BGLO

Category: African-American

  • This SF Man Couldn’t Even Stencil ‘Black Lives Matter’ On His Property In Peace

    Essence Magazine:

    James Juanillo was just showing his support for the Black Lives Matter movement, stenciling the rallying cry in chalk on to the front retaining wall of his property.

    However, a white couple apparently couldn’t mind their own business, confronting Juanillo, who is Filipino, and claiming to know the person who lives there personally.

    “A white couple call the police on me, a person of color, for stencilling a #BLM chalk message on my own front retaining wall,” Juanillo tweeted. “‘Karen’ lies and says she knows that I don’t live in my own house, because she knows the person who lives here.”

    A white couple call the police on me, a person of color, for stencilling a #BLM chalk message on my own front retaining wall. “Karen” lies and says she knows that I don’t live in my own house, because she knows the person who lives here. #blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/rOpHvKVwgP

    — Jaimetoons (@jaimetoons) June 12, 2020

    The video begins with the woman, later identified as Lisa Alexander according to ABC7News, asking Juanillo if the property is his.

    “Why are you asking?” Juanillo responds.

    “Because it’s private property, so are you defacing private property or is this your building?” the man with Alexander, identified only as “Robert” chimed in.

    “You’re free to express your opinions, but not on people’s property,” the man added.

    “If I did live here and it was my property, this would be absolutely fine?” Juanillo questions. “And you don’t know if I live here or if this is my property.”

    That was when the couple insisted that they actually knew who owns the property in question.

    Juanillo challenges the couple to call the police since they were accusing him of a crime.

    There was some back and forth before the couple eventually left.

    Juanillo told KRON4 that he has lived in that home since 2002.

    Alexander apparently did actually call the cops, Juanillo told the news station, and some officers did respond. However, since Juanillo has lived in the area for so long and did recognize the responding officers, the interaction went smoothly and the cops never even got out of their vehicle.

    However, things didn’t go over as smoothly for Alexander or the man who was later identified as her husband, Robert Larkin.

    Alexander issued a public apology on Sunday in a statement that read, “The last 48 hours has taught me that my actions were those of someone who is not aware of the damage caused by being ignorant and naive to racial inequalities. When I watch the video I am shocked and sad that I behaved the way I did. It was disrespectful to Mr. Juanillo and I am deeply sorry for that.”

    It turns out Alexander is the CEO of LAFACE Skincare, something which users quickly called out, ABC7 reports. This prompted Birchbox, a makeup subscription service, to release its own statement noting that it will no longer be working with the brand.

    A note from the Birchbox Team regarding Lisa Alexander and LAFACE. pic.twitter.com/CZSpBQegeA

    — Birchbox (@birchbox) June 13, 2020

    As for Larkin, he was fired from his job at Raymond James wealth management firm on Monday, KRON4 reports.

    “Raymond James has zero tolerance for racism and discrimination of any kind,” the company said in a statement. “After an investigation into the circumstances of a video alleging racism by one of our associates, we have concluded that the actions of he and his partner were inconsistent with our values, and the associate is no longer employed by Raymond James.”

    pic.twitter.com/tU55oIjkcq

    — Raymond James (@RaymondJames) June 15, 2020

    The post This SF Man Couldn’t Even Stencil ‘Black Lives Matter’ On His Property In Peace appeared first on Essence.

  • Fatal Police-Involved Shooting Of Rayshard Brooks Ruled A Homicide

    Essence Magazine:

    On Sunday, Georgia authorities ruled the death of Rayshard Brooks a homicide. The unarmed man who was in the Atlanta area celebrating the birthdays of his girlfriend, daughter and himself, was shot twice in the back by Atlanta police officers after falling asleep in a Wendy’s drive-through. 

    Video of the encounter between Brooks and the police show the 27-year-old father calmly speaking to officers after they approach his vehicle. The two officers, Officer Devin Bronsan, who joined APD in 2018, and later, 27-year-old former Officer Garrett Rolfe, were summoned to the Wendy’s after multiple reports say an employee phoned authorities complaining of a man sleeping in his drive-through lane and blocking other customers.  

    Brooks told officers that his girlfriend had dropped him off at his car after they had been out celebrating her birthday. He admitted to having roughly two margaritas before attempting to operate his vehicle. The encounter started off calm, but as the Atlanta Journal Constitution notes, it turned chaotic after officers determined Brooks was inebriated and administered a breathalyzer. Brooks registered a blood alcohol level of .108, which is slightly above the legal limit of .08.

