MacKenzie Scott's Billions to HBCUs Will Benefit All Americans

MacKenzie Scott's Billions to HBCUs Will Benefit All Americans

For example, Scott is giving Xavier University of Louisiana, a school that sends more Black graduates to medical school than any other university in the U.S., $20 million; Long Beach City College, a California school where more than 85% of students are people of color, $30 million; and Odessa College, a Texas school where 74% of students are nonwhite, $7 million. All three colleges said Scott’s donations were the largest they had ever received.

As a counseling psychology professor who conducts research regarding the education of Black students, I am encouraged to see Scott, a novelist who was formerly married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, depart from how billionaires tend to approach their higher education giving. Most make donations to prestigious universities that already have large endowments – money raised from alumni and other donors that they invest in stocks, bonds and other assets. This wealth can cover the cost of scholarships, salaries, construction and any other expenses.

Kate Middleton, Beekeeper, Delivers Her Own Honey to Urban Nature Project

Kate Middleton, Beekeeper, Delivers Her Own Honey to Urban Nature Project

The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton may not be in the same league with her brother beekeeper James Middleton, but Kate fell into her own groove with a group of school children at the Urban Nature Project at London’s Natural History Museum in South Kensington, where Kate is the royal patron.

Beekeeping is a very romantic notion, especially in urban areas, where conscientious environmentalists are genuinely concerned about the dire assault of modern life on the world’s pollinators and guardians of the world’s food supply.

The Forward Thinking Museum in London — a virtual space for contemporary photography and videos —exhibited wonderful photos of urban beekeepers around the world. Images include Brian Mc Callum and his hives on the roof of Sir John Cass Primary School. Callum is a pro-bee activist trying to set up as many hives as possible in London.

What a lovely idea, we all exclaim! But wait one moment. Kate Middleton’s very patronage — London’s Natural History Museum, site of her bee honey visit with school children — issued a very alarming report in September 2020. I’ve heard this same call to action about beekeeping in other urban areas. Beekeeping in cities is harming other wildlife, writes the NHM.

Precious Lee by Tyler Mitchell Is Committed to Uplifting Us in i-D No. 363 Summer 2021

Precious Lee by Tyler Mitchell Is Committed to Uplifting Us in i-D No. 363 Summer 2021

The confident determination of Precious Lee may well be bigger than her moment. Time will tell, but reading about Atlanta-raised Precious is an exploration of self-willed self-determination.

“Revolutions have ongoing, lasting, continuous effects. And my quote-unquote ‘moment’ is historical, and because of that, it will never be just a moment. It will always be an indelible part of this industry.” ~ Precious Lee

Photographer Tyler Mitchell, also from Atlanta, captures Precious Lee, styled by Carlos Nazario in Aliette, Area Couture 21, Lanvin, Little Five Vintage, Norma Kamali and more./ Hair by Latisha Chong; makeup by Jamal Scott

Louis Vuitton's 'Wild at Heart' Fall 2021 Collection Is Pure Artisan Wanderlust

Louis Vuitton's 'Wild at Heart' Fall 2021 Collection Is Pure Artisan Wanderlust

Louis Vuitton turns to the animal kingdom for inspo in a Fall 2021 capsule collection of ready-to-wear, accessories and shoes called ‘Wild at Heart’. The monogram print motif reinterprets one of Louis Vuitton’s patterns from a 1924 catalogue cover, updated with a modern, hand-painted effect. Printed on canvas in luxurious seasonal shades, the revisited Monogram motif echoes the LV Crafty collection with an oversized motif.

The Maison’s savoir-faire and spirit of travel are reflected by models Blésnya Minher and Fran Summers, posing with Onthego, Neverfull, and NéoNoé bags. The playful details. including braided handles, luggage tags, and embroidered textile straps, fuse with a leopard print to complete the LV ‘Wild at Heart’ animal kingdom story. Exclusive versions of Louis Vuitton’s iconic Capucines, Twist, and Speedy further enhance the collection.

Naomi Osaka Covers Vogue Japan August 2021, Saying She Will Play in Olympics

Naomi Osaka Covers Vogue Japan August 2021, Saying She Will Play in Olympics

Tennis star Naomi Osaka covers the August 2021 issue of Vogue Japan, and Naomi did appear on social media to share her cover shot and a preview of the fashion editorial.

