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https://www.essence.com/beauty/beauty-brands-in-support-of-palestine/
By Tayler Adigun ·Updated March 29, 2024
To date, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza has resulted in the death of over 12,300 Palestinians, including at least 4,000 children, and led to the displacement of an estimated 1.5 million people. This has been a globally harrowing moment that has been nearly 80 years in the making. In short– a genocide of an indigenous population.
When tragedy strikes so far away, it is easy to feel helpless or dejected to the whims of those in power. Of course, there is much to be said about our elected officials’ actions or lack thereof in times of crises, but there are still actionable ways we can show our alliance through our purchasing power. Afterall, aligning your pockets with your beliefs is one of the strongest forms of solidarity.
In support of those efforts and to further amplify needed voices of the cause, below, we have compiled a list of beauty brands that are vocal and steadfast in their support of Palestine.
Founded by Olamide Olowe, Topicals has been an incubator of change in the skincare industry since its launch in 2020.The brand makes products, like the Faded Serum and Like Butter Moisturizer, for various skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Most recently, they’ve launched the Slick Salve Mint Balm. A portion of these proceeds will be donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF).
Founded in 2013 by US-Iraqi beauty mogul Huda Kattan, an OG of the beauty blogger era, Huda Beauty has taken the beauty space by storm digitally and IRL. Kattan has been forthcoming with her support of the Palestinian people on both her personal and professional pages, sharing the direness of standing “on the side of the oppressed,” and pledging to donate $1 million between Huda Beauty and their sister companies to charity organizations, Doctors Without Borders and Human Appeal as shared on the brand’s Instagram page. The money will go towards water, hygiene kits, fuel, and medical care for the people in Gaza.
Launched in 2018, Kayali is the fragrance subsidiary of Huda Beauty. A joint venture between Huda and her sister, the “perfume princess” Mona Kattan, Kayali has quickly become an aromatic mainstay of the scent world on TikTok. They gained fame for their indulgent scents and aesthetic packaging. But, beyond signature aromas, the brand has been clear in its support of Palestine, as demonstrated by their social media posts and monetary pledge.
The third branch of the Huda Beauty empire, Wishful Skin, was launched in 2020 by Huda Kattan with a focus on “soft, smooth skin [and] diminished pores.” In tandem with Huda Beauty and Kayali, they will be contributing towards a donation of $1 million towards the people of Gaza.
Founded in 2014 by husband and wife duo Sal Ali and Farah Dhukai, Farsáli is a cruelty-free skincare brand offering a wide selection of facial creams and serums with an onus on ethical sourcing and sustainable self-care.
As a part of its Black Friday sale, for every item sold, the brand pledged a day’s worth of food to feed children in Gaza. “With every product sold, we’ll donate a day’s worth of nutritious food to help a child in Gaza,” a post on the brand’s Instagram stated. Further, the brand has shared that regardless of sales, they are committed to donating at least $20,000
Glossy makeup is the creative output of Natasha Zaki, a renowned makeup artist who has worked with industry giants including Pat Mcgrath, Dior and Lanvin. In response to the ongoing crisis in Palestine, Zaki has utilized both her professional and personal platforms to speak out against the inhumane treatment of the Palestinian people, describing the continual bombardment of Gaza by Israeli forces as an inexcusable strike against justice. “Justice is regarded as the greatest and most fundamental moral virtue, overarching and taking precedence over all others. Equally, however, justice remains the most contentious moral, ethical, political and social issue of our time,” Zaki shared on her Instagram.
The post 6 Beauty Brands In Support Of Palestine appeared first on Essence.
After the writer’s strike ended in September 2023, it had me thinking, among other things, about how far television has evolved. But as I thought, specifically about how Black people are represented on TV, I realized that notable and inspiring Black characters are still few. We all know Black folk have come a long way in real life, but for some reason, media still tells a different story.
We’ve been so busy trying to move forward, we’ve forgotten the Black characters and shows of the past who inspired us, and set positive examples for the community and made us proud to be Black. Case in point: Good Times.
