Pride Month Looks Different This Year But is Not Cancelled
Typically June is filled with pride parades, drag shows, events at gay bars and lots of rainbows. Due to the pandemic things are different this year but we can still unite virtually to celebrate pride together.
Typically, June is a month filled with pride parades, drag shows, events at gay bars and lots of rainbows. However, everything has been different this year and that includes pride month. Due to the coronavirus pandemic most people aren’t able to travel or have large groups of people meeting up. However, thanks to virtual events we are still able to unite to celebrate pride, differently than most years, but together nonetheless.
On June 27th world leaders, celebrities, and stars will be joining together as a part of a 24 hour live stream Global Pride event being put on by hundreds of LGBTQ+ organizations around the globe. Some of the notable guests include Justin Trudeau, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Kesha, the Dixie Chicks and the Pussycat Dolls. This virtual event is expected to attract up to 300 million viewers. At the center of this massive celebration is the Black Lives Matter movement.
The New York Pride march has been a notable celebration for the past 50 years, it looks a little bit different this year but it is still happening virtually on June 28th. The Pride Broadcast Event includes many organizations and individuals including: Dan Levy, the Ali Forney Center, Yanzi Peng, Victoria Cruz and Margaret Cho. In addition on June 26th there will also be a virtual pride rally.
The Los Angeles virtual pride parade will be airing on June 27th as a 90 minute tv special on ABC7. There are numerous acclaimed guests including: Bob the Drag Queen, Erika Jayne, Jake Borelli, Shea Diamond, the Pussycat Dolls, and Leslie Jordan.
All throughout the United States many larger cities are putting together their own version of virtual pride parade celebrations. However, it doesn't stop there there will also be celebrations across the globe including in Ireland and the UK. Be sure to check out The New York Times Pride event calendar for more events and details.
Happy Pride month!!
Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi
Spotify Celebrates Pride Month 2020 With LGBTQIA+ Curated Music and Podcast Playlists
Spotify has announced its Unlike Any Other global campaign for Pride Month 2020, spotlighting LGBTQIA+ creators for fans all around the world.
Spotify has announced its Unlike Any Other global campaign for Pride Month 2020, spotlighting LGBTQIA+ creators for fans all around the world.
According to a press release, Unlike Any Other will be launched in 38 countries where Pride is celebrated. The campaign aims to support LGBTQIA+ creators, empowering them to celebrate their uniqueness and connect to a global audience through music and podcasts. It shares Daniel Quasar’s Progress Flag which features five additional stripes to the orthodox Pride rainbow, better including trans and non-binary individuals, marginalized communities of color, the people who have fallen to AIDS and those living with HIV within queer representation.
The campaign features both music and podcast playlists. Spotify teamed up with Pose runway choreographer Twiggy Pucci Garcon for The House of… Ballroom playlists, which include selections from Jason Ozzie, Byrell The Great and more. There’s also the flagship queer playlist Out Now: Unlike Any Other that stresses the energy of both rising and established queer voices in music, along with a number of Pride-themed playlists for a number of genres like Pride Classics, Latin Pride, Alternative Pride, Queer as Folk and Disco Fever. Finally, the campaign’s official podcast playlist features shows from Patrick Hinds (True Crime Obsessed), Em Schulz (And That’s Why We Drink) and Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers (Las Culturistas), followed by the launch of curated podcast playlists by Gigi Gorgeous and Benito Skinner.
Report: Amanda T Lou
The Cancel Culture At An All Time High
“We need to start NAMING corrupt local government officials and CANCEL THEM”- @Tinashe
With all that has happened in recent weeks, regarding the killings of unarmed African Americans, protests against police brutality, and racial injustice, “cancel culture” has been in full effect. For those unaware, this is society’s way of holding celebrities and people in power accountable for the things that they say and do, or the lack thereof. For the most part, “cancel culture” is tied to black culture.
Usually, when you hear about celebrities being cancelled oftentimes it is by the black community due to the lack of morality, more specifically, inappropriate, offensive, and/or racist statements, actions or encounters. When you cancel someone you are making the conscious decision to no longer support them.