"Hi guys. Popping out to post this @voguejapan cover, hope you’re all doing well and staying safe," she wrote.

Patti Wilson styles the shoot with Osaka wearing a Louis Vuitton bralette paired with orange pants on the cover. Vuitton is well represented in the fashion pages, with Naomi being an official ambassador for the luxury brand. Nike also gets good exposure. Zoey Grossman [IG] is behind the lens, as Naomi promises that she will play in the Tokyo Olympics starting July 24, but not on the US team. Naomi will play for Japan.

Ivan Erick Menezes Honors Florbela Espanca for Vogue Portugal June 2021

Ivan Erick Menezes Honors Florbela Espanca for Vogue Portugal June 2021

In this Vogue Portugal June 2021 issue fashion editorial dedicated to Florbela Espanca, models Camila Simões, Elson Lima, Lana Rost, and Natalia Renken are styled by fashion editor and creative director Alexandre Dornelles. Ivan Erick Menezes photographs ‘Eu quero amar, amar perdidamente’ [I want to love, love hopelessly] inspred by Florbela Espanca./ Beauty by Silvio Giorgio; hair by Silvio Giorgio

Florbela Espanca (1894-1930) is one of Portugal's most known and loved poets, an early feminist in a very turbulent period in the country’s history. Her avant-garde mind and soul were frowned upon by a conservative society, and the poet ended her early life at age 36.

Dani Witt in Rome by Stefania Paparelli for Vanity Fair Italia June 2021

Dani Witt in Rome by Stefania Paparelli for Vanity Fair Italia June 2021

Model Dani Witt is styled by Simone Guidarelli in ‘Amore Senza Fine’ [Endless Love] a fashion tribute to Rome. Photographer Stefania Paparelli [IG] captures the virginal sensuality embedded in the psychological complexity of Rome — a city I love deeply — for Vanity Fair Italia June 2021.

Editorials like this one always inspire my reading for the week. The rise of conquering Rome — the ultimate patriarchal society — came at a great cost to women generally, who were living in the region. It’s possible to track the devolution of women’s status and power in Greece, as evidenced by the writings of Socrates, then Plato and next Aristotle. Rome is more cut and dried. Men ruled.

‘We have not kept our women individually under control, we now dread them collectively’, said Cato the Elder, as women took to the streets to protest unfair laws.

'Physical' Apple Series Star Rose Byrne Covers Marie Claire Australia by Nicole Bentley

'Physical' Apple Series Star Rose Byrne Covers Marie Claire Australia by Nicole Bentley

“She’s elegance incarnate with impeccable comedic timing,” writes Marie Claire Australia about July cover star Rose Byrne. The actor talks to Rachel Sharp about family, feminism and her new role as a captivating but flawed ‘80s guru in her new Apple TV series ‘Physical’.

Byrne is styled by Naomi Smith in images by Nicole Bentley./ Hair by Koh; makeup by Kellie Stratton

Building on her role as iconic feminist Gloria Steinem in ‘Mrs. America’, the true story of how conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly (played by Cate Blanchett) derailed the Equal Rights Amendment, Byrne now plays ‘80s California exercise and lifestyle guru Sheila Rubin.

A Fashionista's Guide to Casino Nights Wearing Ageless Flygirl Style

A Fashionista's Guide to Casino Nights Wearing Ageless Flygirl Style

Beyond the “glow up” and bronzed skin, in addition to beach waves hair with plenty of volume and bounce — whatever your age — be like Martha and own YOU on YOUR casino night. Preparation is important. Everyone from Martha Stewart to her vegan cooking protégé Snoop Dogg will tell you that preparation is key to a successful party.

After that, just imagine you are Jennifer Lopez in Vegas or Martha Stewart in her East Hampton swimming pool. Own the moment with confidence and sincerity — but also with conviction. Because we all know that wearing self confidence is your best fashion statement. And be sure you have a divine time doing it. ~ Anne

Simone Biles Claims Her GOAT Title in Gymnastics, Leaves NIKE for Athleta

Simone Biles Claims Her GOAT Title in Gymnastics, Leaves NIKE for Athleta AOC Living

"The idea was to hit back at the haters," she told the outlet. "[The haters] were joking like, 'I swear, if she put a goat on her leo, blah, blah, blah.' That would make them so angry. And then I was like, 'Oh, that's actually a good idea.' And so that's exactly what we did and why we did it."

