I rejected the notion that my race or sex would bar my success in life
VOL 31 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Happy Thursday, #NoteddTribe! We can’t believe we’ve reached the last week of Black History Month, which is a pretty historic week, by the way.
On February 23, 1965, Constance Baker Motley was elected as Manhattan Borough President, the highest elective office held by a black woman in a major American city.
On February 24, 1864, Rebecca Lee became the first black woman to receive an M.D. degree.
Despite one of our favorite months coming to a close, it’s still been filled with a turn of memorable events, historical milestones achieved, and more HERstory makers who are changing the future for Black women and women of color.
A quick reminder that we are still accepting nominations for the hidden figures within our communities who are creating seats at the table, breaking barriers, and defying odds. Let us share your story by completing the nomination form here.
For this week’s newsletter, we’ve Notedd this week’s news, shared perspective on some big news that happened, and provided a few honorable mentions that we’re excited for you to check out. #staynotedd
Our “Wakanda Forever” costume designer Ruth E. Carter is making history today as the first Black costume designer to receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Chiquita Brooks-LaSure is on track to become the first Black woman to head Medicare and Medicaid.
Former Ohio state senator Nina Turner is running for Ohio’s 11th Congressional District, and Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell is expected to run for the U.S. Senate seat projected to be vacated in 2022.
Hello Beautiful recognizes Lil’ Kim’s enduring influence on fashion and hip-hop
Learn how Kentucky lawmaker Attica Scott seeks justice for Breonna Taylor after introducing a law in her name.
Did you watch the Tuesday Senate hearing on the insurrection at the Capitol? The day included testimonies from key figures in law enforcement who were involved in response to the domestic terrorism waged by far-right extremist supporters of 45.
As The Washington Post senior critic-at-large Robin Givhan at The Washington Post points out in her article, “Optics aren’t everything. Sometimes they are the only thing,”
The day’s testimony began with a Black woman with shoulder-length dreadlocks dressed in a Capitol Police uniform, with its epaulets and badges and her gold shield. The presence of Carneysha Mendoza, a captain, and an Army veteran, spoke volumes about who stood up to protect democracy. She defined patriotic in a way that so many of the rioters, with their allegiances to white supremacy and misogyny, do not.
If you haven’t watched, we encourage you to do so because listening to Capt. Mendoza’s experience, along with the other shared experiences, is heartbreaking, enraging, and terrifying — all at once. For many, we see a strong Black woman, but for others, as @esq_grumpy states below: Capt. Mendoza is “a Republican’s worst nightmare.”
Here’s a brief video of Capt. Mendoza’s testimony, or you can read her testimony in full detail using the link below.
The African American Policy Forum recently launched a new series: The Facts to Know About the Status of Black Women As We Enter the Biden Years to share insights on the insurmountable economic disparities and demand a robust economic justice agenda from the Biden administration.
As part of this series, the AAPF worked with several resources and organizations to compile the following data on the current economic status of Black women in America:
Black women in the U.S. are paid 38% less than White men and 21% less than White women.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Black women have been evicted at least 2X as often as White women.
Black women are more than twice as likely as White women to work in the lowest-paying service sector jobs.
63% of Black mothers are the primary breadwinners in their families than 36.8% of White mothers.
Black women carry the highest student loan debt of any racial or ethnic group, borrowing $37,558 on average.
As many of us know, Black women lead notable organizations, create new businesses, and support an ecosystem of families, friends, and community members — despite facing and dealing with countless systemic barriers.
Be a part of the narrative! You can join AAPF and the Black Women’s Wealth Alliance by participating in their study and sharing your story using the link below.
Join us in watching YouTube Originals’ Black Renaissance, a celebration of the contributions by “Black History makers and artists who left their mark on the world and honor the creators who are reimagining the future.”
In partnership with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Howard University Graduate Film Program, the event will feature performances of featured art from Black guest artists on the website’s homepage along with curated content from Black creators and talent.
Our forever President Barack Obama, forever First Lady Michelle Obama, Stacey Abrams, Jemele Hill, H.E.R., and Anderson.Paak, Kelly Rowland, Bob the Drag Queen, Yung BBQ, and Oumi Janta are just a few that will join the event. Check out the special tomorrow (Friday, February 26) on YouTube!
Etsy is offering a special credit for Mastercard cardholders! You can continue to support and celebrate Black-owned shops by making a $35 or more purchase, and in return, receive a $10 Etsy credit.
Make your purchase before February 28, as your credit won’t expire until March 31!
Need a few shop recommendations? We got you! Check out this article with 22 shops and brands, from pet accessories to beauty must-haves to everyday, beautiful fashion.
We were thrilled to see the announcement of New York Times bestselling author and podcaster Luvvie Ajayi Jones’s new book: The Fear-Fighter Manual. The book is described as the following:
With humor and honesty, and guided by the influence of her inspiring and professional troublemaking grandmother, Funmilayo Faloyin, Luvvie shares how to get right within ourselves before we can do the things that scare us; how to use our voice for the greater good; and how to put movement to the voice we’ve been silencing–because truth-telling is a muscle.
In addition to purchasing Luvvie’s book from an independent bookstore, you can also participate in one of her virtual book tour events with featured guest speakers, including Myliek Teele, Kahlana Barfield Brown, Gabrielle Union, and Brittany Packnett Cunningham.
Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Notedd ✌🏾
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