    WARNING: This video contains bodycam footage from the final moments of Rayshard Brooks’ life and can be triggering to viewers.

    When officers attempted to arrest him, a struggle ensued. Video of the encounter shows Brooks running from officers before Rolfe discharges his weapon and shoots Brooks, rendering him lifeless on the ground. Brosnan radios for help. Emergency personnel arrive at the scene. And Brooks is taken to the hospital where he is pronounced dead. 

    On Saturday, Police Chief Erika Shields resigned over the incident and Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms called for the immediate firing of the officer who opened fire on Brooks. Atlanta police later announced that Rolfe was fired for his part in the fatal Friday night encounter with Brooks and Brosnan has been placed on administrative duty. 

    More than 100 protesters marched on Saturday night around the Wendy’s restaurant where Brooks was shot. That evening the fast-food establishment went up in flames. 

    Rayshard Brooks lost his life at the pictured Wendy's that was set ablaze in the aftermath of his deathThe Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks tragically lost his life went up in flames over the weekend. This image shows the destruction following the events. (Photo: @GAFollowers Twitter)

    “I watched the interaction with Mr. Brooks and it broke my heart,” Bottoms said during a Black Mayors Roundtable on CNN Sunday night. “This was not confrontational. This was a guy that you were rooting for.” 

    Brooks’ death comes as protesters all across the nation have taken to the streets to denounce police brutality in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. Rayshard Brooks will likely be remembered among the long list of Black men and women who senselessly lost their life at the hands of those sworn to protect.

    The post Fatal Police-Involved Shooting Of Rayshard Brooks Ruled A Homicide appeared first on Essence.

  • If You Have Low Porosity Hair You Need This Product

    If You Have Low Porosity Hair You Need This Product

    Essence Magazine:

    When you have low porosity hair, finding products that don’t simply sit on top of your curls can be a journey. My type 4 curls were so dry once, they wouldn’t even drink up a spritz of water once when my trichologist was running some tests on them. These hair shafts will open for almost nothing, which means product doesn’t get in, which leads to my hair being dry, brittle, and breaking often.

    Until recently, when I finally found something that doesn’t just sit on my curls, doesn’t cause flakes, and is helping my hair stay moisturized.

    Design Essentials Natural’s Almond & Avocado Overnight Recovery Treatment is a must-have if your hair typically fails to hold moisture. Usually, low porosity hair needs heat in order to open up the hair shaft, which results in me sitting under a steamer or dryer with a mask or deep conditioner. This creamy game-changing treatment needs none of that.

    Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Overnight Recovery Treatment, $15, designessentials.com

    My thirsty curls just eat it up. I put it on at night and in the morning my hair feels soft and moisturized. It’s not greasy on dry hair which I love (note: it will feel greasy when applied to wet hair), and it smells like something I want near my face all day—which is important in a hair product.

    For me the most important part is that it gets into my hair so there’s no product dust all over the pillow when I wake up (product dust: looks like dandruff but it’s really just product build-up that eventually dried and fell off). And because my hair is finally getting the moisture it needs, it looks and feels healthier.

    I know that it’s not a leave-in conditioner or curl cream and I can’t use it as a substitute for those much-needed products. But now that I’ve had so much success for the past few weeks with the Overnight Recovery Treatment, I’m excited to use other products in this new line to see if I’ve landed on a bounty of solutions for the low porosity girls’ hair woes.

    Instagram/@designessentialsnatural

    The post If You Have Low Porosity Hair You Need This Product appeared first on Essence.

  • 7 Wines You Need To Try For National Rosé Day

    Essence Magazine:

    June 13th is National Rosé Day in the United States, giving wine lovers a day to sip and celebrate what we all love to refer to as “summer’s water”. 

    One of the oldest types of wine, rosé has become a hugely popular wine in recent years—and almost synonymous with the summer season. Wine lovers have been converted to this oasis in a glass because of its pink color, fruity taste and carefree feel — because seriously, who wouldn’t love it?With summer just beginning, there are a million reasons to stock up on your favorite brand. So go ahead and indulge with these top rosé selections that you should buy today in honor of National Rosé Day.

