When Demeatria Boccella enters a room, there may be a magnetic aura that draws your attention. She also embodies a quiet confidence with a touch of charm that makes you adjust your posture whenever you see her approaching, which is strictly what happens once we meet at Ice House Studios in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. Boccella, founder AFRICAN fashion The organization arrives wearing a full-length Comme Des Garçons trench coat, an oversized white shirt and black trousers by Maison Margiela. Her signature shaved head can be a key accessory. The multi-hyphenate is a walking embodiment of effortless elegance and style.
Boccella describes her fashion aesthetic as layered minimalism. This phrase perfectly describes the FashionAFRICANA studio, which is a handful once we enter. Only a 6-meter gold Afro pickaxe, a 2-meter Yoruba mask and a large number of striking portraits of Mario Epanya’s beauties scattered throughout the room give a touch of the royal wealth related to Demeatria’s idea. Guests can have the opportunity to experience these details as they walk through the doors of the gala, which can happen on November 21, during the second edition of the edition AFRICANISM Gala. There can be a world celebration of culture, heritage and creativity.
As founder and executive director of FashionAFRICANA, Demeatria has made it her mission to raise Black designers by making them accessible to Pittsburgh’s artistic landscape. She founded the organization 23 years ago. What began as a street fashion show in 2001 grew right into a series of exhibitions and in-person events that put the Pittsburgh fashion scene on the map. Some previous exhibitions include a presentation by Mario Epanya and Cedric Mizero. But as the visionary answerable for bringing the Paul Tazewell exhibition to Pittsburgh and presenting the world with the first Ruth E. Carter costume retrospective, Boccelli’s influence now extends far beyond the city limits, reaching across the ocean to the shores of Africa.
AFRICANISM Gala 2023. Photo source: Emmai Alaquiva.
At last yr’s inaugural gala, Cameroonian couture designer Imane Ayissi, costume designer Paul Tazewell and visual artist Charly Palmer took center stage. It is price noting that Tazewell and Palmer were Africana Icon recipients. Tazewell is generally known for his performances directed by George C. Wolfe and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
In the conversation, Boccella explains that FashionAFRICANA’s mission is to create a bridge between Black artists here in the United States and people on the continent. “Through our initiative, we not only create intercultural connections, but we create a platform for the presentation of artists, while providing opportunities that close [artist] equity gap,” she shared.
It’s the type of exposure and involvement that Boccella did not have access to but desperately needed as a young black girl growing up in Pittsburgh’s Glen Hazel neighborhood. She says she is a born creative person, but she also credits her mother for her appetite for fashion.
“I remember I was a little kid, maybe a four- or five-year-old kid. And my mother tied these scarves on her head,” Boccella tells ESSENCE. “It was like that in the Seventies [tie] scarves in every single place, around the chest, in every single place around the head. I remember when she tied those scarves and did those flowers on the side and did all those things, she looked stunning.
Demeatria dreamed of sooner or later becoming a model and dealing in the fashion world. But those dreams were quickly dashed when she didn’t see women with strong African features and dark skin like her on TV or in the magazines she devoured as a toddler. This frustration, combined with the teasing she experienced as a darker-skinned child, destroyed her perception of beauty and self-esteem. “At one point my depression was so bad that I cut up every photo of myself,” she recalled.
The founder says because of this she is so enthusiastic about creating secure, creative spaces for young people, in addition to supporting FashionAFRICANA. She is motivated by the incontrovertible fact that she doesn’t want the younger generation to feel different, as she felt when she was younger. “When you walk into these rooms, you will see a positive reflection of yourself. “I want them to be proud of who they are,” she said. Here she notes that part of her journey towards self-love and acceptance was learning about her African heritage through art and fashion. “I feel like it kind of saved my life, so [this] she was my driving force.”
During the second AFRICANISM gala, guests will feel as in the event that they have been transported to a black utopia, said Darnell L. McLaurin, co-founder and inventive director of FashionAFRICANA. He added that it’ll be an area immersed in the celebration of the African diaspora. There can be performances by rappers Mayce Tomlin and Che “Rhymefest” Smith and a dinner honoring Tony Award-winning artist Kenny Leon. In addition, the fashion festival will present the works of visual artist, designer and former journalist Dion Dewand Marcia Lafalaise from Côte d’Ivoire. Guests can be treated to a night stuffed with splendor.
The model is wearing Dion Dewand Marcia Lafalaise creations. Photo source: Joanna Totolici.
