How Are You (Really) Doing Today?
VOL. 73 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10
How are you doing, #NoteddTribe? How often do you respond with "good," "well," or "fine" when someone asks you this question? Or how often do you respond with "I think" rather than "I feel"?
For us, we do it so often, too often, if we're being honest. We couldn't even recall when we responded with a different response. Does good, well, or fine define how we are doing in pandemic season three when it comes down to it?
As you all know, we're huge fans of LT in the City. Founder L'Oreal Thompson Payton shares her official return from maternity leave in a recent newsletter that unfortunately did not go according to her plan.
She puts it bluntly for the reader, "Sh*t is Hard," especially for parents and caregivers. We give all parents and caregivers well-deserved accolades for taking care of yourselves plus your children, parents, spouses, and loved ones.
And yet, we all (if we may single people too) have pressure placed ourselves and we don't often express how that make us feel. We must extend ourselves with more grace and space, because like Payton says, "we are all doing the best that we can with what we've got right now."
In her newsletter, she also shares her article on when she was introduced to the feelings wheel by her therapist, a color wheel with six core emotions that then span out to names of feelings associated with those six emotions. We've decided to start implementing this feelings wheel into our day-to-day routine and practice expressing how we feel using the associated emotions instead of the traditional three words we've been using. We encourage you all to do the same and share how this practice has made you feel.
Thank you L'Oreal Thompson Payton for sharing your story and being the example to give ourselves more grace and space!
#StayNotedd
#NoteddNews
Applications are still open for our Brand Ambassador program! During this year-long program, you will lead, engage, and discuss issues and stories topical to Black women. If you have any questions about the program, feel free to reach out to Lauren directly.
Ready to dive in and apply? See the link below to submit your application today.
Black Women’s History Month Nominations
We’re still accepting nominations to honor and celebrate our notable Black women pioneers, changemakers, and superstars who are making history in their own way.
Complete our nomination form today if you know anyone who fits the above — whether it’s yourself or a family member, friend, colleague, manager, a mentor from afar, or the boss Black woman you idol.
There is no one too big or too small, as we are all killing it every day and defying odds. Once selected, we will feature you on our blog and share your story via our social media channels!
Black women leading American law schools reached a record high of 28 last year. There are a number of them who are also the first Black woman to hold their position. A few of these leaders shared how they aspire to help their institutions better understand the country's history with The 19th.
The 94th Academy Awards nominations were announced earlier this week, with Beyonce' scoring her first nomination for best original song for "Be Alive" on the King Richard soundtrack. While many are celebrating Bey and many other noms this year, others are recalling when Angela Bassett was snubbed for her iconic role as Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do With It?" In this resurfaced interview, she also agrees with that sentiment. What do y'all think?
Last Saturday would have been Trayvon Martin's 27th birthday and soon will be the 10th anniversary of his death (February 26). His mother, Sybrina Fulton, shares her story, her pain over this time, and what she is hopeful for in the next ten years. Unfortunately, another innocent life was lost this month at the hands of Minneapolis police and their use of no-knock warrants. Rest in Power, Amir Locke.
The Color Purple novel turns 40 this year! As mentioned in last week's newsletter, the second film adaptation will feature a star-studded cast with Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks as Celie and Sofia. Check out the rest of the cast here and stay tuned for the film's release, set for December 2023.
For us, the Super Bowl is usually about watching the halftime show and new ad campaigns. With an exciting halftime lineup which includes Mary J. Blige, and the anticipated commercials featuring Zendaya, Serena Williams, and Megan Thee Stallion, many are preparing for the potential increase of sex trafficking in LA. According to a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation report, 40% of sex trafficking victims identified as Black women. Big events like the Super Bowl presents more considerable risks, and Black women are found to be the most at risk. Learn more here and how local advocacy groups and organizations like Uber are working to combat potential trafficking.
Jury selection is set to begin in the federal hate crimes trial for the three white men who were convicted of killing Ahmaud Arbery. If you recall, all three men were found guilty in a Georgia state court and sentenced to life in prison. Now the men are back in court for federal proceedings that will focus on whether they were racially motivated and violated Arbery's civil rights. You can learn more about the differences between the state and federal trials here.
This is a Leslie Jones stan account. We are happy to hear that Jones can continue to provide her entertaining commentary during this year's Winter Olympics.
Madam C.J. Walker broke barriers over 100 years ago with her hair care line that helped address common scalp and hair concerns of Black women. Now her great-granddaughter, A'Lelia Bundles, has joined forces with Walmart to create an accessible hair care line that captures that same essence and uphold's Madam Walker's legacy. Learn more about Madam by Madam C.J. Walker and how you can grab a few items to add to your collection here.
Lawmakers in the Vermont House of Representatives recently approved a proposal to move forward on a constitutional amendment that would guarantee the right to abortion and contraception. It will now go to Governor Phil Scott, who reportedly has signaled his support for the measure. It is also required that public notice be given before it appears on the ballot in November, which 70% of Vermont voters say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. Given the likelihood that this amendment will be approved, Vermont could become the first state to guarantee the right to abortion in its constitution. Learn more on how this constitutional amendment could impact the wave of abortion rights legislation across the country.
Words cannot describe UCLA gymnast Sekai Wright's incredible floor routine. She dazzled us all with her performance featuring a medley of DMX hits last week. If you haven't checked it out, stop what you are doing and watch it now!
A lot of Black girls and boys joy here! We have to shout out Nadine Ebri for making sure our history is always the priority for our younger generations.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Did you know that Black women business owners' annual sales are five times less than all women-owned businesses? The reasons are unfortunately due to lack of support and awareness. Since 2016, Buy From A Black Woman has empowered, educated, and inspired Black women business owners and the people who support them. Their Buy From A Black Woman directory features businesses in every category you can imagine, from beauty and fashion to art and books. Find and support Black women-owned businesses today!
It is one of the most beautiful times of year to celebrate Black excellence. Check out Essence's list of 40 documentaries and specials to watch, learn, and explore the lives of our Black storytellers, actors, entertainers, artists, athletes, and politicians.
Elaine S. Combs shared this open letter with Girlboss on her experience with microaggressions at her previous job. Her story is similar to ours and so many out there. She ends her letter with, "You deserve to work in an environment that respects and honors you as a human being."
Black History Month tends to be a moment in the year when conversations around allyship remerge. Check out the image above created by the fabulous illustrator Danielle Coke called the Anatomy of An Ally. It's one that we hope we all can use as a reminder for those who are allies within our communities and a tool for those who need a resource to have necessary conversations for better inclusive workplace environments.
STAY INFORMED | STAY CONNECTED | STAY NOTEDD
Interested in being a Tribe Talk speaker? Have any content ideas? Are you launching a product or service? Have any major accomplishments to share with the group? Reach out to us and we'll add it to our next issue.
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