Latest news with #MayaSmith
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trans student sues University of Kansas after being fired for speaking to media about housing policy
Residents of the Grace Pearson scholarship hall and other students protest Feb. 26, 2025, outside of Strong Hall in support of gender-inclusive housing. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA — An interview with a news outlet cost a former University of Kansas resident assistant his job and his home. Now, he's suing the university for violating his free speech rights. The lawsuit filed in federal court Thursday says KU restricted Anthony Alvarez' speech and fired him without cause in retaliation. Alvarez, who is trans, talked to a media outlet on Feb. 26 during a campus protest over the university's decision to end Grace Pearson Scholarship Hall's gender-inclusive living arrangements. Alvarez, a 21-year-old student, expressed his frustration with the elimination of inclusive spaces where students feel safe. While he identified himself as a proctor, akin to a resident assistant, he did not claim to speak in his official capacity as a resident assistant for KU. The university placed Alvarez on probation for failing to refer media inquiries to senior KU staff. Before the window to appeal the probation closed, Alvarez was subsequently fired from his position, and he was forced to rescind an offer to continue as a proctor the next academic year. 'I think it's a bad sign that for infractions as little as this, you could get fired and kicked out and very quickly find yourself in a position where you have to find a place to live,' Alvarez told Kanas Reflector in April. The lawsuit argues Alvarez 'engaged in protected speech by speaking to a member of the media in their capacity as a private citizen on a matter of public concern — specifically by criticizing Defendant KU's policies and practices related to housing policies for LGBTQ+ community members as applied to recent state and federal legislative directives.' Precedent for resident assistants, who are students and employees of a university, fired for speech is largely undeveloped. However, First Amendment challenges, added restrictions and demands for universities and rollbacks of LGBTQ+ rights are becoming commonplace under President Donald Trump's second administration. A vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Alvarez testified in January against a bill in the Kansas Legislature that bans gender-affirming care for minors and restricts the use of state funds for promoting gender transitioning. The bill made it through the House and Senate, was vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly and ultimately became law after the Republican-controlled Legislature overrode the veto. Representing Alvarez is Barry Grissom, former U.S. Attorney for Kansas, who argued in the complaint that as a result of KU's actions, Alvarez experienced a 'loss of living quarters, income, reputational damage, emotional distress, and the deprivation of constitutionally protected rights.' Grissom filed suit not only to address the university's retaliation toward Alvarez but also to garner a judgment from the court on whether the policy that led to Alvarez' probation and termination is constitutional, Grissom said in a Thursday news release. 'Terminating a public employee after they speak to the media and criticize that employer's policies is certainly in line with some of the challenges we have seen of late to the First Amendment, one of the bedrock principles of the American legal system,' Grissom said in a statement to Kansas Reflector. He continued: 'Speech that the government does not agree with is exactly the kind which the First Amendment was intended to protect — yet each day, there are seemingly more people affected by policies like the one which cost Mr. Alvarez his job.' The lawsuit names KU; Sarah Waters, executive director of KU housing and resident life; and Emily Chellgren, assistant director of resident life, as defendants. Multiple attempts beginning Friday morning to reach KU for comment for this story were unsuccessful. By Friday afternoon, most staff members had set up out-of-office messages for Memorial Day weekend. KU also did not respond to requests to comment in past coverage of this story. Alvarez is asking for a jury trial in Kansas City, Kansas, and compensation for damages and attorney and case-related expenses.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
University of Kansas students protest decision to end gender-inclusive housing in scholarship hall
