Beyonce wins BET's 2020 Humanitarian Award
The BET Humanitarian Award is given to a celebrity who makes strides towards bettering communities, a celebrity who understands the significance of philanthropy and dedicates their time and money on working with charitable causes, and Beyoncé fulfills nothing short of this description.
Queen B. Yoncé. Sasha Fierce. Ms. Carter. Just a few nicknames that refer to the one and only Beyoncé. The singer, songwriter, producer, actress, and woman of many more talents has been nominated as BET Networks 2020 Humanitarian Award honoree. From starting her own charity BeyGOOD and implementing multiple humanitarian projects and efforts, it is no surprise that Beyoncé was chosen to receive this special award.
The BET Humanitarian Award is given to a celebrity who makes strides towards bettering communities, a celebrity who understands the significance of philanthropy and dedicates their time and money on working with charitable causes, and Beyoncé fulfills nothing short of this description.
Being the incredible human that she is, Beyoncé donates to more than 35 different charities, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Feeding America, and Stand Up To Cancer.
In light of the current protests and efforts to dismantle systemic racism, Beyoncé remains a prominent figure for the Black Lives Matter movement. In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé dedicates the award to all of her brothers and sisters who continue to fight for change, and encourages people to use their voice and power to vote.
On Juneteenth, the anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved people, Beyoncé released a song titled “Black Parade” which celebrates black history and is an ode to her heritage. The musical release comes as no surprise, though, as Beyoncé has always celebrated blackness in her music and remains a symbol for black beauty, grace, and power.
In addition to her recent creative projects that commemorate black heritage, Beyoncé has partnered with Disney on a visual album titled “Black is King” inspired by “The Lion King” that will also pay tribute to Black culture and incorporates the timeless lessons from the movie.
As if BET’s Humanitarian Award isn’t already an honor in itself, the award was presented to Beyoncé by none other than former First Lady, Michelle Obama, who beamed with proud while speaking about the honoree- her dear friend.
Beyoncé’s career thus far has been undoubtedly influential, and in her young life she has already done more than most in philanthropic efforts. She is a star who she shines bright, and is able to radiate that light onto others and help them to create better a better world around them.
Photo credit can be attributed to Google's website.
Report: Alexandra Donnelly
The Danger of Moving on from Movements Too Quickly
Going back to “normal” is a problem when society is on the brink of a revolution. Social media has made it easier for people to forget about the movements and protests going on outside their front door.
What exactly is normal supposed to be when black bodies are being murdered by the people who are supposed to protect them? Protests are still crowding the streets of American cities. Petitions are still being added to sites daily. Black bodies are still being killed. They are still going missing. They are still being unheard.
If you look on social media, it appears like none of this is happening… Or at least as though less people care anymore. Following George Floyd’s murder, people’s Instagram timelines were filled with infographics, petitions, and the controversial black squares. But now? One finds themself scrolling through selfies and homemade cake photos once again. People are posting memes and pictures of their pets on their stories. The social media sphere is once again returning to what it was before the cry for revolution rang out from the buried lungs of BIPOC.
Since the start of the 2020 protests, countless streets and squares have been named after the Black Lives Matter movement. Streaming services are removing episodes of old shows that have blackface in them. White actors are stepping down from their BIPOC voice acting roles... But none of this is enough. These kinds of changes are placating and minimal.
The current state of social media allows for these actions to seem like enough. As the outcry dies down, so does the pressure. Without this pressure, those with political power will not move forward and push for substantial reformation. A return to “normal” is a loss of collective voice– of collective influence.
Don’t stop posting. Don’t stop signing petitions. If you can’t go out and protest, support those who can. This is not the time to act as though your job is done– there is still so much you can use your voice for in this time of revolution.
Report: Nicolette Schneiderman
The Evolution of Athlete Social Justice Protests
“Together we stand. Our actions must speak louder than our words.” @washwizards
At one time, it was rare that a professional athlete would speak up about anything regarding social justice. Deciding to go against that meant that ridicule would be sure to follow. This was true for Muhammad Ali, track and field stars Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who infamously stood on the awards podium with raised fists during the national anthem at the 1968 Olympic Games, Peter Norman, who was the third man on that podium with Smith and Carlos, Lebron James, and Colin Kaepernick.
In the late 1960s, boxing legend Ali decided not to enter the draft to fight in the Vietnam War. Ali was a firm believer of the Muslim principles, which is what led to his decision. With segregation still a very big part of America’s culture, many African Americans were uncomfortable with the idea of fighting for a country that did not value people that looked like them.
Following his decision to not enter the military draft, Ali sat down with some of sport’s biggest athletes to discuss his decision, which was later known as the “Ali Summit”. With the understanding that their careers would be at jeopardy, these athletes still chose to support Ali.
Carlos and Smith raising their fists to the national anthem would become one of the biggest moments in sports history. But for Peter Norman of Australia, that monumental moment would cost him his career. After expressing support for the Olympic Project for Human Rights, Australia shamed him and never selected him to be a part of another Olympic team.
Recently, many athletes have decided to participate in protests and use their platforms to address racial issues that have plagued our country for far too long. NBA players Dwight Howard and Kyrie Irving have been encouraging their fellow colleagues to sit out the rest of the season as a protest against police brutality and racial injustice.
“There will be no more sweeping harsh realities under the rug or putting band-aids on the scars just to rip them off down the line. It’s time we hold everybody accountable… Justice is demanded. Sustainable change is necessary”, says Washington Wizards player Bradley Beal.
