Sunday, July 12, 2020
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Sex Education | Eric And His Dad | Netflix
Life can get complicated... but Eric goes through it with grace and STYLE. Black lives matter. Learn about the Black experience in America with this collection of films, series and documentaries. Watch now: https://ift.tt/3e2MVkx Watch Sex Education, Only on Netflix: https://ift.tt/39LZ9fx SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/29qBUt7 About Netflix: Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 183 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments. Sex Education | Eric And His Dad | Netflix https://youtube.com/Netflix Otis finally loosens up -- often and epically -- but the pressure’s on to perform as chlamydia hits the school and mates struggle with new issues.
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Life can get complicated... but Eric goes through it with grace and STYLE. Black lives matter. Learn about the Black experience in America with this collection of films, series and documentaries. Watch now: https://ift.tt/3e2MVkx Watch Sex Education, Only on Netflix: https://ift.tt/39LZ9fx SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/29qBUt7 About Netflix: Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 183 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments. Sex Education | Eric And His Dad | Netflix https://youtube.com/Netflix Otis finally loosens up -- often and epically -- but the pressure’s on to perform as chlamydia hits the school and mates struggle with new issues.
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Pandemic, racism compound worries about Black suicide rate
New research shows an alarming rise in Black young people trying to take their own lives
CHICAGO (AP) — Jasmin Pierre was 18 when she tried to end her life, overdosing on whatever pills she could find. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety, she survived two more attempts at suicide, which felt like the only way to stop her pain.
Years of therapy brought progress, but the 31-year-old Black woman’s journey is now complicated by a combination of stressors hitting simultaneously: isolation during the pandemic, a shortage of mental health care providers and racial trauma inflicted by repeated police killings of Black people.
“Black people who already go through mental health issues, we’re even more triggered,” said Pierre, who lives in New Orleans. “I don’t think my mental health issues have ever, ever been this bad before.”
Health experts have warned of a looming mental health crisis linked to the coronavirus outbreak, and the federal government rolled out a broad anti-suicide campaign. But doctors and researchers say the issues reverberate deeper among Black people, who’ve seen rising youth suicide attempts and suffered disproportionately during the pandemic.
Mental health advocates are calling for more specialized federal attention on Black suicides, including research funding. Counselors focusing on Black trauma are offering free help. And Black churches are finding new ways to address suicide as social distancing has eroded how people connect.
“There has been a lot of complex grief and loss related to death, related to loss of jobs and loss of income,” said Sean Joe, an expert on Black suicides at Washington University in St. Louis. “There’s a lot of hurt and pain in America going on right now, and you only are getting a sense of depth in the months ahead.”
READ MORE: New York Yankees player, Aroldis Chapman, has COVID-19
Suicides overall have increased. Roughly 48,000 people in the U.S. died by suicide in 2018, with the rate increasing 35% since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among all ages. For ages 10 to 19, it’s second after accidents.
The rates of suicides and suicide attempts for Black adults have trailed white and Native American adults. But newer research shows an alarming rise in Black young people trying to take their own lives.
Suicide attempts rose 73% between 1991 and 2017 among Black high school students while suicidal thoughts and plans for suicide fell for all teens, according to a study published in November in the journal Pediatrics. The findings, including troubling suicide trends among Black children, prompted the Congressional Black Caucus to issue a report in December deeming the situation a crisis.
Experts say the reasons are a complex mix requiring more study.
Suicide risk factors include a diagnosis like depression or trauma or having a parent who died by suicide. Many factors are amplified for Black families, who often face higher poverty rates, disproportionate exposure to violence and less access to medical care.
The pandemic has heightened the disparities.
Black people are dying from COVID-19 at higher rates, leaving them to grieve more in isolation with restrictions on funerals and gatherings. Added to the mix is a national reckoning with racism after George Floyd’s killing.
