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At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say

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INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Tanner Adell performs on the T-Mobile Mane Stage in the course of the Stagecoach 2024 Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 27, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

Come to your senses, yes. Over the weekend, Stagecoach, California’s largest country music festival, showcased one in all its most diverse lineups since its inception, with nine black bands performing over three days. This weekend, Essence kept its feet on the bottom, meeting with six artists, each of whom stated in their own way: Country music is for everybody but Black people.

Tanner Adell, Leon Bridges, Miko Marks, Willie Jones, Brittney Spencer, The War and Treaty, RVSHVD, Shaboozey and even Wiz Khalifa graced Stagecoach 2024 with their own sets for the primary time. This wave of “newness” brought electrifying energy to the stages of Stagecoach; “back to” the country, as Michael Trotter Jr. put it. from The War and Treaty.

Stagecoach was never on my radar regardless that I lived in California – that’s, until I saw this yr’s lineup. While on the festival grounds, I experienced some not-so-friendly encounters, politically coded chants, and comments stemming from an exotic fascination (everyone knows the type), all of which were to be expected on this territory. But I also experienced many beautiful moments that showed how diverse, collective and friendly the Country space is. Black festival-goers looked as if it would naturally gravitate towards one another, and one North Carolinian spotted me in the group and shared how, after a decade of attending Stagecoach, he was overjoyed to see more of our community embrace a genre where we have long roots.

At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty perform in the course of the Stagecoach 2024 Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 28, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo: Timothy Norris/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

For an artist like Willie Jones, welcoming and supporting artists from the Black Country “is a dream come true” and leaves him wanting much more for the collective. During the conversation, each artist pointedly named the opposite, singing one another’s praises and showing real-time support for their small community. From Randy Savvy and Compton Cowboys spreading awareness of black cowboy culture amongst Marks and sharing how the Bill Pickett Rodeo gave her her first platform, so many features of black country culture got here together to uplift one another.

The mutual feeling expressed by each performer can only be described as elation. For Spencer, being embraced on stage for her artistry was “empowering [to see] the future of country music will create space for different types of people.”

The Stagecoach platform provides a chance to attach with country fans and show them that “we are here,” as Shaboozey enthuses. They delve into what it’s prefer to perform for an audience that does not all the time reflect them physically. Some express occasional discomfort, while others describe their goal to create a universal experience through music that transcends physical identity. Spencer emphasizes that as Black people, “we listen to music where we see ourselves,” and reflects the interests of the collective, which goals to indicate the community that this too may be possible in country music. Trotter states, “we don’t just want [the Black community] at our shows, we are there.”

At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Singer Willie Jones performs on stage on day three of the Stagecoach Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 28, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

Adell focuses on creating an authentic space for her audience: “I want to perform in a way that I don’t have to [explain] why I did something,” she confirms, referring to her decisions of wearing Bantu knots on the CMT Awards or highlighting Harbin sisters, six black girls to bounce together with her on the Stagecoach stage. “I did it because the people who need to see it, if you know, you know and they knew. And if you didn’t, then it wasn’t news for you. Her stagecoach performance had taken place earlier in the day and was still met with the most spirited crowd, “that just says a lot about [the presence of] the Black community.” She goes on to say, “It’s harder for independent women to break through in country music, let alone women of color. I am grateful for our community.”

Reclaiming an area long defined by homogeneous gatekeepers may be exhausting, as Marks highlights in an interview following a decade-long hiatus from the genre. “I used to be just devastated because Nashville and the industry weren’t accepting of it. They loved the music, but they didn’t like me and the way in which I presented it. As a “seasoned” figure within the genre, she talks about how beautiful her comeback was, how she’s evolved since then, and reflects on the present era of country music. While she’s grateful for the increased focus they’re currently experiencing (thanks Cowboy Carter!), she also wants Black artists to be respected for the work they’ve put in.

Current graduates discuss what they took away from the collaboration and where they’re headed. Jones appreciates the organization put into the creative process, Adell has learned the art of exercising some patience in her work, and Spencer emphatically states that she has learned to “belong.” Among other things, Beyoncé showed how versatile black musicians bring to the genre after they will not be closed off to themselves.

At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Tanner Adell performs on the T-Mobile Mane Stage in the course of the Stagecoach 2024 Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 27, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

Navigating the spaces where others attempt to stop him, Willie Jones finds that he simply “doesn’t give a damn.” Jones is refreshingly himself in every room he enters, and that was immediately apparent when he sat down on the table with Essence. He talks about his love for what he calls “cultured country,” talks about his excitement for what Black musicians bring to the table, and ignores closed minds.