On February 8, 1974, the first Black sitcom with a two-parent family and one of the most successful Black sitcoms of our culture was born. Florida (Esther Rolle) and James Evans (John Amos) and their three children lived in the infamous Cabrini-Green projects in inner-city Chicago. Florida and James’ children were James Jr. (Jimmie Walker), also known as “J.J.”, Thelma (Bern Nadette Stanis) and Michael (Ralph Carter).
When the series began, J.J. and Thelma are 17 and 16-years-old, respectively, and Michael, known as “the militant midget” by his father due to his passionate activism, is 11-years-old. Their neighbor, and Florida’s best friend, Willona Woods, is divorced and working at a boutique.
Looking at the show through 2024-eyes, so many things stand out to me. First, the Evans family probably had more integrity than any other Black family on television. Ever. Now before you say the Huxtables, I have to say, the Evans family was far more noteworthy, because they actually had real-life-or-death, how-are-we-gonna-eat problems. The Huxtables, while they will always be a significant portrayal of affluent Black life, didn’t struggle like the Evans family did.
Good Times faced poverty, unemployment, discrimination, civil rights activism, gangs, suicide, child abuse, drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancy, hypertension, illiteracy and more. Seriously, if there was a social issue, the show brought it to life. The family’s way of dealing with these issues always centered around integrity, strength and family togetherness.
So, to hear Netflix is rebooting this beloved show as an animated series is different. Let’s take a look at that trailer, shall we?
First, here’s the official synopsis of the show: “An animated reboot of the Norman Lear series finds the latest generation of the Evans family, cab driver Reggie and his wife, the ever-aspirational Beverly, scratching and surviving in one of the last remaining housing projects in Chicago along with their teenage artist son, Junior, activist daughter Grey, and drug dealing infant son, Dalvin. It turns out the more things change the more they stay the same and keeping your head above water in a system with its knee on your neck is as challenging as ever. The only thing tougher than life is love, but in this family, there’s more than enough to go around.”
What disturbs me about the reboot is not so much that it’s an animated series but that it appears to be yet another example of stereotypical portrayals of Black life. This reimagining of a TV classic is definitely unfiltered and not for children – which is sad because the original Good Times was something the whole family could watch.
Let’s just say that I agree with most people’s sentiments about this trailer – many have nothing good to say about it. It may have something to do with the strippers, nudity, sex, adultification of Black boys, and cursing. You think? Let’s talk about it.
There’s a complicated legacy when it comes to white executive producers at the helm of Black television shows. I have problems with a show about Black life, Black families, and Black struggle with white people leading that narrative. The late Norman Lear is credited as an executive producer on this project, along with Seth MacFarlane. Yes, the same Seth MacFarlane, that is the creator of Family Guy and The Cleveland Show.
The reality that Lear, a white man, being responsible for bringing an expanded view of Black lives to American television was a direct result of the 1970s. Most doors were still closed to Black producers, writers and creators, like Eric Monte.
Creator of Cooley High, Monte claims Lear was a racist who stole his ideas for the 70s television shows, The Jeffersons, and What’s Happening!! He also worked as a writer on Good Times which he co-created with Mike Evans. Monte also revealed that Lear didn’t want the character played by John Amos on Good Times because he didn’t think a strong, Black man on a sitcom would work out. Monte sued Lear in 1977 for stealing his ideas. Although he received a $1 million settlement, he was eventually blacklisted from Hollywood.
It should be noted that Ranada Shepard is the showrunner and executive producer of the show. Ranada, a Black woman, was also part of the creative team behind Matthew Cherry’s Young Love animated series. NBA star Steph Curry is also a producer on the series under his Unanimous Media banner.
This new series brings a whole new meaning to “scratching and surviving,” as the Good Times theme song famously says. The reboot is another example of profiting from Black people’s trauma, not to mention a stark reminder of stealing Black people’s ideas.
