Politics and Current
These DNC Leaders Define Beauty Their Own Way – Essence
Photos courtesy of (left to right): Keiana Barrett and Christy George
In what seems like an infinite string of unprecedented times, the nation is preparing for one more high-stakes election season. The 2024 Democratic National Convention will provide a significant platform for the party’s presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, and, inevitably, for Black women in politics more broadly. This heightened level of visibility is sparking conversations about representation, free speech, and ultimately, beauty standards.
That said, convention committee executive director Christy George and senior advisor Keiana Barrett sit down with ESSENCE to define beauty in their very own words, discuss how beauty manifests within the political sphere, and detail what practices they deal with to feel empowered. Read on to learn more.
How do they define beauty?
For each professionals, the qualities that outline beauty are far-reaching. George’s multicultural, multi-regional background has exposed her to many interpretations of beauty and the standards that go along with them, shaping how she sees beauty in her own life. “It’s about how we treat people,” she says, “not necessarily the conventional way of looking at things, but for me, it’s an internal perspective.”
Barrett’s poetic response is consistent with George’s and focuses on the thought of the inner self. She defines beauty as “the mosaic image of what the eye sees” [paired with] a mirrored image of 1’s inner being.” They acknowledge the impact that physical presentation, confidence, and body language have after they enter historically white spaces, they usually consider it much more necessary to define beauty for oneself. Barrett talks about how beauty can present itself in body language, posture, and the atmosphere through which one moves. These interpretations of beauty materialize within the political landscape through actions.
George sees beauty in uncompromising and authentic women. “The women in politics I like most are those that can [be] that, and likewise to offer space for others to indicate up as their authentic selves; the Michelle Obamas and Minyon Moores of this world.” She recalls the great thing about the ladies who got here before her, like former Commissioner Maria Guerra Lepacek, and her ability to balance political and private responsibilities as a working mother who also put plenty of effort into her own physical beauty.
Barrett believes that the more confident an individual is of their intellect and the talents they bring about to an area, the more confidence and ease they exude of their physical presence. “Once you have that level of conviction, it becomes a gateway and a liberating role for others who come after you,” she states.
Who is their beauty inspiration?
Barrett references historical figures like Shirley Chisolm, whose signature hairdo could be seen in campaign images for the 1968 congressional election. She shares the view that ladies like Chisolm devote as much attention to physical presentation as they do to defining their work and politics. In other words, there may be beauty of their duality.
In today’s climate, “it’s amazing to me how many women of color were free on Capitol Hill,” Barrett says, describing her initial response to the expansive hair, piercings and makeup on this political environment. “Of all the places where we shape policy and legislate, we recognize that free speech is an absolute necessity.” That remark “allowed me to bring out the best in myself.”
How Politics Influences Beauty Choices
George attributes a few of today’s freedom of expression to principles equivalent to The Crown Act. The need for the policy, Barrett says, arose from “the notion that conformity is a requirement for participation and acceptance,” a notion they vehemently reveal to be fallacious. Since the policies were introduced, George has noticed a shift in attitudes and practices amongst black people regarding their hair. “In my family, hair is definitely an expression of who we are, but it’s also a source of creativity,” he explains. For each women, expression and creativity are non-negotiable elements that contribute to their personal beauty and presence.
They channel that sentiment into generating a way of empowerment through their very own beauty habits. George opens up about her personal beauty practice, which involves wearing a set of bijou from the ladies in her life. She explains, “I always like to have one woman from my family with me every day.” In this manner, she brings the great thing about these women together with her to support her in these environments.
What are their current self-care practices?
Barrett focuses on mental health to be sure that inner beauty is reflected on the surface. She relies on yoga and breathwork to ground her sense of belonging. Paired together with her love of individuality, she steps into the role of political advisor, feeling centered and proudly adorning her eclectic accessories and ever-changing hairstyles. She does this for herself, but in addition to be sure that one concept of relative beauty mustn’t force others to standardize on “the norm.”
On the present state of beauty and politics
While there are lots of varieties of beauty, women in politics still face many limitations that distract from progress. George discusses the double standards when it comes to male counterparts, texture, and featurism applied to Black women, and the way these -isms are also exacerbated amongst various kinds of Black women. This disproportionate criticism of certain women was the experience of former First Lady Michelle Obama, who faced infinite public ridicule for her appearance and wonder selections.
