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
Music’s Influence on Fashion
Music and fashion are more intertwined than we realize. Music has influenced fashion for many ages and it will only continue from here. It's not only what artists promote, it’s what they wear, what they talk about in their music and what they represent as people.
The relationship between fashion is music is a quite remarkable one. Whether it is a memorable fit that is used in a music video or on stage or a fashion trend that an artist creates, music will always influence fashion.
70s Punk Glam
Rockers Brightly colored hair, large chains, black clothing, all became the new fashion trend when aggressive rock music was very popular. Vivienne Westwood, a British fashion designer was a big part of the punk movement. She was inspired by this idea of punk and so she combined clothing and music to create a new wave of fashion that really skyrocketed her career as a designer. Artists like David Bowie also brought out this idea of glam rock and changed the idea of fashion for many, wearing clothes that were androgynous. Bowie was one of the most notable influencers that inspired many, including Westwood.
80s Goth
Goth music turned into goth fashion with the dark traits of the goth music scene. With the dark black hair, black clothes from head to toe, black lips. Very uh dark? Well originally it started off like that, with very gloomy music. However as time went on, death rock evolved into something more. A love for the darker side of life, whether that was scary movies or loving to wear black. Fashion got spookier and more edgy.
90s Grunge
In the 90s, there was lots of anger toward the world, especially with teenagers. Kurt Cobain, leader of the very famous American rock band, Nirvana expressed that in his music and it definitely resonated with his fans. The 90s grunge look was a very popular fashion look we still see today. Pieces like flannel shirts, oversized tops and ripped jeans. Looks that represent individuality and not caring about what anyone thinks caught on rather quickly.
90s Hip-hop
Hip-hop began to get very popular around the late 80s into 90s, especially in places like New York and LA. Fans started to get into breakdancing and rap battles against one another. But they also began to mimic the way the rappers dressed. Tupac, one of the most significant and influential rappers helped bring out the style of jeans and bandanas.
90s Rave - 2010s EDM
Electronica was very big in the 90s and so were raves. Rave culture made a comeback in the 2000s. Individuals that enjoyed this scene would wear bright glowing colors, UFO pants and also dressed in a lot of skin tight clothing. The style was definitely fun and had all the “rave”.
Fashion is heavily involved with music. Today, rappers like Lil Baby, Future, Cardi B and countless others talk about the luxury brands they wear even in their songs. Popular musicians wear something and next week those same things can go up in sales. The overall style of the music you listen to resonates with one in a lot more ways than you think.
Photo Credits: Pinterest
Report: Melissa Adragna
How to Make Your Beauty Routine Greener
EcoBeauty. Sustainable lifestyle. Greener beauty.
Any changes that improve our well-being and the health of the planet are good steps in the right direction. Another thing is that the number and volume of such changes are different for everyone. For someone to buy a shopper or to hand over batteries to the nearest collection point is already a feat. And someone has fully implemented the principle of zero waste and is constantly looking for new opportunities for a waste-free life.
One of the simple but important ways to become more conscious is to revise your beauty routine. Here is our list with ways to become more beautiful and eco-conscious.
Every day, a dozen disposable cotton pads are sent to the trash. Meanwhile, in the production of cotton pads, natural resources are wasted, the atmosphere is polluted. Go for reusable cotton discs or muslin napkins that can be machine washed.
Replace cotton buds with a plastic base with bamboo or paper. They decompose, which means they will not add dirt to the oceans choking on plastic.
The best beauty behavior is full awareness and buying cosmetics as needed. According to estheticians, the minimum set for skincare looks like this: a cleanser, exfoliant, cream, or serum with antioxidants, protective cream with SPF.
Report: Olha Dzharyha
The Designated Targets
The repetition of our blues, and the melody of our cries has become a song we are all too familiar with.
(Via SauLopez/Instagram)
This thought took a little longer than I expected to put into words. Time and time again I wanted to approach this subject matter in a perspective that was both educational and insightful. As we are trained to think on a daily basis we want our thoughts to come off as being politically correct, for the simple reason that we do not want to offend anyone in the process of expressing our feelings. I came to a conclusion that all of those standards and ideologies we are trained to believe as we navigate through this life as being black in America, more specifically a black man, need to go out the window to get my truest feelings across.
