It's Woman's History Month, Notees! We stepped out of Black History Month celebrating, and can now keep that same momentum this month - honoring women of color leaders, icons and the every woman - like Chaka Khan says.
As we continue to celebrate, we want to pay tribute and honor the many brilliant, talented, beautiful queens that are resting in power:
We got the goods for you this week: a few things we’ve Notedd over the last week, some big news that happened this week, a few honorable mentions to check out this weekend and words from the wise: Eartha Kitt.
Enjoy and always: Stay Notedd!
Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green is the first Black women to cure cancer in mice using laser-activated nanoparticles where the mice did not require any chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Sisters Cornelia and Julia Gibson created TONED by Bagged Em, a fitness brand of yoga mats with women of color designed in yoga positions on the mats - all of which were designs created by their mom.
Did you know women didn’t actually parade in New Orleans until 1941, more than a century after the first float-based parade was recorded? Read more on how the Muses is making krewe history with style.
The Latino Corporate Directors Association created the Latino Board Tracker to bring attention to how corporations are not required to report on their diversity data while also highlighting the lack of Latinx executive representation on Fortune 1000 companies as more than 3 out 4 companies have no Latinx representation at this time.
Actress Aïssa Maïga delivered a powerful speech at the Césars, highlighting the terrible reality of black French actors who are often cast for stereotypical roles - stressing the importance of diversity in the room.
Why You Mad?: In an earlier Notedd issue, we shared a list of companies that featured Black-owned businesses sold at companies like Target. Target's "Founders We Believe In" campaign included founder Bea Dixon of the plant-based, feminine care line called Honey Pot. Bea shared in a commercial for Target how Target invested in herself and her brand and product development. She shares, "The reason why it’s so important for Honey Pot to do well [is] so that the next Black girl that comes up with a great idea can have a better opportunity." Recently since the release of this commercial, many reviewers are outraged and accusing Bea and Target of discrimination against white consumers. Rising above it all, Bea shared in a recent interview with Forbes that this "uprise" is allowing her to bring the race and gender funding gap issue, and how companies like Target are helping to combat this issue. In addition, since these accusations have been made against Bea and her brand, her sales have significantly increased by 50%. There will always be favor in poise and grace 💅🏾
Rise of the Latina Heroine: Shows such as the “Diary of a Future President”, “One Day at a Time”, “On My Block” and “The Expanding Universe” feature young Latina heroines who are inspiring young audiences of color, joining a force of representation that is slowly closing the gap. Like the shows before them like "Ugly Betty" and "Jane The Virgin," these programs are helping to drive away from the stereotype of the "poor, uneducated, criminal" that is often the resemblance of the Latinx culture. With only 3% of leading characters in the top 100 movies from 2007-2018 were Latino and only one Latina director over the last decade to direct a film, there is still work that needs to be done. For now, it's great to see relatability in these young Latina characters who are the representation and inspiration for the young girls who can now see themselves on the TV.
Black American Sign Language: As an undergrad English major, we always took interest in the American rhetoric and loved a course at Spelman College on the development of American language. We've always been interested in the meaning of words and how one word can easily describe something briefer than a sentence or can mean something in one language versus another. It was interesting to read that the same goes for the American Sign Language (ASL), specifically the Black American Sign Language (BASL). In the documentary, "Signing Black in America," the evolution and history of BASL is described and how this language brings a sense of solidarity for the Black deaf community. BASL's signs are longer, often involving two hands closer to the forehand than the chin in ASL and even some words are represented with different signs. It's an interesting article and a documentary on our list to watch!.
We've got a few honorable mentions to share this week. Drop us note when you've had a chance to try and let us know what you think!
We finally had the opportunity to watch They’ve Gotta Have Us. First apologies, as this is not a film like we previously mentioned. This is a mini series analyzing three generations of film. It was amazing to listen and watch Harry Belafonte (who is 91 btw) to Robert Townsend to Diahann Carroll to Debbie Allen explain how each of them - whether as an actor, producer and/or director - led the way for African Americans to now sit in the positions that they created. It’s only three episodes, making it quick to watch but it’s certainly left us wanting more!
Do you swell up after popping a pimple or get puffy eyed while traveling? We definitely experience these symptoms, but look no further: Ice Globes are to the rescue. Our esthetician uses these icy wands to help reduce the swelling and decrease our cystic acne. You simply place these into your fridge (do not place in the freezer) for 10-15 minutes. Then, while using a sheet mask (highly recommend Pathology) apply these wands in circular motions across your face for about 3-5 minutes. These wands have made much improvements to our skin, but drop us a note and let us know what you think when you place your order on Amazon.
We adore Niu Raza! Niu is an artist from Madagascar who was one of the artists featured at the Sofar Sounds Black History Month concert in Washington, DC. She’s got a cool funky rhythm and often sings in multiple languages including French. Certainly give her a listen and learn more about her artistry. Also if you haven’t been to a Sofar Sounds concert, you are missing out! They feature a surprise and delight type experience. The location can be anywhere, from someone’s home to a hotel or a speakeasy, and they don’t release the location to you until the day before. In addition, you don’t know the artist lineup until you get there. Definitely check out their website to find the next concert featuring your favorite genre in a city near you.
Be True to Yourself & Stay Notedd ✌🏾
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