“Music has no boundaries. I’m doing this for the ancestors, for Shreveport, Louisiana,” Joes says. His music is heavily influenced by classic country sounds as well as southern hip-hop. While this gives it an enticing sound that anyone can enjoy, Jones also wanted Essence readers to know that it is actually “for the gworls.”

The War and the Treaty describes how they face the obstacles put in front of them and it comes all the way down to this: love, unity and discernment. Their love for music, vocation and one another is beyond enjoyable. Tanya Trotter, one half of the facility duo, explains what the industry tried to do to surround her as she transitioned from R&B to country music. “I wanted to do something different,” she explains, and one in all her only examples of black women on this space is Tracy Chapman, emphasizing the importance of being steadfast in yourself and your purpose.

At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty performs in the course of the 2024 Stagecoach Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 28, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo: Timothy Norris/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

She highlights the broader industry’s tendency to label all black artists as R&B and points to Baltimore native Brittney Spencer, who clearly positions herself as a rustic artist. “It’s beautiful and challenging,” Spencer assures. Black artists are sometimes burdened with additional pressures or labels as a result of a racial identity that is totally out of their control. Where they need to have the option to precise art without having a lot influence through the lens of their identity, that does not occur, especially in country music. On the opposite hand, this very identity shapes and refines the art they create.

The Trotters discuss the connectedness rooted within the Black musical tradition: “Without the blues, there isn’t a country music; blues without jazz and folk; and you will not get it without the gospel and Negro spirits. I believe re-education and deconstruction are essential. We must stop pondering it is not for us. Marks adds that he wants black audiences “to know that country music is part of our heritage and our essence, so move forward knowing that your roots are rooted in this music.”

Many of those artists aren’t any strangers to combining genres. From the aforementioned genres to hip hop and Americana, their masterful versatility sets them aside from the group while connecting them to the broader black music tradition. As Miko Marks herself describes: “the basis of everything I do is black music. That is, country, gospel, R&B, bluegrass, jazz, because we are the foundation of what was created. I don’t believe in being bound by a genre.”

At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Singer Shaboozey performs on stage during day three of the Stagecoach Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 28, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

Shaboozey shares similar sentiments: “I’ve lived through so many eras,” he tells the audience on his set, “but [the support] means so much to me.” He develops broader diaspora connections, akin to the banjo’s origins in West Africa and the way that history influenced his own creative process. He attributes his ability to organically mix eclectic taste and sound to his Nigerian and Southern identity. “African music and country music are world music. It’s about sharing stories. [My identities] Let me see the beauty and culture in everything around me.” After a decade of natural development, Shaboozey’s powerful voice has brought him up to now.

If Stagecoach’s response to those black musicians is any indication of where the industry is heading, the long run looks brighter. Tanner Adell she decided to have fans running across the fields to arrange her set, War and treatysoulful voices filled the campsites and took us to church that Sunday afternoon Brittney SpencerThe artist’s raw talent and sensitivity made all her listeners feel like a “housewife” when she sang.

Willie Joneswealthy personality and voice shone through in his full of life performance on the Mane stage, Shaboozeythe surprise performance met with a packed house, RVSHVD’s vibrant, multi-generational audience sang along to each lyric, and Leon Bridges he couldn’t say a word without the audience erupting each time. Compton Cowboys contributed to this atmosphere by providing cultural lessons and Q&A chats for anyone thinking about the wealthy cultural history of the Black West.

At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Singer Shaboozey performs on stage during day three of the Stagecoach Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 28, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

You can safely say: Yee-Hawa Program is fully valid. For those of you who have not taken up the challenge yet, or are only beginning to dip your toe within the water, this incredible line-up of Black Country stars is an amazing start. This is not Texas – it’s Stagecoach, but we’re here.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

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Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Women are less likely to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation than men. Training on breast mannequins could be helpful

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If someone’s heart suddenly stops beating, this may increasingly have happened minutes of life. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation may increase their probabilities of survival. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation keeps blood pumping, delivering oxygen to the brain and vital organs until specialized treatment arrives.

However, research shows that bystanders are less likely to intervene to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the person is a girl. AND latest Australian study analyzed 4,491 cardiac arrest cases between 2017 and 2019 and located that bystanders were more likely to perform CPR on men (74%) than on women (65%).

