Category: African-American

Essence Magazine:

As if being Black in America wasn’t already hard, the recent instances of police brutality have turned an even brighter spotlight on our pain.

Being both Black and a woman brings about a heightened struggle that was recently explained in the ESSENCE Townhall on Black Women and Trauma, hosted by relationships and wellness director Charli Penn. When asked how Black women deal with trauma in the workplace, psychologist Dr. Sherry Blake explains that triggers, for us, are at every turn.

“I can’t think of many settings where we’re not triggered, work being one of them” Dr. Blake says. “With that said, its the little things sometimes. Its subtle comments. It’s the responses you get. It’s the constant struggle [that says] you have to be more and better. You have to achieve more. And you look around to your counterparts, and of course, that’s not the same measuring stick for them. So we get triggered and reminded that we’re black, not only by skin color, but by others’ reactions around us.”

Dr. Sherry goes on to say that racism is embedded in American culture and that the best strategy for us is to learn how to shield ourselves from absorbing these negative interactions. “If we soak it all in and hold it in, we start believing what they say and we can’t afford to do that,” she says. “In spite of the rage and anger, we know who we are. We have to be able to tell ourselves, ‘we’re only going to respond to those things that we know matter.’ What people say is very painful, but what is it they’re doing and what are we going to do with that?”

See the full discussion above.

The post Black Women Are Triggered Everywhere They Go, But Especially The Workplace appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

A protest in Seattle turned violent after a man drove into a crowd and shot a 27-year-old Black demonstrator in the arm. Social media posts that were shared of the incident paint the victim, Daniel “Dan” Gregory, as a hero who put himself in harm’s way to protect hundreds of other protesters from being hit. 

According to the Seattle Times, the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday night at an intersection that for days had been occupied by protesters denouncing police brutality. The shooting happened after the driver, identified on Twitter as Nikolas Fernandez, plowed through a crowd of protesters, rattling those on the street. 

Recalling the event, Gregory, a frequent BLM protester according to reports, said “I see a car run down Pine. I catch him and I punch him in the face. I hear the gunshot go off in my arm and I move right in time when he reaches for something.”  The Seattle Times reports that Gregory was treated by medics on the ground before being taken to Harborview Medical Center where he was listed in stable condition. He is said to be doing okay, though his brother posted on Instagram that he would require surgery.

The driver who shot Gregory exited his vehicle after firing his gun and turned himself into police officers who were on the scene. Twitter sleuths obtained his arrest record which shows he was booked at King County Correctional Facility in Seattle at around 12:22 a.m. It also shows that he was arrested for an assault and his bail was denied.      

Dan Gregory was listed in stable condition after being shot by a gunman during a Seattle protest. (Photo: GoFundMe)

A GoFundMe has been set up on Gregory’s behalf by Black Lives Matter Seattle Original to cover his medical bills, and has already surpassed its goal of $100,000. Any additional funds will go to Gregory’s well being.  

“My whole thing was to protect those people,” Dan Gregory said as medics ushered him away from the scene of his shooting. “My whole thing was to protect those people down there.”

The post Black Demonstrator Hailed A Hero After Being Shot By Deranged Driver While Protecting Protesters appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

A protest in Seattle turned violent after a man drove into a crowd and shot a 27-year-old Black demonstrator in the arm. Social media posts that were shared of the incident paint the victim, Daniel “Dan” Gregory, as a hero who put himself in harm’s way to protect hundreds of other protesters from being hit. 

According to the Seattle Times, the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday at an intersection that for days had been occupied by protesters denouncing police brutality. The shooting happened after the driver, identified on Twitter as Nikolas Fernandez, plowed through a crowd of protesters, rattling those on the street. 

Recalling the event, Gregory, a frequent BLM protester according to reports, said “I see a car run down Pine. I catch him and I punch him in the face. I hear the gunshot go off in my arm and I move right in time when he reaches for something.” The Seattle Times reports that Gregory was treated by medics on the ground before being taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. He is said to be doing okay, though his brother posted on Instagram that he would require surgery.