    The post 7 Wines You Need To Try For National Rosé Day appeared first on Essence.

  • Black Creatives Are Drenching The Internet In Glorious Melanin With The #ESSENCEChallenge

    Essence Magazine:

    Long before it was a trend, Black brilliance shined bright on the cover of ESSENCE and the stories that shaped Black realities were brought to life in every issue.

    The official ESSENCE 50th Anniversary Hub is now live! Click HERE to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from our cover shoots, see which of your favorite celebs have the most ESSENCE covers under their belt and more!

    While some have been fighting for a seat at their table, ESSENCE has been serving Black culture, Black style, Black beauty, and Black creativity for 50 years.

    In response to Anna Wintour’s statement on the lack of cultivation of Black talent at American Vogue, Black creatives began putting their own spin on the #VogueChallenge, highlighting the fact that Black creators historically haven’t been given space in the magazine. From there, the challenge took off and the ultimate celebration of Black culture commenced,giving birth to the #ESSENCEChallenge.

    View this post on Instagram

    So I’ve been seeing the #VogueChallenge and I loveeeee it but, I decided to create my own and do it black ownedalt=”💁🏾‍♀️” class=”wp-smiley”/>🤎🖤 . . So this is really the #EssenceChallenge ✨Tag me if y’all do this challenge too I’d love to see it 😍 . . SN: I created this using Photoshop! . . What do you guys think 👀? tag @essence if you like it!! . . Maybe I’ll be on a magazine cover for real one day ☺🤞🏾

    A post shared by Denisha (@naturally.nish) on Jun 11, 2020 at 8:31am PDT

    Scroll through to check out just a few of our favorite #ESSENCEChallenge photos.Join in on the movement and create your own ESSENCE cover by using our IG story filter, as we continue celebrating 50 years of putting Black culture first.

    The post Black Creatives Are Drenching The Internet In Glorious Melanin With The #ESSENCEChallenge appeared first on Essence.

  • Kiana Ledé’s Remake of ‘Dear Mr. President’ Is Right On Time

    Kiana Ledé’s Remake of ‘Dear Mr. President’ Is Right On Time

    Essence Magazine:

    The revolution always needs theme music, and it’s “Chocolate” singer Kiana Ledé for the win with a thoughtful remake. 

    Ledé dropped a cover of P!nk’s 2006 “Dear Mr. President,” which was released while George W. Bush was in office, and now, has a deeper meaning given the social climate.

    The lyrics—“How do you sleep while the rest of us cry? How do you dream when a mother has no chance to say goodbye? How do you walk with your head held high?”—hit different with Trump in the Oval Office.

    NEWARK, NJ – AUGUST 25:Kiana Lede performs onstage during the 2019 Black Girls Rock! at NJ Performing Arts Center on August 25, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.(Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)

    “Through all the crying and pleading, all the protesting and donating, I wanted to do something that is therapeutic for me–singing. I came across the song ‘Dear Mr. President’ by P!nk and realized so many of the lyrics are still relevant today,” said Ledé via press release.

    Ledé, whose debut album Kiki racked up 30 million streams, hopes it encourages people to flex their fighting power at the polls. “Trump is a symbol of racism and we’re facing the impending doom of his re-election,” the Phoenix-born artist said. “He needs to be replaced.”

    And while releasing a song that speaks to the country’s pain is a form resistance, supporting organizations that are in this struggle for racial justice work too. That’s why all net proceeds from “Dear Mr. President” will be donated to NAACP Empowerment Programs, which are dedicated to education, voter participation and social justice.

    Ledé debut album, Kiki, became a streaming favorite in April when it dropped, hitting the Top 5 of the Apple Music and iTunes R&B/Soul Albums. 

    The Scream series alum told People that “Kiki the album is an ode to a Black/Brown Aries in her early 20s using R&B as a cathartic release.”

    Listen to Ledé’s remake below. 

    The post Kiana Ledé’s Remake of ‘Dear Mr. President’ Is Right On Time appeared first on Essence.

  • How To Apply For Glossier’s Grant For Black-Owned Beauty Businesses

    Essence Magazine:

    Glossier is ready to support the next generation of game-changing companies created by Black beauty entrepreneurs. 

    Today the brand opened up applications for their $500K grants initiative that will provide grants for $10k, $30k and $50K to roughly 15 Black-owned beauty businesses in the United States that sell cosmetics, skincare products or tools for the face, body and hair.

