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These DNC Leaders Define Beauty Their Own Way – Essence

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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.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Politics and Current

Missouri police officer fatally shot 2-month-old baby and her mother after relative called police for help, family says

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A Missouri family and community are mourning the tragic death of a 34-year-old woman and her infant daughter who were killed in an officer-involved shooting earlier this month.

Family members say Maria Pike and her 2-month-old daughter, Destinii Hope, were shot to death on November 7 after police were called to an apartment in Independence, Missouri, in response to a domestic disturbance.

Two-month-old Destinii Hope died together with her mother in an officer-involved shooting in Independence, Missouri on November 7, 2024. (Photo: Facebook/Talisa Coombs)

In the weeks for the reason that shooting, local law enforcement has released few details, but eyewitnesses have provided local media with their accounts of what happened.

said Talisa Coombs, the baby’s grandmother Kansas City Star that she was the one who called the police after a physical altercation with the kid’s mother. Family members say Maria Pike has had mental health issues, anger issues and most recently suffered from postpartum depression.

Coombs said that when she called the police, she thought authorities would arrive, arrest Pike and get her the assistance she needed. She told her son and Destinia’s father, Mitchell Holder, that she desired to press charges against Pike for assault.

When police arrived, Holder initially refused to allow them to inside, however the apartment constructing’s assistant manager persuaded him to let two officers inside.

Assistant manager Gavin Delaney told The Star that when police entered the apartment, Pike was sitting within the bedroom closet, holding Destinia, not doing or saying anything.

Destinia’s father, who witnessed the shooting, recounted the moments leading as much as the shooting to his sister, Ashley Greenfield.

Greenfield told The Star that when officers entered the apartment, she and Holder tried to take the baby from Pike as she moved from the closet to the bed. Greenfield stated that when Pike reached for an object on the nightstand, the officer shot the baby in the top while he was still in his mother’s arms.

Holder later recalled his horrified response to the shooting of “The Kansas City Defender.”

“They shot my baby,” Holder said outlet. “It looked like her head had exploded. Her blood splattered throughout my glasses and throughout me. All I could do was scream. I just kept repeating three words – the identical three words – “You killed her!” I screamed it. Time and time again.”

He added that Pike jumped after the primary shot and the officer opened fire on her.

Accounts vary as as to if Pike had a gun when officers entered the apartment.

Local news outlets reported that among the many few details police have released up to now concerning the shooting is that Pike was armed with a knife.

“When we arrived, officers encountered a woman who was ultimately armed with a knife,” said Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman. “As a result of this encounter, two people died, one was an armed woman and the other was a child.”

However, family members say otherwise. Before calling the police, Destinia’s grandmother stated that there have been no weapons in the home. Holder also said he never saw Pike holding a knife in the course of the encounter with police.

“Yes, I was in the room when it all happened,” Holder he said. “From what I saw, I never once saw Maria armed with anything. Honestly, I do not even know where that got here from. I heard crazy things like she held a baby hostage in a closet, that she had a knife, and all this crazy stuff that is not true. I mean, all I can say is that it’s possible she had a knife and I didn’t see it, but all I do know is that I never saw her holding anything – and I used to be there within the room.

Independence police said the investigation has been turned over to the Jackson County Police Involvement Investigative Team (PIIT), a team of detectives that investigates police shootings and use of force incidents.

Chief Dustman said just one officer, a “long-time law enforcement veteran,” fired in the course of the incident. The officer and two other people on the scene were placed on administrative leave.

Capt. Kyle Flowers, who heads the PIIT team investigating the shooting, said last week that investigators had reviewed body camera footage and planned to interview witnesses. According to KMBCthe team will turn over the findings of the investigation to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, but Flowers didn’t specify exactly when that will occur.

Family members have called on authorities to release the body camera footage, which is able to hopefully reveal once and for all whether Pike was armed with a knife on the time of the shooting. They also call for punishment of the officers involved within the shooting.

“Why hasn’t the body camera footage been released?” Amber Travis, cousin of the victims, he said at a community vigil for Pike and her daughter. “Give my family a break.”

“It means a lot that the community feels the same way we do,” Holder he said. “It means the world. It won’t bring her back, but no less than we all know now we have loads of support here.

AND GoFundMe page was created to assist pay for Destinia’s funeral. As of Wednesday afternoon, greater than $3,000 had been raised.

On November 22, Destinii would have turned 3 months old.

This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Politics and Current

Jasmine Crockett blasts Republicans for so-called white “oppression” over anti-DEI bill

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Jasmine Crockett, theGrio.com

On Wednesday, during a passionate speech before the committee, Sen. Jasmine Crockett, R-Texas, chided her Republican colleagues for the content of an anti-DEI bill that calls for eliminating all diversity, equity and inclusion programs and offices within the federal government.