Residents of the Grace Pearson scholarship hall and other students protest Feb. 26, 2025, outside of Strong Hall in support of gender-inclusive housing. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector) LAWRENCE — University of Kansas students are grappling with the decision to end gender-inclusive housing assignments at a campus scholarship hall. Grace Pearson residents and other KU students protested last week outside of Strong Hall with signs that read 'We're All Jayhawks' and 'Keep Inclusivity Affordable.' The group also launched a petition against the change in policy, and decorated windows with Post-its and signs that the university requested they remove. KU notified residents of Grace Pearson Hall on Feb. 5 that floors will be segregated by gender in the next school year. That means transgender and nonbinary students who want a gender-inclusive assignment, or GIA, will need to relocate. 'There's stuff going on on campus like this. Usually you can go home and feel better about it or distract yourself. But with this, it's like we're living in this space where it's happening. There is no escape,' said five-year resident Rhoswyn Hicks. 'Seeing a community that really had trans joy within student housing falling apart has been really difficult.' On Monday, students spoke at the Higher Learning Commission accreditation during an open forum for students to voice their concerns. 'The university has a responsibility to respect and care for students regardless of their gender identity,' Hicks said. 'We would be happy to see the other students in this room take up arms with us and help us in our cause.' In the initial email sent to residents, KU Housing said communal bathrooms would become gender-segregated and that gender-inclusive housing assignments would no longer be available. Residents were given two options: either stay and select living on a male or female floor, or request GIA housing elsewhere. Other options include living in the Rainbow Community, which offers suites that are significantly more expensive than scholarship halls. K.K. Amani Hall would have 'some' GIA rooms available, according to KU Housing. Residents were given five days to make the decision. 'It feels like there's no space for me,' said resident Simon Davis. 'It feels as though they don't care that I'm here because I am nonbinary. I don't like being assigned or shoved into a category, which is kind of what I have to deal with. I don't like being categorized as a woman, but I care a lot about GP's community, so I will stay. It sucks though.' On Feb. 13, KU Housing sent a follow-up email to residents to clarify reasons for the changes. According to the email sent by Sarah Waters, executive director of Housing and Residence Life, multi-stalled bathrooms in residential dormitory buildings are required by International Building Code to have separate facilities based on sex. 'We understand the impact this change has on the community,' Waters said in the email. 'We will continue to support our residents in navigating this change to meet their housing needs.' The email goes on to say that residents who observe other residents using the incorrect bathroom or housing assignment should report the issue. Residents were recommended to apply for GIA housing at K.K. Amani Hall, which costs $518 more per academic year. Directors at Grace Pearson and Amani halls did not respond to a request for comment. Resident assistant Anthony Alvarez has lived in Grace Pearson for three years and been an RA for two. He became an RA to be a friend to those throughout the hall. He said he intended not to enforce the changes with his residents to the best of his ability. 'If you were a staff member, you would be looking to enforce that and we don't know what that looks like,' said Alvarez. 'The most they told us would be an incident report and policy. If you get a certain amount of incident reports, you could get kicked out. However, your job as an RA ties you to the building, your housing and your job. If they fire you, you don't have a place to live.' Residents of Grace Pearson plan to continue spreading awareness to fellow students. 'It looks like outreach getting more people to know about what's going on,' Hicks said. 'I guess if housing continues to not respond, likely more protests where we feel we will reach the best audience, or larger audience for this issue.'
Buzz Feed
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Give Your Closet, Home, And Vanity A Refresh With These 29 Products From Black-Owned Businesses
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Luxurious candles, a satin-lined hoodie, a face serum reviewers are calling "witchcraft," and more things basically begging you to click "add to cart." 1. A bottle of The Doux's texture foam for some assistance in helping your hair fight off frizz while giving it some added definition and shine. Formulated with strengthening silk proteins and aloe, this foam will help you achieve soft, crunch-free curls. The Doux is a Georgia-based salon and hair care line founded by entrepreneur and mother Maya Smith. Promising review:" I've used a bunch of foams, but this is my favorite one. I have long, thick hair so I work in two sections and use 10 pumps total on clean, wet, detangled hair. If it's going to be very humid, I layer a gel on top, but honestly, this gives great definition and a medium hold on its own." — Missydee811 Get the gel from Amazon for $14.34 or from Target for $14.99. 