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Kamala Harris’ ‘recent accent’ under fire as supporters race to defend her code-switching during speech

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Kamala Harris

Donald J. Trump and others proceed to find ways to discredit Vice President Kamala Harris’s blackness by pushing the narrative that she modifies her accent when she is around certain people.

This is according to the previous president’s statement that she “went black” to sway voters within the presidential election, as well as to resonate with those that criticize Harris’ accent and demeanor when addressing different communities.

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Kamala Harris accused of fixing her “accent” on the 2024 Congressional Black Caucus Dinner (Photo: AP Photo/Meg Kinnard, archive)

This critique got here to the fore again on the 2024 Phoenix Awards, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, September 14, where the Oakland-born artist delivered a speech to a predominantly Black and Brown audience.

A video has appeared online through which the Democratic presidential candidate greets the audience with the words: “Hello to all my brothers and sisters of the Divine Nine and my sisters.”

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Dressed in a blue sequined dress, Harris continued with a giggle: “And to all my brothers and sisters at HBCUs.” Although the clip was short and didn’t capture the group’s response, it also sparked a social media storm.

Her cheerful tone, distinctive laugh, and references to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) led many to accuse her of lacking authenticity as a 38-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

“Kamala’s new accent at the Black Caucus dinner. I can’t make this up. Worse than Hillary. Disgusting and horrifying,” one user wrote on Twitter.

Other criticisms highlighted Harris’s pattern, beating“This is not her ‘new accent.’ This is an accent she has been changing to for a long time to appeal to black voters.”

Harris knows this criticism all too well.

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Throughout the campaign, her use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), or adaptations of speech when addressing different groups, drew each opposition and defense. At a July event in Atlanta and a September speech in Detroit, critics compared her delivery, accusing her of fixing her tone depending on the demographics of her audience, interpreting this as a way to pander to black voters.

Even Peter Doocy from Fox News I asked White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explained why Harris appeared to speak with a “Southern accent” in Detroit, to which Jean-Pierre replied, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Many others think he has no idea what he’s talking about.

Harris’ supporters, especially within the black community, point to W.E.B. Du Bois concept “double consciousness” and the survival tactic of code-switching—adapting one’s speech and behavior depending on the social context—a typical experience for many individuals of color.

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One user defended Harris, explaining“No, that’s how she talks. The voice you’re used to is the one she uses when she has to conform in her workspace to be accepted by her peers who don’t look like her. Black people have been doing this forever. It’s called #codeswitching.”

Another commentator as well as“So what do racist white people need to know? Do ALL black people do this and when I meet a black person who sounds like me they are afraid of me?”

One influencer, 2RawTooReal, chimed in with humor, posting a meme about code-switching and writing, “Code-switching is a dark art. Me at my corporate job.”

The notion that Harris is “acting black” or is being dishonest has been firmly rejected by many who know her, including her sorority sisters who pledged with her in 1986 at Howard University. She is a proud member of the Alpha Chapter of the oldest black sorority and a graduate of one in every of the oldest HBCUs.

Nicole Holliday, an assistant professor of linguistics on the University of California, Berkeley, who’s an authority in sociophonetics, said she has been studying Harris’s speaking style for years and has not noticed anything odd about it.

In an interview with MSNBC, she said those criticizing Harris for code-switching are missing the purpose.

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“She sounds black,” Holliday said. “She sounds professional. She sounds female. She sounds Californian, all those things. And she’s pretty much consistent. If you listen to her, she sounds consistently all those things.”

The expert also published a report for 2023 paper“Complex Variations in the Construction of Sociolinguistic Persona: The Case of Vice President Kamala Harris,” published in American Speech, explored how Harris navigates these linguistic waters, showing how her speech reflects her multifaceted identity as a Black woman and a lady ready of power.

Ultimately, Holliday believes Harris’ ability to navigate different linguistic landscapes is emblematic of a bigger phenomenon, particularly amongst black leaders. She even compares the previous prosecutor to former President Barack Obama and the way he had to change his tone when speaking to different audiences.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mMFIOGsIdA

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This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Usher to provide the address of the Emory University class start from 2025 graduates

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It seems that there will not be much that Usher Raymond IV – Better, known to the world, simply as a USher – no. He can sing. He can dance. He can sing and dance while skating. He works. Sells Las Vegas residences. Performs philanthropic work.

And also performs the completion addresses. Usher was utilized by the University in its own yard. May 12 Usher will provide the address at Emory University 180. Ceremony of graduation and shall be awarded with an honorary doctorate in humanitarian letters from the institution. This will not be the first Usher Rodeo with an honorary doctorate; In 2023 Berklee School of Music in Boston He awarded the International Superstar with distinction. He also gave comments then.