The theme of this yr’s gala is titled or . In Boccelli’s words, the universe selected the subject. He explains that since that is the first time they can be inviting their followers to their studio, it seemed appropriate. When deciding on the designer and artist-in-residence, Boccella noticed that Lafalaise introduced the story of her latest collection with the message “Welcome Home.” “[I] I knew it wasn’t a coincidence,” she added.
Whether by probability or fate, it was Lafalaise’s mastery of cowrie shells and Afrofuturism sewn into each of her works. The ancestral bonds woven throughout each bit drew the team to her aesthetic designs.
The visual artist shared that her latest work, “Abondance,” was inspired by the powerful symbolism that our ancestors nurtured and the deep-rooted connections that lots of us have with our heritage. “It combines a touch of modern aesthetics with the essence of our culture. As creators, we reached beyond the physical to create something extraordinary, guided by the symbolism of the cowrie shell,” explains Lafailase.
Creations by Dion Dewand Marcia Lafalaise. Photo credit: Dion Dewand Marcia Lafailaise
Here, the artist explained that the shell is a representation of creation, source, divine feminine and strength. “My work honors the creativity and collaboration of artisans from across Africa, from fabrics from Zimbabwe and Senegal to the crafts of Madagascar, all centered in its place of origin, Côte d’Ivoire.”
Introduced into the mainstream by Lupita Nyong’o, Beyoncé and Agojie of , Lafalaise high fashion has gained wide recognition. And the pioneering designer guarantees that she is going to present something fresh in her gala debut. He describes it as “a spiritual journey rooted in heritage.”
Lafailaise assures that the upcoming celebrations can be greater than a conventional fashion show. Instead, it’ll be an inventive performance “that celebrates the act of creation, the divinity and artistry of Africa,” he declares. Through the collection, he wants to interrupt boundaries and open latest dialogues. He hopes that every one this can contribute to a deeper understanding and admiration between continents. Lafailaise says this can be a moment to keep in mind that we’re all inextricably connected. “I hope this experience wakes up [a] a way of unity in all,” he adds.
The upcoming festival can be greater than just a night of fun. All proceeds from the gala may also support the goals of FashionAFRICANA, which provides arts and cultural education to middle and highschool students. Mary McKinney Flaherty, co-chair of this yr’s event, said in an email that the evening can be a chance to showcase the band’s commitment to a younger generation of creators. He also notes that they do that yr-round through programs like The Art of Design and Storytelling and the August Wilson New Voices Competition through the Bill Nunn Theater Outreach Project. Each of them helps nurture the next generation of artists and leaders while empowering young Black Pittsburghers to search out and develop their voices.
The team behind this yr’s AFRICANISM gala: Darnell L. McLaurin, Kiya Tomlin, Demeatria Boccella and Mary McKinney Flaherty. Photo credit: Rachel Rowland
One of the principal programs necessary to Boccelli is the Next Narrative Monologue Competition, founded in 2007 by Todd Kreidler and Kenny Leon. Along with Atlanta and New York, Pittsburgh was one among the first cities to participate in the program because of Boccelli’s friend and mentor, Bill Nunny. When Nunn needed to withdraw as a result of a cancer diagnosis, Demeatria became managing director of the Pittsburgh branch in 2009. Since then, he has mentored monologue winners from the region to New York to perform on Broadway.
“The opportunity to witness the transformation of our young people through the words of August Wilson is life-changing,” he enthuses. “That’s why there are people like Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson and Viola Davis who are so committed [Wilson’s] Work. When we host a monologue competition in New York, they and other legends volunteer to give master classes to our youth.” Boccella mentions that celebrity volunteers made a difference – noting that this chapter provides participants with exposure, knowledge and artistry from legendary artists. “Seeing this unfold is confirmation that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”
When asked what she expects from the guests of the AFRICANISM gala, Boccella recalls a quote from August Wilson. “There is an Africa in each of us that we need to connect with to understand our relationship with this society,” he says proudly.
She explains that she really likes this quote because when she first began FashionAFRICANA along with her team, she wanted everyone to feel included. This is the line from the organization to next week’s scandal. According to Boccelli, it was all about supporting the community.
Boccella hopes that participants can have the opportunity to see the fantastic thing about the city in addition to the African diaspora. “Art is an important tool for bringing people and communities together and for mutual learning. The only way we are able to change the beauty standards in this society is to ask them in.”
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Health matters: WNBA star Napheesa Collier on her commitment to women’s reproductive health
Published
4 hours ago
on
November 21, 2024
By
Minnesota lynx
Napheesa Collier will not be only a WNBA superstar for the Minnesota Lynx and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, but additionally the mother of her daughter Mila and an advocate for women’s reproductive health rights.