Recently, society has cancelled Virgil Abloh, Shekinah Jo, Doja Cat, Summer Walker, Desi Banks, Lil Wayne, Drew Brees, and the list goes on. All of these celebrities were cancelled because the black community felt let down by their responses to all that is currently going on. At this time, people want to feel like the support that they give to celebrities is being reciprocated.
Police brutality and racial injustice are topics that people are expecting celebrities to acknowledge because it affects the livelihood of their supporters and in some cases the celebrities themselves. There are people that are unable to understand problems that do not affect them directly, which could be the case for many celebrities.
Some people feel that educating celebrities would be more beneficial than deciding to cancel them. In a sense, “cancel culture” shames diversity of opinion, which can be more of a detriment to society than we may realize. Cancelling someone can be a form of appropriating everyone to think the same way.
Cancel culture also targets businesses, law enforcement, and government officials. Wendy’s, Chick-Fil-A, and Pizza Hut are just a few businesses that have been cancelled for their support of Donald Trump’s reelection campaign. Some people feel that supporting anything or anybody that endorses Trump means that you agree with his corrupt tactics.
“We need to start NAMING corrupt local government officials and CANCEL THEM”, tweeted @Tinashe on June 3, 2020. This is important because people are immediately affected by the decisions being made by local government officials. The people place these officials in office to serve with the community’s best interests at heart and if they fail to do that, they should be held accountable.
While the cancel culture may rub people the wrong way, it has been useful in humbling people that are held to a higher standard. This has allowed the public to reclaim their power and enforce it where they see fit. Our country is changing right before our eyes. Cancel culture is proof that if you are not on the right side of change, you will be left behind.
Photo Credits:
Cancelled photo- Flickr.com
Trump donors photo- @TaylorTaja (Twitter)
Report: Brionna Thompson
Five Films to Watch Right Now
From Killer Mike's "Trigger Warning" to "The Gospel According to Andre," here you'll find a list of films that represent and dissect the issues impacting the black community and fashion community alike.
Today’s sociopolitical landscape has allowed for the emergence of feelings that have been long suppressed by marginalized groups across multiple sectors. Similar to the misconduct of governmental officials to black people, the fashion industry has also been largely criticized for its lack of black representation on multiple fronts. If you’re interested in learning about how these issues intersect, I highly recommend giving these films a watch.
Trigger Warning with Killer Mike
In this docuseries, rapper Killer Mike embarks on a three-day challenge, in which he only consumes black-owned products. This film highlights the highly intersectional social issues involving race and class in America.
The Gospel According to Andre
One of Vogue’s former contributing editors Andre Leon Talley was one of the only black male editors to reach the level of creative director at a Conde Nast publication, until Edward Enninful. His documentary discusses the successes, challenges, and journeys that Talley navigated as a black fashion professional.
13th
This heavy yet informative documentary provides critical commentary on a multiplicity of issues affecting the black community. It provides a historical analysis of the governmental failings that have and continue to keep black people oppressed.
The September Issue
The September Issue is the single most accurate representation of the recently called out misbehavior of Anna Wintour, EIC at Vogue Magazine. The Devil Wears Prada does it justice, but this documentary allows us to see it firsthand.
Just Mercy
If Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan being the main characters isn’t enough, I’m afraid you’ll have to see it for yourself.
Photo Credits:
ALT: WWD
13th: Vimeo
Just Mercy: Film Affinity Australia
The September Issue: IMBD
Trigger Warning: Vanyaland
Report: Julian Alexander Randall
Ariana Grande and the Issue of Fetishized Racial Ambiguity
The concept of “racial ambiguity” disconnects people from their identity and culture. Celebrities who capitalise on this only serve to worsen the problem.
When I was in high school, a beauty industry insider told me that I should consider becoming a model because I'm “ethnically ambiguous”. I have never been a stranger to comments like this; most people either try to guess what country my parents are from or decide to directly ask me out of their own intense curiosity. I have been labeled as Latinx. I have been assumed to be from the Mediterranean. I have been met with shock when I offer up my Asian roots on a platter of explanations. More times than not, I have been asked "are you sure you're Asian?"