The mass majority of people outside of the black community have been vocal about how these past few weeks have been crazy, but fail to realize this is an everyday struggle for black people and that this is only a small glimpse of what it is like being a designated target. What I mean by being a designated target is something that only people who are born into this category can fully comprehend. On June 9th, 2020 I watched a video of the New York Police union chief state, “ Our legislators abandon us. The press is vilifying us.” When I heard him say this I did not know if I felt a sense of satisfaction for a quick moment, because for once in their life they had a brief moment where they could feel what it was like to be black in America. As they pleaded for the community to understand that they are not the cops in Minneapolis, the irony of their emotions echoed the sentiments of our ancestors for hundreds of years prior. That original feeling that took over my emotions soon left as I came back to reality, and realized how I would not wish our daily trials and tribulations upon anyone.
(Photo by Todd Maisel)
Their press conference continued as members of their union expressed their feelings towards the events that have built up. As I listened to what they had to say I wanted to yell at the television and scream “But you have a choice, and we don’t!” At any moment in time a police officer has the ability to take off that uniform, their badge, and the target on their back will be no more. A black person does not have that luxury to walk out of their skin, or wake up and simply make the choice to say “ I don’t want to be black anymore”, it’s a forever thing.
Television personality Emmanuel Acho sat with actor Matthew McConaughey for his segment titled “Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man” on June 9th. In this segment Emmanuel allows people to ask him anything in hopes to educate them on the black community. After their conversation Matthew McConaughey ended the segment with a quote from Langston Hughes. It went like this:
“ O, let America be America again—
The land that never has been yet—
And yet must be—the land where every man is free.”
( Photo by Myles Matthews)
Ahmaud Aubery did not need to be hunted for sport in front of millions. Breonna Taylor did not need to be gunned down as she slept peacefully in the comfort of her own home. George Floyd did not need to be executed by the ones that took an oath to serve and protect us. Ending police brutality, racism, and systematic oppression should not be a debate. The fact that it is in someone’s heart to debate shows us that we are far from where our country dreams of being. The repetition of our blues, and the melody of our cries has become a song we are all too familiar with. It does not have to be this way, but it seems that the oppressors love to play this song on repeat, and we are tired of it. Now is not the time to be satisfied with the recent progress we’ve made. The protests and everyday battles behind closed doors need to continue so our children and their children can have a different tune to their life.
Report: Myles Matthews, Senior Culture and Entertainment Editor
Sunscreen That Glows!
Sunscreen That Glows!
Protecting you face is very important. Ever gotten a really bad sun burn? A sunburn is a red, swollen, and excruciating skin brought about by overexposure to bright (UV) beams from the sun. It’s worse than laying on a tanning bed for too long. This new product will sure keep your face protected. Tula Skincare was founded in 2013 by Dr. Roshini Raj, who is a rehearsing gastroenterologist and probiotics master. Interested by the intensity of probiotics, she's been reading them for over 15 years. This new product from Tula Skincare is called Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum 30. Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum 30 is a wide range sunscreen that gives you day by day SPF 30 or more securing you from harming contamination and blue light rays for an unquestionable requirement for inside and outside. Leaves a dazzling gleam that wears well under cosmetics or all alone. The 3 main ingredients inside this product are probiotics to help lock in dampness and reinforce the skin hindrance, Pineapple and Papaya to help advance even skin tone and Wild Butterfly Ginger Root ensures skin against blue light. This product is great for all skin types. This product can be found in stores or online.
Photo Credits: Tula Skincare
Report: Tykaia Rose
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
The Lips Don't Lie
Need a reset on your lips? You drink water and apply regular chapstick but that isn’t enough.
Need a reset on your lips? You drink water and apply regular chapstick but that isn’t enough. So, you go to the store and look in your own lip collection. But still can’t find anything. This brand-new product will have your lips plump and moisturize. Charlotte Tilbury Beauty was founded in September 2013 by Charlotte she had this to say while launching the company. "I accept that each lady needs to feel excellent, incredible and hot and cosmetics is an extraordinary method to accomplish this," Propelling with a 200-in number product offering and offering a wide scope of skincare and cosmetics things, appropriate for all skin tones, shades and types. This company has been very successful after the launch. With her new product that she just launched it is called Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixar. Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixar is a mystery gem implanted supercharged lip oil for hydrated, delectable lips! This is a lip conditioner by day and a lip cover around evening time. The lip oil has enchantment precious stones and plant separates to help with moisture. This product is just not for women but for men too. If you are looking for a new lip product, please check this product out today. You can find this product online or in-stores.