It recently decided to partner with Opill®, the primary and only every day contraceptive pill available over-the-counter within the United States. This breakthrough represents a major step forward in women’s health care by providing a convenient and accessible contraceptive option. With Opill, women not need to visit health care facilities for prescriptions, making it easier than ever to take control of their reproductive health.
The collaboration relies on Opill®’s long-standing partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). “One of the reasons Opill® partnered with the WNBA is the great passion of players who use their platform to support causes they believe in,” said Leila Bahbah, leading women’s health brand at Perrigo within the US. “Napheesa exudes this passion, and together we plan to educate and empower people to take control of their reproductive health.”
Collier advocates for girls and says she is willing to have conversations, even in the event that they are difficult. “I just truly believe in everything they do at Opill®. I believe it’s important to talk to people who may become pregnant and to women about the reproductive health and contraceptive options available to them,” Collier tells ESSENCE.
He continues: “I want people to know that if they want contraception, Opill® is a great option. It is the first over-the-counter drug approved by the FDA. It is inexpensive, available. You don’t need a prescription to get it. I think that’s a key thing in today’s climate.”
Collier notes that within the off-season, he tries to travel to various colleges to talk to students about their reproductive freedoms. “Talking about this topic is essential to remove the stigma as it should not be considered a shameful topic or something that should not be discussed openly. My mother was a nurse, so it was casual to talk about it in our house, and I want to pass it on to other people too, so I’m very excited about it,” she says.
In the present political climate, many ladies with daughters are concerned about their future and reproductive health. Collier, included. “Especially because I am the mother of a young girl, it is very important to me to be able to raise her in an atmosphere where she knows her reproductive rights and health, that she has access to affordable health care and contraception if she wants it and that she can ask me these questions and have open conversations.”
Collier continues: “It’s back to education. Again, I think it’s harmful that we can’t have open conversations about birth control and other issues that are usually taboo. I think it’s harmful. I think this does a lot of harm to women. It hurts. This is harmful to our society. Being able to talk about these issues and empowering women to learn about their rights and bodies creates a safer and healthier society.”
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Summer is nearly here. But as an alternative of using sunscreen, some TikTokers just do that encouraging followers throw it away and forgo sunscreen.
They argue that it’s healthier to forgo sunscreen to get the complete advantages of the sun.
Here’s what the science really says.
How does sunscreen work?
Due to the acute UV environment in Australia, most individuals with pale to olive skin or other risk aspects for skin cancer must accomplish that protect yourself. Applying sunscreen is a key approach to protecting areas that aren’t easily covered by clothing.
Sunscreens work by absorbing or scattering UV rays before they reach the skin and damage DNA or supporting structures corresponding to collagen.
In this photo I (Katie) apply sunscreen only to the appropriate side of my face. Sunscreens absorb and scatter UV light (right side), although it can’t be seen with the naked eye (left side). The photo on the appropriate also shows where sun spots (dark spots) accumulate on my skin and where I do not care to apply sunscreen evenly – under the attention, on the cheek and completely missing the ear. The creator provided/UQ
When UV molecules hit DNA, the surplus energy can damage our DNA. This damage might be repaired, but when the cell divides before the error is repaired, it causes a mutation that may lead to skin cancer.
The energy of the UV particle (photon) causes the DNA strands to break and reconnect incorrectly. This causes a tumor within the DNA strand, which makes accurate copying difficult and might introduce mutations. NASA/David Herring
The most typical skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma is less common but most definitely spreads throughout the body; this process known as metastasis.
About 99% of skin cancers in Australia are attributable to overexposure to UV radiation.
Excessive exposure to UV radiation also affects the looks of the skin. UVA rays are able to penetrate deep into the skin, where they break down supporting structures corresponding to elastin and collagen.
This causes signs premature agingcorresponding to deep wrinkles, brown or white spots and broken capillaries.
Sunscreen may also help prevent skin cancer
Consistently used sunscreen reduces the danger of skin cancer and slows skin aging.
In Queensland studyparticipants either used sunscreen day by day for nearly five years or continued their usual use.
After five years, the danger of squamous cell cancer was reduced within the day by day group 40% compared to the second group.
Ten years later, the danger of developing invasive melanoma was reduced within the group of individuals taking the drug day by day 73%
Do sunscreens block the health-promoting properties of sunlight?
The answer is a little more complicated and involves a personalised risk-benefit trade-off.
First, the excellent news: spending time within the sun has many health advantages don’t rely under the influence of UV radiation and aren’t affected by the use of sunscreens.