For a lot of these reasons, it looks as if a phenomenon that VP Harris is getting such positive feedback on her silk press. For Barrett, this shift in public perception feels “triumphant. It gives me hope that as a society, we are broadening our perspective, that we are preserving what is most important, what is most important.” For George, “it feels like a surreal moment.” Especially for the reason that chairwoman (Minyon Moore), the manager director and the senior adviser to the DNC Economic Committee are all black women.
While beauty can and needs to be limitless, Barrett believes that “it gives space for our political leaders of color to cast a wider net and make sure that the way they enter a room is striking, not only because of their physical presence, but also because of their history of building community.”
“Some politicians will use appearance to distract from the issues. I wish that wasn’t where we were spending our time. That aspect of beauty doesn’t have to be in the conversation. There’s nothing beautiful about it,” George firmly states. Instead, political discussions about beauty should end in more protective policies that allow people to present themselves nonetheless they feel comfortable without making it the focus.
It’s clear that for each women, beauty is within the demeanor. The DNC Committee leaders are able to tackle the conference with conviction, competence, and wonder.
Politics and Current
Donald Trump’s support among black voters is falling significantly
The final NBC News poll shows a major drop in support for Donald Trump among black voters.
Questionnaire released Sunday revealed an especially tight 2024 presidential campaign race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican candidate former President Donald Trump, with each tied at 49%. However, there are significant differences in support across different voter demographics.
The poll shows Harris has the most important lead over Trump among Black voters (87%-9%), young voters under 30 (57%-41%), and college-educated white voters (55%-43%). Trump’s 9% approval rating among black voters is down from the 12% he received within the 2020 election against Joe Biden.
Other key splits show Harris leading among women by 16 points (57%-41%) and Trump leading among men by 18 points (58%-40%). Harris also has a major 20-point lead over Trump relating to which candidate is seen as higher at handling the abortion issue, and has a bonus relating to which candidate is higher at caring for the center class.
Overall, the poll shows a disagreement between Harris and Trump, with each receiving 49% support from registered voters in a head-to-head matchup, while only 2% of voters remain undecided. Trump holds a slight lead over Harris among white voters and people and not using a college degree, leading by 2 points at 50-48%.
The popularity of Harris and Trump is almost equal: 43% of voters have a positive opinion of Harris and 50% have a negative opinion. For comparison, Trump has 42% positive rankings and 51% negative rankings. When it comes to manage of Congress, 47% of voters prefer Democrats to steer Congress, while 46% favor Republican control.
Because of the nationwide Electoral College system, the end result of the presidential election will ultimately rely on the ends in key battleground states akin to Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Like the ultimate NBC poll, the newest polls from swing states show tight races and uncertainty.
Regardless of the end result of the presidential election, 60% of registered voters consider the United States will remain divided, while only 28% consider it’s going to grow to be more united after the 2024 election.
Politics and Current
How Black Women Can Prioritize Wellness This Election Season – Essence
Sydney Shaffer/Getty Images
Election week finally arrived; a day that, not without reason, we greet with double optimism and fear. As we wait for the election results and subsequent reactions, it is vital to concentrate on the wellness and sweetness practices that keep us grounded.
Regardless of the election result, emotions shall be high and will spark social unrest, which could cause significant concern for marginalized groups. As evidenced by past elections and the January 6 revolt, American society often finds itself in a polarized and reactive state. The potential consequence of a Black woman’s election to the presidency raises hope in lots of and outrage in others, prompting some populations to concentrate on caring for themselves and their communities during this time.
Wellness and sweetness routines often go hand in hand and will be effective regulating practices to appease nerves. The ritualistic nature of makeup or skincare routines, mindfulness meditations, and prioritizing nutrition and rest are all ways to nourish yourself during difficult times. The immediate aftermath of results, whether higher or worse, is more likely to trigger emotionally charged experiences.
She tapped ESSENCE Dr. Robin OnwongPh.D., a provisionally licensed psychologist, to grasp how these decisions may impact Black women and what we are able to do to develop healthy habits.
