Lifestyle
Fear of sitting in crowded, black spaces
There are two types of black people in the world: 1.) those that can walk right into a church on Easter Sunday, “sit” the highest five seats, and take a look at the ushers to just accept that those seats are taken; or 2.) me.
I’m the kind of person, and I represent the kind of black people, who hate being asked to sit down anywhere. I almost never feel anxious in public and I’m rarely nervous or concerned about who’s around me. But after I am in a public place and someone who just isn’t there and is not going to be there for some time asks me to sit down, I get anxious. I sweat. I stress. I fade quickly after which hand over. I don’t like to sit down for other people and I don’t ask people to sit down for me. I don’t prefer to put my burdens on the riverbank of the one who was on time.
But unfortunately, in the black community, “holding seats” is a thing—a sport, even. I’ve seen (and I mean this with dead seriousness; “without a hat,” as the children would say) an elderly black woman tell an usher in church that she was holding seats, and get mad on the ushers who suggested she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t consider they thought she couldn’t hold a row of seats, and so they couldn’t consider she couldn’t consider she couldn’t do it. Oh, what a tangled web we weave. My wife is one of those individuals who will hold all of the requested seats and risk a public demonstration of “Who’s going to break first, loudly?” over said seats. She’ll even be very mad at me after I can’t do it. Marriage, right?
If I’ll, I would really like to share with you all a recent experience I had attempting to get a seat that not only threw me out of the constructing, but threw me into an overcrowded room where I could now not see anything on account of the stress of attempting to get a seat for somebody. Also, as you may see, I failed this task with flying colours.
Just a few weeks ago, a famous friend of mine was giving a speak about books at a famous Washington landmark. I had been to that bookstore before—persistently—and had attended many of that friend’s talks. A math problem was about to pop into my head; there was absolutely no way that store could accommodate the number of individuals who would show up for that talk. Spoiler alert: I used to be right.
Lifestyle
Since I consider myself a forward-thinking person, I anticipated this math problem and got to the shop early enough to get a seat, but late enough to get one of, for example, three remaining seats. Many people should have been pondering the identical thing I used to be occupied with math, not math, given the space constraints of the shop. Anyway, I went in and sat down on a stool, then watched the parade of people, mostly black, who got here in after me, attempting to determine where to sit down. As an increasing number of people, especially older blacks, entered, I prepared to present up my seat and use my younger legs to face for your entire show.
And then I got a text from a friend asking me to avoid wasting a spot for her. Now that friend cannot stand for long, I had to avoid wasting her a spot (which I used to be already willing to present up) or we’d have to depart together; that wasn’t an option; we were there to see our friend be amazing and do her own thing.
But here’s the issue: My friend who asked for a seat was a minimum of quarter-hour away, and the stream of people coming in was growing. On top of that, my seat was in the aisle where people were coming in, which meant that everybody, including women who looked like my grandmother, could see that I used to be NOT giving up my seat. I looked like a young kid on a subway automotive not giving up her seat to seniors or pregnant women. The thing is, I knew why I wasn’t getting up, but they didn’t, and I couldn’t look my grandmother in the face and say, “Hey, I would give up my seat for you, but I would save it for a woman younger than you but older than me who potentially has a leg problem and wouldn’t care if you didn’t get it.” No one asked, they simply watched.
I used to be sweating an increasing number of with every passing minute and an increasing number of people were observing me. I do not know if that truly happened or not but that is the way it felt and I felt uncomfortable and judged. I used to be texting my mate with my ETA and he kept saying “I’ll be there in 5 minutes” for over 5 minutes. I let her know I didn’t think I could sit any longer because I used to be beginning to seem like I hadn’t been raised properly.
Then the book event organizer took the microphone and identified that there have been issues with the seating and that those of us who could should hand over our seats to those that were older than us or might need to sit down down, and I felt like she was talking on to me when she said that. She mentioned the overflow situation outside on the back patio instead for all of us who either needed a seat or had to present up our seats. At this point, my stress and anxiety were at their peak; my heart was beating fast and my palms were sweaty. I could not take it anymore. I stood up from my seat and without anyone, said, “The seat is free,” and quickly ran to the overflow spot while texting my friend that I could not hold on to my seat any longer.
It’s been weeks since that night and I still remember how I felt attempting to keep the place going. I felt really uncomfortable and I knew my wife could be high quality. Oh, and concerning the overbooking situation – it was awful. The place had no idea what they were doing and arrange a projector TV during sunset so nobody could see what was happening. Cool idea, terrible execution, but a minimum of I wasn’t stressed anymore. I used to be briefly annoyed that the place hadn’t thought to order a bigger space for the lecture considering who that they had brought, but that is in the past now.
Now it’s OK; thanks for asking. But one thing is obviously, and two things are obviously: next time I’m going right into a place that I do know can be crowded, I’ll just skip the entire sitting thing and prepare to face in the front, back, or side. Sure, my back might hurt and my legs might ache, but a minimum of I won’t feel stressed or judged.
If you’ve gotten a friend who cannot hold seats, please don’t force them to. It’s an excessive amount of.
Thank you for coming to my talk in Panama.
Lifestyle
Vivica A. Fox’s shocking transformation in new photos leaves fans stunned, months after criticism over her “puffy” appearance
After months of public criticism and constant comments about her appearance, Vivica A. Fox is proving that she will rise above the noise in style.