2. A pair of Savage X Fenty seamless high-waist leggings that are, without a doubt, the BEST leggings I have ever owned (and I own a lot of leggings). They are incredibly soft and thick with flatlock seams, so they don't leave uncomfy marks on the stomach — and you don't ever have to worry about constantly tugging them VPL? Don't know her! Reviewers also note that these are tall girl friendly! Where do I even begin with these leggings?? I love this outfit so much (that's me and my bright green car pictured above) that I went back and bought it in a second color. And am I contemplating buying a third color? YES. The soft, thick material is so great that I don't have to worry about getting holes in my inner thighs after just a couple of wears. They are *very* high-waisted, so I don't have to constantly pull them up (which happens a lot when you have a curvier shape). They're also long enough that they bunch a bit at the ankle, which I personally prefer over that awkward legging length that leaves me with naked ankles. They form to the body perfectly without feeling tight or uncomfy. And let me tell you, I've never gotten so many compliments on such a simple outfit before! It's the kind of good quality that you can just tell by looking at it. I may have been waiting nine long years for Rihanna to release another album, but these leggings almost make me want to forgive her. One piece of singer Rihanna's impressive empire, Savage X Fenty is a size-inclusive lingerie and loungewear brand that sells everyday bras and underwear, sexy lingerie, sleepwear, athleticwear, and more. Promising review:"These pants look and feel amazing! The quality of them is amazing as well! I will be ordering some more! Try them, and you will be thanking me later." — Sonja Get them from Savage X Fenty for $59.95 (available in sizes XS–4XL and five colors). And you can grab the matching crop top for $64.95. 3. A "Champagne Showers" candle from beauty influencer Jackie Aina's Forvr Mood brand because it'll look beautiful on your coffee table and fill your home with a blended scent of bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. Even if you decide to skip your weekend brunch plans, you can still enjoy the ~vibes~ from the comfort of your living room when you light this and sip on a homemade mimosa. Forvr Mood This Black woman-owned biz was founded by Jackie Aina, a Nigerian-born American and US Army veteran who's been creating YouTube beauty content for years. Promising review:"Burned slowly and the fragrances really made my bedroom smell amazing. Very effective for a smaller-sized candle. Pleased with this purchase." — Gillian 4. Or a "Frederick" candle from Harlem Candle Company, which pays tribute to Frederick Douglass — the scent is inspired by the orangery garden where he grew up. It has fragrance notes of smoked yuzu, ginger blossom, and suede. Plus, it comes in a beautiful glass jar that can be used afterward as a cocktail glass or vase. This is a Black woman-owned company founded in 2014 by Teri Johnson to help embody her love of jazz music and Harlem. Here's what my colleague Sally Elshorafa says about her candles from Harlem Candle Company: "The soy vegetable wax blend candles are made with one-of-a-kind fragrance oils. I recently burned through a tin of the Holiday scent and it lasted SO much longer than other candle tins of that size. I'm currently on the Speakeasy candle that smells incredibly luxurious and rich. If I'm awake and in my apartment, a candle is lit. But I think I'll ration the Speakeasy beaut to keep it around even longer." Promising review:" One of the best candles I've bought. I love the smell. Way before I lit the candle, I kept smelling it the whole day. It's a great smell. Lit it for Christmas and received a lot of compliments." — Michael S Get it from Amazon for $48 (available in 10 other scents) or from Harlem Candle Company for $48 (available in various other scents). 5. A tube of Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 you can use daily that'll protect skin from the sun and provide moisture without the annoying white residue that is usually left behind. It's infused with natural ingredients like jojoba oil and avocado to help keep skin calm and hydrated. Target Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business that was founded in Miami in 2016. The brand's products are cruelty-free and formulated without parabens or other harmful chemicals. Promising review:"I know as women of color we worry about that ashy/white cast type of look when we put on sunscreen or looking oily, but this sunscreen doesn't cause either one of those things to happen. It blends into the skin very well immediately, it doesn't have that sterling sunscreen smell and a little goes a very long way. I highly recommend!" — Kayla Get it from Target for $15.99 or Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.99. 