Posts made in March 2022

ILLUSTRATION BY NICOLE SALAZAR FOR USE BY 360 MAGAZINE

Top Stories – March

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As we head towards another month is 2022, it seems as though this year will be quite eventful. Below are the top news stories for the final winter month!

Ukraine Huminitarian Crisis

The war in Ukraine is no longer just a story about a conflict between nations. It’s having an immediate impact on millions of people, creating multitudes of refugees, which in turn is creating a worldwide humanitarian crisis. It’s having an impact on global food insecurity since Ukraine produces a significant share of wheat supplies for other countries. While across the border, Russia also produces a large number of food experts, which are not inhibited by sanctions against the invading country.

Oil and gas experts from Russia are hanging in the balance as the West considers a ban on those imports. Financial institutions have sanctioned Russia, and the financial system in Ukraine has been impacted, causing a major economic disruption in that region of the world. The supply chain for goods from these countries and through them is being disrupted as a result of the violence. How can the West address and overcome all of these disruptions while taking a hard line against Russia’s aggression?

Ukraine Further Pushes No-Fly Zone

Ukraine’s defense ministry released a video of an edited hypothetical attack on Paris that would occur as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The ministry warned that this attack would be possible if a no-fly zone weren’t issued to prevent aerial attacks. The footage showed bombs going off near the Eiffel Tower.

Ukraine has called for a no-fly zone and other preventative measures in order to prevent Russia from overtaking more areas of the world. Many Ukrainian and global officials see the attacks against Ukraine as an unjust overtaking of territory. They consider Russia’s defense of the war as an attempt to prevent Ukrainian aggression as doctored. Others have suggested that the war is partially stemmed in history with Russia considering Ukraine and Russia to be the one and the same, as well as making note of Ukraine’s conveniently located Black Sea ports.

NATO has thus far been against a no-fly zone as that might invite Russian aggression towards NATO territories.

Jussie Smollett Sentencing

Actor Jussie Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail (around 5 months) and 30 months of parole after his 2017 scandal in which he lied to police officers about an attack that occurred against him. He was found to have paid for the attack to occur against him.

Smollett’s final comments before being taken away have been the result of much controversy. Smollett stated, “Your honor, I respect you and I respect your decision, but I did not do this and I am not suicidal. If anything happens to me when I go in there, I did not do it to myself, and you must all know that.” Many have found this statement humorous, including actor 50 Cent, who joked that he would say the same thing if he were to appear in front of a judge again.

Ryan Coogler Detained

Film director Ryan Coogler, known for 2018’s Black Panther, was briefly detained in January at a Bank of America in Atlanta, Georgia. Coogler’s medical assistant asked to be paid in cash, thus the director wrote a note suggesting the money should be counted discreetly given it was an amount over $10,000. 

However, despite Coogler not being visibly armed, officers arrived and pulled guns out on the director, who appeared visibly confused yet nonetheless complied with their orders. He was handcuffed and escorted to a police vehicle, but released moments later once his identity had been confirmed.

Senate Confirmation Hearings

As Justice Steve Breyer left his position as Supreme Court Judge, President Biden appointed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who is now being confirmed by the Senate. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) asked the judge about critical race theory, because Brown serves on the board of a school district with curriculum including critical race theory.

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) made a false statement suggesting Brown referred to President George W. Bush and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as “war criminals.” Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) later corrected him.

Baby via 360 Magazine

IVF Contracts

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Natalia Wilson, managing partner of Ain & Bank, is one of the most highly respected attorneys in Washington D.C. and is one of the nation’s leading matrimonial lawyers. Ain & Bank is a boutique law firm offering bespoke legal solutions and protections to some of the country’s most high-profile individuals from captains of industry to leading figures in the entertainment and sports world.

Wilson consults with clients who require advice and firm guidance to resolve matters of relationship breakdown, management of custody disputes, and preparation of prenuptial agreements. In addition, Wilson is at the cutting edge of what the legal world refers to as “modern family creation” advising clients on the legal implications of assisted routes to parenthood including in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, and more.