Photo Credits: Charlotte Tilbury
Report: Tykaia Rose
NHL's Return Would be a Welcome Sight for Sports Fans
The NHL's return would be a joyful occasion for many sports fans, and it could also help increase the game's popularity.
The NHL is one of many sports leagues that has put a plan in place to resume a season that was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we do not have an exact date as to when games will resume, we do know what the postseason layout will look like and it could lead to some very intriguing matchups.
Back on May 26 the NHL announced its plan to conclude the season with a 24-team playoff format in certain hub cities that have yet to be determined. The unconventional postseason bracket will feature eight best-of-5 series in the first round and a round-robin tournament between the top four teams in each conference to determine seeding for the remainder of the playoffs. After that the playoffs will resume as usual with four rounds of best-of-7 series.
The biggest criticism of this format is the uneven seeding that may emerge after the first round. For example, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the No. 8 seed among the 12 teams in the Eastern Conference. However, if it beats the No. 9 seed Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round, it is scheduled to face the No. 1 seed in the following round. This means you could have a situation where a No. 8 seed is playing a No. 1 seed while a No. 12 seed is playing a No. 4 seed. However, there is also the possibility that the team that finished the regular season with the best record in the conference, the Boston Bruins, could be as low as the No. 4 seed.
But NHL playoffs have always been unpredictable with upsets occurring across the board. Just look at last year when every division winner was eliminated in the first round, including the Tampa Bay Lightning who tied the record for wins in a season before being swept by the Blue Jackets who had never won a playoff series. While the seeding may not be fair it certainly does not kill any team’s chances, and there are plenty of teams that have a good chance to hoist the Stanley Cup.
Last year’s finals participants, the Bruins and eventual-champion St. Louis Blues, finished the season with the most and second-most points in the league, respectively, and could be on a collision course for a finals rematch. The aforementioned Lightning are hoping to redeem its playoff failures from last year with a championship, and the Maple Leafs, who have spent a ton of money in hopes of ending its 67-year cup drought, are looking to win its first playoff series since 2004 after a disappointing regular season. But there are also teams like the Philadelphia Flyers who were red hot just before the season was postponed.
As with every sports league, there is no telling how well teams will play following this delay. But seeing any of the 24 teams lift the cup would be a welcome sight after all we’ve been through this year. Even if it’s lifted in an empty arena.
Photos courtesy of Flickr users Kaz Andrew and Laurie Rivera.
Report: Michael Rosen
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
It’s Charcuterie Time: June Board
Our June Board Is Here, And It's Time To Grill!
This month the charcuterie theme of choice is grilling, in honor of all those wonderful dad’s out there who think they’re ~the grill master~. Didn’t think charcuterie could be more than just a cheese board? Well, I’m happy to prove you wrong! This easy, delicious, and in my eyes, beautiful board is everything you need to make your man of choice’s day special.
A charcuterie is worth the time and effort, just looking at my masterpiece makes me happy. I’m all about self care, so treating myself to a pretty dinner and bar worthy drink is all I need in life, and I highly recommend it. Maybe, that’s why I love charcuterie so much!
Anyway, here she is! THE June Charcuterie. It may look intimidating, but trust me it’s an easy dinner. The hardest part about it is cooking the actual dinner, plating is just fun!
The Breakdown:
You have your basics that any meat eating human will love, Chicken Skewers and Sliced Steak.
My trusty sides of choice were Roasted & Grilled Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Grilled Corn, and an easy Garden Salad. (As you can tell I really tried to stick to the “grill” theme!)
I even included easy appetizers too! Caprese and Bruschetta are always my favorites to work with.
And that’s it! You have your apps, mains, and sides all on one plate. It can’t get much easier than that!
The best part about charcuterie is that you can be as creative as possible. You literally can’t do it wrong, so just go for it! Even if it’s a meal for one, create an Instagram worthy dinner for yourself!