6. Or a bottle of my personal go-to, Fenty Skin 2-in-1 face moisturizer and sunscreen — it's lightweight, oil-free, and invisible on all skin tones. In addition to hydrating your skin and protecting it from harmful rays, it'll also help reduce the look of pores, fine lines, dark spots, and improve firmness and elasticity (shout out to the winning combo of hyaluronic acid, aloe, and niacinamide). I wear this Every. Single. Day. And when I eventually ran out (after months of use btw), I ordered a refill. My skin feels so lively and smooth after using it. It's not tacky or greasy at all and I haven't gotten a sunburn once since using it (my cheeks usually love to get a little pink). It smells good, but not too strong and it absorbs right way, so I never have a problem putting on makeup after using it. It's one of my all-time favorite skincare products, and I use it all year long. No white cast, no flashback, and my skin just honestly looks and feels amazing. In case you didn't know, Fenty Beauty is owned by Grammy award-winning singer, businesswoman, actress, and fashion ICON Rihanna. Promising review:"Protection and moisture. This is a mic drop product. This magical concoction gives the moisture, and SPF without leaving a greasy paste-like feel. No white flask back because this is the truth. Two pumps and a swirl baby!" — Nachelle Get it from Fenty Skin for $32 (originally $40) or from Sephora for $42. 7. An unlined underwire balconette bra if you've been looking for a neutral bra that still has some pizzazz. This pretty wardrobe staple helps give you a moderate lift while providing support and full coverage. I'll hold your hand while I say this, but it's time to toss that 10-year-old bra with the wire popping out and grab one of these. Nordstrom Love, Vera is a size-inclusive brand that is woman-owned. The line "celebrates Black women, Black entrepreneurship, and Black cultural influence," and they're committed to hiring Black talent to create more diversity in the fashion industry. Promising review:"I was so excited to find actual nude bras. I purchased every color and have been wearing them for a few months now. For reference, I'm a natural size 36D. For me, it provides a slight lift, the lace is not itchy, it is comfortable to wear all day, and it hand-washes well. I would encourage everyone to give these bras a try, even if they are not your nude, the colors are beautiful and the bra is quality. Happy shopping!" — Lon1 Get it from Nordstrom for $36.40 (originally $56; available in sizes 32A–44DDD). 8. Topicals Faded serum to help reduce the appearance of dark spots, scars, and uneven skin tone. Thanks to its formula with antioxidants and inflammation-reducing ingredients, many reviewers say the results are definitely noticeable with consistent use! Some are even calling it a "miracle worker." Sephora Just so you know, reviewers say that Faded's scent is on the stronger side, but it's totally worth it once the results start happening! Topicals is a WOC-founded small business started by Claudia Teng and Olamide Olowe. The brand is all about helping you love the skin you're in, with a little help from their effective, science-backed products. Promising reviews: " What is this witchcraft?! I've tried every hyped-up treatment on the market over the past five years to address hyperpigmentation, and none of them had the noticeable impact that Topicals Faded did in just three uses so far. This stuff is amazing. I have no idea why this has been so effective but I'm a customer for life now." — ShannonD726 " The hype is real!! This is an instant holy grail for me. Yes, there is a smell when you apply the product, but it dissipates almost instantly. In my opinion, it it worth it for the results. I would rather have a product that actually does what it says as opened to one that is filled with irritating fragrances. This product has revered hyperpigmentation that I have had for YEARS. Please never change!!" — KierynJoy Get it from Amazon for $18+ (available in three sizes) or from Sephora for $18+ (available in two sizes). 9. A vibrant throw pillow that'll add some color to your couch or armchair. The summery colors are sure to add some new life to your living space — while also giving you a comfy place to rest your head after a long day. And if you're a sneakerhead, then you definitely can't pass up this unique design! DomoInk DomoInk was founded in 2018 by contemporary pop artist Domonique Brown. The shop sells a mix of apparel, accessories, and home goods, with many of the designs serving as a celebration of Black culture. Get it from DomoInk for $40 (available in two sizes). 10. A thick sweatshirt with a satin-lined hood for anyone who loves to wear a hood but worries about their hair getting frizzy the second they pull it down. The high-grade satin helps promote moisture retention in your hair and protects it against breakage — while also keeping you cozy and warm. Kin Apparel Kin Apparel is a Black woman-owned brand founded by haircare content creator Philomina Kane. Her hoodie line is inspired by her Ghanaian culture and her passion for natural haircare. Get it from Kin Apparel for $79.99 (available in unisex sizes XS–3XL and various colors). 