Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 11 juin 2020
From Soccer to the NBA, Here's When Major US Sports Leagues Are Planning to Return
Some businesses and services are beginning to reopen in the wake of the coronavirus shutdown, but large gatherings are still prohibited in most areas. That means that professional sports - or at least, professional sports as we're used to experiencing them - will have a longer and more complicated path to return. The good news is that most major pro leagues are planning a comeback of some kind; the bad news is that we may not be able to see them in person for a while, maybe not until a vaccine is widely distributed.
Globally, the Korean Baseball Organization was one of the first pro leagues to resume play. The Bundesliga, Germany's elite soccer league, followed suit in mid-May. Keep reading to see how and when American pro sports are planning to return, and what you can expect to see when they do.
MLB
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players' Association are stuck in contract negotiations. The latest proposal from the MLBPA asks for a season of 89 games with full prorated pay (their full-season salary, but decreased based on the shortened playing time) and expanded playoffs, according to a source speaking to ESPN on June 10. Their proposed season would start July 10 and end October 11. However, an MLB source told ESPN that this proposal was likely to be rejected. The MLB's current proposal, announced June 8, sets up a 76-game season and would pay players 75 percent of their prorated salaries. The regular season would end by Sept. 27.
The players' union is refusing anything less than full prorated pay. As an explanation for this hard stance, Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle tweeted, "It's frustrating to have a public labor dispute when there's so much hardship. I hate it. But we have an obligation to future players to do right by them. We want to play. We also have to make sure that future players won't be paying for any concessions we make."
MLS
Major League Soccer is set to return July 8 with the MLS Is Back tournament. All 26 teams will participate, and the competition will be held in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (part of the Walt Disney World Resort). The games will be played without fans but the matches will be televised; broadcast and streaming information haven't yet been released.
Each team will play a three-game group stage, with the top two teams in each group moving on to a round of 16 knockout stage. The final scheduled for Aug. 11. Regular season play will resume after the tournament, though the full schedule has yet to be released. A regular postseason is also planned.
NBA
The National Basketball Association will return in late July with with a 22-team format. Each team will play eight regular season games to determine seeding before moving into the playoffs, The Washington Post reported. The games will be played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World without fans in attendance.
NCAA Sports
So far, most of the focus has been on whether college football will be able to hold its season in the fall, and it's reasonable to assume that most other sports will follow a similar plan. The latest update, reported June 8 by ESPN, would plan for the season to begin on time (in late August and early September), with coaches beginning to work with players as early as July 6. Meetings and walk-throughs with a football would start in mid-July if the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approves the current plan.
Much can change between now and the projected start of the season, and in a call with Congressional leadership, NCAA president Mark Emmert said that some teams may not return at all. However, leaders appeared confident that football will be played with at least some fans in the stands, according to Sports Illustrated.
NFL
The National Football League's season is still scheduled to begin on Sept. 10, with no word yet on whether fans will be able to attend games. Players are currently training remotely, with team training camps set to open in late July.
NHL
The National Hockey League's Return to Play Plan will have 24 teams compete to determine playoff seeding. Sixteen teams will play in eight best-of-five series while the top four teams in both conferences will play a round robin, setting rankings for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Still to be determined: the start date and two "hub cities" that will host the games.
NWSL
The National Women's Soccer League is set to be the first US sports league to return. The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup will kick off June 27 in Utah with broadcast coverage on CBS All Access. No fans will be in attendance for the 25-game tournament, which all nine clubs will participate in. Each team will play four games, with the top eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals.
WNBA
No official statement has been made about the return of the Women's National Basketball Association. On June 4, ESPN reported that the league's current proposal is a 22-game regular season beginning July 24 and with playoffs ending in October, all played at a single site in Florida. The proposal was described as tentative and players have not yet agreed to its terms, according to ESPN's sources.
These Are the Ultimate Lazy Girl Meal Prep Essentials
In an effort to be kinder to both my body and my bank account, I'm trying to start bringing my lunch to work, which means I have to meal prep. Before I even had time to think about it, I turned to Amazon, where I found these 12 meal prep essentials, so even the laziest of chefs (aka me) can leave their excuses in 2018.
From Soccer to the NBA, Here's When Major US Sports Leagues Are Planning to Return
Some businesses and services are beginning to reopen in the wake of the coronavirus shutdown, but large gatherings are still prohibited in most areas. That means that professional sports - or at least, professional sports as we're used to experiencing them - will have a longer and more complicated path to return. The good news is that most major pro leagues are planning a comeback of some kind; the bad news is that we may not be able to see them in person for a while, maybe not until a vaccine is widely distributed.
Globally, the Korean Baseball Organization was one of the first pro leagues to resume play. The Bundesliga, Germany's elite soccer league, followed suit in mid-May. Keep reading to see how and when American pro sports are planning to return, and what you can expect to see when they do.