The miracle of pregnancy and childbirth is revered by cultures across the globe. The creation of life on earth forms the basis of mythology, old wives’ tales, and spiritual teachings that have endured since ancient times. This combined with cultural and social expectations, makes many couples feel pressure to conceive. According to the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, approximately 10 percent, or 6.1 million couples face infertility issues annually.

Expectant couples flaunt photographs of pregnancy gender reveals, birth announcements, baby showers, and beautiful, happy families celebrating on social media—adding to the pressure and disappointment for couples unable to conceive. For many, assisted routes to parenthood are the only options for possible conception.  

Every year, thousands of intended parents decide to pursue modern family creation. Thanks to modern technology and the normalization of gestational carriers, IVF and surrogacy are popular options for many. But what are the potential pitfalls of such an arrangement?

“Although I’m a divorce lawyer by trade, nothing gives me more pleasure than to see couples embark on the journey of parenthood,” said Wilson.  “Modern family creation is a dynamic area of family law and, unlike marriage, one in which many couples do not think about what might happen should their relationship end”.

Wilson points to the recently reported Virginia case of Jessee v. Jessee as a cautionary tale in which a trial court’s award of a frozen embryo to the wife in a divorce matter was reversed by the Court of Appeals. Wilson uses this judgment to illustrate the hurdles that some intended parents with stored embryos may face down the road and provides some helpful advice about what to consider when embarking on IVF.

Here are tips that couples should consider:

Is there a contract in place regarding what should happen to the frozen embryos in the event of relationship breakdown or divorce?

It is common for fertility clinics to provide proforma contracts stating that the ownership and/or rights to embryos are to be directed by court decree or settlement agreement. If the court has not yet issued a decree and if the parties have not reached a settlement agreement, there is no contract in place directing who should be awarded the embryos.

Don’t wait until things turn sour to determine the fate of the embryos. Spend time talking to each other about parenthood and what it means to each of you. Engage with experienced professionals who can represent your individual interests to draft an agreement much like a prenuptial agreement resulting in a contract recording what will happen to the embryos should the relationship end.

What does the court consider if it all goes wrong?

When parties do not have a contract in place dictating who should be awarded frozen embryos, the court will work to understand the interests of each party. The court will want to know why the parties engaged in IVF, whether each party is physically able to have biological children through other means and the impact that that carrying an embryo to term would have on the intended parent who may no longer wish to have children. The court will also try to understand whether one party is seeking the embryos simply to punish their former partner by preventing them from being awarded the embryos.  The court has broad discretion.  

Will the court compensate you financially if your ex-partner is awarded the embryos?

No. The issue of financial compensation is something clients struggle with. Many clients believe that to quantify the value of an embryo is tantamount to placing a monetary value on life. Others feel that it is their right to be awarded compensation in exchange for their genetic material.

Consider the full force impact of parenthood

When couples decide, whether by necessity or design, to embark on a journey to freeze embryos they must fully consider the implications of their choice. Although events leading to a decision to engage in IVF may have been painful, couples are afforded the time and space to think about the commitment they are making. Parenthood requires that couples recommit to each other as a parenting team and to the life for which they may ultimately be responsible.  Think about why you want to be a parent and what it is about your partner that you think will make them a great co-parent.

Talk to each other

How does your partner articulate their desire to parent? Are you entering parenthood to please each other? Does one of you want to parent a child more than the other? If your partner is more apprehensive than you are that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be a bad parent. Trust your instincts and communicate openly and honestly. 

Don’t get swept up in the wave

Even when pursuing IVF treatments, it is all too easy to get swept up in the idea of parenthood because it is something that society expects. The path to parenthood is not created equal and the strain couples experience when undergoing assisted fertility treatments can place a real burden on an otherwise carefree relationship. Work to futureproof from the very first steps you take, preparation and planning may just help to prevent great heartache down the road.