11. Or a trendy corset hoodie if you're looking for more of a "cozy but still a baddie" aesthetic. It's long in the front and cropped in the back, which is a unique silhouette designed to accentuate your curves. Style this with your favorite jeans and heels for a cool streetwear look, or throw it on over your bike shorts for a gym selfie. Either way, you're gonna look HOT. 🔥 Babes is a Black woman-owned, Los Angeles-based, small business founded by Ciera Rogers. Babes pieces are specially made to celebrate and accentuate every body type. Get it from Babes for $60 (available in sizes XS–3XL and six colors). 12. A bottle of Bread Beauty hair gel, a water-based styler that works for all hair types but is particularly formulated for those with coils and curls to lock in their natural pattern. It contains red algae for smoothing and protecting, snow mushrooms for hydration, and yuzu extract for shine — basically a surefire way to shape those curls and have them looking luscious all day long. Sephora Btw, it's silicone-free, vegan, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free. Bread Beauty Supply is a Black woman-owned business that was founded by Maeva Heim in 2020. As someone with thick, curly hair, I'm a big fan of their products! Check out my thoughts on their creamy deep conditioner (it's #4 on the list). Promising review:"I am not a gel person, but the reviews convinced me...I really thought my hair was going to be this messy, crunchy clump of hair, but it was the complete opposite! In love with the defining gel! Soft, defined, and shiny while keeping my volume! 1000% recommend!" — Bakerspassion Get it from Amazon, from Sephora, or from Bread Beauty Supply for $26. 13. Or a Camille Rose marshmallow and agave leaf hair jelly to give those curls smooth definition, while providing moisture and promoting healthy hair growth. According to reviewers, this "holy grail" curly hair product doesn't flake and leaves hair bouncy and frizz free. Target Camille Rose is a woman-owned biz founded by Janell Stephens, a mother of five who turned her hobby into a multimillion-dollar company since starting it in her kitchen in 2011. Promising review: "This is the holy grail for anybody with curly hair. I often don't need any other products other than this. Although the price is a little bit higher, I can't stop myself from buying this as it really is the most perfect product for my hair type." — Annie Get it from Amazon for $19.78, from Target for $19.79, or from Camille Rose for $22. 14. A gorgeous set of colorful wineglasses that are seriously going to take your wine nights and dinner parties to another level. They're elegant, fun, and ready to give you a great excuse for buying a bottle of Pinot Grigio. Founder Stephanie Summerson Hall named her small business after her grandmother, Estelle, who had a love for antiquing and collecting colored glass. The pieces are made by artisans in Poland. Promising review:"I cannot recommend these wineglasses enough! The quality, the color, the style — AMAZING! I am so happy with my purchase, and I can't wait to add more to my collection! They came packaged in a gorgeous white box with plenty of protection, perfect for a gift." — MCM2121 Get a set of six from Anthropologie for $185 (available in eight colors) or from Estelle Colored Glass for $185 (available in various color and mixed set options) for $185. 15. A female rappers sweatshirt basically guaranteed to have you shuffling through your favorite Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliott, and Cardi B songs every time you wear it. It's perfect for lounging around the house or throwing on with some sneakers and hoop earrings. The Trini Gee is a woman-owned shop based in Houston, Texas, which specializes in products "infused with melanin and culture." In addition to clothing, they also carry home decor, stationery, accessories, and coffee mugs. The shop also offers customized/personalized designs upon request. When I saw this sweatshirt, I knew I had to have it! As a big hip-hop fan, this sweatshirt features so many icons who I've listened to growing up and I've never seen a design that shows love to so many different women in hip-hop the way this one does. And aside from such a dope and unique design, the sweatshirt itself is great quality! I have worn it many times over the years and haven't had any issues with fading, ripping, etc. Would definitely recommend checking out her designs and products! Get it from The Trini Gee on Etsy for $39.99 (available in unisex sizes S–5XL and eight colors). 