Stay at Home, Even In The Summer.

On July 1, the European Union officially re-opened their external borders to nonessential, non-EU passport holders. The borders have been closed since mid-March, when lockdown procedures were officially being enacted. Europe was not the only country to do so. 27 other countries have announced that they will be opening up their borders as well. However, not everyone will be allowed in. Only residents from 15 countries, all of which have the coronavirus under control, will be allowed entry. This means that residents from the US, which currently has the highest amount of cases, Russia, and Brazil, will have to continue staying at home. While the EU is expected to reanalyze the list of banned countries every two weeks, that doesn't mean European vacations are back on.

According to a CNN report, two EU ambassadors said that the US would need to have "a dramatic turnaround" in cases before their residents would be allowed entry. All the current countries who's residents are allowed into Europe have the same, or fewer, average new cases as the EU has had in the past 14 days. The EU has reported 16 per 100,000 cases in mid-June. In the US, the average in mid-June was 107 new cases per 100,000 people, so it's safe to say we might not be going to Europe this summer. While tourism is likely to suffer, as the US brings in a lot of vacationers annually, this is a serious matter, and the benefits are not worth the risk on both ends.

TikTok Has A Whole New Look.

TikTok is mostly known for doing viral dance trends and making funny videos. But TikToker, Wisdom Kaye, has a bit of a different approach. Kaye has more than 2 million subscribers on TikTok, and has become known for his sense of style. Kaye is often seen wearing 1970's fashions, but with his own modern twist. “There is something I love about looking like I am from a different time period,” he tells Vogue. “I think it stems from my love for surrealism—the juxtaposition of the contemporary world against the classic ’70s aesthetic just sits right with me.” Kaye says his love of fashion began during the beginning of his high school days. "I wanted to change my appearance to fit in, so I thought the best way was through conformity." However, Kaye's mindset quickly changed. "As the years went by, I just stopped caring what everyone thought about me, and I started experimenting more."

Kaye names Saint Laurant, and designer Heidi Slimane as big influences. Kaye first joined TikTok at the beginning of the year, and began posting complications of his outfits. “I posted a couple on TikTok and Twitter, and they actually blew up on Twitter first," he says, "After a while, they racked up over a million views. At that point I saw potential and started making more creative content on TikTok that went beyond just a standard outfit compilation.” Today, Kaye posts at least once a day, and says that he is never short on ideas. Kaye is mostly known for his "style challenges." Every so often, he will find comments challenging him to come up with an almost impossible to create outfit, like a red and green outfit without making it look like Christmas. Then, Kaye will respond and make the outfit in a video. He also offers fashion tips for men.

Report: Anna Bechtel

Powder That Glows

Sweet without the sticky results. This might be strange what I am about to ask. Do you wanna make your body glow this summer. From your legs, arms and shoulders it will glow. With this trusted brand you will sure want this new product. In 1995, Sandy Lerner, a fellow benefactor of Cisco Systems, and Patricia Holmes were at Lerner's house outside London when Holmes blended raspberry and dark to frame another shading. At that point, they chose to shape a beauty care products organization, which they named Urban Decay. There new and latest product from Urban Decay is there veggie lover Scented Sparkling Body Powder that comes in three inebriating aromas: Honey, Cherry, and Heat. This microfine, multidimensional sparkle has a metallic base that includes an inconspicuous gleam. It's ideal for tidying on shoulders, décolletage, or legs for a sexed-up sparkle. Motivated by our unique Sparkling Body Powders, the retro-enlivened bundling is fitted with a sifter to control how much powder ends up on your glitz false hide puff. The puff is fitted with a luxury strip lash to slide your finger through to make tidying simpler. Blend a portion of the body powder with your preferred body moisturizer or oil to include a trace of enticing, eye-getting shimmer to each look. Clear it on with the puff or a cushioned brush to feature your preferred highlights. This new shimmery body powder will have you glowing all summer long.

Photo Credits: Urban Decay

Report: Tykaia Rose

Will We Finally See Teams Scrap Names That Are Offensive to Native Americans?

As we begin to finally address the ugly history of the United States in a genuine way many have called for change in a variety of forms, including the renaming of certain sports franchises. The two most prominent franchises in the discussion are the NFL team in Washington, D.C. and the MLB team in Cleveland, both of which use names based on Native Americans.