The driver who shot Gregory exited his vehicle after firing his gun and turned himself into police officers who were on the scene. Twitter sleuths obtained his arrest record, which shows he was booked at King County Correctional Facility in Seattle at around 12:22 a.m. It also shows that he was arrested for an assault and his bail was denied.      

Dan Gregory was listed in stable condition after being shot by a gunman during a Seattle protest. (Photo: GoFundMe)

A GoFundMe has been set up on Gregory’s behalf by Black Lives Matter Seattle Original to cover his medical bills, and has already surpassed its goal of $100,000. Any additional funds will go to Gregory’s well-being.  

“My whole thing was to protect those people,” Gregory said as medics ushered him away from the scene of his shooting. “My whole thing was to protect those people down there.”

The post Black Demonstrator Hailed A Hero After Being Shot By Deranged Driver While Protecting Protesters appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

If there is one thing we can learn from the queer community, it’s resilience. While June is a month dedicated to celebrate members in the LGBTQ+ movement, which includes Pride Month parades across the world, this year is a little bit different. From COVID-19 to police brutality, the past few months have been extremely challenging for minorities. So when you add the inclusion of a community who has historically been at a disadvantage, along with being Black, the support toward movements that are not their own truly demonstrates solidarity.

When it comes to learning about LGBTQ+ issues, Instagram serves as a great tool to help you find queer activists who are always enlightening their audience about their community. From model Aaron Philip to activist Kimberly Drew to Hollywood producer Janet Mock, your timeline should incorporate these LGBTQ+ members. From to-die-for looks to community activism to cheeky dancing dancing videos, these are the queer instagram accounts you should already be following.

The post Black Queer Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

If there’s anyone who can help motivate the masses as we continue to fight against racial injustice, oppression and reiterating the value of Black lives, it’s none other than Beyoncé.

During her commencement address for Barack and Michelle Obama’s YouTube “Dear Class of 2020” virtual graduation ceremony, the singer congratulated high school seniors, who have persevered through an unprecedented time in the country—from the pandemic to police brutality.

“Thank you for using your collective voice and letting the world know that Black lives matter,” she said. “The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many others have left us all broken. It has left the entire country searching for answers.”

“We’ve seen that our collective hearts, when put to positive action, could start the wheels of change,” the “Freedom” singer continued. “Real change has started with you; this new generation of high school and college graduates who we celebrate today.”

Beyoncé noted that although she didn’t go to college and enjoy “campus parties,” her parents did teach her the value of education. She added that Mathew Knowles and Tina Knowles-Lawson also taught her “how to be authentic in my actions” and “the importance of investing in yourself.”

Queen Bey didn’t only address racism during her address to the class of 2020. She also spoke out against sexism in the music industry, which she faced when building her own company back in 2010.

“The entertainment business is still very sexist,” she said. “It’s still very male-dominated and as a woman, I did not see enough female role models given the opportunity to what I knew I had to do. To run my label and management company, to direct my films and produce my tours, that meant ownership—owning my masters, owning my art, owning my future and writing my own story.”

“Not enough Black women had a seat at the table. So I had to chop down my own wood and build my own table,” she said of her company, Parkwood, named after a street in Houston, Texas, where Bey once lived. “Then I had to invite the best there was to have a seat. That meant hiring women, men outsiders, underdogs, people that were overlook and waiting to be seen.”

“You are at the brink of a huge world shift. Look how far you’ve come and see how much you’ve contributed,” Bey told the graduates in closing. “Keep betting on yourself and congratulations.”

Dear Class of 2020 was also joined by other big names such as Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga and our forever president Barack Obama. 

The post Beyonce Inspires Class Of 2020 With Powerful Message appeared first on Essence.