16. A velvet armchair that'll have all your guests asking, "Where did you get that?!" It's large and cozy, making it perfect for reading, watching a movie, or even taking a quick nap. The brand uses apartment-friendly, space-conscious boxes for delivery and claims that items can be put together in just 15 minutes! Sold. Albany Park is a family-owned furniture company founded by former NFL player Darryl Sharpton and his wife, Jessica Sharpton. They offer a lifetime warranty on their furniture. Promising review:"I purchased the Park armchair and ottoman as a gift to myself. I wanted to create my own cozy reading nook. I got them both in olive velvet. The chair is very roomy and comfortable. I did a lot of searching for the perfect chair before I settled on Albany Park. I made the right decision!" — Sarah T. Get the rust velvet chair from Albany Park for $549 (originally $819; available in five color and fabric options and two leg finishes). 17. A Pat McGrath SatinAllure Lipstick so you can revamp your lipstick collection with a gorgeous new signature shade (great for all skin tones!) that's hydrating and comfortable for everyday wear. Sephora Pat McGrath Labs is a woman-owned makeup brand. Not only does she make incredibly beautiful products, but she also became the first makeup artist to receive a damehood! Promising review:"Lives up to the hype! The rich pigmentation and smooth application make it a standout choice. The long-lasting formula adds a touch of luxury to your makeup routine, and the vibrant berry shade is perfect for various occasions. Overall, fantastic lipstick that delivers both style and quality." — francesca1010 Get it from Sephora for $30 (available in 12 shades) or from Pat McGrath Labs for $30 (available in 18 shades). 18. A fun printed windbreaker that'll really brighten up a gloomy day. With all the upcoming spring showers, this will help keep you dry, warm, and stylish. You'll be singing "rain, rain come today" just so you have an excuse to wear it. Plus, it has two hidden pockets and adjustable pull tabs for the waist and hood. Diop Diop is a Detroit-based brand that specializes in easy-to-wear designs. Brand founder Mapate Diop is a second-generation American who was inspired by the Ankara fabrics his mom would bring back from trips to Nigeria. Get it from Diop for $35 (originally $70; available in unisex sizes S–XXL and in four prints). 19. A bottle of orange blossom body oil by Oui The People to provide your skin with lightweight hydration that can help to soothe, brighten, and heal any rough or flaky skin. Thanks to a combo of rosehip seed oil, avocado oil, and squalane, those dry patches have met their match. Sephora Oui the People (originally Oui Shave) was founded back in 2015 by Karen Young. The brand is known for its amazing skincare and shaving products made to limit ingrown hairs and razor burn. Fan favorites include the Sensitive Skin Razor, which provides a close shave, getting even the thickest, most stubborn body hair. Promising review: "Obsessed with this oil! It is so light and has a slight fragrance that's not overwhelming! I tried this in the gift pack to make sure it was worth it, and I cannot wait to get the full size!" — GreekGoddessMA Get it from Sephora or from Oui The People for $65 (also available in unscented or cedarwood). 20. A chic faux-leather beret to top off any outfit that could use a little something ✨extra.✨ You'll feel like you're heading to a show at Paris Fashion though you're really just going to the coffee shop around the corner. Curverra 21. A tube of The Lip Bar's tinted skin conditioner infused with vitamin C, rosewater, cucumber extract, sea moss, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin like a moisturizer and smooth your complexion. It's so easy to use and blend that it'll be your new one-and-done beauty fave. The Lip Bar The Lip Bar is a Black-owned, woman-owned beauty brand and all of its products are vegan and cruelty free. (No unnecessary chemicals!!) Promising review:"The coverage of this tint is perfect!! I love how light the product is; not pore-clogging! Customer service was exceptional and patient with me in selecting the correct shade for my complexion! I am a satisfied customer!!" — Sandra L. Get it from Target for $16.99 (available in 10 shades) or from The Lip Bar for $17 (available in 12 shades). 22. A set of 100% linen sheets that are handcrafted in the USA — they're easy to care for, super cozy, and look great with pretty much any bedroom aesthetic. Lazy Sundays in bed just got a whole lot lazier. Jason Evege founded Linoto in 2007 after he couldn't find affordable linen sheets. All products are made at the company's factory in Westchester County, New York. Each linen sheet set comes with one flat sheet and one fitted sheet OR two flat sheets (European style), as well as two pillow sheets OR two pillow shams. Promising review:"We've been very satisfied Linoto customers for 11+ years. The quality of the workmanship and the fabric is exemplary. We love our Linoto bedding!" — Susan P. Get them from Linoto for $470+ (available in 11 sizes, four pillowcase styles, four sheet styles, and 29 colors). 