and the uprising of the Black Lives Matter, it was announced June 3 that the brand’s former collection, “Stronger in Colour,” will be getting a revival. With options including a t-shirt for $95 and a hoodie for $175, it was revealed that 100% of the proceeds from the collection would be given to The Bail Project, a non-profit dedicated to fighting the disproportional rates of Black people being mass incarcerated. In addition, Gurung contributed to the “Define American’s Black + Gold Forum” that focused on the relationship between the Black and Asian community. Sometime during the pandemic, he and The COVID Foundation donated 2,000 N95 respirator masks to the health industry. Gurung took into account that the masks were delivered to the Brooklyn Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital, and Metropolitan Hospital Center, as they were in areas of marginalized communities affected the most. Continuing his efforts, Gurung has also given to the new collective, All Americans, designed to help out underserved communities affected by the Coronavirus.
Singapore-born and Nepalese-raised, Gurung has admitted that he was not as educated to the ongoing racism experienced by the Black community. It wasn’t until he moved to America that he was exposed to a racist system that negatively impacted people of color. In response his brand, conceived in 2009, has and continues to fight for equal representation into the fashion industry. Gurung’s runway shows gained attention over the years due in part to the casting, as it’s considered one of the most diverse ranges to ever appear on a runway. He received further praise when he employed an all-Asian cast for a “Stronger in Colour” campaign. Pivotal in breaking down Asian stereotypes, he also drew inspiration from key female figures of Asian history. These included the Gulabi Gang, Indian female vigilantes against violence, and even the very own Nepalese women during his upbringing.
As more brands adjust to a more sustainable and activist platform, Gurung believes now is a time in which everyone should look into their ethics and see what is not working. A crucial part to New York City, he is actively figuring out how to evolve the fashion industry into a more conscious, social-driven cause.
Photo Credit: Town and Country Magazine, The Zoe Report, Fashionista.
Report: Charlene Piccio
No Laughing Matter
Many news outlets continue to cover these events, including television journalist Christopher Cuomo who has recently taken charge of CNN to speak out about the injustice going on.
During the recent events of the Black Lives Matter movement, protests have gone on all over the country and around the world as a means to end racial injustice black people have faced on a daily basis before and following the murder of George Floyd by police.
Many news outlets continue to cover these events, including television journalist Christopher Cuomo who has recently taken charge of CNN to speak out about the injustice going on.
Cuomo had the opportunity to interview Attorney Earl Gray who is representing Officer Thomas Lane, one of the four officers involved in Floyd’s death.
When Gray was asked for an explanation he gave the excuse of experience on the job between the officers. Once Cuomo said how wrong the whole situation of George Floy’ds death was in order to end the interview, Attorney Earl Gray made a point to bring up a speech Christopher Cuomo’s father made 50 years ago and Cuomo explained his father would be shocked to see these events taking place today.
The attorney laughed, this understandably upset Cuomo and ended the interview. Cuomo went on to explain that the situation is no laughing matter. The actions of all four officers are unjustifiable.
It’s understandable to try to gain control of a potential threat but once that threat is contained there’s no logical, justifiable reason to use excessive force on that threat.
For Chauvin to put his full body weight with force on George Floyd’s neck with his knee for an extended period of time with multiple pleas to stop, his actions were purely intentional.
Attorney Earl Gray made a point that at a certain point the civilans that were present should’ve intervened. This statement is pointless because the history between police and black civilians shows that when a person tries to show any type of defense for themselves or another person police tactics show that they are quick to shoot and a life is lost.
For an already escalated situation with an officer’s knee with full pressure on Floy’s neck, for any one of the witnesses to take action and intervene at that moment would’ve been another arrest or struggle with police that turns into another murder.
There needs to be more accountability. Police officers need to understand that because they represent the law it is also their duty to protect others and that they are not exempt from the law.
Report: Josephine Coiscou
Harlem's BLM Movements Have a Whole New Look
Stylist, Gabriel M. Garmon decided to organize a demonstration in Harlem, paying respect to George Floyd,
Stylist Gabriel M. Garmon decided to organize a demonstration in Harlem, paying respect to George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who was killed by a police officer last month. He hoped that many other black men in the area would join him. However, Garmon didn't want this to be an ordinary demonstration. He encouraged all the participants to show up looking "your best," as a way of paying respect to Floyd, whose funeral would be happening in Minneapolis on that same day. "We wanted to honor him and our other lost brothers and sisters in a way that felt appropriate,” says Garmon who organized the event with the help of friends and fellow Black creatives Brandon Murphy and Harold Waight.