Essence Magazine:

In a world influenced by social-media clout and likes, it’s necessary to clarify that protests are not a vain occasion but what you wear is essential.As history shows time and time again, even the most peaceful of protests have led to violence. Much like during the Civil Rights Movement in the ‘60s and ‘70s, it’s important to be prepared — specifically in your choice of clothing. So when you’re deciding what to wear to a protest, put style aside and practicality and safety at the forefront.

Contrary to popular belief, clothing has almost always been about something other than appearances. But to the black community, specifically, dressing in our “Sunday Best” has always held a different kind of power. The antithesis of white hippies who used their disheveled clothing to “resist the system” is to Black activists in the 1960s who wore suits, ties, and dress shoes as they protested in the streets for their rights to be fairly integrated into society. Many protesters believed that “proper” dress and a certain level of presentability would make them appear less threatening, and then maybe, just maybe, it would change the perception of Black people in the eyes of white people and other communities of color. This idea to go without protective gear, though needed at times, as they marched through the confederate south was deliberate and in many ways for their own safety; as they weren’t wearing “fighting clothes”, but clothes for peaceful negotiation. However, if the last 40 years have proven anything, it’s that being Black is the only prerequisite for being subjected to these severe injustices that wind through our nation’s history— it doesn’t matter how one dresses or how eloquently one speaks. Our presence is threatening, simply because we’re Black.

Now In 2020, as protesters continue to flood the streets and demand justice, it’s important that your outfit is strategically put together. There are an assortment of items needed to keep you protected that doesn’t include a well-tailored blazer or suspenders. But instead, like influencer Aerin Creer suggested on Twitter, grabbing for pieces like a drawstring hoodie and sneakers instead — as comfort is key for long days. As for the rest of the outfit, try opting for your favorite black activewear leggings to keep you moving freely and a short-sleeve fitted top made from a water-wicking material for air circulation on particularly hot days.

This list goes on to include other sensible items, there’s an eerie difference in clothing needed today, compared to that of the late ‘60s. And while both styles of dressing were essential to the times, they also represent self preservation, even in times of injustice.

Mask

COVID-19 Pandemic aside, police have been asking people at protests to submit pictures of individuals in attendance and wearing a mask helps prevent your identity.

Gloves

In case you come in contact with fire or teargas while peacefully protesting, having a pair of techknit gloves in your arsenal is beneficial in keeping your hands protected.

Drawstring Hoodie

Opt for a hoodie that’s your right size and provides a slightly snug fit. It should also have a drawstring hood, as it gives you the option to secure your goggles on your head and keep your hair out of the way.

Sneakers

Protesting often means a lot of walking so comfortable footwear is a must. But you’ll want to go with a pair of sneakers or running shoes without any flashy colors, details or logos, as to not call attention to yourself. 

Backpack

A backpack is great for keeping your smaller essentials for the long day ahead. This can include everything from a water bottle, granola bar, and snacks, to your keys, wallet and first aid kit.

Glasses/Goggles

To protect your eyes from flying debris, teargas, and other unknown elements always have a pair of shield-style glasses at your disposal.

Nondescript Clothing Without Logos

While logos make up the majority of our clothes, be sure to wear something that’s not easily identifiable to protect yourself. If you can’t find any non-descript clothing, try wearing them inside out to distort the branding image.

Black/Dark Colored Clothing

Dressing in all black and dark-colored clothing will help you blend in and distort if necessary. It also helps you maintain a low-profile both in pictures and in person.

Fitted Clothing

Wearing close-fitting garments are essential in case things escalate and you need to remove yourself from the situation. It will allow you to run a lot faster than you would with wide-leg pants and baggy sweatshirts.

Moisture-Wicking Materials

The weather can be unpredictable and wearing water-wicking materials will keep you cool and dry in unexpected downpours. Find pieces made from windbreaker materials and nylon for the best results.

The post Clothes You Should And Should Not Wear To A Protest appeared first on Essence.