First, it explains the function of the stress hormone, cortisol, and its context. “When cortisol levels are high for an prolonged time period (e.g., from the beginning of voter registration to Election Day to the inauguration), stress begins to build up and creates allostatic load. In other words, it weakens our immune system and increases the chance of mental health problems, heart problems, fatigue, lack of attention, poor nutrition, etc.
“Overall,” she continues, “most black women in the states were already experiencing high allostatic load, and the election season only deepened the collective sense of heaviness.”
“My encouragement, from both a human and clinical standpoint, is to manage the stress before and after the election whenever possible, focus on the fundamentals and stay on top of the controllables. This looks like building on well-being practices that focus on our basic human needs.”
Dr. Onwong’s list of straightforward areas we are able to start relieving stress include: eating nutritious meals and staying adequately hydrated, getting enough quality rest, and exercising. Additionally, she notes that other vital practices include breath work “which draws you into the present moment,” gratitude exercises, clearing your physical space, and being “a more gracious steward of your time on social media.”
It also points to the effectiveness of community, which may give some people a way of hope and security. In addition to home wellness methods, there are numerous shared spaces where you may seek emotional refuge. Below you can see resources so you may safely connect with others and never feel the necessity to face this stressful day alone.
Sister Song’s Election Party
Sister Song is a reproductive justice collective led by women of color based in Atlanta, Georgia. On November 5, they’re organizing a private “election party” with themes of sharing space, healing, creating artistic endeavors and being in community.
Therapy for black girls on election day. Room for self-care
Therapy for black girls is a web based platform and resource base specializing in the mental health of Black women and girls. On November 5, they’re organizing a virtual Self-care room on election day featuring guided yoga, meditation, journaling sessions and open check-ins. You can find tickets and event information HERE.
Hello Healing Circles
Onwong’s doctor shares: “Association of Black Psychologists offers on November 4, 5, and 6, 2024. These are virtual, protected community spaces for people of African descent that draw on culturally rooted healing strategies to deal with Black trauma/stress and social violence. These are non-clinical (non-therapeutic), culturally supportive and affirming spaces intended to advertise well-being and overall social-emotional adjustment. To express interest, please send an email.
BEAM Holiday break on election day
BEAM, also generally known as the Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective, is a platform dedicated to Black healing. Together with indicated resources to deal with election unrest, they’re organizing three meetings virtual “pause” sessions. throughout election day to have the chance to “pause, take a breath and sort out the situation together.”
Black women’s sisterhood with plans
Black Women’s Agenda is an area dedicated to the well-being of Black women. They offer weekly sisterhood circles emphasizing political education, wellness, and collective care. The next virtual circle will happen on Thursday, November 7.
Politics and Current
Donald Trump fights during a rally in Georgia while Herschel Walker is called a “real idiot” for telling attendees to vote for the wrong person
Former President Donald Trump delivered a blistering campaign speech in Georgia on Sunday that was supposed to be his final address to undecided voters in the state, but as a substitute became one in all his most rambling tirades since becoming the GOP nominee, prompting a wave of ridicule on social media.
During a speech in Macon, some in the audience appeared to fall asleep as Trump talked about brutal deaths at the hands of immigrants and vented his frustration over what he called 800,000 falsified “cob” reports when he meant “jobs,” while his voice often stuttered with a monotonous tone that failed to excite the crowd.
“Dementia Don is going through some stuff,” one X user commentedwhich reflects a wave of criticism about Trump’s mental capability to lead the country.
At one point, Trump mentioned that if he became president again, he would love to put former comebacker Herschel Walker in charge of the nation’s missile defense, though Walker has no prior experience with military strategy or defense systems.
“We will build an all-USA-made anti-missile shield wrapped around our country to defend us and our country,” Trump announced to his cheering supporters. Trump then added, “We’re going to put Herschel Walker in charge of this little sucker” — which drew little applause.
TRUMP: We will construct an anti-missile shield. We’ll put Herschel Walker in charge of this little sucker
CUT TO:
The man whom Donald Trump wants to entrust with command of the American missile defense system. https://t.co/yOVm0crpWU pic.twitter.com/KvTv4bHyzu
— Eric Champnella (@champnella) November 4, 2024
When Walker took the stage, he did himself no favors to prove he was ready for the task, sounding nervous at times and having difficulty pronouncing Trump’s name appropriately.