The event took place on 125th Street at 10 AM. The amount of people who showed up in their nice clothes far exceeded Garmon's expectations. Several people wore shirts with the phrase "Black Lives Matter" on them, along with their three piece suits. Others dressed in the styles of 1960's activists. Others wore clothing with bright patterns that they had purchased from local clothing stores. But all participators tried to wear their best clothing. “I asked myself, would I wear this to someone’s funeral? To a relative’s funeral? How would I bring myself?” says Elias Hightower, a fashion consultant who was among the demonstrators who took to the streets. “I almost wore Vans with my suit, but I knew I couldn’t do this by halves. This was really about changing the narrative and showing the power of dress.”
Participants also brought handmade signs supporting the movement, and the black members of the LGBT community, specifically the black trans community. “It was such a peaceful experience, it was such a unifying experience and that’s all we wanted,” says Tiffany Ray-Fisher, a local choreographer and organizer who spoke at the event. “No matter our gender or what industry we’re in, it is upsetting to us on a deep level that our presence can be scary to people. Our chant was: We’re not to be feared. When people heard that, they were hanging out of their windows clapping for us, cheering us on.”
For Garmon and his cohorts, this is just the beginning of a much larger movement. “It doesn’t stop here. And I really want to highlight that. We all need to register to vote, we all need to be more vocal,” says the stylist who is in the midst of organizing a second demonstration, this time to commemorate Juneteenth. “Change is coming soon, I know that.”
Report: Anna Bechtel
The Hundreds and Billionaire Boys Club Collab for BLM
Find out which brands have collaborated on a new t-shirt supporting the Black Lives Matter movement
The brands The Hundreds and Billionaire Boys Club have teamed up to release a new collaboration. During these intense times, the brands have released a new t-shirt which supports the Black Lives Matter movement. All the proceeds made from this design will go towards the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the Black Mental Health Alliance.
The shirt is a black t-shirt, with white outlines. It also has double-needle bottom hem and sleeves, shoulder-to-shoulder tape, a preshrunk fit, and is 100 percent cotton tubular jersey. The front part features a bomb with a lit fuse starting to explode, with the capital letters BLM, obviously standing for "Black Lives Matter." Below, the words "Billionaire Boys Club," appear in smaller writing. The back side of the shirt features the words Black Lives Matter, a smaller bomb identical to the one on the front, and a person wearing a helmet.
The brands are the latest to step up with an effort to raise funds for such causes amid worldwide protests calling attention to police brutality, systemic racism, and the dire need for change on all fronts. Other voices who recently announced contributions to social justice organizations include Supreme, Palace, Basketcase, Alife, and more.
Report: Anna Bechtel
Beauty Bakerie Now Recognizes Juneteenth as Their Company's Independence Day
Beauty Bakerie now recognizes Juneteenth as their company’s Independence day in order to address the erasure of black people in American history. Many are asking what is Juneteenth? Why is this day an important day in American history? How could we all celebrate this holiday?
In an effort to do their part in addressing years of systemic racism beauty brand, Beauty Bakerie will no longer celebrate the 4th of July. Instead, the brand will recognize Juneteenth (June 19th) as its independence day. This is a bold move and a huge stride in addressing the deletion of black people in American history. After talking about this with many of my friends they questioned why it mattered.
So what is Juneteenth? And why is it so important to celebrate this day? Although the United States was freed from British control on July 4th, 1776, black people were not yet independent. It was not until nearly 100 years later everyone in this country was truly free. Juneteenth, also known as the “Black Independence Day”, signifies the day the last slaves were freed. The Emancipation Proclamation was implemented on January 1st, 1863 but remote states like Texas were not really affected by the proclamation. It actually wasn’t until after the Civil War in 1963 that ALL black people were freed from slavery.
Right now, Juneteenth is not celebrated as a national holiday. Communities still observe this day as the holiday it is! And while many group celebrations have been put on hold there are still ways to enjoy this day on your own. These include using social media to inform your followers about the history of Juneteenth. You could also support black-owned businesses the entire day. Finally, purchase Juneteenth signages and drape them outside and throughout the house to educate your household guests.