Changing the names of these franchises and similar teams has been discussed for years, but momentum to actually do so has never been greater than it is right now. FedEx, who sponsor Washington’s NFL stadium, have publicly called for the team to change its name. Cleveland’s manager, Terry Francona, has voiced his support for a name change. But there are still plenty of people out there who believe changing the names these franchises have had for decades is blasphemous and breaks tradition.

The issue with that argument is that neither of these teams have much history or tradition to celebrate under the usage of its respective names. Cleveland has only two World Series titles to its name, the fewest among the eight original teams that have been in the American League since 1901. Cleveland also has the longest ongoing title drought in MLB, its last championship came in 1948. Washington has faired slightly better with three Super Bowl titles, but it has lacked recent success having won only two playoff games in the 21st century. Not to mention the frequent chants of “sell the team!” that took place at FedExField over the last year. Clearly nothing else these teams are doing is leading to success, so a complete change in names and uniforms certainly can’t hurt.

In fact, an overhaul of identity could benefit these teams. While some hardheaded fans may abandon their team after a name change, many will stick with the team and will need to replace all of the hats, jerseys and other merchandise they have purchased that feature the old name and logo. These teams could see a huge increase in merchandise sales, especially if the new name and logos are done well and are aesthetically pleasing.

Teams changing names because of public outcry is also nowhere near as unprecedented as some are making it out to be. The Tampa Bay Rays were originally the Devil Rays before religious groups expressed their discontent with having the word ‘Devil’ in its name, a fate the New Jersey Devils have somehow avoided. The Houston Astros were called the Colt .45s its first three seasons before management realized advertising a firearm in the team name may not be the best idea.

But this is all secondary to the primary reason these names should be changed, which is that they are racial slurs that are offensive to Native Americans. If a team changes its name and logo and suddenly experiences success on the field and financially that it did not experience before, then good for the team. But if teams have had to change their names in the past because of religious reasons or to not promote the sale of firearms, then teams should definitely have to change their names if they are rooted in racist rhetoric.

Photos courtesy of Ballpark Digest and Sports Teams Wiki.

Report: Michael Rosen

Ready.Set.Glow!

Looking for something long-lasting? Need a little shine or glow in your life. Need to feel luminous. This brand has just the product for you. With this new product your cheeks will shine all summer. This new makeup brand is called revolution which was founded by Adam Minto and Tom Allsworth in 2013. The objective of this makeup brand is creating "quality cosmetics available to everybody." Adam and Tom have more than 27 years of involvement with the beautifying agents and item producing business, and have a demonstrated reputation of creating effective brands.This is just a sample of effective and latest collection that is called xx revolution which includes foundation, concealer and highlighters. The new highlighter is called XX revolution XXposure Highlighter Powder Strobe. These glinting highlighters will have you drippin' in shine. The powder highlighter is made with kaleidoscopic reflections that is intended to shape and feature your face, leaving a glowing, very much characterized finish. Curated for a range of skintones and cluster of suggestions, discover your match and shine with your direction. Regardless of whether you're after a sun-contacted sparkle or tanned glo up, pick from the 12 shades to get lit. A fun fact about this product it is cruelty and vegan free. This gorgeous highlight will have you glowing for hours on. This brand new affordable highlight will sure make it into your makeup collection this summer.

Photo Credits: XX Revolution Beauty London

Report: Tykaia Rose

Why Chronic Injuries Don't Have To Remain Chronic

For most people, acute injuries will crop up at some point in their lives. You may have tweaked a muscle while out jogging or you might simply have slept in an odd position straining your neck. With any luck, these injuries rectify themselves in a matter of days, if not hours. However, some less fortunate individuals will encounter more chronic injuries that go beyond the niggle or the ache. Chronic back pain or shoulder issues can be hugely detrimental to a person’s quality of life. If you suffer from a pain that never goes away, it can be the only thing you focus on, leaving you feeling depressed and low. But, it doesn’t have to remain this way. You don’t have to live with your chronic injury and can manage the pain more effectively by following this guide.

See A Professional

Your first port of call should be your doctor. A medical professional should carry out a full assessment of your ailment and hopefully give you a diagnosis. You could be suffering from tendon damage, a broken ligament or a slipped disc. When a diagnosis isn’t forthcoming, it can feel like you are being fobbed off. 