“Creating a family is not something anyone should rush into,” said Wilson. “Make sure that you work together as a couple to thoughtfully and fully think through all of the potential future scenarios and address them.” She added, “Although we all hope that we’ll live happily ever after, it’s always better to be prepared, and having these in-depth discussions upfront will help you to better understand each other and become a stronger team.”

headphones image by Alex Bogdan for use by 360 Magazine

UTA × RapTV

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Leading global talent, entertainment and sports company UTA has signed next-gen media company RapTV. UTA will work on expanding RapTV’s footprint through forming strategic partnerships, booking talent collaborations and tapping into new mediums in the ever-changing media landscape.

With a combined 36 million followers across social platforms including @Rap, @bars and @steez, RapTV has become one of the world’s largest digital communities. The company is focused on tapping into the zeitgeist through compelling news coverage, original content, and cultural relevancy. Founded by 28 year-old Daniel Snow, the digital empire boasts nearly 1.8 billion monthly impressions.

With his finger firmly on the pulse of today’s latest music news and growing popularity from rap fans across the globe, Snow has established the company as a primary outlet for record labels to share artist news and releases. RapTV has already partnered with every major record label including Columbia, Interscope, and Atlantic. The outlet also covers topics outside of hip-hop and has collaborated with top brands such as BMW, McDonald’s, and Chipotle. Most recently, the RapTV team launched content partnerships with TikTok and Facebook to showcase upcoming talent in the hip-hop industry.

“RapTV is one of the most forward-thinking media companies in the business and we are excited to partner with them to amplify their vision,” said UTA’s Akhil Hegde. “We are looking forward to bringing in new opportunities that continue the expansion of the RapTV brand while simultaneously elevating our hip-hop clients in the news.”

“We are thrilled to work with UTA, an industry leader in talent management,” said Snow. “Our focus at RapTV this year and beyond is centered around original content programming and we are confident that UTA will be a huge part of our success with this initiative. We are lucky to call them our partners as RapTV looks to become the number one hip-hop music and culture outlet on the internet.”

About RapTV

RapTV is a next-gen media company that has built one of the world’s largest digital communities. RapTV is focused on continuing to push the culture forward through relevant news coverage, original content, and being at the heart of what’s relevant. With a rapidly growing following, RapTV is poised to continue taking over the industry. Along with growing popularity from rap fans across the globe, RapTV has become one of the primary outlets for record labels to distribute information pertaining to their artists. RapTV has also begun covering relevant topics outside of hip-hop and has had success collaborating with brands such as BMW and Chipotle. In this sense, RapTV is on its way to becoming much more than a digital community, but a global driver of culture. 

art illustration by Gabrielle Marchan for use by 360 magazine

Mother and Child

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Dreweatts is thrilled to present the discovery of a new work by one of the most important British artists of the 20th century, the esteemed British sculptor Henry Moore (1898-1986). After two years of working with the Henry Moore Foundation and the family of the owner, former Publisher and Editor of The Architectural Review magazine Hubert de Cronin Hastings (1902-1986), the sculpture, titled Mother and Child has now been authenticated. Commenting on the discovery, Dreweatts’ specialist Francesca Whitham, said: “It has been such a fascinating journey working with this rare Henry Moore sculpture. I was elated, after many months of delays due to Covid restrictions, to finally receive the letter from the foundation authenticating the piece as a genuine Moore. Dreweatts are honored to bring this sculpture to the market for the very first time, presenting an opportunity to purchase a unique and rare sculpture by one of the most important British artists of the 20th century.” 

The foundation was able to link the work to a sketch of the sculpture by Moore already held in its’ records, titled Eighteen Ideas for Sculpture, which he produced in 1939.

The sculptural group is believed to have been gifted to Hubert de Cronin Hastings directly by Henry Moore, as they met through The Architectural Review magazine, via Moore’s friend Jim Richards, Assistant Editor of the magazine at the time, who had befriended Moore after writing an article on his work for the magazine in 1934. The sculpture was passed down by Hubert to his son, John Hastings in the 1970s, remaining on his mantlepiece amongst an eclectic mixture of objects until he passed away in 2019.