MLB
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players' Association are stuck in contract negotiations. The latest proposal from the MLBPA asks for a season of 89 games with full prorated pay (their full-season salary, but decreased based on the shortened playing time) and expanded playoffs, according to a source speaking to ESPN on June 10. Their proposed season would start July 10 and end October 11. However, an MLB source told ESPN that this proposal was likely to be rejected. The MLB's current proposal, announced June 8, sets up a 76-game season and would pay players 75 percent of their prorated salaries. The regular season would end by Sept. 27.
The players' union is refusing anything less than full prorated pay. As an explanation for this hard stance, Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle tweeted, "It's frustrating to have a public labor dispute when there's so much hardship. I hate it. But we have an obligation to future players to do right by them. We want to play. We also have to make sure that future players won't be paying for any concessions we make."
MLS
Major League Soccer is set to return July 8 with the MLS Is Back tournament. All 26 teams will participate, and the competition will be held in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (part of the Walt Disney World Resort). The games will be played without fans but the matches will be televised; broadcast and streaming information haven't yet been released.
Each team will play a three-game group stage, with the top two teams in each group moving on to a round of 16 knockout stage. The final scheduled for Aug. 11. Regular season play will resume after the tournament, though the full schedule has yet to be released. A regular postseason is also planned.
NBA
The National Basketball Association will return in late July with with a 22-team format. Each team will play eight regular season games to determine seeding before moving into the playoffs, The Washington Post reported. The games will be played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World without fans in attendance.
NCAA Sports
So far, most of the focus has been on whether college football will be able to hold its season in the fall, and it's reasonable to assume that most other sports will follow a similar plan. The latest update, reported June 8 by ESPN, would plan for the season to begin on time (in late August and early September), with coaches beginning to work with players as early as July 6. Meetings and walk-throughs with a football would start in mid-July if the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approves the current plan.
Much can change between now and the projected start of the season, and in a call with Congressional leadership, NCAA president Mark Emmert said that some teams may not return at all. However, leaders appeared confident that football will be played with at least some fans in the stands, according to Sports Illustrated.
NFL
The National Football League's season is still scheduled to begin on Sept. 10, with no word yet on whether fans will be able to attend games. Players are currently training remotely, with team training camps set to open in late July.
NHL
The National Hockey League's Return to Play Plan will have 24 teams compete to determine playoff seeding. Sixteen teams will play in eight best-of-five series while the top four teams in both conferences will play a round robin, setting rankings for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Still to be determined: the start date and two "hub cities" that will host the games.
NWSL
The National Women's Soccer League is set to be the first US sports league to return. The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup will kick off June 27 in Utah with broadcast coverage on CBS All Access. No fans will be in attendance for the 25-game tournament, which all nine clubs will participate in. Each team will play four games, with the top eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals.
WNBA
No official statement has been made about the return of the Women's National Basketball Association. On June 4, ESPN reported that the league's current proposal is a 22-game regular season beginning July 24 and with playoffs ending in October, all played at a single site in Florida. The proposal was described as tentative and players have not yet agreed to its terms, according to ESPN's sources.
These Are the Ultimate Lazy Girl Meal Prep Essentials
In an effort to be kinder to both my body and my bank account, I'm trying to start bringing my lunch to work, which means I have to meal prep. Before I even had time to think about it, I turned to Amazon, where I found these 12 meal prep essentials, so even the laziest of chefs (aka me) can leave their excuses in 2018.
Asian Americans, Here's How We Can Be Better Allies to the Black Community
When George Floyd was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, Tou Thao, a Hmong-American officer, stood by with his back turned. Thao, along with three other officers, was later charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. For many Asian-Americans, this moment represented a level of complacency with anti-Blackness in our community, and sparked an important dialogue centered around deep-rooted anti-Blackness in Asian culture.
While a larger history of tensions between the Black and Asian-American communities exists, Asian-Americans have historically benefited from social justice movements led by Black activists. As POC who are inadvertently privileged as a byproduct of systemic racism, it is our duty to step up for the Black community and support the Black Lives Matter movement. As many of us are looking for ways we can be better allies to the Black community, it's also important to continue educating ourselves and putting in the effort to show solidarity beyond this week and this month. Read ahead to find out different ways you can support the BLM movement and the Black community.
Recognize your privilege
Understand that BLM is not meant to undermine the Asian-American experience. I've personally seen some members of our community skeptical of the movement because they are scarred by their own racist encounters, and while that pain is very real, it isn't productive to compare trauma. It's important to recognize first that Asian-Americans will never understand the type of racial profiling our Black and brown friends face for the color of their skin, and second, that we are complicit in systemic racism. Historically, the model minority myth not only discounts immigrant struggles, but has also been used as a tool to separate Asian-Americans from other minorities, allowing our community to reap the benefits of the system. As fellow POC, if you are upset with the system that oppresses Asian-Americans, it is crucial for you to also stand in solidarity with the Black community.