Being told that your pain can be managed with over the counter painkillers is soul destroying as you do nothing but take pills to mask the pain. Instead, you need to seek the advice of a professional who can help you get to the root of your injury and pain. Head to a chiropractor who will manipulate your joints, focusing on your back in an effort to address your pain. You will leave the chiropractor’s office feeling more empowered to manage your pain rather than just mask it.

Yoga

While painkillers may have a place in helping you to lead a normal life, you need to address more natural remedies for your chronic niggle. Yoga is no longer simply for dreadlocked individuals who chant alongside burning incense sticks. Yoga is even being prescribed by doctors to help individuals with pain. By learning a range of postures, you can help your body to maintain flexibility and strengthen your core. Alongside breathing exercises, you can channel your energies into more positive thoughts, preventing you from succumbing to injury-induced depression and low mood.

Eat Well

If you have a few too many pounds on your frame, this will inevitably put excess pressure on joints and muscles. You need to try and shift the pound to help manage your chronic pain. Don’t go for a faddy diet, juice detox or cabbage soup meal plan. Instead, tweak your current eating to replace sugary candy with fruit and nuts. Swap the deep fried takeaways with leaner meats, oily fish and whole grains. You should still eat when you are hungry, but choose healthier options than fat-laden temptations. Your calorie intake will naturally decrease helping you lose weight and feel happier and more positive

Chronic injuries can be detrimental to your life. Follow this guide and manage your pain more effectively, helping you to maintain a positive and happy existence.

Six Bad Habits that Harm our Brains.

During the history of humanity, with improved living conditions and increased access to education, IQ levels around the world have gradually increased. But over the past decade, our collective intelligence has not only slowed down but has also shown a downward trend. Why is this happening, when we are close to any sources of knowledge like never before? It's all about the features of the modern lifestyle that harm our brain.

1. Multitasking

The habit of doing several things at the same time not only does not increase productivity but, on the contrary, reduces it, scattering attention and overloading the brain.

2. Fast food

Scientists have proven that the diet with a high content of saturated fats, simple sugars, salt, red meat, and processed foods leads to a deterioration in short-term memory and subtle cognitive impairment.

3. Passive lifestyle

The problem is that a long stay in one position reduces the flow of blood to the brain, and therefore reduces the flow of nutrients and oxygen, which are necessary for its effective work.

4. Overabundance of information

Trying to keep up with the endless stream of information that rains down on us from all sides, we stop delving into it and read-only superficial facts. Even if you don’t feel it, an overabundance of diverse content is stress for the brain.

5. Online chat

Experts are certain: the more time we spend on social networks, the higher our level of anxiety. In some cases, dependence on Internet communication impairs our ability to recognize non-verbal emotional signals and to show empathy.

6. Lack of sleep

Deterioration in sleep quality, and especially a reduction in its deep phase, during which information moves from short-term to long-term memory, can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Report: Olha Dzharyha

Lash Out

Marc Jacobs Beauty was founded by Marc Jacobs in 2013. Marc's mark rule-breaking imagination drives his powerful cosmetics vision. For Marc, magnificence contradicts the normal. Not at all like anything you've at any point experienced, he grasps appearing contrary energies to make something totally new, rousing you to push limits and make your very own style. Marc Jacobs beauty has launched a new product just in time for the summer. It is called at Lash’d Lengthening and Curling Mascara. This mascara is a long wear extending and twisting mascara that has a profoundly characteristic full augmentation lash look. With three main ingredients that are Biotin Peptide, Provitamin B5 and veggie wax. Biotin Peptide helps condition and improve lashes. Provitamin B5 assists improve with lashing appearance. Veggie lover Plant Waxes help assemble moment lash volume with a lightweight vibe. Lash'd conveys moment length and twist, in addition to ultra-characterized volume. The mascara is lightweight and has a buildable without making lashes look crunchy or clumpy. The wavy-bristled wand was intended to uniformly cover each lash for faultless application. Use mascara for raised regular look. This golden- package will sure shine all day long on the go- or even at the house. This new product will sure make it into your mascara collection this summer.

Photo Credits: Marc Jacobs Beauty

Report: Tykaia Rose

Everything You Need to Know About Hamilton

In August of 2015 Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Pulitzer Prize winning musical Hamilton debuted. The musical is a modern retelling of Alexander Hamilton’s story, going from an immigrant to being a founding father and the first U.S. treasury secretary. It was an instant success, and won an astounding 11 Tony awards.