Photo Credits: beautybakerie.com, gvwire.com
Report: Lauren Tucker
I'm Black & I'm Proud: Songs to Uplift our Community
Black people have been fighting for equality for centuries. Sometimes it's hard staying positive during these dark times. We need a reminder that black is beautiful and amazing. These five songs have helped me work throughout these times and find my strength to keep pushing forward.
The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are only the tip of the iceberg when addressing black lives lost to racism. At a time when blackness is seen as a weapon, it is hard to stay prideful and inspired. It’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need a reminder of how great blackness is. Music is the soundtrack to life. Music is what has helped the black community through our greatest struggles. That is what motivated me to make the list of song that has helped me stay inspired and prideful this last week.
I’m Black & I’m Proud - James Brown
James Brown could not say it better! The funk song was written in 1968 but still speaks to many of the issues the black community faces currently. Addressing the need for black empowerment. This song is number one because right now black equates to “criminal” or “dangerous”. Instead, black people need a reminder of how amazing we are and take pride in how far we have gotten.
Alright - Kendrick Lamar
Used back in 2015 by young activists when protesting police brutality this song became coined the “unifying soundtrack of the movement”. This song is a message of hope, telling us that we will be okay as long as we are in this together.
Keep Ya Head Up - 2Pac
This track uplifts and defends black women. Written when Tupac was only 21, this song addresses how black women are often stereotyped and taken advantage of in and outside of our community. Instead, Pac used this song to show the strength and the importance black women are to the community.
Freedom - Beyoncé
The title speaks for itself. This song performed by Beyonce is meant to elevate the black people and demands “freedom” for oppressive authorities. The music video also illuminates the beauty, softness, and the strength black women exude, showcasing the mothers of Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner holding pictures of their sons. Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar touch on the issues black women face as well as the social injustices the black community faces as a group.
Fight The Power - Public Enemy
We have all heard this phrase before. This song is the reminder we all might need to continue to do our part if we want to reform to the police and justice systems. This song is on my list not because of its super uplifting but because it reminded me that we have the power to change our communities and government. So than months from now, our voices are still being heard.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia.com
Report: Lauren Tucker
Use Sephora Points to Donate to George Floyd
There are many things you can do to fight with us, speak up for what is right and peacefully protest, educate others, make donations, and sign petitions.
Derek Chauvin, the officer who murdered Mr. Floyd by kneeling on his neck as he begged for his life, has been charged with second degree murder. The video shows officers taking an unlawful approach that violated the protocol of Minneapolis Police Department, leaving him unable to breathe. The majority of protests over the past week have remained peaceful, with some progressing into rioting, leading to curfews being enforced in major cities.
George was human just like you and me. His life was taken from him too quickly and we must fight not just for our country, but for him. We must not remain silent, for remaining silent is the language of the oppressor. We must have conversations even when it may be tough, and stand up for what we believe in. Our broken hearts must show us that there is still an absurd amount of change we need to make within our country. If our government won’t give us change, then we must fight for it. We out number the leaders of our country, and we must stand up for George Floyd’s life and fight for justice.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said “A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true”. There are many things you can do to fight with us, speak up for what is right and peacefully protest, educate others, make donations, and sign petitions. It’s all really that simple! One easy way you can donate is by using Sephora points. Us women rack up Sephora points fast, and you can actually use your points to make a donation. We must show them that we are one, we are all human no matter what color our skin is. They don’t want to see us smiling together as one. They don’t want to see us stand together, thus we must stand as one and change the world. It’s one love until we die!
Report: Emily Andrews
History Just Repeats
Living in my community, we face this struggle way too much to choose whether we are going to be Martin's or Malcolm's and in fear of letting go of our family and friends because they might become the new statistic. Each way we have chosen to protest has inched us closer to what we dream our children and grandchildren will see in the future, true equality.
Living in my community, we face this struggle way too much to choose whether we are going to be Martin's or Malcolm's and in fear of letting go of our family and friends because they might become the new statistic. Protests have been happening since the early 13th Century but for African Americans our first protest was July 28th, 1917 and is known as the Silent protest. African American men, women and children came together and marched through the streets of Midtown Manhattan in silence with only the sound of drums playing. They were mourning those who were killed in a wave of Anti-African American violence all over the nation. This was a peaceful protest nearly 50 years before the March on Washington and it sparked the protest era.
As the years progressed so did the protests, Rosa Parks sat, Martin marched and Maclom fought for our right to be treated equally. Each way we have chosen to protest has inched us closer to what we dream our children and grandchildren will see in the future, true equality. The Black Panther Movement, formed in 1966, was originally created for the self defense of our community against police brutality. Black Panthers saw the brutality against protesters as a long history of police violence and oppression. They believed that non-violence protest would not liberate Black Americans.
