Latest news with #representation
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Columbus City Council votes to create new LGBTQ+ affairs commission
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus City Council took the next steps last week to approve the creation of a new LGBTQ+ affairs commission. Introduced by Council President Shannon Hardin, the legislation passed 9-0 on July 14 to establish an advisory commission representing the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. The commission will be made up of 13 members serving staggered three-year terms, with six appointed by council, six by the mayor and one chosen jointly. Watch a previous NBC4 report on the commission in the video player above. Groveport Madison prohibits cell phone use during school day ahead of statewide ban Densil Porteous, executive director of Stonewall Columbus, celebrated council's approval of the commission as 'a resounding recognition of our community's visibility, our vibrancy, and our ongoing need for structural support.' 'In a time when queer and trans people, especially trans youth, are facing renewed attacks across the nation, local action matters. Representation matters,' Porteous said in a statement. 'To be clear: this is not the end of the work. It's a new beginning. A foundation on which we will continue to build.' The unanimous vote marked a historic moment for council, which, more than 40 years ago in 1984, struck down a proposal that would've expanded discrimination protections to include sexual orientation. To demonstrate the city's progress toward inclusivity, Harden played a video from that 1984 meeting, which showed speakers decrying gay people as 'not made' by God and 'homosexuality' as 'an unclean, unsanitary practice.' While Columbus later enacted discrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community, Hardin said he showed the clip because 'people that forget their history are doomed to repeat it.' Harden serves as the council's first openly-gay president and announced the commission in June for LGBTQ+ Pride month. Why Cuyahoga could be first Ohio county to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy 'It seems that too many of us have forgotten our history and, at the state and federal level right now, we are repeating demonizing people just for who they are,' Hardin said during the July meeting. 'There is still work to be done and there's still fights to be had and I'm proud to put this legislation forward.' The commission comes as many institutions are withdrawing their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Ohio State University, Ohio University, the University of Cincinnati and others have shuttered their LGBTQ+ programming to comply with state and federal legislation eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Large corporations operating in Ohio, including Walmart and Nissan, rolled back their sponsorships of the Columbus Pride march and festival. Ohio's Statehouse has also passed or advanced a series of legislation opponents deem 'anti-LGBTQ+,' like a provision in the state budget a provision in the state budget defining gender as two sexes, a law banning certain healthcare for trans youth, and a bill to celebrate 'Natural Family Month.' Other directives include separating bathrooms based on students' 'biological sex,' and a proposal that LGBTQ+ advocates say will outlaw drag queen shows in public. Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla argued anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric spurred from these and other measures is why the commission is needed. Columbus restaurant says it was targeted in ICE raid 'At a time when people are literally fighting for their existence, and we have a national administration that makes it harder for us to stand for our people, this is a way for us to enshrine a group of people that will always have a seat at the table,' Barroso de Padilla said during a July 10 hearing for the commission. Dara Adkison, executive director of TransOhio, also spoke during the July 10 hearing and said, 'We know that trans people and other minorities are being significantly targeted right now,' given the more than 940 bills 'targeting the trans community' proposed in state legislatures nationwide, 118 of which have passed. 'These laws are targeting our ability to exist in public, to get an education, to have identity documents, to get healthcare, to use the bathroom,' Adkison said. 'Knowing that any community that is going to enshrine a commission, to bring voices to the table, is hopefully going to help dissuade the greenlit discrimination, fear, and stress that the current legislature is proposing.' Columbus' commission marks the second in Ohio after Cincinnati City Council voted in March to create an LGBTQ+ commission. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
5 Ways Malcolm-Jamal Warner Broke The Mold And Elevated Black Culture
Admittedly, the weight of this is so great that it's even hard to type. Today the entertainment world is reacting to the lose of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, in a tragic drowning accident while on vacation with his family in Costa Rica. At only 54 years old, he had become known as one of the most thoughtful, nuanced, and quiet revolutionary voices in the arts. LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 26: Actors Malcolm Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross speak onstage at the ... More BET Awards '11 held at The Shrine Auditorium on June 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/WireImage) And while many will rightly remember him as the coming-of-age teenager in one of television's most iconic sitcoms, Warner's legacy is far deeper, richer, and more impactful than that one singular role. Over four decades, Warner continued to defy stereotypes with his poise and presence, championing Black artistry and poetry across the arts and redefining what representation means for Black men on network television. Well before the internet was invented and cable was still rolling out to living rooms, a young man from Jersey City would be at the forefront of defining and redefining Black