Category: African-American

Essence Magazine:

Quickly, the consumer’s priorities in fashion are changing. Comfort, functionality, and the ability to mix and match a piece to get the best bang for your buck are fueling the demand for loungewear. Where the category of cozy apparel was once reserved for inside the home, we’re now incorporating the look into our everyday essentials.

As streetwear continues to merge with luxury fashion, you’re hard pressed to find a brand that hasn’t caught on and introduced their own collections that cater to the consumers’ need for comfort infused with style. The brands rising to the forefront of the movement come at lounge and athleisure from an innovative perspective, creating products that stand out above the rest. Philadelphia-based brand, Lovello Elizabeth, is a leader of the pack.

Alnika Lovello launched the brand in 2014, and it has since garnered over 68,000 followers on Instagram as customers flock to the brand’s signature ZENTAI jumpsuit. The Lovello Elizabeth look is reminiscent of a 90’s or early 2000’s aesthetic, begging for a pair of vintage Chanel shades and a multicolored Louis Vuitton pochette to finish off the look. But what stands out is Lovello’s attention to quality and her ability to combine modernity (the brand embodies an overall minimalistic feel, characterized by solid color ways and clean lines) and hints of streetwear.

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Rose Romper 5/29 12PMORANGE, PINK, NUDE, OLIVE, HEATHER GREY & BLACK XXS-XL. $125 ONLINE ONLY.MODEL SHOWN WEARING: XS

A post shared by LOVELLO ELIZABETH (@lovelloelizabeth) on May 28, 2020 at 8:05pm PDT

Coming from an African-American and Italian background, Lovello takes a unique approach to her brand that effortlessly fuses masculine and feminine, marries urban with high end, and introduces two cultures to one line to “forge a new path towards diversity in fashion.”

Self-taught, Lovello grew her brand from what was a slow start, to now, one with loyal customers anticipating its next drop. “The jumpsuit was ahead of its time. It took almost three years for it to sell, now it’s non-stop orders,” she told PHILADELPHIA. She recently released a mix and match capsule of fresh, pastel colored short sets with the option of a cozy hoodie or a low neckline, ribbed crop-tank. And just as it seems the brand was set on raising the bar for loungewear-meets-everyday, Lovello drops a hint on her website that Lovello Elizabeth could soon be taking a turn into contemporary fashion.

ESSENCE got to speak with Lovello about how she’s created a brand with quality first and a mission to not become boxed in.

Essence: What was the process of starting your brand like?

Lovello: I started out in January 2014 with 24 screen printed t-shirts. Everything was all just for fun. I had no experience in fashion— just Google as my best friend. A few months later, I found a manufacturer and started making handcrafted items that were sold out of my trunk. Things were slow at first, but after some killer items, business really started picking up. Fast forward about 5 more years, we have a studio, a creative space, and a full warehouse for inventory.

Quality seems to be a prominent characteristic of Lovello Elizabeth. How important is the clothing’s material to you?

Quality has been the top priority since day one. It’s very important to me to make sure that fabric is the right fit for the design, that sizing is perfect in terms of range and fit, and that details are well put together. Sometimes collections take longer to release because I’m really focused on making sure we deliver on the quality.

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Let’s start the spring off right #BTS3/6 11AM EST IN-STUDIO & ONLINE

A post shared by LOVELLO ELIZABETH (@lovelloelizabeth) on Mar 4, 2020 at 8:27am PST

Would you describe Lovello Elizabeth as streetwear?

I have a hard time labeling the brand, and I say that because of what’s to come from us. Right now, we may sell comfortable loungewear or athleisure, but in the future I’d like for the brand to be seen more as an overall lifestyle brand, giving options to the type of style the consumer is looking to achieve. I’d like for us to cover all the needs of our consumer. I love streetwear, but I don’t want to box Lovello Elizabeth in.

What makes a good sweatsuit?

The first thing I ask myself is “Is it comfortable? Does it fit well?” I also make sure it’s something I can get more than one wear from and style in different ways. Sustainability, longevity and functionality are always in the back of our minds when designing our pieces.