“Dealing with racism and stereotypes and all the inequity that we have to face, it’s bandaged up,” said Arielle Sheftall, an author of the Pediatrics study. “It feels like the bandage is ripped off and everybody is looking at it and staring at it, and we are bleeding profusely.”
Part of the problem is the study of suicide remains largely white, with little race research. There’s also been a misconception of suicide as only a “white problem.”
READ MORE: AG Barr calls unfair policing of Black people a ‘widespread phenomenon’
Michigan psychologist Alton Kirk was among the first to study Black suicides in the 1970s, outlined in his 2009 book, “Black Suicide: The Tragic Reality of America’s Deadliest Secret.”
“When I first started, a lot of Black people were in denial about suicide,” he said. “We had suffered enough. We survived slavery and segregation and all this other stuff. They almost saw it as being a weakness.”
While many attitudes have changed, obstacles to health care persist.
For one, there aren’t enough mental health professionals. Also, treatment has traditionally been based on white experiences, potentially leaving some clinicians unprepared.
Each time there’s a publicized episode of police brutality against Black people, calls to the Trevor Project’s suicide-prevention lines spike immediately. The organization focuses on LGBTQ youth, including addressing racial disparities.
“You’re already starting at a different point because you spent your life fighting back racism,” said Tia Dole, the organization’s chief clinical operations officer. “People are walking around with a half-filled tank of emotional resources because of their identity.”
For suicide attempt survivors, navigating the pandemic means more uncertainty.
Kiauna Patterson, who graduated from Pennsylvania’s Edinboro University this year, tried to end her life in 2018 as she felt pressure from school and working three jobs to help support family.
Since losing university health care, she meditates daily and focuses on her goal of becoming a doula.
“You don’t really know what’s going on or what’s going to happen,” she said. “You’re taking each day, just one at a time, to try and grasp some type of control or calmness.”
Pierre, who uses her experiences to counsel others, doesn’t want people struggling alone. She created The Safe Place, a free Black-oriented mental health app that’s seen more signups during the pandemic.
Others are also trying to fill care gaps.
Donna Barnes, who runs the National Organization For People of Color Against Suicide, plans a free online support group. After losing her son to suicide in 1990, she noticed a lack of resources for Black families and started the organization.
“It took me four years before I could smile again,” Barnes said. “It wasn’t easy. My friends and family didn’t know what to do with me.”
Trinity United Church of Christ, an influential Black church once attended by former President Barack Obama, has met increased need in Chicago with Zoom chats and calls.
The Rev. Otis Moss III used a recent podcast to discuss his sister’s suicide, which occurred before his wedding in the 1990s.
He called it an effective medium as people remain isolated with services canceled. Moss said it took years to talk openly about his sister’s schizophrenia and to stop blaming himself.
“It is an appropriate time to let people know there are many people who are walking the same road they are walking,” he said. “I found how to punch holes in the darkness and witness light shine through.”
Subscribe to theGrio’s Dear Culture podcast on Spotify, Apple and Stitcher.
The post Pandemic, racism compound worries about Black suicide rate appeared first on TheGrio.
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Introducing the First Black Woman-Owned Skateboard Company
Founded by artist Latosha Stone in 2013, the skateboarding lifestyle brand Proper Gnar is experiencing a precipitous rise in popularity and product orders following its recent feature on performing artist Beyoncé Knowles’ Black Parade Directory of Black Owned Businesses. Posted on Juneteenth 2020, the list of small businesses features entrepreneurs who use their Black excellence as a form of protest and activism.
Additionally, Stone’s skateboards were recently featured on HBO’s TV show about skater girls called “Betty.” The underground brand’s new line of colorful, creative, and original skateboards average $55-$60 each and can be ordered on the company’s website along with the artist’s own unique artwork prints, accessories, and apparel. The products are created with teen girls and young women in mind who love to skate or who are into alternative and subversive fashion.