culture in America. Today, Id like to honor his life by exploring five ways Warner broke the mold and used his gifts and talents to elevate himself by including the hopes and dreams of so many in his work. When The Cosby Show first premiered on NBC in 1984, Malcolm-Jamal Warner was only 14 years old. His character, Theo Huxtable, whom he portrayed, was an average, middle-class Black teenager trying to navigate the simple complexities of growing up. From the school he'd attend, to the girls he would court, to the fashion he would wear - his relationship with his friends and family were filled with the kind of warmth, humor, and vulnerability that households (like mine in Connecticut) would dream of having. At a time when young black men, particularly those in NYC, were often stereotyped in the media as troubled youth or one-dimensional thinkers, Warner came on the scene by bringing a relatable and aspirational energy to millions of households every Thursday. SEPTEMBER 13: Cast portrait of "Cosby Show" for the 1984 - 85 season. (Front row l-r) Lisa Bonet, ... More Bill Cosby, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Phylicia Ayers-Allen. (Back row l-r) Sabrina Le Beauf, Tempestt Bledsoe, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. photo taken 9/13/1985. (Photo by Michael) Theo wasn't a sidekick or comic relief—he gave off main character energy as a loving son, a petty (at times) brother, and a social butterfly dealing with the trappings and gifts of family. 'The fact that The Cosby Show for Black America and White America alike finally legitimized the Black middle class… is a testament to the importance of visibility,' Warner once said. 'We were getting tens of thousands of fan letters from people saying, thank you so much for this show.' And it was for those eight seasons that Warner helped normalize the idea that Black families were deserving of being on the center stage. Long before critics and viewers were screaming 'we need more representation,' Warner was out there living it. When The Cosby Show arrived on the scene, beyond its massive commercial success in the ratings, it was a cultural earthquake felt coast to coast. Through this, Warner helped anchor a narrative that disrupted television's prevailing archetypes: a successful Black family led by a doctor and a lawyer, complete with loving children and relatable problems. Warner's portrayal of an American teenager was long overdue, as his biggest disruption was living out the everyday experiences of Black middle-class life. He was the lens through which many young viewers—regardless of race—saw themselves. And his struggles were so relatable - from dyslexia, to academic pressure, and self-doubt - were handled with rare sensitivity and authenticity, turning his character into a role model for a generation. THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO — Episode 87 — Pictured: (l-r) Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner during an ... More interview with host Jay Leno on October 7, 1992 — (Photo by: Alice Hall/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) While many child stars of the '80s struggled to find their footing after early fame, Warner did something seemingly exceptional—he continued to evolve. After The Cosby Show ended its run, Warner continued acting in drama and comedy through sitcoms such as Malcolm and Eddie. He was also quietly building a multi-decade career across voice acting and music. In 2015, Warner earned a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance alongside Robert Glasper and Lalah Hathaway, cementing his talents in music and spoken word beyond his gifts in acting. LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner and recording artist Ne-Yo attend The ... More ASCAP 2015 GRAMMY Nominees Brunch at SLS Hotel on February 7, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) And who can forget his guest appearances in everything from Sons of Anarchy and American Horror Story to Community, Suits, and Key & Peele. It was this range and resilience that proved Black artists could and should define themselves on their terms. SUITS — "Trust" Episode 605 — Pictured: Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Julius Rowe — (Photo by: Ian ... More Watson/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) In an industry obsessed with spectacle, Warner moved through time with integrity, intention, and quiet dignity. He seemingly never chased headlines or clout, instead using his platform to speak about the power and importance of protecting your mental health, showing up for fatherhood, and living a life of creative independence. Even when addressing the complex legacy of The Cosby Show after the show's namesake Bill Cosby was accused and ultimately served time, Warner acknowledged its cultural value while navigating the fallout with grace by leaning into his experiences and how his life was changed - and not by dwelling on what he could not control. Perhaps Warner's most lasting contribution was his consistent challenge to the limited and often toxic portrayals of Black men within media. When Warner stepped behind that camera, he brought emotional nuance, vulnerability, and strength to roles he played - proving that Black men could be loving, flawed, intellectual, artistic—and still be cool. Helping to deconstruct stereotypes and opening doors for the next generation of Black storytellers, actors, and dreamers. WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 13: Malcolm-Jamal Warner stars in the production of "Guess Who's Coming to ... More Dinner, " at the Arena Stage. (Photo by Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Beyond being an entertainer, Malcolm-Jamal Warner helped us see ourselves differently. Through four decades of artistic contribution, he made Black life visible, dignified, and real. As we continue to process his untimely passing, let us ensure his impact continues to ripple through culture, art, and memory. And that we honor a man who never stopped evolving himself and the craft, and never stopped elevating others around him. Rest in power, Malcolm. You broke the mold—and built something beautiful in its place.