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Usher will not be alien to Emory University. His non-profit, New Usher Lookwhich according to the website“He transforms the lives of malnourished youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion, global leaders”, has established cooperation with Emory’s University’s University Goizueta Business School in a 400-hour program helping to prepare teenagers for faculty. Apparently, non-profit influenced over 50,000 students.

“I spent my life following my spark – my passion – and trying to support young people when they find and follow their own passions. I am excited that I have the opportunity to talk to these amazing Emory students who graduate and prepare for imprint in the world – said Usher in Billboard statement.

Usher is one of the most successful musical acts in history, selling over 80 million records, winning many Grammy awards and has toured throughout the world since his profession in the mid -90s. His album “Confessions” from 2004 is the second best -selling album from 2000 and is taken into account by Rolling Stone as one of the best albums of all of all of all.

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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The most iconic moments of the beauty of Robert Flack – Essence

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Robert Flack, a valued singer, songwriter and pianist, died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. The legendary singer, whose velvety voice again defined the soul and R&B, stays a everlasting icon of elegance, emotions and artistry. With timeless classics, resembling “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever and Wis See Your Face”, the singer died the audience captivated the audience along with her ability to weave delicacy and power in every note. Not only will we take heed to her repetitive music, but we won’t stop eager about its most iconic moments of beauty.

In the 70s Robert seriously swayed Afro – a daring statement of being black and proud – during performances at live shows, including the famous Newport Jazz festival. Two years later, she honored the scene of Ronnie Scott in London along with her hair drawn into the band, combined with dramatic long eyelashes, which defined her characteristic appearance. Always to experiment with hair, she also accepted braids decorated with beads, without effort combining style and cultural pride.

Just a few many years quickly forward, and Robert was still turning her head. While playing in Gillette Civil Rights 2010 between Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, she stunned the navy blue eye shadow, a dark light highlighter and daring red lipstick. The following yr, she performed at Bideawee Ball from 2011 with full rhythm – eyeliner, mascara, highlighter and its characteristic red lips. And in 2020 she performed unforgettable during the 62th annual Grammy Awards, wearing a beautiful curly crown and the same red lipstick that we met and loved.

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In honor of her everlasting legacy, we glance back at some of the most iconic beauty moments of Roberta’s incomparable flack.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Joe Freshgoods X New Balance 992 “Starn Well” is celebrating cooperation

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New Balance, Joe Freshgoods, Chicago

 


Joe Freshgoods selects five years and counts with New Balance because of his latest version 992 “Arged Well”, a tribute to his creative partnership with a characteristic brand of sportswear, which still supports his design talents and a contagious passion.

After Debut On the Joe Freshgoods New Balance 992 website, Chicago Creative is preparing for a wider version of February 28 via newbalance.com and chosen retail sellers. The new edition of the sneakers means the fifth anniversary of Joe of New Balance, milestone after almost stood before closing his now widely beloved and known brand.

The document coming in June 2025 is shared within the history of Joe’s success, from his start as an area Streetwearus brand in his hometown of Chicago to providing New Balance partnership in 2020, when he wasn’t sure find out how to keep his business.

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“He examines how the partnership influenced the global culture of sneakers and development transparency”, Joe common In the announcement on Instagram, “which was more important to me than just doing it about tennis games. This is a real life. ”

The trailer of the documentation offers access to Joe’s journey, presenting his modest approach to success and its influence on the Boston brand of sportswear founded in 1906. Since joining New Balance, Joe Robinson (higher referred to as Joe Freshgoods), a champion with a young history.

Five years later, with 20 Sneakers Publishing House and counting the most recent cooperation of New Balance Joe Freshgoods is a love letter for his creative journey with the Boston brand.

“Sometimes I feel that I shouldn’t be here. But I am here and say, “Oh, I’m good at what I do,” he says within the film.

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Project 992 “Agnish well” attracts the inspiration from the primary cooperation of Joe Freshgoods from New Balance – the edition of New Balance 992 “No Emotions”, also referred to as “heart anatomy”. It was a right away hit and celebrated in the course of the NBA All-Star weekend, and now charges resale prices around $ 3,000.

While the explanations for the New Balance revival may vary, many consider the primary release of Joe 992 to be a catalyst that enlivened the brand. Sneakers have pink and red suede silhouettes placed on an olive mesh base and accented saddle skin on the tongue and rear card.

Four sets of lace are attached, and the box is decorated with unique details reflecting the theme “aging well”. In addition, Joe Freshgoods designed the “Championship Dreams” leather university jacket to commemorate his five -year success as a designer.

“I wanted this jacket to capture the essence of the last five years – each project was a milestone, another closed chapter, another dream,” Joe signature Post on Instagram. “Over time, I had the honor to tell culturally important stories, and this jacket reflects this travel project according to the design.”

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