Crockett, a 43-year-old congressional student who has change into a star within the Democratic Party because of her quite a few viral committee appearances, condemned the Dismantle DEI Act of 2024. The bill, H.R. 8706 – first introduced by Republican Vice President-elect J.D. Vance – essentially prohibit all DEI-related activities within the federal government, including all related positions, offices, training, and funding. Strikingly, the bill also prohibits federal employees working in DEI positions from transferring to a different federal position.

During a House Oversight Committee hearing wherein she responded to Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., who repeatedly called DEI policies “oppression” — seemingly aimed toward white people, as many Republicans suggested — Crockett used the committee’s speaking time to criticize the suggestion that white individuals are oppressed in consequence of efforts to shut racial disparities in sectors resembling business, education, and health.

“You don’t understand the definition of oppression… I would ask you to just Google it,” said Crockett, who moments later read the dictionary definition of the word, adding: “Oppression is long-term cruel or unfair treatment or control, that’s the definition of oppression.” The congresswoman emphasized: “There was no oppression of the white man in this country.”

Referring to the history of chattel slavery and racial segregation within the US, the Texas lawmaker said: “Tell me which white men were dragged from their homes. Tell me which one was dragged across the ocean and that you will go to work. We will steal your wives. We will rape your wives. It didn’t happen. This is oppression.”

Attempting to further explain the importance of DEI, Crockett noted that she is barely the fifty fifth Black woman elected to Congress in its 235-year history, unlike the 1000’s of white men who’ve served on Capitol Hill.

“So if you want to talk about history and pretend it was that long ago, it wasn’t,” Crockett said, citing data showing that corporations perform higher and are more profitable after they are more diversified.

The anti-DEI movement, championed exclusively by Republicans, has led to several lawsuits invalidating federal programs, including debt forgiveness for Black farmers and business loans to Black and other disadvantaged businesses. Many states led by Republican governors have indicated that DEI – especially teaching about slavery and racism – is harmful to students, namely white students. In response, they banned such topics from public classrooms.

Jamarr Brown, executive director of Color of Change PAC, the political arm of the civil rights organization, said Congresswoman Crockett’s statements on DEI were “poignant and necessary.”

Jordan Brand amplifies Black storytelling with StoryCorps'

While the Dismantling DEI Act actually won’t be passed while Democrats control the Senate and President Joe Biden stays in office, it signals what may very well be a priority for Republicans next yr, as outlined within the pro-Trump “Project 2025” political manifesto “.

“According to Project 2025, diversity, equity and inclusion is synonymous with ‘White lives don’t matter,’” Brown noted. “Now more than ever, we at Color Of Change PAC, as well as advocates and activists across the country, must work to protect Black people and other people of color from harm resulting from anti-DEI attacks.”

Brown continued, “Civil rights protections have helped reduce mortgage discrimination, increase the number of Black physicians to counter problems such as Black maternal mortality, and provide financing for Black-owned businesses.”

He added: “Our country thrives and everyone benefits when diversity, equality and inclusion are valued rather than stifled.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Politics and Current

Why is Trump delaying signing the ethics agreement?

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Trump, election, Vanity Fair, cover


The campaign’s legal department reports that President-elect Donald Trump is stalling the presidential transition process by refusing to sign an ethics pledge that is legally required of each sitting president

Under the Presidential Transition Act, Trump and his transition team must sign a document ensuring he avoids any conflicts of interest once he takes office. Only after the document is signed and sent to the General Services Administration (GSA) can the incoming administration gain access to federal agencies.

The transition, which President Joe Biden has promised will likely be “orderly and peaceful,” sets the tone for the Trump-Vance administration’s approach to transparency, accountability and earning the trust of Americans, all of that are seen as essential to making sure the administration fulfills its responsibilities to the U.S. people mean .

The reasons for withholding Trump’s documents are unknown, but some speculate it has to do along with his latest financial disclosure reports and for one reason particularly. Many of his holdings might be considered conflict of interest red flags, equivalent to his latest cryptocurrency business, a majority stake in his social media platform Truth Social, real estate, books and licensing deals.

It’s not only the GSA that the president-elect is avoiding. According to , Trump also refused to make use of the State Department’s secure phone lines and interpreters and kept away from using the FBI’s security clearance system. That’s why House Democrats issued latest laws on November 19 requiring Executive Office employees to have FBI security clearances. If not, Congress will likely be warned.

Democratic lawmakers and powerful Trump opponents like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) are baffled by his transition team’s refusal to sign an ethics agreement.

“Donald Trump and his transition team are already breaking the law. I would know because I wrote the law myself,” Warren wrote in X on November 11. “Future presidents are obliged to prevent conflicts of interest and sign an ethics agreement. This is what illegal corruption looks like.”

Skepticism towards the bill, presented by Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Ted Lieu (D-CA)persists. The upcoming GOP-controlled Congress is seemingly leaning toward Trump. Once back in office, Trump will give you the chance to issue security clearances to anyone he wants, no matter the FBI’s objections or whether the person faces legal charges. This latest situation involves two of Trump’s Cabinet picks – Matt Gaetz as attorney general and Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, each of whom have faced allegations of sexual misconduct.


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