Reflect and undo your own anti-Blackness and racism
While it's difficult to acknowledge, anti-Blackness exists in many Asian cultures, and we cannot be selective about our anti-racism. Find your own blindspots and work toward wiping out those biases. Have you ever been guilty of racial profiling? Have you used slang words and phrases with origins rooted in Black culture? Have you appropriated Black culture in any way? It's easy to assume you're not racist, but be mindful of your internalized racism and anti-Blackness, and reflect on how you can change your thoughts to be anti-racist.
In addition, any anti-Blackness you may recognize in yourself could be rooted in the colorism prominent in Asian culture, as disdain for darker skin dates back to ancient history and often implies poverty. Dissect these ideas you might've been conditioned to believe, and encourage your friends and families to do the same. Check out this guide written by Kim Tran and learn about ways for Asian-Americans to tackle anti-racism within themselves and their families.
Speak up, but don't speak over
Publicize your support for BLM. Whether you're actively speaking up on Instagram and Twitter or standing up to your family, friends, and colleagues, vocalize your solidarity with the Black community. Share informative resources with fellow Asian-Americans and other non-Black friends. But remember that while we must speak up as thoughtful allies, it's counterproductive to speak over your Black friends; instead, amplify their voices and platforms.
Initiate difficult conversations with your friends and family
While these discussions might be uncomfortable or even unwelcome, it is so important to engage with your immediate circle. Talk to your parents and relatives about their own anti-Blackness, why BLM directly affects our community, and what you can do together. If there's a language barrier, Letters for Black Lives is a great resource where contributors have drafted letters in over 30 different Asian languages addressing anti-Blackness and police brutality, for you to share with the people in your life.
Reach out to officials and hold them accountable
Call and email your local, state, and national government officials - you can find their contact information on the USA.gov website. And if you're not sure exactly what to say, there are various templates to help you formulate your emails, like the constructive one created by Instagram user @maasaipg to Minnesota legislators regarding justice for George Floyd's death (head to Maasai's link in bio for the template). Allow templates and examples to inspire your own wording, but if you decide to use exact templates, be sure to change subject lines to avoid getting your emails filtered or go unnoticed.
But don't stop there - reach out to leaders and decision makers in all the communities that affect your life. Contact your alma mater's administrators or talk to the executives in your workplace to learn about what they're doing to commit to anti-racism. Hold them accountable for their promises and goals, and if they're haven't made any, urge them to do so. Here's a helpful example from Instagram user @nishastickles to get an idea for what you can say to your institutional leaders.
Educate yourself
Actively look for information beyond what's shared by your friends on social media. All of us have room to learn more about Black history, culture, and different voices. Reading articles and books, watching movies and TV shows, and listening to podcasts about the Black experience are great places to start. Here's a list of books specifically about Black and Asian-American feminist solidarities, curated by Black Women Radicals and the Asian-American Feminist Collective. It is up to us to do the work to educate ourselves, instead of relying on our Black leaders and friends.
Shop Black-owned businesses
Discover and shop Black-owned businesses, and make sure to continue to do so in the future, not just during this moment. From fashion and beauty brands to restaurants and salons, there are so many different Black-owned establishments you can contribute to financially, so take the time to explore your options. If you don't have the means to purchase, follow them on social media and share with your friends and family.
Make a conscious effort to diversify your feeds
Elevate Black voices and faces on your Instagram and Twitter feeds. Depending on where your interests lie, check out and follow these different Black activists, artists, and fashion influencers to start.
Hire Black talent and elevate your Black colleagues
If you're in a position to do so, commit to hiring and promoting Black candidates, especially for leadership positions. And if you aren't in this position, actively support and advocate for your Black colleagues when it comes to pay disparities and concerns in the workplace.
Donate
There are a number of nonprofits and organizations you can contribute to that support racial justice efforts and BLM specifically, from donating to Floyd's memorial fund to financially contributing to bail funds for BLM protesters. If you have the extra cash, here's a list of nationwide and local organizations that can use your help.
Vote for BIPOC candidates
Vote for candidates committed to fighting against racial injustices, on both a local and national level. Go to the polls (or send in an absentee ballot) to let your voice be heard.
Asian Americans, Here's How We Can Be Better Allies to the Black Community
When George Floyd was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, Tou Thao, a Hmong-American officer, stood by with his back turned. Thao, along with three other officers, was later charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. For many Asian-Americans, this moment represented a level of complacency with anti-Blackness in our community, and sparked an important dialogue centered around deep-rooted anti-Blackness in Asian culture.