CTV News
21 hours ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Canadian Armed Forces veteran fights for Ward 2 seat
Candidates looking to represent Ward 2 on Windsor City Council can now file their nomination. Windsorite Nick Amlin lives in Ward 3, but that's not stopping him from running in Ward 2's byelection. 'The opportunity presented itself and I figured I might as well jump in,' said Amlin, shortly after filing his paperwork at City Hall on Monday. 'I'm there all the time… I think I can be a voice for the people in Ward 2 that desperately need good representation.' Amlin was born and raised in Windsor. He spent 16 years in the Canadian Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, and west Africa. He is currently a student at the University of Windsor. If elected, Amlin says addressing boarded up homes is a top priority. 'Leaving those there does nothing for the neighbourhood,' he said. 'It brings down the equity of surrounding properties. It attracts rodents. It attracts crime.' He would also like to see the SUPIE (Supervised) Program expanded to every park in the ward. The SUPIE Program provides a supervisor designed to restore proper usage of the park to the residents of the neighbourhood and encourage community engagement and healthy, active living by providing recreation staff to run free programming for youth-aged children, including sports, arts and crafts, passive games, and special events. The west-end seat was left vacant by the resignation of Fabio Costante. The nomination period for candidates closes on Sept. 12. Election day is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Star Trek' Star Reveals Unexpected Reason He Didn't Watch Much of the Franchise
'Star Trek' Star Reveals Unexpected Reason He Didn't Watch Much of the Franchise originally appeared on Parade. Actor Martin Quinn revealed why he hadn't watched much of the franchise before joining the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds during its second season. During a July 2025 interview with Mr. Will Wong at the Star Trek: SNW Season 3 premiere, Quinn acknowledged that he is the first Scottish actor to play his character Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, who is famously from Scotland. The character was originated by Canadian actor, James Doohan, in the original Star Trek television series, which ran from 1966 to 1969. English actor Simon Pegg also portrayed Scotty in the J.J. Abrams' Star Trek films. According to Quinn, he wasn't all that interested in watching Star Trek because Scotty didn't have an authentic Scottish accent. "It's part of the reason I hadn't really seen much Star Trek before because I knew that there was someone doing a dodgy Scottish accent. So it kind of puts you off a little bit," said Quinn during the interview. "So I think that shows the power of representation in itself. There's only 5 million Scottish people but let's see if we can reach them." Quinn discussed playing the iconic engineer during a July 2025 interview with Trek Movie. He said he wanted to portray the character as "authentically Scottish, not just a stereotype." "I think that I can kind of bring a youthful energy, and an authentic kind of Scottish-ness to it, if that's a thing ... Because I am Scottish, yeah. I have at least that qualification," said Quinn to the publication. He also reminded Star Trek fans that his Scotty is younger than Doohan's version. "Well, you know, he's got a long way to go before he's the Scotty everyone knows and loves from TOS. And he's got a lot of learning to do," said Quinn in the interview. "And he's not quite the miracle worker, quite yet. And I think it's more interesting if he's not exactly what everyone has in mind in the future. Do you know what I mean? I think watching him on that journey is going to be more interesting than getting an impression of James Doohan personally. But that's just me covering my back." 'Star Trek' Star Reveals Unexpected Reason He Didn't Watch Much of the Franchise first appeared on Parade on Jul 14, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
BBC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Middleton-Patel's Euro 2025 history 'so important'
Safia Middleton-Patel has already made history this month, but the hope is that her time in the limelight can be a catalyst for goalkeeper - whose father is Indian - became the first female player of Asian heritage to play for Wales at a major tournament when she featured in her side's 4-1 group stage loss to France at Euro journalist Miriam Walker-Khan - who founded Brown Girl Sport, a site telling stories of South Asian women in sport - believes Middleton-Patel is the first player of South Asian heritage to ever play at a women's Euros for any nation."I burst into tears when I saw that team sheet," Walker-Khan said. "For people who grew up with no representation in sport at that level, that was a crazy feeling."I'm not even Welsh, but to