The Black Panther were here to serve the people and advocate for the community reform. Most Black Panthers chapters were led by women and their main focus was to focus on survival programs. Survival programs sponsored schools, legal aid offices,clothing distribution, local transportation and health clinics for the black community. All of this to say we as black people are fighting to live and be treated fairly in a world which seems to never want us to live in peace.
Today, we are repeating the same history we have been fighting for years. Whether we fight like Malcom, march like Martin, sit like Rosa, or protect and defend like the Black Panthers, we are still fighting a constant battle to show that we are human and we want to live and be treated like we treat everyone else. Our fight will continue and hopefully sometime in the future we will reach a point where Martin’s dream will truly be a reality. Until that day arrives we will continue to protest in a variety of ways. Some forms of protest the general public may understand more than others but just remember no matter how it’s done everyone is fighting for the same goal, to be treated equally.
Photo Credit:
Black Panther - ThoughtCo
Rosa Parks - The Guardian
Malcolm X - People's World
Martin - NC Museum of History
Black Lives Matter - The Conversation
Report: Maya Howard
Today and Everyday, Black Lives Matter.
As America is taking a stand to fight against oppression, our nation is coming together now more than ever.
As America is taking a stand to fight against oppression, our nation is coming together now more than ever. People of all ethnicities are recognizing their differences with one another and supporting the black community as we try to make history. The BLM Protests, Black Lives Matter, are impacting not only America, but other nations. We continue to see cultures from around the world speaking up and peacefully protesting to stand in solidarity with the black community.
Celebrities, businesses, influencers, and various industries are using their public platform to speak on this unlawful oppression. The fashion industry in particular is using their voice via social media and making substantial donations to multiple funds. Warby Parker and Etsy are donating $1 million each in response to this movement. Spanx, Aritzia, Gap Inc. Family, Lululemon, and Pretty Little Thing are also providing significant financial support during this tumultuous time.
The beauty industry is also making their mark as many companies have decided to partake in the movement. Glossier, Savage X Fenty, Billie, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and E.L.F are just some of the companies who have responded and donated.
If you’re in a position to donate please try to support these companies and/or black owned businesses. The more we find solidarity in the most troubling of times, the greater our future can be.
While the COVID-19 pandemic had allowed individuals to grow a part, or even become enemies, the BLM protests are quickly rekindling our love for humanity. Speak up. Do your part. Peacefully protest. Know that we can and will make history. And, most importantly, recognize that Black Lives Matter.
Photo Credits:
https://blacklivesmatter.com
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/black-lives-matter-releases-policy-agenda-n620966
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
Black Activism in the Fashion World
Being a black woman herself, Rihanna is all too aware of the systemic injustices that surround and impact her. Thus, using her power and influence, she has taken the initiative to aid those fighting for racial justice.
Pop culture icon and Savage X Fenty founder Rihanna wrote a heartfelt Instagram post voicing her profound sorrow at the murder of George Floyd. Rihanna also made sure to remind her audience of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, two other recent victims of racist police brutality. Being a black woman herself, Rihanna is all too aware of the systemic injustices that surround and impact her. Thus, using her power and influence, she has taken the initiative to aid those fighting for racial justice.
Soon after Rihanna poured her heart out to the public, Savage X Fenty’s Instagram announced the donation of the company's profits to Black Lives Matter Greater New York and Bail Project, the latter of which is currently focused on releasing imprisoned BLM protestors. Savage X Fenty concluded the Instagram post with the hashtag #PullUp, imploring customers to contribute and commit to the noble cause.
Savage X Fenty is the most prominent example of major fashion brands supporting the black community in such turbulent times. While skepticism of giant corporations’ commitment to combating oppression is understandable, mass awareness of racial injustice and financial backing from these companies are nonetheless imperative when black people’s lives and civil rights are in jeopardy. Kering, Banana Republic, and Gucci are donating to the NAACP and Campaign Zero, and ASAI has recreated Rihanna’s tie-dye dress, the price of which will be allocated towards Black Lives Matter, Solace Women Said, and The Voice of Domestic Workers.
