Health and Wellness
Summer Walker Spotlights Black Women Entrepreneurs with ‘Buy Black Women’s Shit’ – Essence
When it involves uplifting her community, Summer Walker doesn’t just discuss it – she talks about it.
To rejoice the anniversary of the discharge of her breakout mixtape, the R&B singer is spotlighting Black women-owned businesses in Atlanta for the second 12 months in a row with her “Buy Black Women Sh*t” initiative. And rightly so, the event took place on September 22 – the last day of the summer season and a date that holds special significance as “Summer Walker Day” in Atlanta.
With the goal of empowering Black women entrepreneurs and inspiring the community to buy Black, the Walker initiative featured a curated collection of local businesses specializing in self-care, wellness and lifestyle. Collaboration with LVRN caresphilanthropic arm of her label Love Renaissance (LVRN), Summer assured that it wasn’t only a social media eulogy – it was a full-fledged activation. From special discounts and exclusive product offers to the interactive catalog available on her website, Walker made it clear: supporting Black women is a 12 months-round priority.
The event was a celebration of black women’s entrepreneurship in every sense. Whether it was plucking out a set of luxurious eyelashes grabbing a wellness package from or discovering a novel scent with attendees had access to a variety of services that embodied excellence and authenticity. Other corporations included , AND including showcasing the range and innovation of Black women-owned brands within the Atlanta area.
But this initiative is greater than just shopping – it’s an announcement. “Buy Black Women’s Shit” is Walker’s way of using her platform to extend visibility for corporations which are often missed. This continues a commitment she first made when she launched this initiative in 2022, the identical 12 months the mayor of Atlanta declared September 22 “Summer Hiker Day.”
While the event focused on highlighting local entrepreneurs, it also marked a milestone in Walker’s profession. Her debut mixtape, released in October 2018, was a game changer within the R&B world, introducing us to Summer’s soulful sound and introspective lyrics. It featured the multi-platinum hit “Girls Need Love” and its remix with Drake, solidifying Walker’s position within the music industry. Fast forward to 2024 and the discharge of fan love for the mixtape reignited fan love, resulting in a surge in streams and bringing it back into the limelight.
The timing of “Buy Black Women Sh*t” couldn’t have been more perfect to rejoice her musical growth while making a tangible contribution to her community. It is that this dual influence that has made Walker a novel figure – not only within the music industry, but additionally within the sphere of black entrepreneurship.
If you didn’t manage to make it to this 12 months’s event, don’t fret – the complete catalog of participating corporations is obtainable on the web site Walker’s official website until September 22, 2025. The goal is to encourage continued support long after the event ends, making an enduring impact on these entrepreneurs. And knowing Summer, that is just the start.
With nominations for the Grammy Awards, NAACP Image Awards and MTV Video Music Awards in the identical 12 months, Walker’s star power becomes increasingly clear. But it’s her commitment to using that highlight to raise her community that is actually value celebrating. With her “Buy Black Women Shit” campaign, Summer shows that regardless of how successful you turn into, giving back is all the time an excellent thing.
Health and Wellness
Alexis Donald becomes the first physician and published author in her family
Bow. Alexis Donald, pioneering African American physician and advocate for empowering young minds, is happy to announce the release of her long-awaited kid’s book, Based on her own extraordinary journey, this fascinating story encourages children to dream big, consider in themselves and fearlessly pursue their aspirations.
As the first doctor in her family, Dr. Alexis has all the time been driven by a passion for medicine and a desire to make a difference in the world. Her inspiring story begins with childhood dreams and takes readers on a heartfelt journey of determination, resilience and triumph.
is a beautifully illustrated book that captures the essence of the true story of Dr. Alexis Donald. With relatable characters and a gripping story, young readers will probably be inspired to pursue their dreams, irrespective of how big or audacious they could seem.