On July 3rd Disney Plus released the filmed Hamilton performance with the original cast members onto it’s streaming platform. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic all on and off Broadway shows have been halted. Sitting down and watching the world renowned musical on your phone, television or computer isn’t quite the same as going to an actual theater. However, it has offered an opportunity for more people to experience the magic of theater, some for the very first time. Many people can’t afford to go to a Broadway show, which is why this could be a game changer, allowing more people than ever before to get to see a Broadway show.

In today’s current cultural climate the show tells a story that needs to be told. It shows the importance and value of immigrants on American society. Even including the line, “immigrants, we get the job done.” In addition, the show boasts a diverse cast including many black, Latino and Asian American performers.

The one downside is that Disney Plus is no longer offering a free trial of its streaming services. The reason being that it would be likely for many people to get the free trial simply to watch Hamilton. Luckily, the Disney Plus subscription is only $6.99 a month. Many people say it’s well worth the money to watch the educational and brilliant performance.

Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi

Flawless Foundation

Searching for something new! You go look for your favorite makeup brand and you realize they don’t have anything new. So you go search online and you still can’t find anything. No worries I found the perfect brand and foundation for you. Revolution is a makeup brand that was founded by Adam Minto and Tom Allsworth in 2013 with the objective of creating "quality cosmetics available to everybody." The brand, one of the makers of the "quick excellence" class, is established in the originators' enthusiasm for bringing the most recent magnificence patterns. There newest collection from revolution is called xx. There new makeup foundation is called XX Revolution Glow Skin FauXXdation Foundation. This foundation is a lightweight buildable inclusion establishment imbued with enlightening pearl particles it has 55 different shades for you to choose from. The foundation has been made so it won’t dry your face out with the Hyaluronic corrosive imbued hydrating equation. The medium to full inclusion is ideal for altering your beat for your ideal sparkling skin finish and lit from inside brilliance. It has also been infused with collagen and peptides. The best thing about this product it is vegan-free and cruelty-free. Lastly, the new lightweight glowing foundation will be perfect for your summer makeup collection.

Photo Credits: XX Revolution Beauty London

Report: Tykaia Rose

Mac And Cheese, But With A Twist

To all my college students out there, do you ever feel like you have exhausted all new food ideas within the first 2 weeks of the semester? One of those foods most likely includes the easy mac that you microwave and eat within 3 minutes. Mac and Cheese can become such a staple when you are in a hurry to get to class or you are too lazy to walk to the dining hall. In order to maintain your love of Mac and Cheese without getting sick of it, this recipe will allow you to brainstorm different items that you never would have thought would make a perfect combination. I know some of these items would never cross your mind to put with pasta, but don't hate it before you taste it! For this simple college recipe, all you need is ketchup, shredded cheese, some milk, salt and pepper, and some garlic powder. There is not a set amount to follow, it is simply however much you think you need of each item. I switch it up every time to give me more of a variety. This recipe can also allow you to experiment with other staple foods that every college student has in their dorm room. There is no such thing as trying all possible ways to eat Mac and Cheese. The world is your oyster, so go and explore variations of your favorite foods before school starts this year!

Report: Hannah Zaremba

Will Kanye West be America's Next President?

2020 has been a whirlwind of a year to say the least. We’ve experienced Kobe Bryant’s tragic death, Australian fires, a global pandemic, one of the largest movements in history (BLM), and now…Kanye West has decided to run for President. I wish I could say it’s for a different country, but no, the United States is facing yet another curve ball.

West announced his run for office through a tweet posted on July 4th. Yes, he really announced his run for President through a tweet. Interestingly enough, he hasn’t pulled through on the guidelines needed to actually run for President. He has missed the deadline to file as an independent candidate in many states, he has no political campaign or platform, and still has to get enough signatures to actually make it on the 2020 Presidential Ballot.

As you could have already guessed, many of his fans have shown full support, including Elon Musk. West has been teasing his run for presidency for years, but could this all be for a publicity stunt? He does have a new album coming out named, “God’s Country”. It wouldn’t be the first time West has used politics to gain support for his latest project.

The Kardashians and Mr. West, as entertaining as they may be, have no reason for entering the oval office. The Yeezy designer has made an empire in his fashion and music, but his political agenda is better off a dream rather than a reality!