The memory of this encounter resurfaced for me when a friend turned to me and stated, “wait, I thought Ariana Grande was Latinx”. I refuted, explaining that the pop star is an Italian-American white woman with a penchant for appropriating black culture. My friend turned to their brother to ask if he knew she was white, only for him to exclaim surprise as well.
Alongside the memory, I also felt an old bubble of bitterness arise in me. What had struck me most about my exchange with that woman was the blatant fetishization of my skin for media consumption. When I had asked the woman what she meant by “ethnically ambiguous”, she explained to me that I was marketable because I appeared as everything and yet nothing at the same time. In her eyes, my skin was malleable at the hands of the masses; I was to toss aside my roots in order to be valuable. It was solely this lack of perceivable identity that placed a sudden and weighty worth on my shoulders.
Ariana Grande’s image does nothing to aid the struggles of those with features that her fellow white onlookers cannot identify. She not only appropriates black culture but tans to the point of appearing something, anything, other than white. This appeal that she caters to, the decolouring of music made largely by and for people of colour, stands at the same point that I was told to model on. She capitalises on a false identity; I was told to capitalise on my supposed lack of identity.
Representation is something that matters. There is not one image, one kind of face, behind any race. I am Southeast Asian and it is something I am truly proud of. Just because I don’t look like what people assume to be Asian does not mean that I am not. I implore those out there who have faced similar struggles with the question of identity to not let others’ opinions define you. You are who you are. Embrace it fully!
Photo Credit 1: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mb8pan/ariana-grandes-wax-figure-is-her-minus-pretending-to-be-black
Photo Credit 2: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/proof/2013/09/17/visualizing-change/
Report: Nicolette Schneiderman
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
All About the Benjamins
Rising celeb B.Simone has heads turning from her comments recently.
Rising celeb B.Simone has heads turning from her comments recently. Following her comments with the black lives matter protests and her stance on the situation, B.Simone expressed in an interview with Nick Cannon that her future boyfriend can’t work a 9-5 job. She prefers a “hustling entrepreneur” or a man with a CEO status.
While its always a great thing for someone to have a drive and passion for what they do in life, a lot of important entrepreneurial skills come from 9-5 jobs. Many people who have dreams of owning their own business understand the difficulties that come with it, knowing that although it’s not impossible its a challenge.
Part of owning a business is knowing that you’ll put in much more money than you’ll initially get out. Understanding that it can take a couple of years before seeing a substantial profit from business and in an instant, it can all fall apart just because of how unpredictable the business world is.
It makes you wonder where was B.Simone before her very new famous status? While she may have been hustling for a long time, it is only now that her name is really known in the media.
Its understandable to want a man who has career goals, whether he’s a CEO or an investment banker, or a lawyer shouldn’t matter as long as he is willing to build with you. Everyone has to be willing to meet in the middle because the finished product of a person has nothing to offer besides materialism.
Everyone has standards when it comes to dating. Knowing what you want is important, but sometimes you don’t always know what’s best for you. Have high standards in what you deserve rather than what a man has to have going in order to be with you.
Photo Credit:
https://theblast.com/133098/b-simone-has-social-media-buzzing-after-saying-her-future-boyfri
https://img.srgcdn.com/e//UFhIY252aGtKQ1haNlZQcjdPWHMuanBn.jpg
Report: Josephine Coiscou
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 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
"For once, just don't do it."
For once, Nike is telling you not to do it.
Nike's iconic slogan has always been "Just Do It." It encourages athletes to go for it and to not hold back. Shia LaBeouf infamously said it best. However, they recently released a video with a major adjustment to their slogan.
The video ends with "For once, just don't do it." The video was released as a support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which speaks out against police brutality and racial profiling of black Americans. This movement has resurfaced after a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd, after Floyd was accused of using counterfeit bills.
Nike is one of several brands to have spoken out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and against racism, however; this is not the first time they've taken a political stance. In 2018, they did a campaign with Colin Kaepernick, who controversially was released from the NFL after he kneeled during the National Anthem, as a way of protesting racism. Nike CEO, John Donahoe, released a statement to Yahoo Finance, saying, "Team, As we’ve watched racial tragedies expose prejudice and injustice in our cities over these past few weeks, I can’t stop thinking about the individuals impacted: Ahmaud Arbery. Christian Cooper. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd.