The work is also considered an extremely rare piece as it is cast in lead, which was a material the sculptor only used for a short period in the 1930s, during a time in his career when he was experimenting with other materials such as string and wire for his series of stringed sculptures. Mother and Child is believed to be a preliminary design for one of these stringed sculptures, which explains the unusual markings on the front, adding to its’ joyful and playful nature.

SPIRIT OF ECSTASY REDESIGNED

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“The Spirit of Ecstasy is the most famous and desirable automotive mascot in the world. More than just a symbol, she is the embodiment of our brand, and a constant source of inspiration and pride for the marque and its clients. Like our brand, she has always moved with the times while staying true to her nature and character. In her new form she is more streamlined and graceful than ever before – the perfect emblem for the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created, and for gracing the prow of our bold electric future.”
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce has reimagined its iconic Spirit of Ecstasy figurine to grace the bonnet of its new all-electric motor car, Spectre, 111 years to the day the Spirit of Ecstasy was first registered as intellectual property of Rolls-Royce on 6th February 1911.

The figurine has been remodelled with a lower, more dynamic stance that brings her much closer to the drawings made by her original creator, the illustrator and sculptor Charles Robinson Sykes, in the early years of the 20th century. It also sees her physical form represent The Expression, a visual device that forms part of the marque’s new visual language. The new Spirit of Ecstasy stands 82.73mm tall, compared to her predecessor’s 100.01mm. Her robes, which flow behind her in the slipstream – often but erroneously characterised as ‘wings’ – have been subtly reshaped to make them more aerodynamic and realistic.

The most visible change is her stance. Previously, she has stood with her feet together, legs straight and tilting at the waist. Now, she is a true goddess of speed, braced for the wind, one leg forward, body tucked low, her eyes focused eagerly ahead. These changes have both practical and stylistic benefits, contributing to Spectre’s remarkable aerodynamic properties. The earliest Spectre prototypes have a drag coefficient (cd) of just 0.26, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created. The figure is expected to improve during the product’s exhaustive testing protocols undertaken in 2022.

This new expression captures the essence of Charles Sykes’ original drawings, but rather than simply being redrawn or redesigned, her new shape has been digitally sculpted by a computer modeller working at the Home of Rolls-Royce, who has a passion for life drawing and sculpture. Their experience in this field was invaluable in developing the figurine’s elegant lifelike facial features as well as her expression, which deftly combines focus and serenity. The designers also consulted stylists at Goodwood for their perspective on her hair, clothes, posture, and expression, adding an authentically contemporary aura to her dynamism and commanding presence.

While all figurines are made using one of the oldest known casting techniques, named lost wax casting or cire-perdue, each is individually finished by hand, so will be minutely different from figurine to figurine. As well as continuing a long Rolls-Royce tradition – until 1939, the mascots were made and polished by Charles Sykes himself – this subtle, ephemeral human element creates an intriguing contrast to the precise, highly engineered motor car she sits atop.

Though relatively rare in the modern era, changes to the Spirit of Ecstasy have been made throughout her 111-year lifespan. She has been rendered in various sizes and materials and, briefly, in a kneeling position. The new version created for Spectre will appear on all future models: the current design will still be used on Phantom, Ghost, Wraith, Dawn and Cullinan and their Black Badge alter egos where applicable.

Dolce&Gabbana Women’s FW 22/23

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The new Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 Women’s fashion show presents a new futuristic vision of its DNA.

The codes of the brand are reinterpreted and projected into the metaverse and, as in a video game, propose super feminine heroines.

The evolution is expressed through the choice and use of modern and technical materials, a reference to the digital realm: iridescent and mirrored surfaces, laminates, jersey and nylon.

Proportions, volumes and silhouettes are the focus of the new Collection.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana design a sculpted and geometric silhouette where everything is amplified: inverted triangle lines, classic and iconic jackets become oversized and reinvented with technical fabrics; padded shoulders, for a vaguely masculine but absolutely sexy style.