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New Arrivals | The OSH Hoodie and OSH Leggings. Offered in 5 colors. Items sold separately! Releasing 2/14, in-studio and on lovelloelizabeth.com.  #LovelloElizabeth

A post shared by LOVELLO ELIZABETH (@lovelloelizabeth) on Feb 11, 2020 at 2:54pm PST

Was Lovello Elizabeth at all impacted by COVID-19?

We’ve mostly been impacted internally, as our team is working from home. We really enjoy coming in and spending time together everyday, but our main focus has been making sure everyone is able to stay safe. We’ve had to work on new strategies for marketing, like most businesses, and we’re using this time to work on creating more timeless collections and all-around functionality.

What’s next for your brand?

We’re creating a new brand experience on the website for customers shopping online. We’re also working on expansion, pop-up shops, exclusive collections and collaborating with some dope people and brands. We’re excited for what’s to come and think everyone will really enjoy what’s next.

The post Lovello Elizabeth Is The Go-To For Minimalistic Loungewear appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

A Black store owner who called the cops to report a robbery at his shop was punched by an officer who apparently mistook him for the suspect.

According to AL.com, the incident occurred on March 15, but has only caught attention after surveillance footage made its way to social media over the weekend.

Kevin Penn, 47, the owner of Star Spirits & Beverages in Decatur called police to report a robbery, noting that he was holding the suspect at gunpoint.

Decatur Police Chief Nate Allen told AL.com that because Penn was armed and officers were responding to a robbery, he was mistaken for the suspect.

Body camera footage that police played during a press conference on Monday showed officer telling Penn to put his gun down, and Penn apparently refused. As AL.com notes, the body camera footage does not seem to clearly show what happened and was edited with captions and delayed at certain parts.

Allen says Penn then moved his hand over the gun that was next to him, adding that he was holding a magazine (ammunition) in his other hand, which an officer may have mistaken for a gun.

“We do know there was a gun there, we do know that the magazines were there, we do know that he was reloading the magazine,” Allen said at the news conference.

Penn’s lawyer, Carl Cole told AL.com that he had shown the gun to officers so that they would know he was armed and then took out the clip and removed the bullet from the chamber.

An officer who was just walking into the store is seen walking straight up to Penn and punching him hard in the face.

That officer has not been publicly identified, but Allen said that he was placed on desk duty pending an internal investigation. The incident has been under investigation since it first occurred, AL.com notes.

Penn sustained serious injuries from the punch, including having his teeth knocked out and a broken jaw. His mouth was wired shut for several weeks, his lawyer told the news site.

And even though Penn was the one who called officers to report the robbery, he was arrested for obstructing governmental operations for hampering the investigation of the robbery, according to the report.

The post Black Store Owner Gets Punched By Officer Responding To Robbery At His Shop appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

Jaime Harrison is in it to win it, and the South Carolina Democrat is not holding back on shining a light on the inadequacies of his Republican opponent. On Monday Harrison, who is looking to unseat Lindsey Graham in the United States Senate, capitalized on National Best Friends Day, taking to Twitter to mock the three-term incumbent who has, in recent years, done a complete 180 on his stance toward new BFF Donald Trump. 

“Thinking about @LindseyGrahamSC on #NationalBestFriendsDay… Must be hard when your BFF doesn’t feel the same way,” Harrison wrote in a post accompanied by a video of Trump speaking unfavorably about Graham. In the clip, Trump says that Graham is “one of the dumbest human beings I’ve ever seen.” He also goes on to say, “He went crazy. The guy is a nut job. I think Lindsey Graham is a disgrace and I think you have one of the worst representatives of any representative in the United States. I don’t think he could run for dog catcher in this state and win again. I really don’t.” 

Harrison’s ad then splices in a comment from Graham where the longtime politician says of Trump, “I like the President. He’s been a friend to me.”

Thinking about @LindseyGrahamSC on #NationalBestFriendsDay… Must be hard when your BFF doesn’t feel the same way pic.twitter.com/zaghxAkynp

— Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) June 8, 2020

Throughout the campaign season, Harrison has offered up Graham’s newfound affection for Trump as a reason why South Carolinians can not trust him to fight for them in D.C. According to Harrison, Graham in recent years has spent less time advocating on behalf of the interests of the people in the Palmetto State and more time “rolling over to do whatever Donald Trump wants.”

