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Harris urges Americans to reject political divisions, warns of consequences of Trump victory

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CHICAGO (AP) — Kamala Harris urged Americans on Thursday to reject political divisions and as a substitute chart what she called a “new way forward” by accepting her party’s nomination, while also weaving a biography with warnings against reelecting Donald Trump to the White House.

Taking the stage to a thunderous standing ovation on the closing of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the vp argued that her personal experiences and her experience as a prosecutor make her uniquely qualified to defend the interests of Americans against a former president she portrayed as driven only by his own interests.

“This election offers our nation a precious, fleeting opportunity to move beyond the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past,” Harris said. “A chance to chart a new path forward. Not as members of a party or a faction, but as Americans.”

The daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, Harris became the primary Black woman and person of South Asian descent to accept a serious party’s presidential nomination and would grow to be the primary female president if elected. Harris didn’t explicitly address the historic events she was expected to set in her 40-minute speech, and she or he only mentioned the words “Democrat” or “Republican” within the context of discussing the bipartisan border bill that Trump helped kill earlier this 12 months and that she has promised to sign if elected.

Her speech — and the Democratic convention overall — was designed to appeal to a broad swath of Americans, not only partisans already motivated by Harris’ rise after President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid. She made several implicit appeals to a broad swath of voters who were dissatisfied with each White House options just weeks ago, particularly those dissatisfied with Trump, a degree underscored by the looks of several individuals who have broken with the forty fifth president while embracing the policies and approaches of Biden, the forty sixth.

Her large mixed-race family joined the normal balloon drop. Earlier, two of her great-granddaughters led a packed United Center, teaching people how to pronounce her name, which suggests lotus in Sanskrit.

“America, the path that has brought me here in recent weeks has undoubtedly been unexpected,” Harris said. “But I am no stranger to unlikely journeys.”

Harris reintroduces himself

Raised primarily by her mother in a small apartment in San Francisco’s East Bay after her parents divorced, Harris described being raised by friends and caregivers who were a “love interest family.” She also detailed a key part of her political origin story, when Wanda, her best friend from highschool, confided in her that she had been molested by her stepfather and moved in with the Harris family.

“That’s one of the reasons I became a prosecutor. To protect people like Wanda,” Harris said.

Describing her work as a prosecutor, state attorney general, senator and now vp, Harris declared, “Throughout my career, I’ve had only one client: the people.” Meanwhile, she said Trump has acted solely within the interests of “the only client he’s ever had: himself.”

As she walked on stage, she saw a sea of ​​Democratic delegates and supporters wearing white — the colour of women’s suffrage, a movement that culminated when American women gained the appropriate to vote in 1920.

Harris was delivering a speech on the tenth anniversary of her wedding to her husband, Doug Emhoff, whom she called “Dougie” on stage and who blew her a kiss from the stands initially of his speech.

She and other speakers addressed Republicans directly.

Harris made a direct appeal to Republicans who don’t support Trump to put aside their partisan labels and support her over Trump, who has denied his 2020 election loss to Biden, which inspired the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

“I know there are people of all political persuasions watching tonight, and I want you to know that I promise to be a president for all Americans,” Harris said. “I promise to be a president for all Americans, to preserve America’s sacred constitutional principles, founding principles, from the rule of law and fair elections to the peaceful transition of power.”

The convention gave the foremost speaking slot to former Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, a Republican critic of Trump, who said: “Any policy we disagree on pales in comparison to these fundamental questions of principle. Decency. Allegiance to this nation. To my fellow Republicans: If you still pledge allegiance to those principles, I suspect you belong here, too.”

Harris cited her prosecutorial past as she repeatedly referred to Trump’s “clear intent” to release those that attacked law enforcement officers on the Capitol, jail political opponents and use the military against American residents.

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“Consider what he intends to do if we give him power again,” she added.

Trump, calling Fox News after Harris’ speech, responded to the speech by asking, “Why didn’t she do what she’s complaining about?”

“It was a lot of complaining. She didn’t talk about China. She didn’t talk about fracking. She didn’t talk about crime,” Trump continued, adding, “Other than that, it was a nice-looking room.”

Harris vows to defend alliances and abortion access

Delivering her most pointed remarks on national security since becoming a presidential candidate, Harris pledged to strengthen U.S. ties with NATO allies and said the country must proceed to support Ukraine in its war with Russia. Trump and his vice presidential nominee, J.D. Vance, have repeatedly questioned U.S. support for Ukraine.

“I will never waver in my defense of America’s security and ideals because I know where I stand in the ongoing struggle between democracy and tyranny, and I know where the United States stands,” she said.

The vp also promised to work to end Israel’s war with Hamas, which could stabilize the situation within the region, while not hesitating to protect U.S. forces from aggression by Iran and other adversaries.

While she pledged to “always defend Israel’s right to self-defense” after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and pressed for the discharge of hostages and the implementation of a ceasefire, she also highlighted the plight of Palestinian civilians. Pro-Palestinian protesters and members of the “nonaligned” movement at the world slammed the convention organizers for not inviting the Palestinian-American on stage.