“Skateboarding has traditionally been a man’s sport, which is why I am so passionate about my role as a black woman who challenges past assumptions and shows that skateboarding is for all of us. I take pride in creating authentic and beautiful art that stands out from other skate brands,” says founder Latosha Stone. “I live and breathe skating and art, and I think that is reflected in the work I produce.”
The artist contributes to bringing more women to the sport through her sponsorship of women skateboarders that are all too often overlooked by larger companies. “I believe that representation is the key to having more young girls interested in skating,” Stone says. “Genuinely loving skateboarding means you have to advocate and support it when you can.”
To learn more about Proper Gnar or to view her line of skateboards, hats, hoodies, patches, t-shirts, art prints, and more, please visit ProperGnar.com
About the Company:
Proper Gnar is the only Black woman-owned skateboarding company in the market today. Founder and artist Latosha Stone channels her genuine love for skateboarding into creating custom skateboards, clothing, and art prints that are unlike any other brans.
For media inquiries, please contact info@propergnar.com or (937) 417-4094.
This article was written by BlackNews.com.
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Tori Miller Becomes First Female G League General Manager After Being Promoted by College Park Skyhawks
In a major first, The Atlanta Hawks and its NBA G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks, have announced that they have promoted Tori Miller to the title of general manager of the Skyhawks. With the move, she becomes the first woman to hold the title of general manager in the history of the NBA G League.
Miller, who has been the assistant general manager of the Skyhawks for almost a year, started working in that position on July 30, 2019. She began her tenure with the organization as manager of Basketball Operations three seasons ago while with the Erie BayHawks.
The University of Miami graduate is a native of Decatur, Georgia, and has spent time as a Basketball Operations intern for the Phoenix Suns prior to her time in the G League.
Last year, she explained to NBA.com what kept her going in her rising career. “It’s pretty simple. My motivation is that I believe in making the impossible possible. I think that mindset creates opportunities. That’s what I always revert back to and keep fighting. I know I want to be a game-changer,” she said. “You have to believe in making the impossible possible.”
She also knows that her success will build a bridge for others to follow behind her. “It means the world. I didn’t realize the magnitude. I receive about 10 or so messages every two weeks from girls looking to break in. They let me know that they see me and it means the world to know that I’m making an impact on their lives,” she pointed out. “That’s something that motivates me because it’ll be easier for the next girl that sends out her résumé for that basketball operations internship. It won’t be thrown out because she’s a girl. I can be someone who can break the mold and create a path for others looking to break in.”
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Black Male Nail Technician Defies Odds, Enters Billion Dollar Nail Industry
Only 2% of nail salon workers are Black and almost all of them are women, but 29-year old Darnell Atkins, a nail technician from the Washington, DC area wants to change that. Known as Nen10doe on social media, Darnell is defying gender norms to get his piece of the multi-billion dollar industry.
He says that he got his start after returning home from serving in the Navy and facing the difficulty of finding a job. “I resorted back to a couple of hustles,” Atkins told WUSA-9. “But in the midst of me resorting back, I always found myself in front of a Black-owned nail salon. All the hustlers would gravitate towards this area because that is where all the pretty girls were.”
When he learned how profitable manicures and pedicures could be (up to $70 per customer), he soon found himself in training. Before long, he had become a certified nail technician. According to his web site, he provides “a nail experience that promotes natural nail growth while bringing your creativity and personality to life.”
Because so many people have never heard of or seen an African American man working as a nail technician before, people are so impressed with Darnell and have been supporting his business. In fact, many women love the idea that he is defying gender norms. Some even say he’s the best nail technician they know of.
Meanwhile, Darnell is enjoying the newfound fame and says his goal is “to inspire other Black men to pursue things they are interested in without feeling ashamed.”
Follow Darnell on Instagram @Nen10doe or book an appointment with him on his web site.
This article was written by BlackBusiness.com.