Next month I may go for a sweeter board, so stay tuned!
Photo Credits: Kaitlin Gallagher
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
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
That Glow Tho
When it comes to this company, they are known for their lip cream. But let’s talk about their skincare.
When it comes to this company, they are known for their lip cream. There lip creams are one of the best. Faces, cheeks and lips are essential to the human body. But they are willing to try something different. This new product I’m sharing will make you glow this summer. Laneige, the powerhouse of hydration, was established in 1994 in Korea. In 2000, Laneige turned into the top in deals volume in Korea, driving skincare and restorative brand of Korea for the New Millennium. Since then Laneige has been doing very well in the skincare world. This new product from Laneige is called Glowy Makeup Serum. Glowy Makeup Serum is a lightweight, hydrating serum that holds oil under control for obviously smoother skin and dependable cosmetics wear. This serum has two key ingredients which are Diamond Mineral Powder and Hydration Gel. Diamond Mineral Powder helps your skin have that natural glow.
While, Hydration Gel helps with dryness and allow moisture on the face. This product has the best of both worlds use it for under your makeup or even for a day without makeup. The small product is perfect because you can take it on vacation as travel size so you can never miss a day of moisture. This new glowy serum will sure be added to your latest serum collection.
Photo Credits: Laneige
Report: Tykaia Rose
Shopping For New Swimsuits? These Black-Owned Brands Have You Covered
If you're on the hunt for a new swimsuit this summer, these Black-owned swimwear brands have you covered.
If you're on the hunt for a new swimsuit this summer, these Black-owned swimwear brands have you covered. Each one has its own unique aesthetic and a background story worth celebrating, all of which you'll learn about ahead. From Andrea Iyamah's artistic, statement-making bikinis to MissesBrie's curve-flattering one-pieces, there's something for everyone, no matter what your summer style may be.
EgoSwim was launched by a group of friends who share a mutual love of shopping for sexy yet comfortable swimwear. The brand's collection includes sleeved one-pieces, a bandeau-style bikini top, and a one-piece that ties up the sides. Inspired by African culture, BFyne's swimsuits are a print-lover's dream come true. Nigerian-American designer and founder Buki Ade has created bold pieces featured on the pages of Vogue, Glamour, and Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue. Jamaica-born model Chantel Davis founded Castamira with a desire to create one-pieces that fit like a glove and use eco-friendly, body-conscious fabrics.
Mint Swim has perfected the art of the classic string bikini. Founded by actress and entrepreneur Draya Michele in 2011, the brand also offers gorgeous one-pieces and scoop-neck bikini tops, in addition to beachy coverups. Melissa Simone Gardner's eponymous brand is like a one-stop shop for all your trendy swimwear needs. It's easy to see why celebs like Sofia Richie, Bella Hadid, Karrueche Tran, and Kylie Jenner regularly rep Melissa Simone.
Model, blogger, and designer Brielle Anyea created MissesBrie for "women that take risks and the ones that break rules made to silence them." No matter what your swimsuit style may be, you're sure to find a curve-flattering design that makes you feel confident AF on her site. All MissesBrie suits come in sizes XS-4X. Andrea Iyamah swimsuits are works of art. Nigerian fashion designer Dumebi Iyamah founded the brand at age 17, and she uses colorful, innovative designs to create her one-of-a-kind, flawlessly tailored pieces. Many of the designs are available in sizes XS-XXXL.
All of Jade Swim's pieces are simple and minimalist without being basic. Founded by former fashion editor and stylist Brittany Kozerski Freeney, the brand sells tons of flattering bikinis and one-pieces made with sustainable fabrics in a range of rich hues. All of Jade Swim's pieces are simple and minimalist without being basic. Founded by former fashion editor and stylist Brittany Kozerski Freeney, the brand sells tons of flattering bikinis and one-pieces made with sustainable fabrics in a range of rich hues. Supermodel Liya Kebede was inspired to start Lemlem after a trip to her native Ethiopia, during which she met a group of talented weavers with a diminishing market for their handiwork. She now employs those weavers to create each piece by hand in Africa, using natural cotton to make beautiful patterned designs.