23. A pair of fuzzy mules sure to ~elevate~ any outfit. Whether you slide them on with a sassy dress for an upcoming wedding or pair them with jeans for your next night out, there's no way you won't get approximately one million compliments any time you wear them. Arch Arch is a Black-owned and woman-owned business based in NYC that sells iconic, statement-making shoes. Get them from Arch for $115 (originally $160; available in women's sizes 6–11 and in green and orange). 24. An Ani Colé multitasking lip and cheek tint, which contains shea butter for a moisturizing formula that's also buildable and creamy. It'll give your face a natural-looking ~pop~ that you'll want to swipe on every day. Sephora, Ami Colé is a brand "inspired by Senegal, born in Harlem, NYC" as their website proudly proclaims. With product tones and colors that compliment those with melanated skin, they provide high-quality, clean beauty to an often-ignored audience. Promising review: "This is my first time using this product. It blends on well and is a pretty 'cool berry' color. This really lasts all day for blush, but not quite for the lips, which is ok. This is a solid choice. I will be purchasing again and again. Bravo!" — jd6000 Get it from Amazon, from Sephora, or from Ami Colé for $22 (available in four colors). 25. A Hanifa cardigan dress that's both cozy and luxurious. It's made from a thick knit material and features a stylish tassel trim, two pockets, and a waist tie. You'll 100% feel like a fashion ~It Girl~ every time you wear it — whether you're lounging around your apartment like a queen in her palace or pairing it with some thigh-high boots for date night at a fancy steakhouse. Hanifa This also comes in a baby version if you want to match with your little one! Hanifa is a woman-owned fashion brand that sells high-quality garments for women "at every turn of her lifestyle." It has been worn by big-name celebs like Beyoncé, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Issa Rae. Btw, these pieces sell FAST! If you catch something in your size, you're not going to want to wait too long to purchase it. I own a skirt and a scarf from Hanifa, and I can honestly say the items are well worth the price tag. The knits are thick and incredibly cozy. The colors are so vibrant and fun. I always get compliments when I wear them, and I can't wait to invest in my next piece! Get it from Hanifa for $359 (available in sizes XXS/XS–2X/3X — but note that it does run oversized). A similar style in more colors is also available. 26. A vibrant Crayon Case Note Pad Mini Eyeshadow Palette if you've been wanting to get a little more bold with your makeup choices. The mix of matte and shimmer shades are highly pigmented and long-lasting. Plus, the packaging includes a little mirror for on-the-go touch-ups. The Crayon Case is a Black woman-owned beauty brand based in Louisiana that sells fun, highly-pigmented beauty products that are all designed to look like school supplies. How fun! Promising reviews:"Adore this palette! Even without primer, the colors are so pigmented and showed up amazingly on my daughter's brown skin for her recital. It's going to be a staple going forward." — JoAnna Get it from The Crayon Case for $12 (available in eight color palettes). 27. A luxurious Brandon Blackwood iridescent Slim Trunk — this piece of fashion ART is the moment! It's just the right size for your phone, keys, cards, and lipgloss, and it comes with a chain strap so you can wear it crossbody if you don't want to carry it. Wear this statement bag with the simplest outfit ever, and you'll still be getting showered with compliments on your impeccable taste. Brandon Blackwood is a Brooklyn-based designer of Jamaican and Chinese descent. He has gained a lot of popularity in recent years for stunning and quick-to-sellout designs. This is one of my favorite bags in my collection. I waited MONTHS for it to come in after ordering it on backorder, and I'm jealous of everyone who can get it in normal shipping times right now. It's made of stainless steel (yes, it's a lil' heavy!), and it has a microfiber lining inside. The iridescent color is mesmerizing and I love how it feels like I'm carrying around a piece of functional art when I use it. It does get fingerprints and smudges on it (part of the charm, possibly?), but it comes with a cleaning cloth, so you can easily wipe them away. Although it's on the smaller side, it does fit my iPhone 16 just fine. And honestly, if it were any bigger, it would be too heavy, LOL. Get it from Brand Blackwood for $285. 