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

Beyonce wins BET's 2020 Humanitarian Award

Queen B. Yoncé. Sasha Fierce. Ms. Carter. Just a few nicknames that refer to the one and only Beyoncé. The singer, songwriter, producer, actress, and woman of many more talents has been nominated as BET Networks 2020 Humanitarian Award honoree. From starting her own charity BeyGOOD and implementing multiple humanitarian projects and efforts, it is no surprise that Beyoncé was chosen to receive this special award.

The BET Humanitarian Award is given to a celebrity who makes strides towards bettering communities, a celebrity who understands the significance of philanthropy and dedicates their time and money on working with charitable causes, and Beyoncé fulfills nothing short of this description.

Being the incredible human that she is, Beyoncé donates to more than 35 different charities, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Feeding America, and Stand Up To Cancer.

In light of the current protests and efforts to dismantle systemic racism, Beyoncé remains a prominent figure for the Black Lives Matter movement. In her acceptance speech, Beyoncé dedicates the award to all of her brothers and sisters who continue to fight for change, and encourages people to use their voice and power to vote.

On Juneteenth, the anniversary of the emancipation of enslaved people, Beyoncé released a song titled “Black Parade” which celebrates black history and is an ode to her heritage. The musical release comes as no surprise, though, as Beyoncé has always celebrated blackness in her music and remains a symbol for black beauty, grace, and power.

In addition to her recent creative projects that commemorate black heritage, Beyoncé has partnered with Disney on a visual album titled “Black is King” inspired by “The Lion King” that will also pay tribute to Black culture and incorporates the timeless lessons from the movie.

As if BET’s Humanitarian Award isn’t already an honor in itself, the award was presented to Beyoncé by none other than former First Lady, Michelle Obama, who beamed with proud while speaking about the honoree- her dear friend.

Beyoncé’s career thus far has been undoubtedly influential, and in her young life she has already done more than most in philanthropic efforts. She is a star who she shines bright, and is able to radiate that light onto others and help them to create better a better world around them.

Photo credit can be attributed to Google's website.

Report: Alexandra Donnelly

KKW Beauty Has Officially Partnered With Coty Inc.

Kim Kardashian West is back in the headlines, but this time it’s due to her mega beauty brand, KKW Beauty. West is following in her youngest sisters footsteps as she has sold 20% of her empire to beauty company, Coty Inc.

Kylie Jenner had sold 51% of her two multi-million dollar businesses, Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin, to Coty back in January and it was a shock to many. But, this go around we see West trying to make her own mark in the beauty industry with the help of the big named company. Coty is home to many designer beauty brands such as Balenciaga, Gucci, & Burberry, and now KKW Beauty will be added to the collection.

Wondering why Kim Kardashian West would sell a part of her company? The entrepreneur is looking to expand her beauty brand globally, and with the help of Coty, that dream can become a reality. The new collaboration will focus on the expansion of products and entering a new beauty category. Does this mean KKW Beauty can potentially become a luxury brand?

West is responsible for promotion of products and campaigns on her social media since her following is like no other. Coty will hold the responsibility to share knowledge on its expertise of the industry, expand the brand’s product portfolio, and drive the marketing department.

With Kim Kardashian West being one of the most famous women on the planet, and Coty being a powerhouse in the beauty industry, these two can make history. Coty’s new and expensive $200 million investment into West’s beauty business, it seems as if this could be the perfect collaboration to bring KKW Beauty to new heights.

Photo Credits:

https://www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/coty-acquires-20-percent-interest-in-kkw-beauty/

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200601005387/en/Coty-Announces-Strategic-Transformation-Definitive-Agreement-KKR

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

Fashion Education's Diversity Issue

On June 29, 2020, Vogue Business News Editor Annachiara Biondi, wrote an article entitled, “White staff and a white curriculum: Inside fashion education,” which highlighted the fact that “black students and faculty remain underserved and underrepresented in the field.” This story is one that I very deeply resonate with as a fashion student and graduate teaching assistant at one of the top fashion schools in the nation. The fashion education systems diversity issue is one that is now starting to be acknowledged by the industry and is far from separate from what’s going on in the fashion industry.

The cultural and artistic references that many fashion brands pull from are rooted in black culture. However, these influential black fashion figures are not integrated in the fashion curriculum, across disciplines such as design, merchandising, fashion studies and journalism. This is especially problematic due to the fact that there are many black fashion students who change their majors because their work isn’t embraced by their professors. A while back, I had the opportunity to speak with the black undergraduate fashion students on campus about their experience at The Fashion School and by the end of the event, they were all in tears. Academia has to do a much better job and the task forces and conversations are beneficial. But it really comes down to hiring black, tenure-track faculty members so that students can feel free to see themselves in their work.