Director Cord Jefferson’s film American Fiction gives us a similar story, with a comedic portrayal of the white fetishization of Black trauma. We see a well-educated Black author who writes an over-the-top novel in protest of the way white audiences seem to be incredibly obsessed with that kind of material. But, to his surprise, the white audiences love it.
Soon after the murder of Breonna Taylor, I had written a poem and shared it online. A white woman reached out to me and said that she was so moved by my pain. I told her that, unfortunately, there is never a shortage of pain for Black women. She didn’t realize she was being insulted.
The truth is everything is not meant to be funny or used for entertainment purposes. Consider the years of Black people speaking up about representation and this effort feels hollow. There is a clear disconnect between the media white audiences present to us as entertainment, and the media Black people actually support.
You be the judge, if it’s “Dyn-O-Mite!” April 12 on Netflix.
Ah, Red-Haired Shanks. The all-powerful legend. The carefree jokester. The inspiration behind one of the shoes in One Piece x Puma‘s sneaker collaboration. (Naturally, his most important claim to fame.) One Piece fans the world over love the character of Shanks (or at least are begrudgingly charmed by him). And now, as mentioned, they can declare their allegiance to One Piece‘s Red-Haired Pirate Crew and its captain by donning Shanks’ colors in PUMA shoe form. Of course, if red is not your color, the One Piece x PUMA collaboration will also let you come aboard with the three other One Piece Emperors, Luffy, Buggy, or Blackbeard. But Nerdist was lucky enough to get a closer look at the Shanks PUMA shoe. And so, let’s dive deep into the ins and outs of the One Piece sneaker.
Jump to: One Piece References in the Shanks PUMA Shoe // Are the One Piece PUMAs Comfortable? // Where Can You Buy the One Piece PUMAs?
One Piece References in the Shanks PUMA Shoe
One Piece fans are probably wondering just how these PUMA shoes relate to the series itself. And that is an important question. Personally, I love nerdy fashion that’s both aesthetic and referential. And these Shanks PUMAs certainly accomplish that goal for me. The Shanks shoes are subtly fannish in both big and small ways but restrain themselves from going too far overboard. And that keeps this One Piece Puma sneaker looking fashionable and gorgeous.
Jump to: The Box // The Colors // The Scars // The Jolly Roger // Shanks’ Pants Design From One Piece Film: Red // The Puma Belly Coin // The Wanted Poster // The Man Himself!
One Piece‘s Map Decorates the PUMA Box
Before we see the shoes, we already know that this One Piece x PUMA collaboration is going to be great. The box and wrapping paper that house the Shank sneakers are both One Piece-themed. After all, we can’t set sail to be King of the Pirates without a map. And this shoe box will help us find our heading.
The Colors of Shanks’ One Piece PUMA Shoes
Well, he ain’t called Red-Haired Shanks for nothing! One Piece is known for its colorful assortment of hair colors, and Shanks is no different. But, of course, Shanks’ hair isn’t actually pure red; it’s really more of a wine color—a fitting choice for a pirate. Happily, PUMA nails the exact shade of the captain/Emperor’s tresses in its homage to Shanks. Dark red is the main color of this One Piece PUMA shoe, and if you look at side-by-side images of Shanks and his PUMA, it really is like the sneaker has been dyed to match. We love it.
The Shanks shoes also have a silvery white streak running through them. And that nicely represents both the natural draw of a pirate to something shiny and the fact that Shanks’ main outfit includes a white shirt. At times, Shanks’ eyes are also depicted as silver throughout his franchise appearances(although the color sometimes changes). So in a way, this silver streak is actually a fairly deep cut.
Of course, in the world of One Piece, silver can also refer to the flash of a sword. And that makes a lot of sense, too, since the turquoise green piping on this One Piece x PUMA shoe actually represents Shanks’ saber, Gryphon. Gryphon is known for its famously green (and long) hilt. This is another super fun color choice.