28. A colorful head wrap in fun, fabulous prints that'll brighten up your look and save you on those days when you don't feel like doing your hair. You can wrap all of your hair in it, use it as a headband, or as a hair tie for a quick updo... there are truly SO many ways to rock this. Cee Cee's Closet Cee Cee's Closet is a woman-owned business. The accessories are designed by founders Chioma and Uchenna Ngwudoand and then handmade by artisans in Nigeria. I have a head wrap and it is so sturdy, yet super comfortable. It does an amazing job of staying in place and keeping my curly hair out of my face. They are 100% cotton and lightweight so you can wrap with ease. I love playing with the different ways to wear it. You can knot it, fold it up, tie it in a bow, etc. — there are so many fun ways to rock these! Get it from Cee Cee's Closet for $27 (available in various prints and styles). 29. A "Protect All Black Girls" tee — a necessary reminder for every month of the year. The neutral color, simple T-shirt cut, and powerful message will never go out of style. Kayla Boyd / BuzzFeed, Legendary Rootz The T-shirt reads: "Protect weird Black girls. Protects trans Black girls. Protect hood Black girls. Protect nerdy Black girls. Protect fat Black girls. Protect dark skin Black girls. Protect all Black girls." Legendary Rootz is a Black woman-owned business that sells clothes and accessories with a goal of creating representation and a safe space for the Black community. This is one of my favorite T-shirts. The quality is great, it's super soft and loose-fitting. Perfect for wearing on a warm day with shorts or wearing it with leggings while lounging around. The message is powerful and I always get compliments when I wear it. The print is clear and I love the neutral color so I can style it many different ways. Get it from Legendary Roots for $35 (available in unisex sizes XS–5XL and six colors). Check out more Black-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed is celebrating Black History Month this year! Of course, the content doesn't end after February. Follow BuzzFeed's Cocoa Butter on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest Black culture content year-round. BuzzFeed Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Attempt to eviscerate Kansas student newspaper funding sets sinister example
University of Kansas student Zaynab Zlitni works at the University Daily Kansan newspaper on the campus in Lawrence. (Maya Smith/Kansas Reflector) As a onetime reporter, columnist, copy editor and section editor at the University Daily Kansan, news that the University of Kansas Student Senate was proposing massive cuts to the news outlet's funding came as less than a shock. It does, however, create an ominous precedent. The KU student newspaper has a long history of clashes with student government, for the same reason that regular news media have a long history of clashes with government. Politicians don't like scrutiny. They do respond to public shaming, however, which is why the KU Student Senate's finance council quickly reversed course once reporters started calling attention to the move. But I'm concerned because of the message it sends at a particularly perilous time for the news media. Sure, outlets have been buffeted by business shocks and readers migrating to new platforms. But they also now face national, state and local governments all too willing to violate the First Amendment in punishing or shaming them. On the local level, look at the blatantly unconstitutional raid on the Marion County Record newspaper in the summer of 2023. On the state level, look at House Speaker Dan Hawkins' decision to bar reporters from their traditional spot in the Statehouse after Hawkins lied about new media coverage. On the national level, look at the Trump administration banning the Associated Press — the Associated Press! — from Oval Office events because it wouldn't rename the Gulf of Mexico. So what does it say about the KU Student Senate that in this fraught moment, when simply reporting the news and sharing commentary faces more barriers than ever, that its fee review committee chose to slash the Daily Kansan's funding by 80%? What does it say about student government's commitment to supporting accurate and comprehensive coverage that might otherwise go unwritten? Nothing good. We're at a moment where politicians at all levels of government should search for ways to resist the rising authoritarian tide. Chief among them would be supporting journalists in their critical and challenging jobs. Whether you like their stories or not. Sure, a student news outlet might seem like small beans in the scheme of things. And KU's William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications now offers multiple ways for budding reporters to earn their stripes, such as the hyperlocal Eudora Times and syndicated Statehouse reporting. Still, the Daily Kansan stands alone as an outlet reporting on campus life, one with more than 121 years of history and scads prestigious alumni. I'm proud to have spent some of the most joyous times of my journalism career there. Many friends can say the same. I hope that others can have that experience for years to come — and enjoy the grudging backing of student government along the way. Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