“What has happened in Gaza over the last 10 months has been devastating, so many innocent lives have been lost,” Harris said. “Desperate, hungry people have fled for safety time and again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking.”

Promising to restore nationwide access to abortion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Harris slammed Trump and Republicans who enabled abortion bans in two dozen states and wanted to go further.

“They are crazy,” Harris said.

Harris has been under scrutiny within the month since she displaced Biden atop the Democratic ticket for avoiding policy details. She has made sweeping guarantees on a variety of key policy areas, from expanding voting rights to lowering housing costs, passing tax cuts for the center class and strengthening border security.

Harris also highlighted her law enforcement experience, including time spent as district attorney in San Francisco and attorney general of California. She was later elected to the U.S. Senate and ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020.

Her campaign collapsed before a single vote was forged in the first, but Biden selected her as his vice presidential running mate, catapulting her onto the national stage.

Although Harris initially struggled to find her footing as vp, her popularity soared when she became the administration’s leading abortion rights advocate after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Democrats used anger over that call to stave off their losses in recent midterm elections.

When Biden stumbled in a debate with Trump in June, Harris defended him until he decided to drop out of the race. With his endorsement, she quickly united the Democratic Party behind her candidacy, resetting a presidential race that Trump seemed well on his way to winning.

Addressing her supporters after her speech, Harris expressed confidence but encouraged them to proceed campaigning by pretending they were behind.

“Have a party tonight, we have a lot of work to do in the next 75 days,” she said. “We will win this.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary welcomed their second child

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Elaine Welteroth, Jonathan Singletary, Elaine Welteroth has baby, Black famous mothers, Black mothers, Black maternal health, birthFUND, theGrio.com

Elaine Welteroth has a brand recent bundle of joy!

The 37-year-old media personality and founding father of birthFUND welcomed her second child, a son named SantiGold, together with her husband, musician Jonathan Singletary, in early November.

While Welteroth said People Magazine that she and her growing family are “healthy and happy” – she admitted that she has been affected by sleep problems since welcoming the most recent member of the family.

“I’m not sure my brain is working at full speed,” she told the web site. “I’m sleep-deprived, but I’m fine, I’m fine.”

Recalling the precise day she went into labor, she stated that she just knew it was the day.

“His birth was largely orchestrated by God,” she explained. “I just instinctively said, ‘I’m going to send my kid to school, and when he comes home, he’ll have a little brother.'”

In addition to her general spidey senses, Welteroth had an impulse to be outdoors, so she went to the park.

“The moment I sat down on the grass, I felt the first contraction,” she said. “I assumed, ‘Let’s go, honey.’ “It’s happening.”

Still, there was no immediate sense of urgency for the young mother of two, even stopping to do some Reiki within the park together with her midwife. Shortly thereafter, she returned home for what she described because the “most beautiful” and “peaceful” home birth. SantiGold’s peaceful delivery could also be a part of the inspiration behind his name, which she said means “peace” in Thai.

“I think you’re more confident in the process the second time around,” she noted, adding, “You can trust the method more. The baby was born inside three hours, I could not consider it.

Welteroth, who welcomed her first child, a boy, together with her husband in April 2022, has long touted her second pregnancy as a “redemptive pregnancy.” Its first stage was marked by complications and anxiety. Halfway through, after learning concerning the full scope of the Black mother’s health crisis, she began working with a midwife and decided to have a house birth. She also learned what number of families couldn’t afford the life-saving care of midwives and doulas, which led her to launch the FUND birth fund earlier this yr.

Elaine Welteroth shares her pain story in Advil's 'Believe My Pain' campaign

It was through the organization’s official opening that she learned she was pregnant together with her second child, announcing the primary group of beneficiaries. Now her organization is preparing to reward 41 more families.

“I started with the mantra: ‘We are the ones who have to save ourselves,’” she said. “I’m just very, very proud of our team and that we can help women and families, especially in this moment when we see how the system is failing families. I am truly encouraged and hopeful.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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The ultimate Black-owned gift guide for Divine 9 members

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When it involves honoring the wealthy legacy of the Divine Nine, selecting the proper gift is about greater than just aesthetics – it’s about celebrating the history, culture and unwavering bonds of Black Greek letter organizations. Whether it’s Founders’ Day, inheritance ceremonyor just to point out like to a valued senior or fraternity brother, a meaningful gift reflects the pride, strength and purpose these organizations embody.

From stylish accessories to memorabilia that captures the essence of those organizations, these Black-owned brands can assist you to honor the spirit of service and sisterhood – or brotherhood – that outline the Divine Nine experience.

Truth 2 Code

(Photo: True 2 The Code)

Truth 2 Code offers a variety of fashionable accessories for members of the Divine Nine. Adding street style to classic Greek pieces, the True 2 Greek collection allows members to point out off their letters and private style.

Estelle coloured glass

(Photo: Estelle Colored Glass)

Although they might not be sold as a Greek seller, Estelle coloured glass prepares amazing gifts for members of Greek literary organizations. With a wide selection of coloured glassware designs, consider giving your favorite soror or fraternity brother a set of glasses of their organization’s colours.