The horrible killings and racist actions serve as a sickening reminder of what too many people live through every day in America. It is absolutely wrong what’s happening in our communities, to our friends and family members. These tragedies are not unique to the U.S. Far from it –- we see violent incidents in countries all over the world, fueled by hatred and ignorance. Let me be as clear as I can: Nike is opposed to bigotry. We are opposed to hatred and inequality in all its forms, indirect and overt. While Nike cannot solve injustice, I believe we have a responsibility to work toward addressing it to the best of our ability."
Report: Anna Bechtel
Tyler the Creator Speaks in Support of the Recent Protests.
Tyler the Creator is one of many artists speaking in support of the recent protests.
Rapper Tyler The Creator is just one of many celebrities and public figures who have publicly voiced support or solidarity with the George Floyd protesters and the Black Lives Matter movement. He has been seen by many attending protests and gatherings in the Los Angeles area. Tyler's support is especially helpful, as his Los Angeles store, GOLF, was vandalized in a protest earlier this week. When a Twitter user tweeted about how the store was vandalized, and that it was sad that Tyler supported the protests, Tyler took to GOLF's official Instagram account to say that the location was actually "fine." "This is bigger than getting some glass fixed and buffing spray paint off," reads the comment. "Understand what really needs to be fixed out here." Tyler later posted a 1996 photo of the Black Panthers, a famous black revolutionary socialist organization, on GOLF's Instagram account, with the caption, "BLACK FURY: keep your eyes wide and educate yourself."
Many people have tried to categorize these protests as "violent" and as excuses for people to loot and vandalize stores. However, those who support it are providing clips and evidence on social media that the people attending these protest intend for it to remain peaceful, that most of the violence is incited by the law enforcement, and that many of the looting and vandalism are actually coming from outside groups, who are seemingly masquerading as protesters.
Report: Anna Bechtel
Rihanna Shuts Down Fenty in Honor of Blackout Tuesday
While many celebrities posted on their personal social media, Rihanna took it upon herself to promote this cause on her business platforms
Blackout Tuesday, a now famous hashtag on social media applications such as Instagram and Twitter, was promoted by activists to observe, mourn and bring about policy change in the wake of the death of George Floyd.
While many celebrities posted on their personal social media, Rihanna took it upon herself to promote this cause on her business platforms and in result, has closed all three of her profitable brands – cosmetics company Fenty Beauty, Lingerie line Savage x Fenty, and LVMH-helmed Luxury line FentyShe temporarily to raise public awareness and encourage the Black Lives Matter movement.
On Fenty’s Instagram page she writes, “FENTY as a brand was created to elevate beauty, power and freedom! At this very moment racists are attempting to rip those values away from Black people and we will NOT stand by and let that happen. We are too powerful, creative and resilient. In support of the Black community, we will be donating funds to Color of Change and Movement for Black Lives. We ask you to speak up, stand up, and pull up against racism and discrimination in all forms. We are not staying silent and we are not standing by. The fight against racial inequality, injustice, and straight up racism doesn’t stop without any movement.”
Report: Woo Jong Kim
When Enough Is Enough.
“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth- African proverb"- @CharlesMBlow
“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth- African proverb”, tweeted @CharlesMBlow. Following the premeditated murder of George Floyd, citizens of Minniapolis and many other cities took to the streets to seek justice. This is not the first time an unarmed African American has been killed for no reason other than the color of their skin. In fact, the black community has also recently mourned the losses of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Sean Reed in Indianapolis, and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, all victims of hate crimes. “Coincidently”, none of these murders have seen justice and sadly, I doubt that they will. These protests are happening because black people are tired of begging for their lives to be considered valuable. For centuries, black lives have been disregarded; enough is enough. Racial injustice can no longer be swept under the rug.
In 2016, Colin Kaepernick decided he would kneel during the national anthem of every NFL game in protest against police brutality. Kaepernick was peaceful, but people still refused to listen to him. People misconstrued his protest, thinking he was disrespecting the military and the flag, even after he made his intentions clear. This same police brutality that Kaepernick protested against continues to happen and continues to be overlooked by the leader of our nation and some of our fellow citizens. Unfortunately, some people do not want to acknowledge the truth because living in a country built on lies benefits them. Some people think that there is a more peaceful way to get justice, but being peaceful has not been proven to work. What do you do when the people that are supposed to protect and serve are killing you instead?