see a British player make that kind of history with the name Patel on the back of her shirt is insane and something we've been waiting so long for in women's football."Roopa Vyas - COO of Her Game Too and founder of Her Game Too Cymru - felt it could prove a watershed moment."It's overwhelming in the best way," she told BBC Sport Wales."For those of us from South Asian backgrounds who've grown up loving football but rarely seeing ourselves in the game, this moment feels huge. It's not just symbolic - it's deeply personal." Middleton-Patel's exploits came after left-back Neil Taylor - whose mother is Indian - became the first player of Asian heritage to play for Wales' men's side at a major tournament during their historic run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in 2021, Taylor gave his backing to a new Professional Footballers' Association's (PFA) Asian Inclusion Mentoring Scheme (AIMS).The scheme's strategy is to "develop a sustainable flow of players of South Asian heritage into the professional game" - namely into the Premier League, English Football League and Women's Super Pound - the PFA's director of equality, diversity and inclusion - states the scheme has demonstrated "impressive year-on-year growth" - with the programme's figures growing from just six players in 2019 to more than 140 in on the Football Association of Wales' Red Wall + series, 43-cap former defender Taylor said of the initiative: "Originally when we had the conversation, it was about getting participation levels up in the UK."Then we actually decided to get some data. What we found out was there's plenty of participation at grassroots level."Where the numbers fall away is from there (grassroots) to academies. So then we got a real idea of what we needed to do."The old phrase, 'you can't be it if you can't see it', I never really believed in it much when I was young. But since I've got older and have seen what this has done especially, it does play a big part, and I think there is going to be a shift. "For our country, the numbers are growing, and they will continue to grow now." A catalyst for change? Former Brentford player Riz Rehman runs AIMS as part of his role as player inclusion executive at the Rehman believes Middleton-Patel's debut at the Euros - her fifth cap overall for her country - has the potential to positively influence the future generation who may have previously felt their route into the game was blocked."Visibility is incredibly impactful, especially on a major international stage like the Euros," he told BBC Sport Wales."Representation at the top level plays a huge role in shifting perceptions and positively impacting how people feel about a sport which they may not have previously thought was 'for them'. "In that sense, what Safia has done this summer is so important, and it's right that it's celebrated."While Middleton-Patel's showing on the big stage represents a landmark moment in numerous ways, Vyas says it must become "a turning point" for future players."As powerful as that visibility is, it can't do all the work on its own," she explained."Safia shouldn't have to carry the weight of change just by existing in that space. If we want to see more players from South Asian backgrounds breaking through, we need to meet this moment with real, practical action - not just celebration."That means challenging outdated assumptions in talent ID, properly supporting girls at grassroots level, and making sure football environments actually feel safe and inclusive - for them and for their families. "This can't just be a milestone - it needs to be a turning point." A role model for many reasons "Saf is such an incredible role model and speaks out about so much brilliant stuff when it comes to neurodiversity," added journalist Walker-Khan. "Saf is a legend already."Long before Manchester United's Middleton-Patel, 20, had even been included in the Wales squad for the summer tournament in Switzerland, she was viewed by many as a strong role has regularly spoken about living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the various coping mechanisms she openness on the subject is deemed particularly crucial given that a recent PFA survey showed 60% of professional footballers who have reported they have certain neurodivergent traits have not disclosed them to their team or goalkeeper was among those to collaborate with the PFA as part of their neurodiversity player research project - which looks at prevalence rates of neurodiversity in footballers and the awareness levels among - who hailed Middleton-Patel as a "incredible role model" - added: "She's showing girls and people of all ages that you don't have to tick every box or edit yourself to belong in this game. "You can succeed while being true to who you are. And that's what makes her such a powerful figure. "Not just a footballer, but someone who's quietly changing what leadership and representation look like in sport."