Fashionista: Alain Jocard/Getty Images

BoF: Shutterstock

Report: Julian Randall

Time to Take a Stand for Garment Workers!

Although we all rely on fast-fashion brands like H&M, Forever21, or Fashion Nova, we all might be forgetting how these brands manage to make all these garments and accessories for such affordable prices. These brands depend on large factories or “sweatshops” in order to keep racks filled in their hundreds of stores and online. In Bangladesh alone, there are over 4,800 garment factories whose workforce is predominantly women. Often these factories have terrible conditions that are not safe, leading to job injuries or factory fires. Garment workers in these factories are also paid way less than a livable wage. Working long 14 to 16-hour shifts for less than 3000 takas (approximately $35USD) a month.

There are many alternatives to fast fashion brands for fashionable and affordable clothing. And by buying elsewhere we are standing in solidarity with the garment workers all over the world that face unjust conditions and pay. One alternative to fast fashion is thrifting. Stores like Plato’s Closet and Buffalo Exchange are an example of chain retailers that buy and sell trendy clothes. I live in Upstate New York so there aren’t many of these chains around but there are many local thrift shops that can offer you the same experience. As online fashion continues to grow, so does the resale market. Apps like Poshmark, Thredup, or Letgo allow you to shop from home with a wider variety. These alternatives are also environmentally friendly, ensuring that no clothing goes to waste.

During my research, I also searched for Fair Trade retailers. Fair Trade certified companies create their products in factories that have safe working conditions and pay a fair wage for the jobs being done. Some well known Fair Trade certified companies are OBEY and J. Crew. I discovered a brand named Pact that offers athletic and casual wear as well.

We all have to take our stand to ensure garment workers are working in safe environments and getting fair wages. Here’s a link to a petition to sign which is only the first of many steps to make changes

Photo Cred: 1000logos.com

Report: Lauren Tucker

Black-ish’s Marsai Martin sets trolls straight after criticism on her BET Awards Look

This year’s virtual BET Awards was hosted by Comedian Amanda Seales. The Black Entertainment Television Network has celebrated and honored Black achievements and culture for 20 years.

This years show was pivotal, due to the racism and injustice that Black people face around the world. Amanda Seales shed light on two of the most important realties that we face in this world, systematic racism and police brutality in the U.S.

Although the famous award show was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, that did not step celebrities from flaunting their stylish looks in the comfort of their own homes.

Black-ish star Marsai Martin was not having it after receiving criticism over her awards look. On Monday June 29, the 15-year-old took to instagram, posting an epic clap back for all of the trolls who had words to say on her look.

“So, I was on Twitter, and a lot of people have been addressing my hair and talking about my hair and how it looks like a grandma’s wig,” she said as she held back fake tears and pulled at her strands. “And they’re talking about my veneers,” she added, pulling out a retainer. “These don’t look like a veneer to me.”

She continued in a saddened tone, showcasing her brilliant acting skills as she apologized to “anyone that I offended or haven’t gotten to your expectations about how I’m supposed to be.”

“I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings,” she said. “Or have anyone worry about what my decisions are.” She took a pause as if she was going to break down and was handed a $100 bill that she in turn blew her nose with.

At the end of the clip, Martin expresses her disappointment in people for not focusing on more important and relevant things, rather than how someone looks when doing their own awards show hair and make up at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Y’all, we are in quarantine and we’ve got more things to focus on than just my hair,” she says. “Justice for Breonna Taylor.”

Martin received a lot of praise from fellow celebrities in the comments.”My cousin is better than y’all,” wrote Janelle Monae. “I wouldn’t cross her y’all. She’ll chew you up,” wrote her fellow Black-ish actor Jeff Meacham.

“Oh man I was so upset. You are just brilliant. Holy crap what a turn. You got the stuff. No one is qualified to be you BUT YOU. And you know it. So rad,” wrote comedian Sarah Silverman.

I think it’s safe to say that you don’t want to mess with the clap back queen.