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Public Relations Expert Gwendolyn Quinn Thrives As a Global Communicator
The public relations game can swallow you if you don’t have the passion to make things exceptional, particularly for your clientele. But when your first major client is Aretha Franklin, it’s safe to say that you’re on the path to success.
Gwendolyn Quinn has been in the entertainment industry for over 25 years and continues to lead with passion. She had previously launched the platform Global Communicator, which featured various behind-the-scenes communications professionals who would otherwise not be acknowledged. Now with the changes in the world taking place, Quinn felt it was time to relaunch the brand to showcase those who are continuously working for the good of their companies and clients.
Quinn spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE about the purpose of her work.
What has changed for you and your approach to continue to carry the passion to do the work you do?
I’ve been in the entertainment industry for more than 25 years. In 2001, I started GQ Media and Public Relations, now renamed Gwendolyn Quinn Public Relations.
The majority of my clientele was made up of recording artists. The recording industry started its shift to more advanced digital technology, which eventually led to a decline in record sales.
In 2002, my first marquee client was Aretha Franklin, who I worked with at Arista Records. I was fortunate that I had already started building relationships beyond the music and entertainment industries.
As a result of the diverse list of clients and projects that I obtained, my media contacts expanded outside of entertainment, which presented opportunities for our clients.
I hope to continue to take on projects that I am passionate about and expand my client’s media presence. I still get excited when I see my clients secure earned and unexpected media.
You’ve just relaunched Global Communicator magazine. What led you to relaunch the brand and what should we anticipate with the current edition?
In 2004, I launched Global Communicator. The publication was a brand extension of the African American Public Relations Collection (AAPRC), a former community of Black PR professionals across various professions.
I relaunched the premiere issue on June 17. The e-publication features publicists, journalists, marketing and advertising executives, and content creators. We will continue to highlight professionals in the areas of social justice, race relations, criminal justice reform, healthcare, and the upcoming elections.
There is a powerful group of Black PR professionals in a wide range of fields including politics, corporate, education, entertainment, sports, performing arts, fine/visual arts, book and magazine publishing, fashion and beauty, community relations/public affairs, healthcare, government, non-profit, faith-based, and special events.
When I looked back on what I helped to create more than 15 years ago, I realized that not much has changed regarding the state of Black PR professionals. Though many PR representatives’ careers have grown, we are still not considered for key jobs and projects across a wide range of professions.
My purpose for relaunching Global Communicator is to document our stories. Many of us have known each other for decades, and then there are others who only have a peripheral viewpoint of each other. I want people to read about the top communications experts, and learn from them, and be inspired. Legacy matters.
With the current state of the world, how has the surrounding atmosphere affected the way you do business?
I have been working from my home office since I closed my doors in New York nearly 10 years ago, so not much has changed in the way I conduct day-to-day business. I love my work-at-home set up because I can set my schedule accordingly. And though there are changes in how business and events are conducted due to the pandemic, the news cycle never stops.
The resurgence of racial relations and the #BlackLivesMatter movement has brought civil rights and social justice issues front and center. It’s good to witness how many corporations want to seek change and are making an effort toward equity, diversity, and inclusion, but only time will reveal the outcome.
What suggestions and advice would you give to anyone who wants to become a successful entrepreneur?
I often said I should write a book for entrepreneurs on “What Not to Do When Starting a Business.” Starting a business is one of the best things that has happened to me, I never saw myself as an entrepreneur. After I formed my company in 2001, the first seven years, I said countless times, “I can’t do this. I need to find a job.”
Though starting my company was daunting at times, I did like the freedom of having control of my time. I had the freedom to explore and pursue creative ideas with my clients that I probably would have never been able to pursue if I was still in a structured corporate environment. As an independent firm, we secured several book deals, marketing opportunities and corporate partnership deals, and concert tours for our clients.
I do, however, recommend that potential entrepreneurs read books on how to start a business, and read Black Enterprise and other business publications; and attend business conferences and seek out mentors.
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