This charming book not only highlights Dr. Donald’s personal achievements, but additionally showcases her exceptional academic achievements. As the valedictorian of her highschool, she became the first person in the history of her highschool to be awarded the prestigious Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship. Undaunted by the challenges, she continued her educational journey, completing her undergraduate studies at Jackson State University and Meharry Medical College, earning her master’s degree and medical degrees.
Dr. Donald, now a successful family medicine physician, has a mission to encourage the next generations to dream big, consider in themselves and fearlessly pursue their passions. He hopes to instill in young minds the importance of perseverance, self-belief and the limitless opportunities that await them.
Thanks to its strong message and fascinating illustrations, it’ll immediately change into a favourite book of kids, parents and teachers alike. This uplifting story is a reminder that dreams can come true through dedication, exertions and unwavering determination.
Dr. Donald invites readers of all ages to affix her in celebrating the release of her kid’s book. This extraordinary book is now available on the market in leading bookstores and online stores.
For more details about Dr. Alexis, her inspiring journey, and her mission to empower young minds, visit her website AuthorAlexisMD.com
Her book is offered at Amazon.
Health and Wellness
Alycia Baumgardner About faith, femininity and breaking barriers in boxing – Essence
Photo credit: Melina Pizano / Matchroom
Alycia Baumgardner has at all times had a fighting spirit. Growing up in a family of fighters, she didn’t just learn methods to box – she embodied it. Her journey to becoming the undisputed super featherweight champion began long before she ever placed on gloves. In fact, the boxing champion was only 4 years old when she first wrestled, and then eight when her dad asked the query that defined her future: “Do you want to box?” Her answer was easy and confident: “Yes, I will box.” Looking back, she recalls the innocence of the choice and notes, “I didn’t even know what I was getting into, but it just felt right.”
Living in Fremont, Ohio, Baumgardner’s introduction to boxing didn’t come from watching legends or studying tapes. Instead, her skills were influenced by family influences and a gaggle of coaches who saw her potential and helped her refine her craft. “I didn’t grow up watching boxing much,” she said. “Because of my athleticism and the teachers I worked with, I was able to really shape my style.” Her combat is flexible – she will be able to fight, move and outsmart her opponents with technical finesse. But what really drove her forward was her belief that “one day they would have to respect that.”
This respect intensified as the favored athlete quickly rose through the ranks, winning the WBC, IBO, WBO, IBF and The Ring titles by 2022. Her technical and relentless style made her a fearsome opponent. But outside the ring, she also accepted something that is commonly marginalized in boxing: her femininity. As ESSENCE says, “It’s important to accept it because that’s who I am as a woman.” For her, it’s about balance – the mix of beauty and beast. “You can be a beautiful woman and fight at the same time,” she says, capturing the duality that makes her a novel figure in women’s boxing.
Outside the ring, Baumgardner’s interests are as diverse as her boxing style. He finds time to maintain a diary. It’s a habit he maintains at the very least twice every week and documents the ups and downs of his life. “It’s just updates on my life,” he explains, seeing it as a method to reflect and grow. She can be a passionate advocate for well-being, each spiritual and physical, and is proud to offer back to her community. From teaching self-defense to women in Detroit to handing out turkeys through the holidays, she strives to be a positive influence on those round her. Her recent visits to HBCUs to encourage young fans are a testament to this commitment as she encourages them to develop into confident and pursue their dreams.
For the talented boxer, her place in athletics goes beyond titles and belts. “Being the face of women’s boxing is a blessing,” she says. “Because of my story and what I can offer outside the ring, I can reach so many people. It’s more than just a sport.” He sees his role as a legacy creator, known not only for his victories, but also for the words he shares and the impact he makes. “People won’t remember me just because of the stripes,” he insists. “They’ll remember what I said, what I told that young girl who dreamed of being a champion one day.”
However, her journey is just not without obstacles. As a black woman in a male-dominated sport, the boxing star faced challenges, often feeling like she stood out in a world where she didn’t see many individuals who looked like her. Reflecting on her experiences, she says, “Being a young black girl with muscles wasn’t common. But I at all times believed that someday people would respect my work ethic. This belief continues to drive her as she tries to balance the demands of her sport with the pressures of being an influential figure.