Between reality and imagination, corsetry is proposed on cropped T-shirts with trompe l’oeil effects.

The looks are completed by overcoats in logo-printed nylon or made of eco-fur in vivid colors, reminiscent of the virtual atmosphere typical of video games. All furs are eco-fur.

Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.

Dolce&Gabbana has discontinued the production of fur over time, but continues to work with furriers to prevent their expertise from being lost, always obtaining a result of the highest quality. This is the first step towards a path of sustainability.

The combination of colors such as black and red, metallic tones and strong tints, are chosen to reaffirm and strengthen the appearance and character of uniqueness.

Gianpiero D’Alessandro, a young cartoon-designer, has collaborated with the Brand in the creation of some of the graphics proposed on T-shirts and sweatshirts.

“For me, Dolce&Gabbana represents everything that’s beautiful about Italy. I still remember the first time I met Stefano and Domenico and I gave them some drawings I had made for them. During that meeting, they began to tell me about their story and how it all began. 

I remember the passion in their eyes. It’s a pleasure for me to collaborate with the brand that has written and continues to write the story of the fashion world. 

‘Proudly made in Italy.’ I chose to create these graphic elements for the collection because in my imagination, Dolce&Gabbana is a happy ‘place’ and I wanted these designs to incorporate certain emotional virtues for people to experience, such as a carefree childhood. The ‘Sweety Bunny’ character is accompanied by ‘Baby Carrot’ and together they represent the concept of family. Of love. Values that Dolce&Gabbana has always infused into in every single one of its projects.”

– GIANPIERO D’ALESSANDRO

The designer is globally recognized as the creative mind behind established collaborations with brands and celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg, Nike, Netflix, and Levi’s.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana once again evolve their fashion, always contemporary, yet revisiting the styles of the 80s in a new mix & match. They plunge the new heroine into a video game where the brand’s DNA is re-interpreted for a modern and extremely dynamic image.

Actress Sharon Stone and Lady Kitty Spencer sat front row. The 90 looks which walked down the runway embodied the following characteristics: technical materials; eco-fur; new proportions and geometric lines; volume; futuristic; corsetry and an 80s aesthetic.

Sharon Stone front row at Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 featured in 360 MAGAZINE.

Watch D&G show HERE.

Livestreamed exclusively today on www.dolcegabbana.com and https://www.vogue.com.

Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.
Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22-23 inside 360 MAGAZINE.

LITTLEJOHN STYLE

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This Man’s Brand is a collection inspired by the timelessness and ubiquity of denim, infused with a bold aesthetic. Sheers, netting, and vinyl are juxtaposed with poignant strapping details, color blocking, unexpected pockets, collars & cuffs. Provocative exposed zippers and subtle rhinestones complete the look. Each piece was handcrafted by the designer to unleash the hero or rockstar in you! Marc Littlejohn is a native Angeleno, who has been inspired by his international travels as well as the western films that are rooted in Hollywood.

Lookbook 22Download

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Fashion Director and Star Designer Marc Littlejohn has over 20 years of experience in the fashion and entertainment industry. He clothed the following celebrities: Beyoncé, Vivica A. Fox, Eminem, Queen Latifah, Shemar Moore, Courteney Cox, Vanessa Williams, Snoop Dogg and Tyra Banks.

He attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where he obtained his degree in manufacturing management and fashion design. This is where he learned to be well-balanced in all aspects of fashion.

After working on Michael Jackson’s final tour, and later on Cher’s farewell tour, he extended his creative stream to include costume design and photography. At the helm of 360 MAGAZINE, he has stylized and photographed numerous artists including Steve Aoki, Jasmine V, and TYGA.

He has worked in costuming and styling for international ad campaigns for A&E Network, Lifetime, the CW, and lent his wardrobe talents to the fourth season of Netflix’s Narcos.

Marc continues to build on his multifaceted career in the fashion industry, allowing his skills and experience in these diverse disciplines to guide his creative vision.