“Let’s not let Donald Trump down, because he won’t let us down. Because when you see what they are doing to this country. You say it’s a damn shame. And it’s time to stop it. And it will end on Tuesday when we get to the polls and vote for my friend and your friend, Donald Trump Jr.!” Walker stated before realizing his mistake and starting to stutter to correct himself.
However, he repeatedly mispronounced Trump’s name. “Donald Trump, er, Jonald J. Trump!”
Herschel Walker is as real an idiot as Republicans think Kamala is https://t.co/WYARGehpYO
— Foster (@fosterd07) November 4, 2024
Social media has rightly mocked Walker for becoming a caricature or Uncle Tom-like figure in the Trump campaign, and his appearance has only reinforced doubts about his readiness to tackle a major role in the next Trump administration.
“I’m insulted by you. “Herschel Walker embodies every negative stereotype that black Americans have fought against for decades: violence, crime, intellectual inferiority and sexual promiscuity” – one person he wrote further X. “Republicans admit it’s just a symbol so they can claim they’re not racist.”
Other in addition, “Herschel Walker is as real an idiot as Republicans think Kamala is.”
A podcast video featuring Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean, who mocked Herschel Walker’s 2022 GOP Senate campaign, has resurfaced on social media platforms after he suggested creating a “department that may look into young men women social media” in response to the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
“Herschel Walker played football when helmets were soft” – one in all the panelists he joked at the time, drawing raucous laughter from the studio audience.
🗣 THE HELMET WAS SOFT!!!!!! https://t.co/CONTf1p45v pic.twitter.com/CPwbm555pQ
— DIAMOND LIFE (@Melanated_AF) May 26, 2022
Throughout the day at
“That guy in the gold hat looks like he’s fighting the urge to nod off,” Justin Baragona wrote on X, sharing three photos showing the man leaning back and sleepily observing Trump.
Other social media influencers looked for signs of boredom amongst the audience as Trump talked in circles.
“The young women behind Trump are struggling,” noted Aaron Rupar, an independent journalist who covers the Trump campaign from a liberal standpoint. He shared a video of a young woman stifling a yawn while one other woman sitting next to her appears engrossed in her phone.
Rupar noted that ladies seemed unfazed by Trump’s fear-mongering over acts of violence he attributed to immigrant gang members on Long Island, New York.
“Trump’s beautiful 16-year-olds cut with knives don’t seem like a big hit.” Rupper he wrote, while declaring Trump’s word salad, which included:Agriculture“for agriculture” and “flasks” regarding the jobs quote in which Trump tried to criticize the Biden administration for creating jobs but had difficulty making his views clear to supporters.
“The whistleblower posted information about 18 of the 800,000 cobs, and furthermore the whistleblower said you know it wasn’t 800,000 but 18,000, you add that up and then you add 100 and you think it’s 112,000 jobs,” Trump said.
Dementia Don is going through some things.
— Lucas Sanders 💙🗳️🌊💪🌈🚺🟧 (@LucasSa56947288) November 4, 2024
“Just look at the crowd,” commented Fred Wellman, sharing a video showing a young woman waking up from a nap just as Trump made his gaffe.
In response to this error, a Michigan GOP Watch political pundit joked, “His brain is tapioca pudding.”
Rupar also identified that Trump began an anecdote about former first lady Michelle Obama but didn’t finish it.
“Trump starts with Michelle Obama but gets distracted and never finishes the thought,” Rupar wrote. “I have always treated his beautiful wife Michelle, I have always had great respect for her, but she has been hard on me lately…” Trump began. “What was that, Front Row Joes?” he asked before turning to the size of his crowd.
The speech reflected a pattern of Trump’s incoherence, characterised by a disturbing tendency to gibberish and contradict himself, which further fueled concerns about his understanding of key issues and the impact of his age as Trump turned 78 in June.
On Friday, in one other speech in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Trump told rallygoers that he had a “very fertile brain,” while defending himself against critics who proceed to accuse the former president of “cognitive impairment.”
“I have a very fertile, very fertile brain, but it’s a weave and we do it, that’s how you tell one story and discuss about 15 subplots, but you come to a final answer,” Trump said, according to Newsweek. “They said: he was wandering, I’m not wandering. I’m making a weave, do you already know what a weave is? It’s history.”
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