America has never been united or equal. Racism is so deeply embedded into this country that some people would rather protest a pandemic than protest the lack of justice for the innocent killings of African Americans. These protests all around the country are passageways to creating better lives for future generations. Just as my ancestors fought for me, it would be inconsiderate if I did not do the same for my successors. BLACK LIVES MATTER every second of everyday, not because we make you money, but because we are people who deserve to be treated as such. We are tired people, who deserve much more than this country has given us. We are protesting because we want justice and change. We want to feel safe in our blackness; we deserve to be safe.
Photo credits:
Building on fire: @slate_mk.2
Kaepernick/King photo: @thatlaundry
Trump Tower photo: @mark.c
Report: Brionna Thompson
Resources to Support Black Bodies in America
This is a compilation of links that people can use to donate to relief funds, black creators, and justice resources in regards to the George Floyd protests.
On May 25, George Floyd was murdered by police officer Derek Chauvin. Since the incident, protests and riots have broken out in a clear and loud attempt to combat police brutality. Many arrests have been made, and the Minnesota Freedom Fund has been working hard to aid those in jail. Following the massive wave of financial support they’ve received, they’ve requested that donors shift their focus to helping other organizations and independent creators. The following is a list of donation funds, bail funds, and black owned businesses that people can support.
Business Relief
Helping Hands - Access PR Black Owned Small Business Relief
We Love Lake Street
Northside Funders Group
Atlanta Black Owned Business Relief
Guns and Roses Boutique
Dallas Black Owned Business Relief
Black Creators
Uncle Funky’s Daughter (haircare)
Coloured Raine (makeup)
Silhouette Stylez (clothing)
Nubian Skin (clothing)
The Berry Shop (accessories)
Auctober Lover (jewelry)
So Beadiful (Jewelry)
BLK & BOLD (coffee)
Caribreoso Flavour Boutique (spices)
Justice Resources
Black Lives Matter
Black Visions Collective
Reclaim the Block
MOODI Cultural Resource Center
List of Community Bail Funds by State
Further Resources, Links, and Information
This is not a complete list by any means. It is meant to be a start to the process– it is important to support as many roads as possible that aid the fight for justice. By funding those who are oppressed by the system, change becomes possible.
Report: Nicolette Schneiderman
Five Anti Racist Books You Should Know About
George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are just a hand full of people that were murdered by the police. How does that vicious cycle go again? Trauma>invisibilization>normalization, repeat?
George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are just a hand full of people that were murdered by the police. How does that vicious cycle go again? Trauma>invisibilization>normalization, repeat? Whenever a new shooting happens involving a black person, we automatically go through this cycle and go on with our lives until it happens again. But before you move on, let this time be a little different. Its time to educate ourselves about their history and the many paths they’ve walked. The best way to show our commitment to the black community is by being engaged and learning more about their experiences, and that starts with books.
James Baldwin once said, "It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive." Below is a list of five books written by the greatest black authors, thinkers, and leaders.
· "Recitatif" by Toni Morrison. This short story, written in racial writing, was described by Morrison as “the removal of all racial codes from a narrative about two characters of different races for whom racial identity is crucial.”
· Possessive Investment In Whiteness by George Lipsitz. This story discusses white privilege, and takes an extensive look at white privilege in social, political, and economic areas.
· Divided Sisters by Midge Wilson & Kathy Russell. This story is for all of the white women working to be allies who don’t fully comprehend their relationships with black women. Since black women carry a lot of pain from former generations, in order to bridge these gaps, you must first understand a black woman’s experience.
· The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon. Fannon discusses the reason why we haven’t eradicated racism (since most people underestimate it) and discusses the blueprint to have us all come together, unified.
· For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf by Ntozake Shange. This series of poetic monologues reads like a play and talks about seven Black women and their experiences with society sexism, and racism, as well as their experience with oppression from Black men.
Report: Woo Jong Kim
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.