While a larger history of tensions between the Black and Asian-American communities exists, Asian-Americans have historically benefited from social justice movements led by Black activists. As POC who are inadvertently privileged as a byproduct of systemic racism, it is our duty to step up for the Black community and support the Black Lives Matter movement. As many of us are looking for ways we can be better allies to the Black community, it's also important to continue educating ourselves and putting in the effort to show solidarity beyond this week and this month. Read ahead to find out different ways you can support the BLM movement and the Black community.
Recognize your privilege
Understand that BLM is not meant to undermine the Asian-American experience. I've personally seen some members of our community skeptical of the movement because they are scarred by their own racist encounters, and while that pain is very real, it isn't productive to compare trauma. It's important to recognize first that Asian-Americans will never understand the type of racial profiling our Black and brown friends face for the color of their skin, and second, that we are complicit in systemic racism. Historically, the model minority myth not only discounts immigrant struggles, but has also been used as a tool to separate Asian-Americans from other minorities, allowing our community to reap the benefits of the system. As fellow POC, if you are upset with the system that oppresses Asian-Americans, it is crucial for you to also stand in solidarity with the Black community.
Reflect and undo your own anti-Blackness and racism
While it's difficult to acknowledge, anti-Blackness exists in many Asian cultures, and we cannot be selective about our anti-racism. Find your own blindspots and work toward wiping out those biases. Have you ever been guilty of racial profiling? Have you used slang words and phrases with origins rooted in Black culture? Have you appropriated Black culture in any way? It's easy to assume you're not racist, but be mindful of your internalized racism and anti-Blackness, and reflect on how you can change your thoughts to be anti-racist.
In addition, any anti-Blackness you may recognize in yourself could be rooted in the colorism prominent in Asian culture, as disdain for darker skin dates back to ancient history and often implies poverty. Dissect these ideas you might've been conditioned to believe, and encourage your friends and families to do the same. Check out this guide written by Kim Tran and learn about ways for Asian-Americans to tackle anti-racism within themselves and their families.
Speak up, but don't speak over
Publicize your support for BLM. Whether you're actively speaking up on Instagram and Twitter or standing up to your family, friends, and colleagues, vocalize your solidarity with the Black community. Share informative resources with fellow Asian-Americans and other non-Black friends. But remember that while we must speak up as thoughtful allies, it's counterproductive to speak over your Black friends; instead, amplify their voices and platforms.
Initiate difficult conversations with your friends and family
While these discussions might be uncomfortable or even unwelcome, it is so important to engage with your immediate circle. Talk to your parents and relatives about their own anti-Blackness, why BLM directly affects our community, and what you can do together. If there's a language barrier, Letters for Black Lives is a great resource where contributors have drafted letters in over 30 different Asian languages addressing anti-Blackness and police brutality, for you to share with the people in your life.
Reach out to officials and hold them accountable
Call and email your local, state, and national government officials - you can find their contact information on the USA.gov website. And if you're not sure exactly what to say, there are various templates to help you formulate your emails, like the constructive one created by Instagram user @maasaipg to Minnesota legislators regarding justice for George Floyd's death (head to Maasai's link in bio for the template). Allow templates and examples to inspire your own wording, but if you decide to use exact templates, be sure to change subject lines to avoid getting your emails filtered or go unnoticed.
But don't stop there - reach out to leaders and decision makers in all the communities that affect your life. Contact your alma mater's administrators or talk to the executives in your workplace to learn about what they're doing to commit to anti-racism. Hold them accountable for their promises and goals, and if they're haven't made any, urge them to do so. Here's a helpful example from Instagram user @nishastickles to get an idea for what you can say to your institutional leaders.
Educate yourself
Actively look for information beyond what's shared by your friends on social media. All of us have room to learn more about Black history, culture, and different voices. Reading articles and books, watching movies and TV shows, and listening to podcasts about the Black experience are great places to start. Here's a list of books specifically about Black and Asian-American feminist solidarities, curated by Black Women Radicals and the Asian-American Feminist Collective. It is up to us to do the work to educate ourselves, instead of relying on our Black leaders and friends.
Shop Black-owned businesses
Discover and shop Black-owned businesses, and make sure to continue to do so in the future, not just during this moment. From fashion and beauty brands to restaurants and salons, there are so many different Black-owned establishments you can contribute to financially, so take the time to explore your options. If you don't have the means to purchase, follow them on social media and share with your friends and family.
Make a conscious effort to diversify your feeds
Elevate Black voices and faces on your Instagram and Twitter feeds. Depending on where your interests lie, check out and follow these different Black activists, artists, and fashion influencers to start.
Hire Black talent and elevate your Black colleagues
If you're in a position to do so, commit to hiring and promoting Black candidates, especially for leadership positions. And if you aren't in this position, actively support and advocate for your Black colleagues when it comes to pay disparities and concerns in the workplace.