Sunscreens only filter out UV rays, not all light. Ron Lach/Pexels
Sunscreens only filter UV rays, not visible light or infrared light (which we feel as heat). Importantly, a number of the advantages of sunlight are obtained through Eyes.
Visible lightimproves mood and regulates and possibly reduces circadian rhythm (which influences the sleep-wake cycle). myopia (myopia) in children.
So what is the good thing about exposing your skin to UV radiation?
Sun exposure produces vitamin D, which is crucial for healthy bones and muscles.
Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common amongst Australians, peaking in Victoria at 49% in winter and lowest in Queensland at 6% in summer.
Fortunately, individuals who deal with sun protection can avoid vitamin D deficiency taking a complement.
Skin exposure to UV radiation could have advantages independent of vitamin D production, but these haven’t been proven. It may reduce the danger of autoimmune diseases corresponding to multiple sclerosis or cause the discharge of a chemical that may lower blood pressure. However, there aren’t enough details about these advantages to say whether sunscreen can be an issue.
What does this mean for you?
Exposure of the skin to UV radiation may provide some advantages that could be blunted by sunscreens. This determines whether it’s value giving up these advantages to avoid skin cancer how susceptible you have skin cancer.
If you have pale skin or other aspects that increase your risk of skin cancer, try to use sunscreen day by day on all days when the forecast UV index reaches 3.
If you have darker skin that rarely or never burns, you might want to skip using sunscreen on daily basis – although you’ll still need protection when you’re outdoors for prolonged periods of time.
For now, the balance of evidence suggests that it is healthier for people susceptible to skin cancer to proceed using sunscreen, supplementing with vitamin D as needed.
This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
Recipe for change: eliminating health disparities and economic empowerment – the essence
Published
10 hours ago
on
November 21, 2024
By
Via Griffin/Getty Images
Throughout the 12 months, the Global Black Economic Forum held quite a few select conversations focused on solutions to the most pressing economic and social issues facing marginalized communities. One of those issues – too often missed – is the link between Black health and wealth. If we do not start eliminating health disparities and inequalities today, we cannot give you the chance to construct wealth for the future.
This intersection was the focus of an event we hosted in August as a part of our cooking talk series. It was held on Martha’s Vineyard, round the corner National Medical Scholarships (NMF), the Black World Economic Forum had the opportunity to satisfy with NMF’s unapologetic leader, Michellene Davis. Recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as certainly one of the 25 most influential minority leaders in healthcare, Michellene’s profession has involved policy advocacy and social change.
Her organization is devoted to increasing the variety of Black, Indigenous and physicians of color through fellowships, service-learning programs, mentoring opportunities and clinical research leadership training.
The conversation revealed two easy and interconnected data points: In the next decade, the United States will experience:huge shortage of doctors while becoming a majority non-white nation. These two trends highlight the need for greater diversity on this field. Studies have shown that patients of color see racially and ethnically diverse physicians. Treatment results are frequently higher.
However, the percentage of black doctors in the US is growing at an alarmingly slow rate – it has only increased by 4% over the last 120 years.. In the face of conservatives’ regressive and destructive attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, there has never been a greater need for us to redouble these efforts. The more we are able to improve health outcomes, the higher we’ll give you the chance to seize and compete for economic opportunities in the future. Given the urgent need to deal with health care workforce disparities and their direct impact on Black economic outcomes, it’s equally essential to acknowledge the broader economic opportunities that may drive wealth creation in our communities.
The competition for certainly one of the best economic opportunities in the history of tourism and hospitality – the 2026 FIFA World Cup – was the focus of our other curated conversation. Organized round the corner East Point Congress and Visitors Bureau, we sat down with its president, Chantel Francois. In her position, she is responsible for the development of the tourism industry in the city of East Point, Georgia. Previously, she led economic development and tourism promotion efforts in Atlanta, Trinidad and Tobago.
Francois described how local businesses run by entrepreneurs of color can leverage global events like the FIFA World Cup to extend their brand visibility, increase sales, and even start their very own businesses. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with event organizers, teams and athletes in constructing company awareness. This cooperation can also be crucial as the city government works with many stakeholders to make sure the safety of tourists and maximum economic opportunities for the area people.
When it involves such major events, it is usually essential to instill a way of community pride in each sector wherein an organization competes. This pride translates into a robust bond with travelers that may make them proceed to interact with small businesses or spark curiosity in them to learn more about the community. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has the potential to place tens of millions of dollars into the pockets and communities of individuals of color, and it’s crucial for businesses to begin planning now in the event that they have not already.
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
