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The UFC fighter who said he “doesn’t raise black children” explains why he adopted black sons

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UFC fighter Michael Chandler says he

After facing criticism for his comments about raising black children, UFC fighter Michael Chandler, who is white, is explaining why he and his wife Brie decided to adopt two African-American boys.

On April 22, Chandler appeared on “Shawn Ryan show” where he discussed his thoughts on identity politics and the way he chooses to raise his two adopted sons, Hap (7) and Ace (2).

“Whether you’re black or white, no matter what your race, there are certain things that come with being a man and being a good man in terms of character and integrity and protecting the vulnerable and supporting those who need it,” Chandler said. adding: “Being person with fame has nothing to do with the colour of your skin. Everything has to do with an individual’s character. This might be not a solution that some would consider essential, however the world has moved on this direction.

While many believed that the 38-year-old’s heart was in the precise place, critics also believed that his parenting techniques would ultimately harm his black children.

UFC fighter Michael Chandler says he is raising his two adopted black sons not to care about race or skin color.
UFC fighter Michael Chandler says he is raising his two adopted black sons to not care about race or skin color. (Photos: @briechandler/Instagram)

On June 7, Chandler appeared as a guest on “The Pivot” podcast, where he addressed the criticism and added context to his previous statements about “not raising black children.”

“I think that bit of audio could obviously be cut out… that five seconds could be cut out and of course I would say, ‘Wait a minute,’ but if you dig into it, the truth is, the color of their skin is not the most important thing about them,” Chandler told co-host and ESPN star Ryan Clark. “And perhaps I’m unsuitable in saying that, perhaps other people would not agree with me. The most vital thing in a person is being a person and the benefits, qualities and characteristics of being man.

Sharing a recording of his meeting with Chandler on X, Clark summarized the conversation: saying“As a black man, I shared my thoughts with Mike during this conversation. I agree with him that skin color isn’t a very powerful feature of his children. Yet many individuals on this country see color. They see it first, and sometimes only. Michael and Brie exude love, but their children should be prepared for the hate their skin color can bring. “I like that they don’t raise children in fear, but when they grow aware of racism and racial prejudice, it can save their lives.”

However, based on Chandler, he ultimately plans to have a difficult conversation when the time comes.

“Of course, part of it is also that if I had done this interview and my sons were 14 and 11, the situation would have been a little bit different,” Chandler said. “I have a 2-year-old and a 7-year-old. So maybe this question will be answered in five years or… you know, my son Hap is 7 now, so we’re heading in that direction, but he’s always been just a little kid, and then Ace is just a little kid. There is always an age-appropriate script.”

Later within the conversation, “The Pivot” co-host Channing Crowder asked Chandler to speak concerning the adoption process and what led him and his wife to make a decision to adopt black children over white children. According to Chandler, his wife was the primary reason they began considering adoption.

“My wife has wanted to adopt an African-American boy since she was a teenager. My wife has had this on her mind since she was a teenager,” Chandler said. “I remember she did missionary work downtown and went with my dad to Jamaica for missions. Everyone knew he would eventually do it sooner or later. And she all the time said that if “I marry a good man, I want to do it.”

Chandler admitted that it took him a while to recover from the adoption.

“It was foreign to me,” Chandler said when he first learned his wife desired to adopt black children. “I never really thought of it. I all the time thought I might have children like me. … They’re white kids with brown eyes, blue eyes… whatever.

The couple welcomed their first adoptive son, Hap, in 2017 and adopted Ace in 2022. According to Chandler, Hap’s adoption process took a couple of yr, nevertheless it only took six minutes to match them together.

In 2017, Chandler recalled that he burst into tears shortly after first seeing a photograph of his 9-month-old son, Hap.

“We desired to have a newborn by six months. It’s just funny how you may have your preferences and plans after which suddenly God just says no. He was nine months old. They sent us an image of him and as soon as I saw it, I felt it inside and began crying. I assumed to myself, ‘That’s my son,'” Chandler said in an interview with MMA fight.

Pivot co-host and former NFL quarterback Fred Taylor expressed his support for Chandler and applauded him for being in his kid’s lives and showing them love.

“When we look at little Black boys in our community and how we grew up in certain demographics, there is often no father figure or head of household.” Taylor said. “So no matter what these people say and what nonsense they try to throw at the wall, you are present for your children and you love them with all your heart.”

Chandler is scheduled to return to the Octagon on June 29 when he faces Conor McGregor at UFC 303 in Las Vegas.

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.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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