Donate
There are a number of nonprofits and organizations you can contribute to that support racial justice efforts and BLM specifically, from donating to Floyd's memorial fund to financially contributing to bail funds for BLM protesters. If you have the extra cash, here's a list of nationwide and local organizations that can use your help.
Vote for BIPOC candidates
Vote for candidates committed to fighting against racial injustices, on both a local and national level. Go to the polls (or send in an absentee ballot) to let your voice be heard.
Asian Americans, Here's How We Can Be Better Allies to the Black Community
When George Floyd was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, Tou Thao, a Hmong-American officer, stood by with his back turned. Thao, along with three other officers, was later charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. For many Asian-Americans, this moment represented a level of complacency with anti-Blackness in our community, and sparked an important dialogue centered around deep-rooted anti-Blackness in Asian culture.
While a larger history of tensions between the Black and Asian-American communities exists, Asian-Americans have historically benefited from social justice movements led by Black activists. As POC who are inadvertently privileged as a byproduct of systemic racism, it is our duty to step up for the Black community and support the Black Lives Matter movement. As many of us are looking for ways we can be better allies to the Black community, it's also important to continue educating ourselves and putting in the effort to show solidarity beyond this week and this month. Read ahead to find out different ways you can support the BLM movement and the Black community.
Recognize your privilege
Understand that BLM is not meant to undermine the Asian-American experience. I've personally seen some members of our community skeptical of the movement because they are scarred by their own racist encounters, and while that pain is very real, it isn't productive to compare trauma. It's important to recognize first that Asian-Americans will never understand the type of racial profiling our Black and brown friends face for the color of their skin, and second, that we are complicit in systemic racism. Historically, the model minority myth not only discounts immigrant struggles, but has also been used as a tool to separate Asian-Americans from other minorities, allowing our community to reap the benefits of the system. As fellow POC, if you are upset with the system that oppresses Asian-Americans, it is crucial for you to also stand in solidarity with the Black community.
Reflect and undo your own anti-Blackness and racism
While it's difficult to acknowledge, anti-Blackness exists in many Asian cultures, and we cannot be selective about our anti-racism. Find your own blindspots and work toward wiping out those biases. Have you ever been guilty of racial profiling? Have you used slang words and phrases with origins rooted in Black culture? Have you appropriated Black culture in any way? It's easy to assume you're not racist, but be mindful of your internalized racism and anti-Blackness, and reflect on how you can change your thoughts to be anti-racist.
In addition, any anti-Blackness you may recognize in yourself could be rooted in the colorism prominent in Asian culture, as disdain for darker skin dates back to ancient history and often implies poverty. Dissect these ideas you might've been conditioned to believe, and encourage your friends and families to do the same. Check out this guide written by Kim Tran and learn about ways for Asian-Americans to tackle anti-racism within themselves and their families.
Speak up, but don't speak over
Publicize your support for BLM. Whether you're actively speaking up on Instagram and Twitter or standing up to your family, friends, and colleagues, vocalize your solidarity with the Black community. Share informative resources with fellow Asian-Americans and other non-Black friends. But remember that while we must speak up as thoughtful allies, it's counterproductive to speak over your Black friends; instead, amplify their voices and platforms.
Initiate difficult conversations with your friends and family
While these discussions might be uncomfortable or even unwelcome, it is so important to engage with your immediate circle. Talk to your parents and relatives about their own anti-Blackness, why BLM directly affects our community, and what you can do together. If there's a language barrier, Letters for Black Lives is a great resource where contributors have drafted letters in over 30 different Asian languages addressing anti-Blackness and police brutality, for you to share with the people in your life.
Reach out to officials and hold them accountable
Call and email your local, state, and national government officials - you can find their contact information on the USA.gov website. And if you're not sure exactly what to say, there are various templates to help you formulate your emails, like the constructive one created by Instagram user @maasaipg to Minnesota legislators regarding justice for George Floyd's death (head to Maasai's link in bio for the template). Allow templates and examples to inspire your own wording, but if you decide to use exact templates, be sure to change subject lines to avoid getting your emails filtered or go unnoticed.
But don't stop there - reach out to leaders and decision makers in all the communities that affect your life. Contact your alma mater's administrators or talk to the executives in your workplace to learn about what they're doing to commit to anti-racism. Hold them accountable for their promises and goals, and if they're haven't made any, urge them to do so. Here's a helpful example from Instagram user @nishastickles to get an idea for what you can say to your institutional leaders.
