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WNBA star Jewell Loyd teams up with best friend’s son to raise autism awareness with his new shoes – Andscape

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Jewell Loyd is one of the crucial successful WNBA players. The Seattle Storm guard is a two-time WNBA champion, a five-time All-Star and was named to two All-WNBA selections. During her season debut, Loyd took the sector in her Player Edition Nike GT Cut 3 in the colours of a dusty cactus and blooming lilac. Her sneakers have special significance because they were designed by her best friend’s son, Justice Swann, who has autism.

Andscape caught up with Loyd and Justice’s mother, Laci Swann, to discuss the shoe’s design and the impact of its launch. The 2015 WNBA Rookie of the Year also discussed the changes within the league and what it’s like to make the jump from college to the professionals.

The Seattle Storm star said he donated the design to Nike. She wanted something authentic to represent her as she tried to push the sneaker giant out of its comfort zone. “I told them the best way to understand myself is to understand my surroundings and my people,” she said. “I wanted to start with Justice.”

Loyd and Justice’s family, the Swanns, have known one another for ten years. Swann and Jewell met through mutual friends and immediately began working together. When Swann’s husband, former Florida State University guard Isaiah Swann, began playing basketball overseas, Loyd visited them over the summer. Through the visits, she and the family strengthened their bond. The relationship between Loyd and the Swann family is the main focus of GT Cut 3.

Judge Swann is wearing the Nike GT Cut 3 shoes that he helped design for Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd.

Laci Swann

The colours of the Jewell Loyd sneakers are inspired by the colours Justice Swann often utilized in his drawings.

Laci Swann

“He’s my little buddy,” Loyd said of Justice. “We were just always connected.” She didn’t know many stories about sports and autism and wanted her new publication to mix them. “It raises awareness, but it’s also educational,” she said. “(We) managed to do it with this shoe.”

Justice covered the sneakers with smiling faces and the long-lasting Nike swoosh replacing lips. Loyd said he was already drawing them across the house. His mother hired painters to paint over the faces, but the previous Notre Dame trader made sure Swann took photos to recreate them on the sneaker. “He ended up doing (the project),” she said. “So that’s how it worked out.”

Justice’s sister Sloan also contributed creatively. The shoe has two messages: “Ready, Set, Go!” on the outsole on the heel and the words “Gotcha!” within the back. Swann wrote on Instagram that Nike used Sloan’s handwriting in each phrases. She said she told the corporate it could do whatever it wanted with her kid’s ideas. Nike representatives told her they needed to specify the design because that was what Loyd had asked for.

“Every little detail, from the laces, to the interior colors, to the patterns and the placement of the faces, my children shared their ideas and thoughts,” she wrote. “Sloan’s handwriting on the back is a chef’s kiss.”

The 2014 ACC MVP said the sneaker’s launch also helped others round her. Friends and relations of individuals with autism told her about their diagnoses. People all around the world have contacted her and are pleased to show their children what is feasible. “There is a history that we can connect with Justice through sports, so it was really cool to see that,” she said. Loyd said she is learning how to help and supply more resources.

Some of the proceeds will help fund a Swann summer camp for neurodivergent children through your non-profit organization, Little Boy Blue foundation. The camp will likely be held in Tallahassee on July 22-26. They established the inspiration after Justice was diagnosed in 2020 through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Laci felt he was different when he was three months old. When the family moved to Italy, they noticed his speech was deteriorating, and although he spoke a couple of words in Italian and English, she had him tested when he stopped speaking completely. “After he was on quite a long waiting list, which is a common problem for families seeking a diagnosis, he was actually given a non-verbal diagnosis of autism,” she said. “Then we jumped into advocacy mode and started looking for source-based therapies.”

Justice’s mother stated that the discharge was significant for her family. It gives them “more opportunities to support children with fewer resources or who are unfamiliar with autism,” she said. “(We were able to) shed light on all the special characteristics of neurodivergent children, and it was a beautiful, wonderful surprise for us and everyone around us.”

Seattle Storm defenseman Jewell Loyd warms up before their game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 14 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

Scott Eklund/NBAE via Getty Images

Loyd said it didn’t take long to select the colour scheme. There were three to six repetitions. However, the sneaker’s design is basically a recreation of what Justice drew. She didn’t want to change it. “It’s more about making sure the colors he used, the markers, his favorite colors, his sister’s handwriting and (to make sure it was) included that there as well,” she said. “So it really just brought us together, but it brought us together authentically.”

Nike wants to promote the GT Cut 3 because the official team shoe of the league, so it was value collaborating with them on its player editions. There are also other projects in preparation. “He had (one) with some lightning bolts on it, which I’m going to wear this month,” she said.

The nine-yr WNBA veteran is pleased to wear the sneakers on the court because they provide her a bonus. They allow her to “stop for a moment” and “get up off the ground even faster” because she shouldn’t be “encumbered” by the shoe. “It’s really just that 1% that I think is really important… that 1% rebound, that 1% angle. It interacts with how I play,” she said. “It felt really good and I can feel the difference (due to) the lightness.”

Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd (right) drives to the basket during a game against the Minnesota Lynx on May 17 on the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images

The “Golden Mamba”, as her close friend and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant called her, debuted in these shoes during one of the crucial anticipated WNBA seasons. After record-breaking leads to the NCAA women’s tournament in March, a few of the biggest stars of this academic discipline began their skilled careers on May 14. Loyd, who joined the league in 2015, said adapting to the physicality is one of the crucial significant differences in adapting to playing on the skilled level.

“You’re playing against people who have played abroad. They are smarter,” she said. “People pay to keep you and score points, so it’s a different physical and mental approach than college.”

The Storm finished last season with an 11-29 record and are hoping to improve with the return of former Notre Dame player and WNBA veteran Skylar Diggins-Smith. Loyd said it’s nice to spend time with her former college friend as she and Storm work to re-establish the rhythm that produced organizational championships in 2018 and 2020.

In pursuit of this goal, she’s going to have the support of her close friends each time she laces up her GT Cut 3 shoes. According to Kixstats.comLoyd has worn several different sneaker models on the court – Dallas Mavericks guards Kyrie Irving’s previous signature line, Kobe Bryant models and other Nike shoes. But in the event that they built a statue of her in front of the Climate Pledge Arena, could she be immortalized in only one pair?

“I will say a new one. “Justice” edition,” she said.

Garfield Hylton is knowledgeable journalist, ghostwriter and digital storyteller. When he is not writing essays, he’s within the gym working on his jump shot to keep young boys from running him off the court.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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