In an interview with ESSENCE, Harrison contended that Graham “doesn’t give a damn” about the fact that rural hospitals are closing, and that people in the state lack access to adequate medical care. He also shared that last year when the International African American Museum broke ground in Charleston, Graham’s name was included in the program, but his friendship with Trump took precedent over the ceremonious affair.

“We know how important that museum is to the state of South Carolina, to the story of African-Americans,” Harrison asserted. “[Lindsey Graham] was flying down from Washington, D.C. on Air Force One to come to South Carolina for a rally with President Trump… Anytime there’s a photo op with the president, he shows up. It’s sad. It is beyond sad. And that’s why it’s time to give him what he wants. Give him all the time he wants to golf with the president. They can go to Mar-a-Lago and do their thing. Just the two of them while we get the work done for the people.”

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 14:(AFP OUT) Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), left, carries one of his golf clubs as he leaves the presidential limo at the White House on October 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump is seen at right talking on the phone. The two “BFFs” are returning after playing a round of golf. (Photo by Ron Sachs – Pool/Getty Images)

Though Trump endorsed his “BFF” one day before state elections, Graham’s close ties to Trump seems to be a sticking point for many in The Palmetto State. On Tuesday, the politician, who has spent 17 years in the U.S. Senate, is facing off against three Republican challengers in the South Carolina primaries.

All have cited his relationship to the commander-in-chief as the reason new leadership is needed in Washington. It’s also why a number of former Graham backers have shifted their support and have chosen, instead, to donate to Harrison’s campaign this election cycle. For the last two quarters, FEC filings have also shown that Harrison has outraised his Republican opponent. A May poll put Harrison in a tie with Graham for the U.S. Senate seat.  

The post Jaime Harrison Mocks Lindsey Graham And ‘BFF’ Donald Trump appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

The truth is, many Black people have been experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for decades, many most likely even undiagnosed.

The traumatizing role that slavery, racial oppression and violent hatred toward Black people has been embedded in our minds, making it difficult for us to mentally manage additional mental stressors. But still we do it — day after day. While many people associate post-traumatic stress disorder solely with being the result of experiencing war, it’s actually a chronic psychiatric disorder that occurs in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event — such as a global pandemic and racial injustice.

But what happens when they both occur at the same time? How do we compartmentalize the pain and trauma we’ve been experiencing since birth? Case-after-case of violence against Black Americans at the hands of police officers has led to national daily protests, yet simultaneously, Black people are still dealing with a global virus that is disproportionately impacting and killing our community?

Seems unbearable doesn’t it?

One study of racial discrimination and psycho>experience significantly more instances of discrimination than either Asian or Hispanic Americans — though if we’re keeping it real, we don’t need a study to tell us that.

Furthermore, those Black people who experienced the most racism were significantly more likely to experience symptoms of PTSD as well. Nyasha Chikowore, M.S., a clinical psychology doctoral extern at Capital Center for Psychotherapy & Wellness in Washington, D.C. and author of children’s book Giraffe Asks For Help explores the long-term effects that our current climate will have on our psyche — so it’s important to take care of yourself sooner, rather than later.

An increase in mental health issues.

It almost goes without saying that we will see an increase in individuals who are not only struggling with their mental health, but also those who are actually seeking out help. The important thing is to do something about it as soon as you recognize it. “For individuals who were already dealing with mental health concerns, the pandemic has exacerbated those issues,” says Chikowore. “For others, new issues are surfacing as many are dealing with unemployment, financial concerns, grief and loss, illness, a lack of motivation and productivity. The added stress of the continued injustices against Black people only adds to the numbers we’ll see. After offering a free support group for Black people recently, my inbox has been inundated with emails from individuals wanting to join and seeking affordable therapy.”

Increased need for culturally sensitive mental health services.

The good news? Once life returns to normal — more people than ever will seek out therapy. The bad news? More people than ever week out therapy. “With this increase in mental health issues, more individuals will be seeking therapy,” Chikowore. “Everyone should have access to mental health services, however, depending on where you live, it may be difficult to locate a therapist who looks like you, or one who can understand your experience as a Black person in this country. Many of us may have to visit multiple therapists to find the right fit, and also contend with waitlists and insurance coverage.” 

Increased risky behavior.