Simone Biles may be 4’10” in stature, but she packs a power punch twice her size. In late April, the platinum athlete ended her six-year relationship with Nike to join Athleta, Gap’s female-focused activewear brand.

The GOAT gymnast did not directly criticize Nike in announcing her move to Athleta — even though the company has a rocky relationship with female athletes.

“I felt like it wasn’t just about my achievements, it’s what I stood for and how they were going to help me use my voice and also be a voice for females and kids,” she said. “I feel like they also support me, not just as an athlete, but just as an individual outside of the gym and the change that I want to create, which is so refreshing.”

Simone Biles delivered an astonishing set of images by Kennedi Carter in this weeks’ online release of her cover story and interview in the June issue of Glamour US. There’s yet more to the Simone Biles story, with Athleta backing her competitive bird dogging of USA Gymnastics over her being willing to take on permanently USA Gymnastics, the governing body of her sport — a system that ignored staggering sexual abuse by team doctors of young women in their care. Biles has been a leader in that ongoing fight.

DO check out the Simone Biles cover story for Glamour’s June 2021 issue.

Simone Biles Soars by Kennedi Carter for Glamour US June 2021 AOC Fashion

Gigi Hadid Covers i-D Magazine No.363 by Daniel Jackson | Gigi's Blue Pasta

Gigi Hadid Covers i-D Magazine No.363 by Daniel Jackson | Gigi's Blue Pasta

A pensive Gigi Hadid covers the Summer 2021 issue of i-D magazine No. 363. The supermodel appears as a low-key, blank canvas styled by Alastair McKimm in modern, relaxed designs from The Row. Daniel Jackson [IG] creates the studio portraits with a brief interview by Osman Ahmed.

Two concepts resonate with AOC from Gigi’s interview. The first concerns her own mixed-race status — and Bella’s, although that is not mentioned. And her baby daughter Khai is also mixed-race in a world that is on the one hand increasingly embracing of the identity but also cruel about it at the same time. And that includes progressives — Anne’s words, not Gigi’s.

Christian Louboutin, Irdis & Sabrina Elba's Monumental 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' Campaign

Christian Louboutin, Irdis & Sabrina Elba's Monumental 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' Campaign

Fashion designer Christian Louboutin collaborates with close friends Irdis Elba and his wife Sabrina Elba on a superb campaign to support Black activism and philanthropy. The English actor, writer, producer, rapper, songwriter and DJ is best known for his 2018 role in ‘Black Panther’. Elba played the ruler of Wakanda, a fictional African nation with the most advanced technology. French photographer and director Julien Vallon [IG] captures the campaign.

Sabrina Elba spoke with Glamour UK about the brilliantly-conceived ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’ campaign from Africa, where she is doing philanthropic work with IFAD — the International Fund of Agricultural Development and the UN.

In the month of May 2021, I found myself in a discussion on The Conversation about the impacts of racism on human health. A Trump-supporting white male piped up about American Blacks constantly playing the victims and my response was “Until you’ve walked a mile in the shoes of a Black person in America, do not be accusing them of playing ‘the victim’ card.”

I didn’t add “those words reveal your own ignorant racism”, but that thought was going through my mind.

As Estee Lauder Ambassador, Adut Akech Brings Ubuntu Values to Our Needy World

As Estee Lauder Ambassador, Adut Akech Brings Ubuntu Values to Our Needy World AOC Blackness

Supermodel Adut Akech is now an Estee Lauder global ambassador, joining other famous women like Karlie Kloss, Carolyn Murphy, Anok Yai and Ana de Armas in a role that is a truly prestigious and long-lasting business and human-values relationship. Estee Lauder is known for paying ambassadors very well and this new achievement for Akech will help to cement her financial future.

Adut Akech Understands Ubuntu

At age 21, Adut has mastered the art of — or is innately gifted in — speaking to activist values with honesty and grace. Consciously or unconsciously, Adut embraces ‘ubuntu’. The Zulu concept of ‘ubuntu’ — expressed Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu — literally means that a person is a person through other people.

Condensed “ubuntu’ is a concept that believes 'I am because of who we all are’ — and that includes you, too. As members of the human family, we don’t live in silos apart from each other, but connected to and impacted by each other’s values and actions. I feel your love and it helps me thrive, and I also feel your hate or indifference which can be spiritually, psychologically and physically crushing.