Picture Credit:

1. https://toofab.com/2020/06/29/black-ish-marsai-martin-hilariously-claps-back-at-trolls-bet/

2. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/marsai-martin-clapback-video-bet-awards-2020

3. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/marsai-martin-clapback-video-bet-awards-2020

Report: Juana Norales

Instagram: @juana.n_

The Danger of Moving on from Movements Too Quickly

What exactly is normal supposed to be when black bodies are being murdered by the people who are supposed to protect them? Protests are still crowding the streets of American cities. Petitions are still being added to sites daily. Black bodies are still being killed. They are still going missing. They are still being unheard.

If you look on social media, it appears like none of this is happening… Or at least as though less people care anymore. Following George Floyd’s murder, people’s Instagram timelines were filled with infographics, petitions, and the controversial black squares. But now? One finds themself scrolling through selfies and homemade cake photos once again. People are posting memes and pictures of their pets on their stories. The social media sphere is once again returning to what it was before the cry for revolution rang out from the buried lungs of BIPOC.

Since the start of the 2020 protests, countless streets and squares have been named after the Black Lives Matter movement. Streaming services are removing episodes of old shows that have blackface in them. White actors are stepping down from their BIPOC voice acting roles... But none of this is enough. These kinds of changes are placating and minimal.

The current state of social media allows for these actions to seem like enough. As the outcry dies down, so does the pressure. Without this pressure, those with political power will not move forward and push for substantial reformation. A return to “normal” is a loss of collective voice– of collective influence.

Don’t stop posting. Don’t stop signing petitions. If you can’t go out and protest, support those who can. This is not the time to act as though your job is done– there is still so much you can use your voice for in this time of revolution.

Report: Nicolette Schneiderman

"Back" To School

With the recent events of the Coronavirus pandemic, schools and universities around the country have had to make severe changes to their academic schedules. Every state has their own set of plans for returning to school in the fall, but many will look similar. In Indiana University Bloomington was one of the first universities to release their school year plan to its students and parents. Returning in the fall is a guarantee, however, their version of the return is quite different than what college students expected. Instead of having in-person classes throughout the entirety of the academic year, Indiana will be going back online after Thanksgiving and hopefully returning to in-person classes in January. Indiana has also eliminated all breaks to where students will return home for a period of time and then arrive back at school. This proves to be important to decrease the chances of spreading the virus through states and through people at school. With all this being said, the virus has proven to be extremely unpredictable. What could happen if the country experiences another surge in cases? What happens if the virus disappears completely? These plans will not work with a surge, but they also will not work with the disappearance of the virus. The biggest concern that parents and students have is the quality of the education they will be receiving. Many do not pay full tuition to attend an online university when the initial plan was to receive the best in-person education they can. It is safe to say that the country will be experiencing many changes within the next few months. These changes will determine the quality of education and the quantity of students attending schools and universities this coming fall.

Picture 1: cappex.com

Picture 2: stnonline.com

Report: Hannah Zaremba

Abstinence in Wellness: Quarantine Edition

This time in quarantine has caused a great deal of stress for a lot of us, from being able to stay employed, getting settled into a new routine, and being able to properly social distance from others.

For single people, it can take a toll on the mind not being able to be around friends or potential lovers. Some who may have enjoyed themselves a more promiscuous lifestyle while being single, have had a sudden change in sex and dating.

Being that a person’s mental health is most at high risk now than ever it can be easy to slip into depression or grow anxiety from being taken out of a daily routine of socializing including intimacy. During the quarantine, some of us have been forced into a state of abstinence. Not allowing any physical sexual activity with others for health concerns may cause some to keep their sexual relationships virtual. Others who have been in this situation may have grown tired of casual sex.

Not everyone enjoys casual sex on a longterm basis as some prefer to be in a relationship. It can make someone take a step back and reevaluate their single life. When focusing on wellness and improving mental health, many typically decided to eat better, start fitness, and get more sleep. However, abstinence and spiritual well being can also be an effective change.

Abstinence contributes to mental health and wellness during a pandemic in the same way consistent casual sex can. The difference is knowing when to hit the reset button and move forward into taking a different approach.

The benefit of abstinence during this pandemic is being able to open yourself up to being vulnerable mentally with yourself and trying to make the necessary changes based on what your end goal is. While there is nothing wrong with casual sex, its also important to not get stuck in the habit when trying to date someone seriously. When we talk about making a change a lot of times its just talk until we make a big change to alter our outcomes and how it betters us. Being able to make changes that improve your mental health is part of living in wellness.

Report: Josephine Coiscou