Photos: Aaron Tyler

TRAVIS SCOTT COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

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PROJECT HEAL: TRAVIS SCOTT ANNOUNCES $5 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY-FOCUSED INITIATIVES 

Applications Open Today for $1,000,000 in Scholarships Enabling 100 Black Students Experiencing Financial Hardship in their Senior Year to Graduate On-Time from HBCUs  

LONG-TERM SERIES OF PHILANTHROPIC, COMMUNITY SERVICE & INVESTMENT EFFORTS OFFER ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS, MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS FOR VULNERABLE KIDS, DESIGN EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND A FIRST-EVER TECH-DRIVEN SOLUTION FOR EVENT SAFETY 

Today, artist and performer Travis Scott announced Project HEAL, a multi-tier, long-term series of community-focused philanthropy and investment efforts.  

Kicking the effort off today, $1 million in pledged scholarships for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be available to give a leg up to students in need.  With Scott’s support, the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund will grant $10,000 scholarships to seniors who have reached academic excellence (averaging 3.5 or higher GPA) but who are facing the last-minute challenge of financial adversity in their second semester senior year – and risk not graduating. The scholarships will help bring 100 students over the finish line, diploma in hand.  This is the second year that Scott has supported HBCUs and represents a tenfold increase.  

Past recipients include students at Howard University, Morehouse College, Texas Southern University, Grambling State University, and Prairie View A&M University – Scott’s grandfather’s alma mater where he also served as an educator. The scholarship is named after Waymon Webster to honor his lifetime of dedication to academic excellence. Applications are now open online at cactusjack.foundation.  

Travis Scott said: “My grandfather was an educator who made a difference in thousands of young lives throughout his life. He is a major influence on me and countless others, whose dreams he believed in, whose hopes he invested in, and whose futures he made big. It’s in his spirit that we are creating projects and programs that will look to the future of our communities and create hope and excellence in as many lives as possible.”  

Jordan Webster, Project Manager at the Cactus Jack Foundation’s HBCU Program, Howard University student and sister to Travis Scott, said: “I know personally how deeply important my grandfather’s academic legacy at HBCUs is to Travis and to my entire family – my twin brother Josh also attends an HBCU, at Prairie View A&M University. Travis creates hope and makes a real difference to 100 of our HBCU peers who will be able to graduate without going into crushing debt. As a third generation HBCU student, I cannot be prouder to partner with Travis on the second year of this exceptional initiative.” 

Nasire Branch, a recipient of the first annual Waymon Webster Scholarship and current Morehouse College student, said: “When I announced that I planned to attend Morehouse College, a lot of people told me I was making the wrong decision and that I’d be putting myself in too much debt. Thanks to the Cactus Jack Foundation’s support, I am one step closer to accomplishing my dreams of being not only the first in my family to attend an HBCU but the first to graduate with a four-year degree.” 

The second pillar of HEAL addresses the country’s skyrocketing mental health crisis – and focuses much-needed resources to support services for young people in lower-income communities of color, many of whom have few available, accessible, affordable mental health options.  

With seven figures in pledges to fund digital counseling and telephone hotlines, Scott will provide free programs with licensed professional counselors and social workers. Houston-based behavioral health expert, Dr. Janice Beal, will lead the effort with Scott’s support. Beal is the Programing Director of “Well Being in Color,” a peer mental health education program for students of color in addition to her private practice. Most recently, Dr. Beal developed mental health pipelines for the Houston Independent School District during the COVID-19 pandemic. She serves as a member of the Mayor of Houston’s task force for special needs and advises United States Congressmembers on youth mental health issues. 

Dr. Janice Beal said: “Mental health has traditionally been a taboo subject. As life begins to return to normal, many young people are still suffering and need help to re-adjust after serious disruptions to their experiences at home, in school and within their community. With Travis Scott’s help, HEAL’s programs will help empower young people to overcome mental health issues and become the best they can be.  