Many of us are itchy for the day when “outside will open back up.” But while states are currently going through phased re-openings, the new normal will be a lot different from life as we previously know it. But despite the urge to make risky choices, it’s important to consider against it. “Feeling isolated for so long can take a toll on anyone, as there have been individuals quarantined without a significant other, family, or roommates,” says Chikowore. “Isolation, paired with the triggers of racial trauma in the news and on our timelines, makes it possible that many will adopt the ‘you only live once’ attitude. I have seen that with Black men in particular, putting themselves in dangerous situations (e.g. fighting, reckless driving), is a more socially acceptable reaction than being sad or showing various emotions.”

Increased intentional self care.

As poet and activist Audre Lorde once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” “With the increased exhaustion from fighting for justice and maintaining a sense of normalcy during the pandemic, we will see more intention around self-care,” says Chikowore. “Black people are doing yoga, meditating, going to therapy, gardening, utilizing acupuncture, reiki, and other alternative methods of care more than before. Many of my clients are also detaching from their phones, walking, cycling, and spending time in nature to get a breather from reality.”

The post The Long-Term Mental Health Effects For Black People Living Through Coronavirus and Racial Trauma appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

Whether he’s a #girldad or simply an all-around superhero in your eyes, the man (or men) in your life need some self-care moments just like you do. And with the journey that we’ve all been on for 2020 so far, health, wellness and beauty is a must.

Our fathers, husbands, brothers, uncles, sons and father-figures deserve the best of the best. So give it to them while keeping your coins in the community. While Bevel, Plant Apothecary and several other favorite Black-owned brands remain our go-tos for quality products, we’re adding a few more to the list.

Check out the gallery below for some Black-owned brands you can shop to elevate his grooming experience. From fancy washing accessories to all the beard balm he can stand, these gifts will really make dad happy.

The post 16 Dope Black-Owned Grooming Brands To Shop This Father’s Day appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

In New York, police use of chokeholds has already banned since 1993, but now the state is one step closer to actually criminally punishing the use of chokeholds that result in injury or death, WABC reports.

According to the news station, the New York State Senate and State Assembly passed a law criminalizing the use of chokeholds on Monday in a landslide vote of 140 to 3. The bill is named after Eric Garner, who died after being placed in a banned chokehold in 2014.

The Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act dictates that an officer who injures or kills someone using “a chokehold or similar restraint” can be charged with a class C felony, which carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, CBS News reports.

“Almost six years ago, we heard Eric Garner tell police ‘I can’t breathe’ as he was put into a chokehold by an NYPD officer,” Assemblymember Walter T. Mosley, the sponsor of the bill, said in a statement, according to CBS. “His words now speak from the grave as we deal with the police killing of George Floyd under nearly identical circumstances.”

The New York State Assembly released a statement noting that some 996 people have accused NYPD officers of putting them in chokeholds since Garner’s death.

“I have worked with my Assembly colleagues to reform our state’s broken criminal justice system. Holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions is a necessary part of that,” Speaker Carl Heastie added. “The NYPD ban on chokeholds was not enough to protect Eric Garner, and it is not enough today. This legislation will put an end to the practice across the state.”

Daniel Pantaleo, the officer who put Garner in the banned chokehold was fired from the NYPD but was never criminally prosecuted in the case.

The post New York Legislature Passes Bill Criminalizing Use Of Chokehold appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

After days of reflection at memorial services in Minneapolis, North Carolina, and Houston, George Floyd will be laid to rest on Tuesday in his hometown. The homegoing will be broadcasted on C-Span at noon, allowing mourners to pay their last respects to the 46-year-old father who lost his life at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Floyd’s body will be interned at Houston Memorial Gardens in Pearland where his mother’s body is also buried. The family will host a private funeral to remember their loved one whose last moments were caught on camera by bystanders and went viral around the world. Those in Houston are able to view the funeral procession from streets and sidewalks along the route.

Supporters at home can also tune into CBSN and CBS News Radio starting at 12:20 p.m. for coverage of the events. 

Floyd’s funeral comes two weeks after his death and the commencement of ensuing national protests calling for justice in his case. Since that time all four officers responsible for his murder have been arrested and charged. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was originally faced with third-degree murder. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced last week that those charges were being upgraded to second-degree murder. Kiernan Lane, Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao were all charged with second-degree aiding and abetting felony murder and second-degree aiding and abetting manslaughter in Floyd’s death. On Monday, Chauvin’s bond was set at $1.25 million.