Could this be partly because CPR training mannequins (so-called dummies) shouldn’t have breasts? Our recent research we checked out mannequins available all over the world to train people to perform CPR and located that 95% of them were flat-chested.

Anatomically, breasts don’t change the cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique. However, they’ll influence whether people try to accomplish that – and hesitation at these key moments could mean the difference between life and death.

Differences in heart health

Cardiovascular diseases – including heart disease, stroke and cardiac arrest – are probably the most common diseases important reason behind death for ladies all over the world.

But if a girl goes into cardiac arrest outside the hospital (meaning her heart stops pumping air properly), that is actually what happens. 10% less likely receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation than a person. Women too less likely survive cardiopulmonary resuscitation and are at greater risk of brain damage following cardiac arrest.

Bystanders are less likely to intervene if a girl needs cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to a person.
Doublelee/Shutterstock

These are just among the many health inequalities experienced by women, in addition to transgender and non-binary people. Compared to men, their symptoms they are more likely to be rejected or misdiagnosed, or it could take longer to receive a diagnosis.

Reluctance of the witness

There can also be growth evidence women are less likely to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to men.

This may be partly due to the concerns of those being accused of sexual harassmentworry may cause damage (in some cases based on the assumption that ladies are more “fragile”) and discomfort related to touching women’s breasts.

Bystanders may also get into trouble recognition the lady has a cardiac arrest.

Even in simulated scenarios, researchers found that interveners were less likely to remove women’s clothing prepare for resuscitationcompared to men. And there have been women less likely to receive Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or defibrillation (an electrical charge to restart the center) – even when the training was in the shape of a web based game that didn’t require touching anyone.

There is evidence of how people behave in resuscitation training scenarios reflects what they do in real emergency situations. This means it is amazingly vital to train people to recognize cardiac arrest and prepare for intervention, no matter gender or body type.

Attached to men’s bodies

Very Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training resources depict male bodies or don’t specify gender. If bodies shouldn’t have breasts, it’s a male default.

For example, the 12 months 2022 test taking a look at CPR training in North, Central, and South America, it was found that nearly all of available mannequins were white (88%), male (94%), and slim (99%).

The woman's hands press the torso of a mannequin wearing a blue jacket.
It is amazingly rare for a mannequin to have breasts or a bigger body.
M Isolation photo/Shutterstock

This research reflects what we see in our work once we train other healthcare professionals to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We noticed that every one the mannequins available for training are flat chested. One of us (Rebecca) had difficulty finding training mannequins with breasts.

Single mannequin with breasts

Our recent research we checked what cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequins are available and the way diverse they are. In 2023, we identified 20 cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequins in the worldwide market. Mannequins are often torsos with no head and without arms.

Of the 20 available, five (25%) were sold as “female”, but only considered one of them had breasts. This implies that 95% of obtainable CPR training mannequins were flat-chested.

We also checked out other diversity characteristics, including skin tone and bigger bodies. We found that 65% had more than one skin tone available, but just one had a bigger body. Further research is required on the impact of those elements on bystanders when performing CPR.

Breasts don’t change cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique doesn’t change when someone has breasts. The barriers are cultural. And although you could feel uncomfortable, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation as soon as possible can save your life.

Signs that somebody may have cardiopulmonary resuscitation include not respiration properly or completely or not responding to you.

Perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitationit’s best to:

  • place the heel of your hand in the middle of your chest

  • place your second hand on top of the primary and interlace your fingers (keep your arms straight)

  • press firmly to a depth of about 5 cm before releasing

  • press your chest with a frequency of 100-120 beats per minute (you may sing a song) in your head to show you how to keep time!)

An example of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation – using a flat-chest manikin.

What a couple of defibrillator?

You haven’t got to remove someone’s bra to perform CPR. But you could need to accomplish that if a defibrillator is required.

AND defibrillator is a tool that uses an electrical charge to restart the center. An underwired bra may cause minor skin burns when the debrillator pads apply an electrical charge. However, in case you cannot take your bra off, don’t let it delay your care.

What should change?

Our research highlights the necessity for a big selection of breast CPR training mannequins, in addition to a wide range of body sizes.

Training resources need to higher prepare people to intervene and perform CPR on individuals with breasts. We also need greater education on the chance of developing and dying from heart disease in women.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Ant stings can be painful. Here’s how to avoid getting stung this summer (and what to do if it happens)

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The starting of summer is just a couple of days away, and plenty of of us will be looking forward to long, sunny days spent on the beach, by the pool, camping or having a picnic within the park.