Keva Johnson's eponymous brand promises "unique styles with an impeccable fit," and she delivers on that promise. She offers an impressively wide range of swimwear, from high-waist bikinis and neon cutout monokinis to printed two-pieces with straps galore.
Report: Amanda T Lou
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
Fenty Beauty Launches Glossy Lipstick
Who’s ready for the lipstick of the summer? Fenty Beauty recently announced it would be releasing a summer launch of its new Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick.
Who’s ready for the lipstick of the summer? Fenty Beauty recently announced it would be releasing a summer launch of its new Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick. Rihanna, founder of Fenty Beauty, calls the lipstick a “go-to when I want to slip on something that’s comfortable and looks good.”
Created with a belief in inclusivity, this glossy, sheer lipstick comes in ten slip-on shades that are universally flattering on all skin tones. The shade range encompases both everyday nudes and pops of color ranging from clear to deep berry to peach pink. Encompassed in Fenty’s sleek, classic hexagonal packaging, the product is 100% cruelty free. The Slip Shine Lipstick also contains conditioning pomegranate oil, which will keep your lips glossy and hydrated while staying comfortable and sheer. With its range of colors and easy application, this product is a perfect grab-and-go to look flawless in any situation, whether it be a night out or the office.
The release is slated to be yet another success for Fenty Beauty. Fenty is a game-changer beauty brand because it released a groundbreaking 40 shades of its Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation in 2017. The wide shade-range touted a match for all skin tones, and its inclusivity highlighted other brands’ lack of shades for people of color. Fenty’s release prompted a discussion of diversity and inclusivity in the makeup industry. The brand continued its mission of inclusivity with the Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer offering 40 shades and the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer with colors for all skin tones.
As Fenty Beauty continues improving diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry, we look forward to its upcoming releases. You can find the Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick on the Fenty Beauty, Sephora, Boots UK, or Harvey Nichols websites starting June 20. Each lipstick retails for $22 each.
Photo Credit: @fentybeauty on Instagram
Report: Rachel Attar
A Post-Lockdown Personal Tuneup Guide
Now that lockdown is starting to slow, and things are beginning to return to however we’re supposed to define normal right now, it can be helpful to develop your own post-lockdown treatment plan.
After a global pandemic and sweeping political upheaval you can be forgiven for feeling a little worn out from this year already. However, while lockdown was a vital measure for many understandable reasons, it’s important to note that you needn’t have to feel that sense of weariness and fatigue for longer than necessary. Now that lockdown is starting to slow, and things are beginning to return to however we’re supposed to define normal right now, it can be helpful to develop your own post-lockdown treatment plan.
But how does this work, and what might it look like? It can be very worth asking these questions, because otherwise we may stumble in the dark trying to feel like our past selves but struggling from the effort.
So, where do we begin? Well, let us start off by first suggesting that you are enough, and that you’re merely restoring your beauty through the following guides, not adding to it. Furthermore, doing what feels good and having fun with this process should be mandatory. If you feel put-out by this process, something is wrong! With that being said, let’s consider the following advice:
Great Dental Work
Great dental work can be a great starting point, as deep cleaning teeth can help you enjoy a whiter smile, feel more confident, and also uncover other dental issues you may wish to have worked on. Great dental work also allows us to start feeling more confident in our style, as when issues with our teeth cause us pain or a lack of confidence, it can be hard to feel your usual radiant self.
Stretching & Yoga
Stretching and yoga can not only help remove some of your physical cobwebs that grow in lockdown, but you’ll remove some of your mental fatigue, too. It’s a meditative act to engage in either one of these practices regularly, and if you can do that you’re much more likely to feel confident, and peaceful in a given day. This will also help you feel a little less culture shock returning back to normality, as you’ll have given your body the practiced warm up it needs every day to function well. As far as that’s concerned, you’ll be on the right track.
Massages & Spa Experiences
A good massage and spa experience can help you remove all of your stress from your shoulders, take a little time for you, and for some people, enjoy some peace and quiet at long last! This is not an overly indulgent treat to invest in, we’d say you deserve it after many months in lockdown. Relaxing and spending time with a friend in these surroundings, or simply going solo, can help you take stock of your life, reflect a little, feel more comfortable in your physical body, and generally feel renewed and refreshed. You could do much worse than this.
