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Dear Sauce Gardner, Black People Cannot Afford to Be Apolitical — Andscape

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Dear Sauce,

Before I get to you Latest Posts about politicsI need to share a quote you could not have heard. No, it is not from Amber Rose, whose appearance on the Republican National Convention gave the look of a cynical attempt to win over young black voters. But on the opening night of the convention Monday, Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina — the one black Republican within the Senate — said:

“America is not a racist country.”

He pressed this rhetoric for years. An enormous round of applause from the predominantly white crowd signed the statement — not since it was historically accurate, but since it soothed their senses. But Scott disparaged black people so as to gain the approval of those that actively work to curtail our rights (just Google Project 2025). While Scott’s statement is simple to refute, it’s also incredibly rude considering how much blood has soaked American soil due to racism. Without turning this right into a full-blown Tim Scott roast session, it’s an ideal jumping-off point for explaining why I’m writing to you in the primary place, Sauce.

It’s great to be right in life. It’s okay to be improper — so long as you learn from the mistakes you inevitably make. But it’s completely unacceptable to be willfully unaware. Scott is willfully unaware. Or possibly he’s just calculating. Or possibly it’s a mixture of each. But Your tweets made an impression on me. It’s not because I believe you lack reason, logic, or mental curiosity. In fact, it’s quite the alternative. You’re young. You’re still finding your way on the earth, as I’m, and you do not know what you do not know. But feigning ignorance is not enough when it comes to matters of life and death.

First of all, nothing said here is supposed to be taken as finger wagging. And I’m not here to let you know how to do your job, since you already do it the most effective within the NFL on this. But as requested In my tweets I try to “get you started.”

I’m not here to ask you to vote Democrat or Republican, because even that’s tied to the long, complex, and ridiculously complicated history of the American political system. But it’s crucial—even for those who don’t vote—to educate yourself about politics, especially as a black man in a rustic that never intended for individuals who seem like us to even sniff at the method. Awareness is a way of survival.

After the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump, you tweeted a photograph of the previous president raising his fist moments after a gunman in Butler, Pennsylvania, tried to take his life. Your caption read, “Ladies and gentlemen… President Donald Trump.” At first glance, you said nothing improper. He’s a former US president who could return to office in a matter of months. But Sauce, you have got to understand who Donald Trump is as an individual and as a politician.

At 23, you might be just a number of years older than the Central Park Five, now the Exonerated Five, a bunch of teenagers who were wrongly convicted and served several years in prison for the brutal attack and rape of Trishi Meili. Trump called for his or her execution in 1989 and has refused to apologize since 2019. He can be a person whose ties to racism, sexism, xenophobiaa seemingly limitless list sexual assault and rape allegationsand straight blatant rules come from the years before we were born.

That’s not to say President Joe Biden is ideal, because he’s not. He’s old (like Trump) and prone to slip-ups. The 1986 and 1994 crime bills Biden championed have devastated black communities by skyrocketing incarceration rates. He finally apologized, calling on the law “a huge mistake” that “trapped an entire generation,” however the damage stays. His administration’s handling of Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign against Gaza is one other mistake. My point is that this: politicians are human, and humans are inherently flawed, irrespective of how sincere their actions could also be. found similar attitude. But politics and politicians are two completely different conversations.

In my eyes, politicians are messengers. Politics and policy are the things that actually move the proverbial needle and have legitimate impact on our lives. So whenever you tweeted, “I think it’s weird to judge people based on who they vote for,” that resonated with me. It seems reasonable, especially for somebody who has admitted to being “politically unknown.” But people vote for politicians based on the policies they support, and never all of those policies are good or helpful, especially for black people.

Second, politics isn’t only a conversation that happens every 4 years after we vote on who gets to live at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Politics and the policies that associate with it affect every second of our lives. It affects the economic conditions in neighborhoods across the country. It affects the whole lot from local school board policies to highway funding. Politics governs police departments—how they’re funded and the way they operate. You’re a Detroit native, so please consider in things like Flint Michigan Water Crisis, supervision of public schoolsAND the role of your city in determining the end result of the 2020 election have their roots in politics.

Sports, consider it or not, are also a basis for political discussion. As an athlete, you understand the worth of your “prime period.” Boxer Muhammad Ali lost the prime years of his profession after taking over government and refusal to take part in the Vietnam War. This is what we all know in regards to the expansion Women’s sports stems from a single piece of laws called Title IX. Pools, and more importantly who could use them, were once a political issue. In 2020, WNBA players helped turn the tables on a U.S. Senate seat. The decision to allow college athletes earn money from their name, image and likeness is directly related to the economy, the employees’ movement and politics.

In short, when it comes to black life in America, politics are at all times involved.

Sauce, I hope you have got a protracted, successful profession that features winning a gold jacket in Canton, Ohio, someday. But you are going to spend most of your life off the sphere. And politics will play a task in your life whether you ever step foot in a voting booth or not.

I do not believe you have got to be one other sports legend like NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Ali. You do not have to be an activist. I’m not even saying you have got to speak out on the problems of the day. But what you (or any black person) cannot afford to do is act like these issues don’t affect you or the people you care about. We live in a rustic that had to pass anti-discrimination laws in all areas of life, including on the ballot box, just 60 years ago. What we’ve now could be what we were never meant to have.

I return to a quote from a person who has had more influence on my life than I can truthfully express. In April 1964, Malcolm X gave a speech—probably probably the most famous of his life—titled . I suggest you look it up when you have got time. On the political philosophy of black nationalism, Malcolm X said, “…(it) only means that the black man should control the politics and the politicians in his own community. The days when white people could come into our community and make us vote for them, so they could be our political leaders and tell us what to do and what not to do, are long gone.”

Unfortunately, those times are still very close.

Sauce, you possibly can be anything you wish to be in life, and I’m rooting for you to do great this season. I’m not expecting you to be like former quarterback Colin Kaepernick who became a civil rights activist, or to develop into the following great outspoken athlete. I’m just asking you to pay attention to the world we live in. Being apolitical just isn’t an option. You cannot be willfully unaware of the history of political power, political repression, and political violence in America when it comes to black men, black women, and black children.

Most importantly, you definitely cannot be Tim Scott—a black man who would quite live a lie than ever acknowledge the reality. I don’t desire that to be a part of your legacy, Sauce. And you definitely should not be either.

The better of what

Justin Tinsley

Justin Tinsley is a senior culture author at Andscape. He believes that “Cash Money Records takin’ ova for da ’99 and da 2000” is probably the most influential statement of his generation.


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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