The “Set it Off” actress, who faced mockery from a whole lot of individuals online for her weight gain in addition to accusations of cosmetic surgery and photoshopping, is back with a striking new look that has fans excited.
The multilingual Fox took to social media to share her stunning look from the “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” Christmas Celebration event held on Saturday, November 16 in Los Angeles.
Dressed in a wine-colored Badgley Mischka sequined suit with a draped belt, her hair perfectly styled and her face perfectly sculpted, 50 Cent’s ex-girlfriend dazzled her 1.7 million fans.
The post it featured photos of Fox with other stars who attended the event, including Jackee Harry, Tia Mowry, Romeo Miller, Jeanie Mae and more.
Many people were quick to note her radiant glow and renewed confidence, which many felt was missing from her previous posts.
Fans flooded Fox’s comments section with praise, showering love on the Black Hollywood icon.
“Yassss Ms. Foxy I mean Foxy lol you are killing it,” one person wrote, while one other exclaimed: “What a knockout!”
“Wow, you’re gone,” someone commented, describing how stunning she looked afterwards.
However, several people directly identified her much slimmer appearance in comparison with recent weeks, writing: “You’re losing weight” and “The weight loss and new glow looks phenomenal on her.”
Others added: “LAWDDDDDDDDDD….. WE LOOK AND FEEL LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS! ACT, Sister. WOW!”
Life and Hulu cooperated organize an event that allowed the general public to see that Fox continues to be one in all the best beauties of her generation.
For someone who has been an emblem of beauty and talent since her breakout role as Carmen Silva on Days of Our Lives, this new chapter in her journey reminds the world that reinvention and resilience go hand in hand.
Last yr, the NAACP Image Award winner celebrated her milestone sixtieth birthday by launching a media onslaught promoting her latest film, “The Lost Holiday,” and a number of other other ventures.
One of Fox’s notable appearances was on “The Tamron Hall Show,” which sparked conversations about her height in early October. Many said she looked “puffy” and her face and body looked plumper in comparison with her iconic roles in motion movies like “Independence Day” and “Kill Bill,” and her flashy fashion was a thing of the past.
Fans were concerned, with some suggesting she could have had “hormonal issues” that contributed to her looking “puffy.”
Others wondered if perhaps she was bloated for some reason, and others simply said people should show her grace.
“She’s not that big. I saw it on the show. Stop making it huge,” one person said, while one other added: “Yes, people gain weight… DAMN. Still looks great.
Fox’s recent appearance could also be what it takes to silence her critics, and it’s a strong declaration of self-love and perseverance. Her ability to remain busy and occupied despite the constant pressure of finding the suitable role when she’s in the highlight speaks volumes about her drive.
In a world where public figures are subjected to ruthless scrutiny, Fox’s ability to rise above negativity and shine is a fair brighter testament to her strength and resilience. While fans proceed to support her, the Why Do Fools Fall in Love actress confirms why she stays a cherished icon in the entertainment industry.
Lifestyle
Meghan Markle shares why she “can’t wait” for the holidays
Meghan Markle loves the holidays.
The Duchess of Sussex said this in a recent interview Marie Clairethrough which she told how she and her young family, including Prince Harry, spend every holiday.
Firstly, the 43-year-old mother of two is thrilled to share her joy together with her two children, Prince Arcihe, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
“At first, I think as a mom with kids, you’re just happy that they’re there for you, but they don’t understand everything that’s going on yet,” she said. “But now we’re at an age where I look forward to seeing it through their lens every year.”
Meghan and her family’s holidays begin with what she called a “pretty low-key” Thanksgiving celebration.
“Over the last few years, as I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving here, like many of us, I’ve thought about always making sure there’s room at the table for friends who don’t have family, and that’s really key,” she said.
In her case, that meant welcoming people like Gloria Steinem to previous celebrations. But for the Sussexes, a low-key Thanksgiving also involves spending time with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, who lives near their home in California.
“Being close to my mom is great,” she said.
She added that her family often makes sure they’ve “something fun to do.”
“Like any other family, you spend time having a great meal and then what do you do? Play games and stuff like that, someone brings a guitar – it’s fun,” she continued. “Every vacation is a new adventure.”
Meghan also added how vital it’s for her children to experience the “magic” of the holiday season, including “wonderful recipes that end up being formative memories.” Currently, this includes leaving carrots for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.
The Duchess met with Marie Claire at a Christmas dinner for Afghan women who recently moved to California through… Mina’s Lista corporation that helps Afghan women evacuate Afghanistan and find resources and support. Women also receive support through Welcome project of the Archewell Foundationwhich Meghan and Prince Harry launched in 2023 to extend support for women who resettled in the US from Afghanistan, People Magazine reported. There are currently 11 Welcome Project chapters in nine states.
The dinner was held at a modern kitchenware company owned by women and immigrants Our place and included good food, energetic conversation, and even poetry.
“From my viewpoint, one in all the reasons we desired to make certain we had the opportunity to be together again – so a lot of us – straight away is because as the holidays approach, and in some ways they’ve already began, it brings to evoke a lot emotion in people,” Meghan said during her dinner remarks.
“You miss home, you miss your country, and you can also find solace in the new community you have here,” she continued. “I’m grateful that we get to be a part of this community.”
Lifestyle
Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary welcomed their second child
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.
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.”
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