(*9*)

DVN

(Photo: DVN)

DVN is a Greek clothing brand that hopes to redefine traditional Greek accessories by offering designs that completely fit people’s on a regular basis style. Founded by Danielle Render, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., DVN combines progressive design and meticulous craftsmanship to create jackets, necklaces and custom pieces that allow all D9 members to “represent their affiliations with confidence and authenticity.”

Vontélle Divine glasses collection

(Photo: Vontélle)

Designed for us, Vontélle is a Black woman-owned eyewear brand offering optical frames and sunglasses that complement Black facial expression. Vontélle “Divine” Collection combines the brand’s mission to create better-fitting, vibrant, fashion-forward styles with colours and patterns inspired by historically black sororities and sororities.

Betty Plus promotion

For over 30 years Betty Plus promotion, Black, a family business, is a one-stop shop for Greek accessories, clothing and custom embroidery. Offering deals for every Divine 9 organization, Betty’s Promo Plus offers collections of transition gifts, holiday gifts and more.

Fashionably Greek

(Photo: Fashionably Greek)

Fashionably Greek provides a various range of trendy and customizable clothing options, offering clothes and niknaks for all D9 sororities and choose fraternities (Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi). Its products are perfect for any occasion, from homecoming to social events and even to the office.

University nativity scene

University nativity scene is certainly one of the biggest Greek accessories stores. This Black family-owned business offers a big selection of merchandise for each D9 and non-D9 Black Greek organizations. Customers can shop online or visit a store near Tennessee State University in person.

Macy’s Divine Nine Fraternity and Sorority Collections

(Photo courtesy of Macy’s)

Macy’s Divine Nine Brotherhood collection AND Kasper Sorority Collection pay tribute to the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) organizations by offering men’s and girls’s clothing that highlights the distinct colours of every organization. These business-style garments are perfect for members to subtly have fun their affiliation at work events and/or branch meetings.

Black-owned brands will be able to shop from Oprah's 2024 favorites list

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Why Denzel Washington quit drinking at 60

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Denzel Washington, alcohol use, sobriety, drug abuse, Gladiator II, Denzel Washington retiring, theGrio.com

Denzel Washington has been sober for nearly a decade, but he had one particular vice: wine.(*60*)

In a brand new profile, the 69-year-old actor talks about his history with wine, drugs like LSD and growing up in New York within the Seventies. Esquire magazine..(*60*)

“Wine is very difficult,” he warned. “It’s very slow… It’s not like boom.”(*60*)

He explained that, unlike harder substances, he had “the perfect idea for wine tasting and so on – and that’s how it was in the beginning.”(*60*)

“And this is a very subtle thing,” he added.(*60*)

Washington said his habit really took off in 1999, when he built a house with a ten-thousand-bottle wine cellar and “learned to drink the best of it.”(*60*)

He added: “My passion was wine, and now I was pouring $4,000 bottles just because it was left.”(*60*)

The “Gladiator II” star eventually developed an intake management system; he frequently ordered the 2 best bottles of wine available at his favorite liquor store.(*60*)

“And my wife says, ‘Why do you only order two?’ I said, “Because if I order more, I’ll drink more.” So I limited it to 2 bottles and drank each in the course of the day,” he told the publication.(*60*)

Even though she drinks wine day by day, the “Equalizer 3” star said she never drank alcohol while working or preparing for a task, even while filming “Flight,” which tells the story of an alcoholic pilot.(*60*)

“I would clean up and go back to work – I could do both,” he said. “Regardless of the months of shooting, bang, it is time to wrap up. And then boom. Three months of wine and time to get back to work.(*60*)

The actor admitted that when he was younger, it was easier to take care of this pattern.(*60*)

“Two months off and we’re going. But the drinking was a fifteen-year pattern. And truth be told, it didn’t start in 1999. It began earlier,” he explained.(*60*)

Washington, who was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, described what it was like growing up there within the late Seventies. Spending time on projects with individuals who exposed him to heroin, cocaine, hard alcohol and more, he admits that he experimented but personally “never got hooked on it.” (*60*)

In fact, much of those formative years experiences were passed on to a few of Washington’s best and most complex figures. Still, he said, “I am unable to consider a single role where I said, ‘Man, that is me.’ Completely me? No, no.(*60*)

Since he quit drinking, he appears like “everything is opening up to him.”(*60*)

Will one of Denzel Washington's last films be

“It’s like you’re seventy,” he said. “This is real. And it’s okay. This is the last chapter – if I get one other thirty, what do I would like to do? My mother lived to be ninety-seven.(*60*)

The husband and father of 4 also pays more attention to fitness today, due to Lenny Kravitz, who introduced him to his trainer.(*60*)

“I’m doing everything I can,” he said.(*60*)

As he noted in the course of the “Gladiator II” press session, he’s also enthusiastic about upcoming projects which will become his last – and yes, they include two more “Equalizer” movies.(*60*)

“People love these daggone ‘Equalizers,'” he said. (*60*)

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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