Smaller fashion labels meaningfully contributed to black activism as well, with Susan Alexandra donating to black LGBTQ mental health services and ModCloth donating to Black Lives Matter while encouraging customers to do the same. Fashion businesses of all sizes are doing their part to enact social change, and it is truly inspiring to witness fellow human beings make efforts to protect one another.
Photo credit:
https://www.popsugar.com/fashion/fashion-brands-donating-black-lives-matter-47524266
Report: Nia Hunt
Black People Are Not An Antiracism Course
Educating yourself on issues affecting the black community is more important than ever. But it's also important to utilize the resources around you to gain a better understanding of those issues. Your friend can be a starting point, but you try to take it from there.
In light of the unlawful killings of Ahmaud Arbery, and more recently, George Floyd, there has been a resurgence amongst non-black people to educate themselves on social issues that directly impact black people. Thus, they tend to turn to black people for book recommendations, resources and other educational materials to better themselves in this area. Although most black people are willing to answer questions and provide resources to non-black people that will aid them in a better understanding of black issues, we are not an antiracism course. Black people are not an antiracism course. As a black person in America, continuing to explain black plight to white and other non-black people is a mentally and emotionally laborious task that should not always solely rely on us. I, as a black American citizen, am not responsible for the totality of a non-black person’s understanding of police brutality, white supremacy, racism, etc.
The majority of us have more than likely either been a student or employee. In both of these instances, at one point or another, we were expected to learn something new and had to utilize the resources around us to learn it. I want to encourage people to apply that same practice when it comes to their education on social issues involving the black community. However, one does not have to acquire all of the knowledge and education in order to speak out against antiracism and police violence. The poetic, complex and verbose statements that we’re seeing in Instagram captions are not necessary in order to develop an effective message. Simple phrases such as “End police brutality,” “Value black lives,” and “Stop killing black men and women,” are simple statements that draw attention to the multiplicity of issues we’re facing societally. Empathy and common sense are the only prerequisites necessary to understand that there are grave injustices at place in America that warrant a global outcry.
Report: Julian Alexander Randall
To Brands and Influencers, Do More Activism on Your Platform.
As more speak out and try to combat today's issues, there's one thing to be noted: you can can always improve and do better on your activism.
Multiple protests throughout the United States, and now the world, have erupted due to George Floyd’s murder. With a protest in almost each state and horrendous police response being recorded, it’s hard to avoid the social issues being brought up more prominently. It’s important to be aware and actively contribute to fighting against them, but there’s a certain demographic that especially needs to make their activism known: brands and influencers. The amount of followers and power they possess could be a great tool in increasing awareness, but only if they do it proactively.
Brands of prominence have stepped up and committed to the cause of fighting racial injustice. Glossier announced they will be making a $500,000 donation to various organizations such as Black Lives Matter and the Marsha P. John Institute, and plan to give out $500,000 worth of grants to black-owned beauty brands. Jacquemus has actively been using their Instagram to create posts about the protests and Black Lives Matter and have been sharing ways in which to support black-owned businesses. Rent the Runway announced they will donate $1 million to black designers, with a $100,000 donation to the Black Vision Collective and NAACP, as well as a 15% commitment to black talent. With these well-known names making strides for activism, can other brands follow lead and improve? The answer is yes.
Chanel has posted support and a commitment to more diversity, but has not donated or provided resources. Considering that they once staged a runway show as a “protest” with models flaunting posters, why couldn’t they contribute in real life? Louis Vuitton drew criticism after not responding, but it was only after one of their designers, Virgil Abloh, was called out for donating a small portion that they finally released a video committed to making a change for Black Lives Matter. Marc Jacobs was one of the brands that had their stores vandalized and destroyed, but all they have done was explain they can replace material things, but not a black life. Although it’s great they made this comment, other brands have proven more can be done past performative activism for the sake of looking like they care.
Influencers of social media have the power to evoke change as well. Jackie Aina has been very vocal about business silence, and has called out Fashion Nova, Pretty Little Thing, and similar brands for profiting off black culture, but not doing anything to contribute to the activist cause. She has even posed a challenge to brands to list how many black employees they have, specifically in roles of leadership. If some influencers have the power and fanbase to drive change, all others should do the same.
Everyone should be a constant activist for the racial injustice and other social issues that have troubled society. But no matter how much activism you do, you can always do better. Educate yourself, read up on history, listen to people’s stories. Make your activism intersectional and never-ending.
Photo Credits: Normani, Nelly London, Marc Jacobs, Jackie Aina.
Report: Charlene Piccio
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.