TOPSHOT – A woman wears a mask reading “I can’t breathe” in Madrid, on June 7, 2020, during a demonstration against racism and in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a police officer knelt on his neck in Minneapolis. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

In Floyd’s final moments he screamed out “I can’t breathe” and also called out for his mother. Both have become a rallying cry for protesters denouncing police brutality across the country and the world.

Rev. Al Sharpton is expected to deliver the eulogy at Tuesday’s memorial service, prior to Floyd being laid to rest in Houston. Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for the President of the United States is also said to be on hand in Texas to support the family. 

The post George Floyd To Be Laid To Rest In Houston appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

Breonna Taylor, a Louisville EMT worker and aspiring nurse who was working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, was shot and killed in her home by three white police officers on March 13. None of the officers have been charged in connection to her case, but new details are beginning to emerge about the men responsible for taking her life. 

One officer in particular, Brett Hankinson, is accused of being a “dirty cop” and more than one woman has come forward to say he sexually assaulted them. The accusations which were originally made on social media, have,  according to People, caught the attention of the Louisville Metro Police, who plan to initiate an investigation into the matter. 

Hankinson is currently on administrative leave, along with Louisville officers, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Officer Myles Cosgrove who are also culprits in Taylor’s death. Last October Hankinson was placed at the center of an ongoing federal lawsuit by plaintiff Kendrick Wilson, who alleged that the part-time security guard arrested him three times since 2016 and has a vendetta against him stemming from a relationship he had with a woman they both dated.

Hankinson’s work doing bar security seems to have made him familiar to women in the St. Matthews area which is located less than 10 miles from downtown Louisville. One of those women, Margo Borders, said in a Facebook post that she went out with friends and as she was going to call an uber home, Hankisnon offered her a ride home in his marked police car. When he got to Borders’ home, he invited himself in and sexually assaulted her.

In April of 2018 I went out to a bar with some friends. I went to call an uber home and a police officer who I had…

Posted by Margo Borders on Thursday, June 4, 2020

“Brett Hankison has a history of violence, sexual assault, and planting drug evidence on people,” Borders continued. “There have been multiple allegations against this man and reports but all cases dropped and no disciplinary action taken. He is currently on paid leave in Florida on the beach.

I implore all of you to demand justice for all of his victims, but mostly demand justice for Breonna Taylor.”

Protesters hold up signs on June 3, 2020, during a “Breonna Taylor and Black Lives Matter” protest in New York City. Brett Hankinson, along with Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Officer Myles Cosgrove are responsible for Taylor’s death.(Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Another woman, Emily Terry, shared a similar experience with Hankinson on Instagram. Like Borders, Terry claims that Hankinson offered her a ride home when leaving a bar intoxicated one night. She took the invitation as a kind gesture and was appalled after he started making sexual advances. The assault was reported the next day, but Terry says, “of course nothing came from it.” 

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This is Brett Hankison. In early fall, I began walking home from a bar intoxicated. A police officer pulled up next to me and offered me a ride home. I thought to myself, “Wow. That is so nice of him.” And willingly got in. He began making sexual advances towards me; rubbing my thigh, kissing my forehead, and calling me “baby”. Mortified, I did not move. I continued to talk about my grad school experiences and ignored him. As soon as he pulled up to my apartment building, I got out of the car and ran to the back. My friend reported this the next day, and of course nothing came from it. Flash forward, I see his face. This face. Involved with the shooting of Breonna Taylor. I then find out he has a history of corrupt behavior. He has had multiple sexual assault allegations, and was in a federal lawsuit over planting narcotics on a black man to arrest him.Not all cops are bad, but this one is. Right now, Mr. Hankison is walking free. Reading this, I hope you know this is not about me, but the reform that needs to take place. Please use your voices to speak up of the injustice occurring throughout our community. #silenceisviolence #sayhername #breonnataylor

A post shared by Emily Terry (@emily_terry1) on Jun 4, 2020 at 9:26am PDT

Last month Terry was reminded of the incident when she found out Hankinson was involved in Breonna Taylor’s tragic death. “Not all cops are bad, but this one is,” she wrote.  

Taylor would have turned 27 last week. Her family, activists, and protesters continue to demand justice in her case.

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