Last September, Alycia faced an unexpected defeat during her highly anticipated match against Delfine Persoon at Trilith Studios in Atlanta. The fight was fierce and she was determined to defend her undisputed super featherweight title. In the fourth round, a cut to Persoon’s right eye – attributable to an accidental clash of heads – forced the ringside doctor to declare the fight, resulting in a no-contest ruling. Although the choice was unexpected, she viewed it as a brief setback fairly than a setback, exuding the identical resilience that has defined her profession.
Looking ahead, the 30-12 months-old’s goals remain clear. She is committed to her craft, her community, and inspiring the following generation of warriors. And although the challenges ahead could also be difficult, she is grounded in her faith and her purpose. “Prayer is important,” he says. “I always believed I was destined to become something great, and through obstacles I learned to overcome them.”
Baumgardner’s journey is characterised by fortitude, grace and undeniable strength – a real testament to her belief that, in boxing and in life, every defeat is a chance to rise again. As she continues to coach, mentor others and push the boundaries of the game, she shows that her fight goes far beyond titles; it’s about redefining life’s possibilities.
Health and Wellness
Pregnant patients forced to pay in advance before giving birth
An increasing variety of pregnant patients and recent parents are expressing frustration with having to pay in advance for labor and delivery before giving birth.
Typically, patients receive the bill only after their insurance covers a part of it, which in the case of pregnant patients often occurs after the top of the pregnancy. However, this was the case for some pregnant people taking in to kid’s message boards and other social media forums to report that their providers are asking them to pay ongoing fees sooner than expected, the report said.
Although this practice is legal, patient advocacy groups consider it unethical. However, healthcare providers say requests for upfront payment help ensure they’re paid for his or her services. However, it was difficult for researchers to track upfront payments because they’re considered a personal transaction between the provider and the patient.
Patients, medical billing experts and advocates say this billing practice is causing unexpected anxiety during an already stressful time. The estimates can sometimes exceed what patients ultimately owe, leading them to fight to get their a reimbursement in the event of a miscarriage or overpayment.
It’s “holding them hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, senior director on the Patient Advocate Foundation.
Kathleen Clark, 39, recalls that she was 12 weeks pregnant when her doctor’s office in Cleveland, Tennessee, demanded an upfront payment of $960, the estimated amount she would owe after giving birth. Clark was surprised by the accusation, especially early in her pregnancy, during her second prenatal visit.
“You stand by the window, there’s a lot of people around, and you try to be really nice,” Clark recalled through tears. “So I paid.”
Previously, pregnant patients often had to pay extra for every prenatal visit, which sometimes led to them skipping needed visits to lower your expenses. However, the Affordable Care Act now requires industrial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services.
Additionally, it’s increasingly common for patients to change providers or receive care from different providers for prenatal visits, labor and delivery – especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers argue that requiring prepayments allows them to spread costs over your entire pregnancy, ensuring they’re compensated for the care they supply even in the event that they don’t ultimately manage the delivery.
“There are people who, unfortunately, are not paid for their work,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife at a hospital in Georgia.
Although the Affordable Care Act requires insurance for some prenatal services, it doesn’t prevent providers from billing patients in advance. Sabrina Corlette, co-director of the Center for Health Insurance Reform at Georgetown University, says it will be politically and logistically difficult for state and federal governments to schedule these payment claims.
Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall, an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to check with their insurer to see in the event that they can decline to prepay their deductible. Some insurance coverage prohibit network providers from requiring upfront payment. If clients may refuse, Marshall recommends that they first acknowledge themselves as a patient after which refuse to ensure they aren’t denied care.
Joy Burkhard, executive director of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, says asking pregnant patients to prepay is “another punch in the gut” during an already stressful experience.
“What if you don’t have money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?”
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