These Puma Sneakers Show Off Shanks’ Scars
Red-Haired Shanks has a very specific set of scars that graces his face. Three long, vertical marks pass straight over Shanks’ left eye but don’t affect it. One Piece fans will know that the pirate Blackbeard gave Shanks these scars before the start of the series proper. However, the circumstances of Shanks’ scarring remain mysterious. Still, as far as Shanks goes, it’s somewhat of a trademark part of his character’s design.
In an incredibly fun, if you know, you know, kind of way, Shanks’ three scars are embroidered onto the heel of his One Piece x PUMA shoe. We love seeing this obvious reference done in a very deft way.
The Red-Haired Pirates’ Jolly Roger Symbol
Having a unique Jolly Roger is very important to the different pirate factions on One Piece. After all, Luffy would tell you, the Jolly Roger sets the tone for a ship and its pirate crew. While PUMA could have simply used the general One Piece logo on all of its shoes, the Red-Haired Pirates and Shanks’ specific Jolly Roger feaures throughout the sneaker. Like Shanks, the Red-Haired Pirates’ Jolly Roger has three long scars running over its left eye. On the One Piece PUMA, Shanks’ Jolly Roger can be found on the tongue of the shoe and on the back of the right heel. (Sharing a location with the PUMA logo on the left heel.)
The shoe even gets the specific design of the swords decorating the skull right. Seeing the perfect miniature replica of Shanks’ Jolly Roger on the PUMA makes for a delightful surprise.
The Design of Shanks’ Pants From One Piece Film: Red
Now this One Piece x PUMA collaboration really cuts deep in its franchise references. I admit, I squinted for quite a while at the paisley-like design that decorates the shoe. It was incredibly hard to place the origin of the pattern. But eventually, it came to me. The pattern references the design on Shanks’ pants from the movie One Piece Film: Red. Wild.
One Piece Film: Red actually centers Shanks and his adopted daughter Uta, in its story so it makes all the sense in the world for his PUMAs to refer to it. But still, that is quite a slice into the world of One Piece. Well played, PUMA.
One Piece‘s Belly Gone PUMA
What’s a pirate shoe without a little pirate booty? In One Piece, the going currency for pirates is the Belly coin (also known as Berry, Beli, or Beri). The One Piece collaboration with Pum features a Puma-fied Belly that hangs from the edge of the sneaker. Instead of the iconic One Piece “B” decorating Belly, now there’s a “P.” Guess Shanks and co. will need to get after “Pelly,” now.
Shanks’ Wanted Poster Appears on the PUMA Shoes’ Tongue
Wanted posters are also a big deal for One Piece‘s pirate set. Getting a wanted poster means you’re in the club, and the higher the bounty, the better. Shanks, naturally, is an incredibly wanted man. And in a fun surprise, when you go to put on your PUMA, you’ll find a glittery version of Shanks’ One Piece wanted poster on the tongue. The mini-wanted poster even details the iconic text “Wanted—Dead or Alive.” The Marines have signed off on it as well, of course. The PUMA even contains the swirls that decorate One Piece‘s official wanted posters. Of course, the sneaker gets Shanks’ going rate exactly right. That’s 4,048,900,000 Belly/Pelly, please.
The Man, Himself!
Surprise! Shanks himself makes an appearance on his shoe. Yep, there he is, grinning up at you from your right PUMA sneaker, leg hair and all. It’s a fitting final Easter egg twist for the One Piece x PUMA collaboration. We love that the last One Piece reference you find when you go to put on your shoe is Shanks in the flesh (kind of). Just go easy when you step on him.
Are the One Piece PUMA’s Comfortable?
Yes! The One Piece x PUMA collaboration has yielded a shoe that is fabulous but also functional. The external suede is soft, the interior lining is smooth, and your foot feels well-supported in these sneakers. 10/10 would wear on adventures across the high seas.
Where Can You Buy the One Piece x PUMA Shoes, Clothes, and More?