    On May 30, Glossier released a statement announcing the new effort in response to the national charge to combat racial injustice that ensued during protests for George Floyd, the Black man killed last month by Minneapolis police.

    Glossier, one of the first companies to openly pledge to hold themselves accountable in combating racial injustice, is starting by focusing on creating an inclusive beauty industry.

    In addition to receiving funding, businesses that are selected for the grant will also have the opportunity to connect with relevant team members at Glossier for one on one advisory support and monthly calls with domain experts to talk about supply chain, packaging, content strategy and more. Glossier will also use their channels to introduce these businesses to their community.

    Of the $424.7 billion raised in venture capital since 2009, Black women have only received .0006 percent, and Glossier aims to address this inequity. 

    “We are humbled to play a small role in supporting those leaders’ missions, visions, and successes, and can’t wait to amplify their stories,” said Emily Weiss, founder, and CEO of Glossier. 

    To apply for the grant, click here or visit glossier.com/grant/blogs for the application, frequently asked questions, and official terms and conditions. The deadline for applications is July 3, 2020, at 11:59 PM EST.

    The post How To Apply For Glossier’s Grant For Black-Owned Beauty Businesses appeared first on Essence.

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Provides Scholarships For George Floyd’s Family To Attend HBCUs

    Essence Magazine:

    Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority announced on Friday that the organization founded on the campus of Howard University by Black collegiate women will provide scholarships to the daughter and granddaughters of George Floyd to attend an HBCU of their choosing. The family was notified of the gift, by AKA International President Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover.

    In a press release, Glover wrote, “Since our founding in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha has endeavored to build a better world for African Americans by serving the community, advancing higher education, and fighting for social justice.” She added that she hopes the financial support for the young women will help “assist them on their path to success.”

    Gianna Floyd. AKA Sorority Inc offered the daughter of George Floyd scholarships MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JUNE 2: George Floyd’s daughter Gianna Floyd, attends a press conference with her mother Roxie Washington on June 2, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Washington was joined by her daughter and Floyd’s friend, former NBA Player Stephen Jackson, speaking about the impact of his death on their family. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

    The sorority has been very vocal in their opposition to the recent killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and countless others. In a video posted to the organization’s social media, Glover says, “Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated strongly condemns the senseless killings of Black women, Black men, and our Black children, in the United States, resulting from unlawful, unnecessary, and excessive use of force by police and those playing vigilante watchmen.” The daughter of civil rights activists goes on to say that members of the first Black Greek-lettered sorority for college-educated women will continue to fight for social justice issues and push for meaningful reform.

    Glover recently stated during a press conference that Floyd’s call to his mother during his last moments was a call for help from all women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is now answering that call by denouncing police brutality but by also showing up for the young women he left behind. That includes his six-year-old daughter, Gianna, and granddaughters, Taleiaha and Journi. They will each receive full scholarships plus aid. Glover says the organization will also be there to support the family in whatever way they can.  

    Glover, who serves as the president of Tennessee State University, an HBCU located in Nashville, says in her own words that she “determined early that education and equal justice were important for all people of color.” She told ESSENCE last year that she’s always happy to be provided an opportunity to give back.

    The post Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Provides Scholarships For George Floyd’s Family To Attend HBCUs appeared first on Essence.

  • Celebrity Beauty Looks Of The Week June 7 – June 13

    Essence Magazine:

    For the past two weeks celebrities took a break from posting just-for-fun selfies and beauty shots on social media to decry the unjust murders of Black civilians at the hand of the police. Instead, our favorite Tinseltown beauties posted messages supporting the Black community and calling for systemic changes.

    Last week, celebrities, influencers, editors, creatives, change makers and other real women took to Instagram with a challenge to further the message that Black lives matter and that Black women have a voice that will no longer go unheard.

    The result: a collection of photos showcasing just how beautiful Black is. Whether they were old photos, the ladies were in full glam or wearing nothing to enhance their natural beauty, these beauties looked stunning. And the posts not only normalize and highlight Black beauty, but they magnify the support that they women show to one another, especially in trying times.

    Check out some of the women who participated and posted photos we double-tapped, bookmarked, and couldn’t look away from, further proving that Black women will be seen.

    The post Celebrity Beauty Looks Of The Week June 7 – June 13 appeared first on Essence.