Educate yourself
Actively look for information beyond what's shared by your friends on social media. All of us have room to learn more about Black history, culture, and different voices. Reading articles and books, watching movies and TV shows, and listening to podcasts about the Black experience are great places to start. Here's a list of books specifically about Black and Asian-American feminist solidarities, curated by Black Women Radicals and the Asian-American Feminist Collective. It is up to us to do the work to educate ourselves, instead of relying on our Black leaders and friends.
Shop Black-owned businesses
Discover and shop Black-owned businesses, and make sure to continue to do so in the future, not just during this moment. From fashion and beauty brands to restaurants and salons, there are so many different Black-owned establishments you can contribute to financially, so take the time to explore your options. If you don't have the means to purchase, follow them on social media and share with your friends and family.
Make a conscious effort to diversify your feeds
Elevate Black voices and faces on your Instagram and Twitter feeds. Depending on where your interests lie, check out and follow these different Black activists, artists, and fashion influencers to start.
Hire Black talent and elevate your Black colleagues
If you're in a position to do so, commit to hiring and promoting Black candidates, especially for leadership positions. And if you aren't in this position, actively support and advocate for your Black colleagues when it comes to pay disparities and concerns in the workplace.
Donate
There are a number of nonprofits and organizations you can contribute to that support racial justice efforts and BLM specifically, from donating to Floyd's memorial fund to financially contributing to bail funds for BLM protesters. If you have the extra cash, here's a list of nationwide and local organizations that can use your help.
Vote for BIPOC candidates
Vote for candidates committed to fighting against racial injustices, on both a local and national level. Go to the polls (or send in an absentee ballot) to let your voice be heard.
BLK + GRN Is the Beauty Marketplace You Need to Know About
When we came across BLK + GRN, we immediately knew we had found something special, and we can't wait to tell you about it. The brand is a marketplace for clean beauty with products made by Black artisans. The retailer sells everything from skin care to hair care and even feminine wellness products, and they're all items you can feel good about using because they're thoughtfully created.
These 14 products are the bestselling on the site, and it's easy to see why. From exfoliating body scrubs to hydrating toners and even all-natural nail polish removers, which we didn't know existed, these products belong in your beauty stash. Just keep reading to shop our picks.
What We Can Learn From New Zealand and Its Efforts to Eliminate the Novel Coronavirus
While cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, continue to climb around the world, New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced on June 8 that the country has "eliminated the transmission of the virus for now." A combination of natural advantages and some of the world's strictest lockdown measures likely contributed to the nation's success in stamping out the virus. What could the rest of the world learn from New Zealand in preparation for a potential second wave? Here are a few factors that may have helped yield those results - and could possibly slow the spread in other countries, too.
1. Leaders Knew What to Expect
New Zealand's geography and its smaller size relative to many hotspot countries gave it two natural advantages to combating the virus. The country has only five million residents - for comparison, New York City alone has more than 8 million - and is isolated as an island nation. More helpful, however, was the fact that New Zealand had a little bit of lag time on other countries and could see what had and hadn't worked, according to CBS News. The virus first appeared in late 2019 and began spreading in earnest in January and February of 2020, but New Zealand only had a handful of cases by mid-March, with the first confirmed case arriving on Feb. 28. This delay gave the nation's leaders time to figure out what to do when, inevitably, the virus began to spread in New Zealand - an early warning that could benefit other countries in the event of a second wave.
2. They Took Swift, Decisive Action
In March, Ardern quickly led the way, imposing a series of increasingly restrictive measures in an attempt to quash the spread of the virus. CNN broke down the timeline: on March 14, anyone entering the country was required to self-isolate for two weeks, and all foreigners were banned from entry on March 20. On March 23, with 102 cases and no deaths, the country went on "level three" lockdown: closing nonessential business, requiring work-from-home as much as possible, cancelling all gatherings, and closing schools except to care for children of essential workers. The country then entered the strictest "level four" lockdown on March 25, with everyone required to stay at home except for essential workers.
The New York Times reports that, over the course of New Zealand's outbreak, the country reported only 1,504 cases and 22 deaths, largely due to these incredibly strict measures. By April, New Zealand also had one of the highest per-capita testing capacities in the world - able to handle more than 8,000 tests per day - which helps to identify cases and trace anyone who may have had contact with an infected person. Regular communication from Ardern also played a role in bolstering cooperation: the prime minister got on social media at least weekly - Facebook Live being her preferred method - to talk directly and informally to New Zealanders about the pandemic, casting the whole country as collaborators on a single effort to take care of themselves and each other.
That particular style of governing, however, may not be something easily replicated elsewhere. "You need the whole context, the way the political system has evolved," Helen Clark, a former prime minister, told the NYT. "It's not easily transferable."