The One Piece x PUMA collaboration is available on PUMA’s websites. It contains shoes, clothing, and more. Although some pieces have sold out online, it’s also worth checking local stores to see what’s in stock. And hopefully, with great demand, the One Piece PUMA shoes will return for another season. (Much like the One Piece live-action.) We also hope more characters beyond just One Piece‘s Emperors will be featured in future collaborations. Zoro and Sanji PUMAs, we NEED those.
The post Take a Closer Look at Shanks’ Shoe From ONE PIECE x PUMA’s Collaboration appeared first on Nerdist.
Studio Ghibli Fest is back in theaters in its biggest year yet! Now, coming off the triumphant Oscar® win for Hayao Miyazaki’s latest feature The Boy and the Heron, celebrate this iconic studio with an all-new selection of fan favorites and iconic titles alike.
This year’s lineup highlights the works of studio co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, as well as directors Yoshifumi Kondo, Hiroyuki Morita, and Hiromasa Yonebayashi. In celebration of Hayao Miyazaki’s recent Oscar win, Studio Ghibli Fest 2024 kicks off with the acclaimed director’s previous Academy Award-winning feature, Spirited Away, which took home the Oscar in 2001.
The lineup also includes special celebrations for the Howl’s Moving Castle 20th Anniversary, Kiki’s Delivery Service 25th Anniversary, and Pom Poko 30th Anniversary.
Studio Ghibli Fest 2024 Full Schedule
Spirited Away
- Saturday, April 27 at 3:00 PM (SUB)
- Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Monday, April 29 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
- Tuesday, April 30 at 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Wednesday, May 1 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind 40th Anniversary
- Sunday, May 19 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Tuesday, May 21 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
Castle in the Sky
- Monday, May 20 at 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Wednesday, May 22 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
The Secret World of Arrietty
- Sunday, June 9 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Tuesday, June 11 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
When Marnie Was There 10th Anniversary
- Monday, June 10 at 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Wednesday, June 12 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
Princess Mononoke
- Saturday, July 13 at 3:00 PM (SUB)
- Sunday, July 14 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Monday, July 15 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
- Tuesday, July 16 at 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Wednesday, July 17 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
Ponyo
- Saturday, August 3 at 3:00 PM (SUB)
- Sunday, August 4 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Monday, August 5 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
- Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Wednesday, August 7 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
Whisper of the Heart
- Sunday, August 25 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Tuesday, August 27 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
The Cat Returns
- Monday, August 26 at 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Wednesday, August 28 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
Howl’s Moving Castle 20th Anniversary
- Thursday, September 26 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
- Friday, September 27 at 7:00 (DUB)
- Saturday, September 28 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
- Sunday, September 29 at 3:00 and 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Monday, September 30 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
- Tuesday, October 1 at 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Wednesday, October 2 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
- Thursday, October 3 at 7:00 PM (DUB)
Kiki’s Delivery Service 35th Anniversary
- Saturday, October 26 at 3:00 PM (SUB)
- Sunday, October 27 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Monday, October 28 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
- Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Wednesday, October 30 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
Pom Poko 30th Anniversary
- Sunday, November 24 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Tuesday, November 26 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
- Monday, November 25 at 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
My Neighbor Totoro
- Saturday, December 7 at 3:00 PM (SUB)
- Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM (DUB)
- Monday, December 9 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
- Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 (DUB)
- Wednesday, December 11 at 7:00 PM (SUB)
In related news, The Boy and the Heron will return to North American theatres starting March 22, 2024 and include exclusive bonus content!
This was a film that I reviewed for the site and wrote that “The Boy and the Heron is a film that I want to revisit and rewatch. It is clear that it is from the house of Ghibli, and yet it is uniquely its own creation. I believe that it should be watched by fans of animation and Ghibli purists, alike.”
If you missed watching the film before it won its Oscar, you can catch it this time on the big screen!
See more about Ghibli Fest here on the GKIDS website. Follow the conversation online on Twitter (X), Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok.
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The post Studio Ghibli Fest Returns to Theaters 2024 appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.