Insects love summer too. Most of them right then grow and feed. However, this shared appreciation of the season can sometimes lead to conflict.

Insects have long been preyed upon by many species, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and other insects. Accordingly, quite a lot of defense mechanisms have evolved – perhaps none more familiar to humans than the sting.

Many ants have a stinger on their rear end which they use to deliver venom. It will not be the sting itself that causes pain, but relatively venom. Ant venom accommodates a mix of various chemicals, a few of which have evolved specifically to manipulate the nerve endings in our skin to cause pain.

Let’s take a have a look at the several ant stings chances are you’ll experience this summer in Australia and how to respond.

Bull ants

Bull ants (also often called bulldog ants, jumper ants, or jumper ants) are large for an ant. Some species can grow to length 4 centimeters. They are easily identified by their large eyes, long mandibles (jaws), and aggressive nature.

Their sting is immediate, hot, sharp and unambiguous, similar to that of a honey bee. The intense pain will only last a couple of minutes before being replaced by redness and swelling across the sting site.

There are many differing kinds of bull ants in Australia.
Sam Robinson

Green-headed ants

Green-headed ants are also called green ants (but not to be confused with green ants). green tree ants northern Australia, which do not sting). Green-headed ants are common and love our lawns.

About Length 6 millimetersthey’re much smaller than bull ants. They can be recognized by their shiny green-purple exoskeleton.

Green-headed ants are frequently less aggressive than bull ants, but they can still deliver a big sting. The pain from a green ant sting can construct up step by step and cause intense, sticky pain.

Green-headed ant.
Green-headed ants can be identified by their color.
Sam Robinson

Fire ants

Fire ants (or imported red fire ants) are native to South America. They were detected first in Brisbane in 2001it probably moved in containers and has since spread across south-east Queensland.

Fire ants are reddish brown and black and range in size from Length 2–6 millimeters.

You will almost certainly encounter fire ants of their nests, which appear like a pile of loose dirt. A hearth ant nest has no obvious entrance, which is way to distinguish it from other similar ant nests.

Disturbing a hearth ant nest will awaken an offended mass of a whole bunch of ants and expose you to being stung.

The initial pain from a single sting seems like an intense, hot itch, although it can be controlled. However, fire ant stings rarely occur in the only digits. One ant can sting multiple times, and plenty of ants can sting one person, which can lead to a whole bunch of stings. A hearth ant sting can cause pus-filled ulcers and scarring in the next days.

If you reside in an area where fire ants are present, it’s price taking a couple of minutes to learn how to do this recognize and report their.

Electric ants

Electric ants is one other nasty random import, coming from Central and South America. Currently limited to Cairns and surroundingsthese are tiny (1.5 millimeters long) yellow ants.

Like fire ants, these ants are frequently defensive, so lots of them will sting without delay. Their sting is more painful than you’ll expect from such a tiny creature. I compare it to being showered with red, hot sparks.

If you think that you see electric ants, please report it Biosecurity in Queensland.

Australian ants should not the worst

You may be surprised to hear that Australian ants don’t even make it to the rostrum when it comes to essentially the most painful ant stings. The winners include: harvester ants (North and South America), which cause severe, sticky pain, comparable to a drill slowly rotating in a muscle – for up to 12 hours.

The gold medal goes to the sting of the South and Central American bullet ant, which has been described How:

Pure, intense, sensible pain. It’s like walking on burning charcoal with a 3-inch nail stuck in your heel.

How to avoid getting stung (and what to do if you do)

Fortunately, the answer is frequently quite simple. Look around before you sit on the bottom or unfolded a picnic blanket, avoiding places where you see ant nests or a lot of foraging ants.

The selection of footwear might also be necessary. In my experience, most stings occur on the feet of those wearing thongs.

If you get stung, generally the situation will improve by itself. The pain often subsides after a couple of minutes (sometimes slightly longer within the case of a green ant sting). The redness, swelling and itching that sometimes follows may last for several days.

In the meantime, if mandatory, ice pack it will help with the pain. If it’s particularly bad, a topical numbing cream containing lidocaine may provide temporary relief. You can get it over-the-counter at a pharmacy.

A small proportion of individuals may experience an allergic response to ant stings. In very severe cases this may include respiratory problems or ingestion. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms after an ant sting, you need to seek urgent medical attention.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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