Now 21 and stepping up as an Estee Lauder ambassador, Adut Akech is the representation she once sought for herself as a young woman of color. "It means a lot to me, because this is something that I never saw – it's something that I never thought I would be able to do," she says. "Even though I had wished and dreamed to do it, I didn’t see it. And now in the position I'm in, I get to be that representation – someone for others to look up to."

Gugu Mbatha-Raw by Danika Magdelena in 'Star Power' for Porter Edit

Actor Gugu Mbatha-Raw by Danika Magdelena in 'Star Power' for Porter Edit

British actor Gugu Mbatha-Raw is super pleased about landing the female role in the new Disney+ series ‘Loki’, playing opposite Tom Hiddleston.

Maya Zepinic styles the actor in ‘Star Power’, choosing crisp, modern looks from Agolde, Kassel Editions, Lanvin, Lisa Marie Fernandez, Loewe, Loulou Studio, Saint Laurent, The Row, Wardrobe NYC and more. Photographer Danika Magdelena [IG] is behind the lens for Porter Edit’s June 14, 2021 issue.

Ajesh Patalay conducts the interview.

What Elephant Crop Raids in Kenya's Masai Mara Are Telling Us About Future Conflict

What Elephant Crop Raids in Kenya's Masai Mara Are Telling Us About Future Conflict

Elephants need large amounts of space to roam in search of food and water. Because of this, they often move outside the boundaries of protected areas – such as the Masai Mara National Reserve and wildlife conservancies – into areas where people live.

These people are impacted by elephants that eat and destroy farm crops. Sometimes their lives are threatened. This often creates fear and anger towards this species and sometimes leads to elephants being killed in retaliation.

These negative interactions – termed human-elephant conflict – pose a huge threat to populations of this endangered species.

Edward Colston Museum Display: What Happens Next for the Fallen Statue

Edward Colston Museum Display: What Happens Next for the Fallen Statue

When Black Lives Matter protests broke out in the summer of 2020, attention quickly turned to perceived symbols of oppression. After years of calls to remove racist monuments, Confederate and colonial statues quickly came down all over the world. But despite this, art historian Erin Thompson has found that many or most have gone up again in new locations.

Some statues have been moved into museums; others have been moved to private locales owned by people who are most enthusiastic about preserving them. Few have been destroyed, and in many places, including the UK, new laws block removal of statues, prescribing instead that they should be retained and explained. Thompson argues that since permanent removal is rare, the question is less whether statues should be removed, and more where they should be located, and how they should be contextualized.

Malala Yousafzai's British Vogue Interview Causes Hateful Controversy in Pakistan

Malala Yousafzai has created a storm in Pakistan with her recent British Vogue cover story and interview. As much as Malala — like Obama and Oprah, she is known by her first name — is beloved by western liberals for her true grit spirit, the founding of her foundation dedicated to educating girls worldwide, and her sensitivity generally to embracing progressive issues like climate change and suffering in Syria and Pakistan.

The vast majority of people in Pakistan shed no tears and felt no horror when a Taliban insurgent shot Malala in the face and part of her brain, after boarding a school bus looking for the 15-year-old in 2012. Already — and with her parents’ permission — she was blogging about girls issues for the BBC.

The back lash against Malala’s British Vogue interview was severe, when Malala said: “I still don’t understand why people have to get married.”

"If you want to have a person in your life, why do you have to sign marriage papers, why can't it just be a partnership?" she queries to the world towards the end of her interview.

Pakistan has a lot in common with Trump supporters these days. In the same way that significant numbers of Trump supporters do not believe the Biden won the presidential election, Pakistanis are horrified that Malala is a stooge for the global liberal elite and has brought great dishonor to her home country.

The Washington Post details the outrage sparked in Pakistan over the British Vogue interview. Reality is that the divorce rate is rising in Pakistan, along with women’s bargaining power. Both the nation and large numbers of Pakistani men are not amused.

The TED Talk above is from 2020 one, post Malala’s graduation from Oxford. I’m surprised that British Vogue has no follow up piece on all the controversy around Malala’s interview. You can read it here.

“I Know the Power A Young Girl Carries In Her Heart”: The Extraordinary Life of Malala”