3. They Were Measured About Reopening
While the lockdown worked to slow the spread of the virus, it did, of course, have economic consequences. New Zealand has a thriving tourism industry, but the lockdown brought it to a screeching halt, and other businesses took heavy losses, leading to higher unemployment rates. "The harder you push your lockdown, the more you get unintended consequences," Dr. Simon Thornley of Auckland University told the NYT. New Zealand slowly began lifting restrictions, and by the middle of May, the country had reached "level two:" the largest gatherings were still banned, but the heaviest restrictions were lifted and life slowly began returning to normal, with ongoing testing and intensive contact tracing apps.
On June 8, Ardern announced that the virus appeared to be eradicated from the country and everything could reopen. CBS News reported that, at the time of the announcement, it had been 17 days since the last new case was reported, and this was the first time the country had no active cases (as in, everyone who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 had officially recovered). Borders remain closed, residents are asked to continue scanning QR codes at public places to keep contact tracing up to date, returning citizens and residents are still required to quarantine, and it's understood that new cases may arrive when the borders reopen - but for now, the country is hopeful.
In a news conference, Ardern noted that "elimination is not a point in time, it is a sustained effort." She continued: "We almost certainly will see cases here again, and I do want to say that again, we will almost certainly see cases here again, and that is not a sign that we have failed, it is a reality of this virus. But if and when that occurs we have to make sure - and we are - that we are prepared."
This Powerful Documentary Takes a Deep Look at the Otherizing of Black Women in America
As part of the ongoing conversation about racial injustice, actress and filmmaker Oge Egbuonu is making her feature documentary directorial debut with (In)Visibile Portraits, a documentary made to shine a light on the history of Black women in America. In a recent Instagram post featuring the trailer for the film, Egbuonu wrote, "The documentary illuminates the history of how we got here, dismantles the false framework of the present-day reality, and celebrates the extraordinary heritage of exceptional Black women who have come before as well as igniting hope for the next generation of young Black women who will lead the world of tomorrow."
Egbuonu began production on the documentary on July 18, 2018 and created it to shatter the "too-often invisible otherizing of Black women in America," while also reclaiming the narrative of Black women in America through the use of their own words and stories. "Creating (In)Visible Portraits rearranged me in the most profound way," Egbuonu said. "I learned so much. Many days were filled with heartbreak and grief due to my learnings, but I poured my life and soul into creating this love letter to Black women and I hope it serves as a beautiful offering to y'all."
The powerful and inspiring trailer has also been shared by Halle Berry who said, "It's a powerful film that will rock you to your core, stir your soul, and educate and enlighten you in ways that couldn't be more timely." (In)Visible Portraits is set to premiere in virtual cinemas on June 19, aka Juneteenth. Watch the full video here and learn more about what Black women are doing to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
BLK + GRN Is the Beauty Marketplace You Need to Know About
When we came across BLK + GRN, we immediately knew we had found something special, and we can't wait to tell you about it. The brand is a marketplace for clean beauty with products made by Black artisans. The retailer sells everything from skin care to hair care and even feminine wellness products, and they're all items you can feel good about using because they're thoughtfully created.
These 14 products are the bestselling on the site, and it's easy to see why. From exfoliating body scrubs to hydrating toners and even all-natural nail polish removers, which we didn't know existed, these products belong in your beauty stash. Just keep reading to shop our picks.
What We Can Learn From New Zealand and Its Efforts to Eliminate the Novel Coronavirus
While cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, continue to climb around the world, New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced on June 8 that the country has "eliminated the transmission of the virus for now." A combination of natural advantages and some of the world's strictest lockdown measures likely contributed to the nation's success in stamping out the virus. What could the rest of the world learn from New Zealand in preparation for a potential second wave? Here are a few factors that may have helped yield those results - and could possibly slow the spread in other countries, too.
1. Leaders Knew What to Expect
New Zealand's geography and its smaller size relative to many hotspot countries gave it two natural advantages to combating the virus. The country has only five million residents - for comparison, New York City alone has more than 8 million - and is isolated as an island nation. More helpful, however, was the fact that New Zealand had a little bit of lag time on other countries and could see what had and hadn't worked, according to CBS News. The virus first appeared in late 2019 and began spreading in earnest in January and February of 2020, but New Zealand only had a handful of cases by mid-March, with the first confirmed case arriving on Feb. 28. This delay gave the nation's leaders time to figure out what to do when, inevitably, the virus began to spread in New Zealand - an early warning that could benefit other countries in the event of a second wave.
2. They Took Swift, Decisive Action
In March, Ardern quickly led the way, imposing a series of increasingly restrictive measures in an attempt to quash the spread of the virus. CNN broke down the timeline: on March 14, anyone entering the country was required to self-isolate for two weeks, and all foreigners were banned from entry on March 20. On March 23, with 102 cases and no deaths, the country went on "level three" lockdown: closing nonessential business, requiring work-from-home as much as possible, cancelling all gatherings, and closing schools except to care for children of essential workers. The country then entered the strictest "level four" lockdown on March 25, with everyone required to stay at home except for essential workers.