The third pillar, in conjunction with Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation, is a seven-figure expansion of the CACT.US Youth Design Center at TXRX Labs in Houston, a nonprofit makerspace for young artists, designers, tech innovators, including free studio space, workspace, tool spaces, job and apprenticeship training, youth education, and events.  HEAL will fund a new comprehensive creative design education program for the Center – existing where fashion, art, technology, and music intersect – through a strategic online partnership with a historically black college or university.  

The fourth and final pillar is to address safety challenges for large-scale live events through funding the US Conference of Mayors Task Force on Event Safety and a tech-driven device currently in development. This solution is a culmination of stakeholder inputs from key experts from the tech sector, government, emergency response, event management, health, and public safety experts. 

This will be the first time all these stakeholders will work together to most effectively address the safety challenges faced by future large-scale events, which will culminate in a comprehensive report of recommendations. HEAL will work towards advocating that this report serves as the new safety and security blueprint for all festivals and large-scale events. 

Rev. Dr. Johnnie Greene, President of Mobilizing Preachers and Communities (“MPAC”) and Senior Pastor at the Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, said: “Travis Scott’s generosity will directly help Black youth and families in need. From providing academic scholarships to critical mental resources and inspiring educational programs, Travis Scott is standing up for the Black community by providing the support needed to ensure that our God-given potential is recognized and realized, and soon. We need more leaders who are willing to step up in times of need like this, and I commend Travis and his team.”  

Rev. Dr. D.Z. Cofield, MPAC member and pastor of the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, said: “At a time when the Black community is still struggling to overcome the twin crises of the pandemic and racial injustice, and all their negative impacts on our physical, financial, mental and spiritual health, Travis is providing unmatched assistance with HEAL. I applaud him for doing what his community needs at such a critical time.” 

About Project HEAL 

Project HEAL is a multi-tier initiative dedicated to addressing challenges facing today’s youth, especially those from marginalized and at-risk communities. 

In conjunction with the Cactus Jack Foundation, Project HEAL unites initiatives ranging from academic scholarships, free mental health resources, a creative design center and a first-ever, tech-driven solution for event safety. These efforts, independently and collectively, aim to solve challenges and overcome issues impacting the youth community. Learn more at heal-project.org. 

 

Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Sports

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It’s been nearly two weeks since Putin’s Russia started a gruesome and unprovoked attack on its neighbour country Ukraine. Organisations and companies were quick to enact immediate sanctions, and the illegal incursion is altering industries worldwide.

Sports, in particular, is facing several challenges to adapt their global events that typically welcome athletes from all countries. Let’s look at how Russia’s invasion impacts sporting events, sponsors, and athletes from Russia and Belarus.

FIFA and UEFA condemn the Russian military invasion of Ukraine

Football, the most popular sport in the world, is facing a whole lot of changes in the months (and years) to come.

As both FIFA and UEFA strongly condemn Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, both football associations were quick to react. The UEFA champions league final will no longer be held at the Gazprom Stadium in Saint Petersburg in May and will be moved to the Stade de France in Saint-Dennis near Paris.

Russia will also no longer compete in this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a unanimous decision made by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA.

If you happened to place bets on the Champions League final or other events, you might find that your online sportsbook either cancelled or altered the odds of your football bets. This is because future bets use a wide range of factors to calculate your potential return, and a change of location can make a significant impact.

For bettors that placed bets on Russian games, there is a good chance those have been cancelled altogether. Various online sportsbooks like Parimatch or bet365 have ceased their operations in Russia with immediate effect and no longer offer betting services in the country.

Haas F1 team terminates contract with Uralkali

Changes are not only happening in football. Formula 1 team Haas reacted to the events and terminated their engagement with title sponsor Uralkali with immediate effect. Uralkali is owned by Dmitry Mazepin, one of Russia’s wealthiest businessmen with close ties to Vladimir Putin. While Masepin hasn’t released a statement on the invasion, sanctions are supposed to target oligarchs and other people of influence to raise the pressure on Putin.