With this advice, we hope you can go through the best post-lockdown tuneup guide.
"What We Do in the Shadows" Season Finale Ends With a Big Question, But There Are Plenty of Laughs Along the Way
"What We Do in the Shadows" season two finale has the usual laughs, along with an ending that will have ramifications for the next season
One of the newest and under the radar comedies just wrapped up its second season, and there’s every reason to believe “What We Do in the Shadows” will keep entertaining viewers for years to come. The show is based off a 2014 German film of the same name, and while the characters are different the show carries on the spirit of the film by being a mockumentary about vampires who live together.
The cast of “What We Do in the Shadows” consists of lesser-known actors, most from England, who have never had a more prominent role. The most noteworthy of the bunch is Mark Proksch, who previously had recurring roles on “The Office” and “Better Call Saul.” Proksch plays Colin Robinson, an “energy vampire”, on the show; a socially awkward, almost-human creature who drains humans of their energy whenever they are in uncomfortable situations. Colin Robinson is often the one putting humans in uncomfortable situations, and as a result he usually gets the best lines in the show.
But the season finale revolves around Guillermo De la Cruz, played by Harvey Guillén. Guillermo is a familiar, a human being who assists a vampire in the hopes of one day becoming a vampire themselves, and is constantly treated poorly by the vampires he lives with. As the second season progressed we began to see Guillermo get more and more fed up with the way he was being treated, and we also learn about his previously undiscovered abilities as a vampire hunter.
By the beginning of the season two finale Guillermo has abandoned his duties as a familiar to go live with his mother. Meanwhile the vampires receive an invitation to an incredibly prestigious vampire event called Nouveau Théâtre des Vampires, although they are unaware of the fact that the invitation was sent by the Vampire Council as a trap to execute the vampires for past misdeeds. Luckily Guillermo stops by the vampire residence and sees the invitation, recognizing immediately that it is a trap. He makes his way to the event and intervenes just in time to save the vampire crew, although in doing so he had to slay dozens of vampires and reveal his true skills as a vampire hunter. Although we are not given a lot of time to see how the vampires process this new revelation, the episode ends on a very funny note that demonstrates they may be rather indifferent about it.
How the new revelation is addressed by the vampires and changes Guillermo’s role in the group will be the biggest question heading into the next season. FX announced on May 22 that the series will be renewed for a third season, although it likely will face delays due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the meantime, the first and second seasons of “What We Do In The Shadows” are available for Hulu, YouTube TV and Sling TV subscribers.
Photos courtesy of The Indian Express and Consequence of Sound
Report: Michael Rosen
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
The Beauty Industry Stands With, And For, The Black Community
We continue to see black owned businesses gaining more and more support, as they should, and the beauty industry is definitely involved.
We continue to see black owned businesses gaining more and more support, as they should, and the beauty industry is definitely involved. Sephora and Estée Lauder are, in particular, paying a great tribute to the BLM movement. In a time of such drastic change, it’s amazing to see our favorite brands standing up for equality in all forms.
Sephora is partaking in Aurora James’ 15% Pledge which allows their shelves to hold 15% of stock from black owned businesses. Actually, Sephora plans to dedicate at least 15% of their shelves, which not only brings in a bigger market, but shows how much they value equality. Seeing the necessary steps being taken from a major beauty platform will hopefully inspire smaller beauty companies to build off this Pledge as well.
Estée Lauder is also contributing to the Black Lives Matter movement. They are planning to have complete equality for all black employees, at each level of employment, regarding salaries over the next 5 years. They are also in search of black owned factories as well as increasing their donations to the black community from $1 million to $10 million. These statements were publicized after an internal petition was being sent over, so the companies Board decided to help the cause. It’s definitely a little concerning that the company only took a stand after the petition was in act, but at least they got their head in gear and are helping the cause!
The beauty industry is definitely diversifying their brands, and they have, in the past, diversified their shades to include all forms of skin color. As we continue to fight for equality, for all colors, I hope to see not only the beauty industry, but all industries show their support for Black Lives Matter. The BLM movement is far from over, and I hope the inclusivity of all colors continues.
Photo Credits:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBQyEN5ljJg/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA3mlcxFADP/
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
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)
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.