It’s been almost ten months since George Floyd was murdered as a result of four police officers' blatant disregard for yet another black man's life. It’s been almost a year since the shooting death of 25-year old Ahmaud Arbery by neighbors who felt that him jogging in his own neighborhood was suspicious. It’s been over a year since Breonna Taylor was shot to death by police officers while she slept in her Kentucky home. In all three of these instances and many more which have not made headlines, no charges were initially filed. This did not sit right with black America nor did it appease activist Tamika Mallory who’s managed to articulate the pain that black people are feeling in such a way that it leaves her audience jaw dropped every single time she speaks.

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There was a survey circulating the internet towards the end of the year, asking people what place have they missed going to the most during the Covid-19 restrictions? I had three; museums, bowling alleys, and the show, aka the movie theater. I’m an avid museum-goer, bowler, and have gotten into movies a little more nowadays. One of the reasons I’ve become more interested in movies is because of the diversity of Black stories that are being told now. Part of the diversity stems from the fact, we as Black people are telling our own stories, whereas in the past they were being told from other people’s perspectives. From the likes of Lena Waithe and Ava Duvernay, to Ryan Coogler, Jordan Peele, and Nate Parker, they each have brought a unique way of Black storytelling to TV and the movie screen. Nate Parker seems to be the rebel of the bunch, and his latest film, “American Skin,” is a great depiction of where he stands. 

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I love reading stories of resilience, especially the ones that highlight a person’s troubled past. It’s a story that many can relate to, but through the lens of a black man from the inner city, it’s a different level of compelling. Having seen firsthand so many of my friends grow up with one foot in the streets and the other in the classroom, these are stories that I relate toTo see people overcome immeasurable odds throughout their lives and come out on top is inspirational. Civil rights attorney and activist, S. Lee Merritt, is one of those people whose triumphant story needs to be told. 

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The 21st-century has seen an explosion of social justice and activism, from Black Lives Matter to the Me Too movement, and the fashion industry is no different. This energetic push for change has seen a shift in the fashion industry with designers and models making a stand for causes ranging from women’s rights, climate change, and racial discrimination, perhaps it should come as no surprise since fashion has often served as a vehicle of protest throughout history. 

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