As part of the sponsorship termination, Haas F1 is also parting ways with its driver, Nikita Mazepin. This comes despite the FIA’s ruling that Russian drivers could continue to race in Formula 1 but under a neutral flag.

Other sports federations follow the same path

Association from other sports have also made adjustments to their events scheduling.

The International Gymnastics Federation announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials would be banned indefinitely from competitions starting this week.

The NHL, meanwhile, suspended its dealings with Russia-based KHL, which will make it hard for American teams to recruit and sign Russian players.

The ATP has been a little more lenient in tennis and did not ban players from participating. It might be partly because the ATP’s current world number one, Daniil Medvedev, is of Russian nationality. However, there are reports that players like Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov, and Medvedev were pressured into removing their nationality from social media handles.

Toys for Tots

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Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps’ premiere community action program, distributed an unprecedented 22.4 million toys, books, and games to nearly 8.8 million children in need in 2021. 

While the affects of the pandemic continued to create challenges, Toys for Tots provided record breaking support to families and children in times of need. Toys for Tots is more than a Flagship Children’s Christmastime charity – our goal is to provide year-round hope to families in need.

On April 19, 2021, Toys for Tots announced the expansion of their year-round efforts to provide hope to those less fortunate with plans for ANOTHER special gift distribution to children in need. During the summer of 2021, we provided ONE MILLION educational toys, books, and games to the children of COVID-19 impacted families. While we all hoped the pandemic would be in our rearview mirrors soon, we also recognized that the emotional and educational impact it’s had on children will be long lasting. Less fortunate children likely suffered the greatest learning loss by not being able to attend in-person classroom instruction, so Toys for Tots provided toys and books that teach to help them overcome a growing educational gap and stimulate their young minds. 

“Toys for Tots is more than a Christmas charity,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “We have the ability to extend our reach and provide support to families who are facing tremendous year-round challenges, and Toys for Tots stands ready to assist when children and families need help the most.” 

Toys for Tots’ initiatives in 2021 also included providing comfort and relief to families in need during uncertain and unstable times outside of the holiday season. The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program provided toys, books, and other gifts to nearly 17,000 children on the Afghanistan refugee families who have been granted asylum in the United States. As these families adjusted to their new lives in America, Toys for Tots provided hope and comfort to their children. As our mission continues to expand, we also stood ready to respond in emergency situations. Toys for Tots provided compassionate support with the distribution of toys, books, and other gifts to the families of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee who were impacted by devastating tornados in 2021.   

Despite the ongoing challenges from the pandemic, the Marines and local campaign Coordinators of the Marine Toys for Tots Program rose to the occasion and established over 830 local toy collection and distribution campaigns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Our Coordinators were, once again, very innovative about how they collected and distributed toys, and they achieved tremendous milestones in 2021. The American public, as well as a record number of organizations serving as National Corporate Sponsors, answered our call to action and made significant donations allowing the Foundation to augment local toy drives with over 10 million toys valued at over $82 million.  

The tremendous support we received from the American public and our Corporate Sponsors enabled us to distribute an unprecedented 22.4 million toys, books, and games to nearly 8.8 million children in need. But your support did more than provide gifts – you also sent messages of hope and restored self-worth to those less fortunate.   

2021 Accomplishments 

  • Distributed over 22.4 million toys to nearly 8.8 million less fortunate children from 832 local campaigns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
  • Distributed 1 million toys, books, and games to COVID-impacted families outside of the holiday season.
  • Distributed 3.1 million books to children in need through the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.
  • Distributed toys and books to over 186,000 Native American children living on remote Reservations.
  • With support from Toys for Tots Sponsors, augmented local toy drives with over 10 million toys valued at over $82 million.
  • Met all 20 standards of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. 

About Marine Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots, a 75-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness, and hope to less fortunate children.  The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime.  It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.  Last year, the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of nearly 8.8 million less fortunate children in over 830 communities nationwide.  Since 1947 over 281 million children have been assisted. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.  For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.