The New York Times reports that, over the course of New Zealand's outbreak, the country reported only 1,504 cases and 22 deaths, largely due to these incredibly strict measures. By April, New Zealand also had one of the highest per-capita testing capacities in the world - able to handle more than 8,000 tests per day - which helps to identify cases and trace anyone who may have had contact with an infected person. Regular communication from Ardern also played a role in bolstering cooperation: the prime minister got on social media at least weekly - Facebook Live being her preferred method - to talk directly and informally to New Zealanders about the pandemic, casting the whole country as collaborators on a single effort to take care of themselves and each other.
That particular style of governing, however, may not be something easily replicated elsewhere. "You need the whole context, the way the political system has evolved," Helen Clark, a former prime minister, told the NYT. "It's not easily transferable."
3. They Were Measured About Reopening
While the lockdown worked to slow the spread of the virus, it did, of course, have economic consequences. New Zealand has a thriving tourism industry, but the lockdown brought it to a screeching halt, and other businesses took heavy losses, leading to higher unemployment rates. "The harder you push your lockdown, the more you get unintended consequences," Dr. Simon Thornley of Auckland University told the NYT. New Zealand slowly began lifting restrictions, and by the middle of May, the country had reached "level two:" the largest gatherings were still banned, but the heaviest restrictions were lifted and life slowly began returning to normal, with ongoing testing and intensive contact tracing apps.
On June 8, Ardern announced that the virus appeared to be eradicated from the country and everything could reopen. CBS News reported that, at the time of the announcement, it had been 17 days since the last new case was reported, and this was the first time the country had no active cases (as in, everyone who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 had officially recovered). Borders remain closed, residents are asked to continue scanning QR codes at public places to keep contact tracing up to date, returning citizens and residents are still required to quarantine, and it's understood that new cases may arrive when the borders reopen - but for now, the country is hopeful.
In a news conference, Ardern noted that "elimination is not a point in time, it is a sustained effort." She continued: "We almost certainly will see cases here again, and I do want to say that again, we will almost certainly see cases here again, and that is not a sign that we have failed, it is a reality of this virus. But if and when that occurs we have to make sure - and we are - that we are prepared."
These 9 Fashion Brands Celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community All Year Long
We tend to see an uptick in fashion brands supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in June with collections and products that celebrate Pride. But some companies are rightly choosing to show their support beyond Pride month by raising awareness and funds for the community all year long.
Brands like Play Out Apparel have made a year-long commitment to highlighting LGBTQ+ creators and influencers, while corporations like Gap support their LGBTQ+ employees with inclusive work practices and department stores like Nordstrom make monetary donations to partners like Utah Pride Center. If you want to make sure you spend your money where it makes an impact, we suggest you take a look at these nine fashion brands that support the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year.
94 Gifts For the Guy Who Basically Has Everything
Well, it's happened again - you've shopped for everyone on your list, and just when you think you're in the clear, you need to get that guy something (and that guy is the man who essentially already has everything he could ever need). He's got tech gadgets, work clothes, stylish accessories, you name it, and your task is to get him something that's clever, unique, and, most importantly, something he doesn't already have. That's where we come in. We sought out 2020's most uncommon gifts that he'll cherish long after Father's Day is over. Shop 'em now!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block, Lauren Harano, and Krista Jones
This Powerful Documentary Takes a Deep Look at the Otherizing of Black Women in America
As part of the ongoing conversation about racial injustice, actress and filmmaker Oge Egbuonu is making her feature documentary directorial debut with (In)Visibile Portraits, a documentary made to shine a light on the history of Black women in America. In a recent Instagram post featuring the trailer for the film, Egbuonu wrote, "The documentary illuminates the history of how we got here, dismantles the false framework of the present-day reality, and celebrates the extraordinary heritage of exceptional Black women who have come before as well as igniting hope for the next generation of young Black women who will lead the world of tomorrow."
Egbuonu began production on the documentary on July 18, 2018 and created it to shatter the "too-often invisible otherizing of Black women in America," while also reclaiming the narrative of Black women in America through the use of their own words and stories. "Creating (In)Visible Portraits rearranged me in the most profound way," Egbuonu said. "I learned so much. Many days were filled with heartbreak and grief due to my learnings, but I poured my life and soul into creating this love letter to Black women and I hope it serves as a beautiful offering to y'all."
The powerful and inspiring trailer has also been shared by Halle Berry who said, "It's a powerful film that will rock you to your core, stir your soul, and educate and enlighten you in ways that couldn't be more timely." (In)Visible Portraits is set to premiere in virtual cinemas on June 19, aka Juneteenth. Watch the full video here and learn more about what Black women are doing to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
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