The Washington Mystics and Wizards recently organized a protest to symbolize unity. An Instagram post made by the Washington Wizards read, “Together we stand. Our actions must speak louder than our words.” As of late, there have been several WNBA players that have decided to sit out their 2020 season to focus on social justice reform.
From the time that Ali spoke on America’s prejudices to present day, not much has changed. Athletes need to be vocal about social issues. If not, some people will act like they don’t exist.
Photo Credits:
Olympic/Black Power photo- history.com
Ali Summit photo- cleveland.com
Together We Stand photo- wjla.com
Report: Brionna Thompson
COMME des GARÇONS CDG Launches Social Justice Charity Capsule
COMME des GARÇONS‘ affordable CDG sub-label often issues approachable goods emblazoned with its own branding but the brand’s new selection takes things a step further, dropping slogan-laden goods in support of a good cause.
COMME des GARÇONS‘ affordable CDG sub-label often issues approachable goods emblazoned with its own branding but the brand’s new selection takes things a step further, dropping slogan-laden goods in support of a good cause. Nine new styles have launched online, with all profits benefiting Minneapolis’ Northside Achievement Zone.
Originally designed as a cheery welcome message for customers returning after the coronavirus self-isolation period lightened, COMME des GARÇONS has repurposed the garments for a more timely cause. Encompassing a host of familiar Japanese-made silhouettes and monochrome shades, the nine items utilize three types of goods to deliver the optimistic printed messages. A black coaches jacket, white tee and black tote all feature a variation of three slogans: “thinking and doing will result in the FUTURE,” “On To The Future, With Good Energy,” and “Believe in a better tomorrow.”
“This is just the first of many actions we are planning for Black Lives Matter. Epitomizing our continued commitment to furthering diversity and equality of opportunity within CDG and DSM, and to listen and learn and do better, in the struggle to obliterate the evil of racism, prejudice and discrimination from the world.” a Dover Street Market‘s site explains.
Report: Amanda T Lou
Open Letter From Access PR
Social injustices and racism have plagued our society for far too long. The time for change is now.
Dear Friend,
What were you doing at this time a week ago? Maybe you were working out, grocery shopping, or spending time with your family? I bet you didn’t expect to find yourself watching the death of a black man by police, yet again. Or maybe you did… It makes you wonder, how many more times are we going to go through this?
First and foremost, we at Access PR want to offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of George Floyd. His name will be among the many we remember as all of us fight for in demand for justice and respect.
In response to the recent events of protesting all over the U.S. and internationally, we are in full support of this outrage. If you’re wondering what’s the point or what the big deal is, then you’re apart of the problem. If you’re not disturbed by the murder of a black man at the hands of police, then you’re apart of the problem. If you see nothing wrong with the unlawful, inhumane, and racist treatment of black people all over the country at the hands of police, then you’re apart of the problem.
In a time when the color of your skin is a threat, you’re already a target and anything you do can cost you your life, even if you comply. When we’re faced with racist police officers beating and killing us, a President who favors and encourages them, what must we do? We must scream, chant, and march.
We must scream in outrage. We must chant in protest. We must march in unity. Enough is enough. It won’t stop unless we make a change. In a world where you wonder when black lives will actually matter, the answer is when we make them matter. So yes, we scream, we chant, and we march. It’s more than making a statement, we’re making a point that black lives matter.
It’s about creating a peace that makes it so our future children don't have to live in fear. Stand up, so that you don’t have to wonder if you’re next. Let’s move to end racism. Let’s move to end police brutality. It’s time to make our voices heard. We ask you to stand in solidarity and support in the best ways you know how; peaceful protest, spreading awareness through media, organized movements and groups, donations, signing petitions and more.
To all the black men and women out there, we love you and we’re with you.
In support of efforts against racism, we’ve pledge donations to the following organization:
The Movement For Black Lives Funds
Black Visions Collectives
Philadelphia Bail Fund
We’re also creating a fund to support Black Owned Small Business affected by COVID-19 and the recent protests. Donation link to follow.
In favor of change,
Access PR
Black Lives Matter
The recent murders of numerous black men have sparked protests all around the country. Black people have had ENOUGH.
James Baldwin once said, “To be a negro in this country is really never to be looked at.” The recent murders of numerous black men have sparked protests all around the country. The leading cause is the murder of the innocent man George Floyd in which it was caught on video of a police officer kneeling on his neck for a total of 8 minutes until he died. This all took place with three other officers present. Along with George Floyd, the past few weeks have been traumatizing for the black people in America. We have lost Sean Reed, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor all in a span of one to two weeks. There might even be more that we know nothing about. Black people have had ENOUGH.
Through this hard time, the question is why them? Is it because they are so strong, so innovative, so smart? Is it because despite anything you throw at them, they still rise to greatness? Is it because even when all odds are systematically rigged against them, they STILL find a way to prevail? Many black people feel as though the appropriation of their culture is done every day, yet their lives are unimportant to the average white police officer. The Black Lives Matter movement is a call to action.
This has happened before and if there was no video, there would barely be a case for many of these young black men. How many black men had no video? Why does there even need to be a video for the wrongfulness of these officers to be taken care of? The past few days have been historic due to the riots in Minneapolis, Washington D.C, Atlanta, and even New York City. The Black Lives Matter movement is a great cause to bring light to situations and fight for justice. Black people must be heard.
Report: Soila M Douce
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.