Friday, March 30th, 1956, a light was given to the world. Though we may cry, heaven rejoices as on December 2, 2022, love and light returned home. LaJune Grant, affectionately nicknamed Junnie, made the transition to the tender age of 66.
She was a loving mother with three born children. Her daughter Aloma Shavon Greene and son-in-law Eric, and their three sons, Eric, Elijah, and Emanuel Greene, whom she wholeheartedly supported.
We are so grateful that she could meet and spend time with her first great-granddaughter, Emanuel’s daughter, Raelyn.
LaJune’s heart swelled with pride when her daughter Nyja Monique Grant pulled out of the Air Force. Nyja returned home safely from her overseas tour, joining her at her grandson Jayden’s recent National Honor Society induction award ceremony.
Her daughter LaJune Juliet Grant was her namesake and greatest treasure. Using her early education studies as her grandson Taj’s home school teacher and hype man, LaJune was born to Julian and Osceola Pixley, who preceded her in death. She leaves behind her siblings Eulalia, Debra, Rodrick, and Algiers.
LaJune was born in Augusta, Georgia, and grew up in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, N.Y. She went to Richmond Hill High School in Queens, NY, and Hunter College in Manhattan, NY.
When LaJune started her family, her ambition of a different environment to raise her children and her older sister took her to Poughkeepsie. Poughkeepsie is where she met and grew to love her Beulah Baptist Church family. She spent many years loving and laughing through many ministries and missions. LaJune enjoyed family, laughter, love, and stewardship. She was a serving woman who gave back in many ways, including a career with persons with mental disabilities to help them live their lives to the fullest.
After thirty years, LaJune retired from Taconic DDSO. She also spent many years caring for her mother, Osceola, and sister Jacqueline, together with her sister Eulalia. She was known to help anyone in need, from serving the sick and shut in to collecting personal care items to give to the homeless. There was never a moment when her door wasn’t open for those in need. The outpouring of love that she has received is the greatest testament to her legacy of service.
Anyone who knew LaJune experienced her zeal for life with her ever present and unforgettable smile. She touched the hearts and lives of countless people. LaJune had a means with people, which could only be a gift from God.
We will truly miss her.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are truc, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;if there be any yirtue, and ifthere be any praise, think on these things.
It was discovered earlier today that global superstar Rihanna is pregnant with her first child. Her baby bump was revealed when she was photographed with boyfriend A$AP Rocky in his hometown of Harlem. At the time, the couple was seen holding hands, with Rihanna wearing a long pink puffer Chanel jacket adorned with jewels over her stomach.
The couple went public in November of 2020, and have grown closer since the pandemic after being friends for several years. Both have separately talked about wanting kids together at some point, with Rihanna suggesting she wanted kids before she turned 42. According to MSN, she once stated, “I’m a Black woman. I came from a Black woman, who came from a Black woman, who came from a Black woman, and I’m going to give birth to a Black woman. It’s a no-brainer. That’s who I am. It’s the core of who I am in spirit and DNA.” No other information on the pregnancy has been released.
About Rihanna
Rihanna is a Barbadian superstar and singer, known for songs such as Diamonds, S&M, and Shut Up and Drive. She’s also a businesswoman, with her makeup line Fenty Beauty and her clothing line Savage x Fenty. She’s also an actress, having appeared in Home, Battleship, and Bates Motel (the series.) Her ninth album is expected to be released in the near future.
About A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky is a rapper and musician. His debut track, Peso, was leaked online and quickly received airplay. He’s a member of the A$AP Mob, which is where he received the moniker.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 22 million children have a parent who does not live in the household. That equals 26.5% of all children. Most often, it’s the father who is absent from the home, and may even be absent from the child’s life. People underestimate the impact that not having Dad around has on the well-being of children, and ultimately on society as a whole.
“More than any other project or cause that society needs to work on, we must work with passion and urgency to eliminate the systemic barriers to single-father involvement in the lives of our children,” said Dr. Joel N. Myers, founder of Dads’ Resource Center. “We must make the time to educate our neighbors about the overwhelming evidence – backed up by thousands of years of anecdotal evidence and numerous studies over recent decades that shows children develop much better when both of their parents are actively involved in their lives.”
Dr. Myers is on a mission to help shed light on the fact that there is a serious problem when it comes to child custody. The default of most courts is to simply give primary custody of the child to the mother, leaving the father pushed to the side and receiving very little time with his children. They often go from being a large part of the child’s life to seeing them on a limited basis as the court allows.
Children who do not get much involvement with their father are impacted in numerous ways, including in these five:
1. Being less physically healthy. Fewer children who are raised in nuclear families are considered to be in poor health. Research published in The Linacre Quarterly showed that 12% of children raised in a nuclear family were considered in poor health, compared to 22% of children of a single parent.
2. Having less social-emotional development. Research published in the Annual Review of Sociologyfinds that there is strong evidence that father absence negatively impacts a child’s social-emotional development.
3. Having less of a relationship with extended family. Divorce tends to lead to children having less of a relationship with the extended family of the noncustodial parent (i.e., grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins). The child also loses many family traditions and celebrations.
4. Experiencing more financial instability. According to research published in the journal The Linacre Quarterly, custodial mothers lose up to 50% of their household income and are more likely to receive public assistance. The median income of divorced mothers is only 47% of married-couple households. Children living with just their mother are more likely to be in poverty.
5. Learning how to be a father. Children who grow up with an absent father tend to repeat the pattern, according to research published in the journal Parenting Science and Practice. The quality of the relationship and involvement a child has with their father tends to be passed down across generations.
“Mothers and fathers give different but equally important things to their children,” added Jeff Steiner, executive director of the Dads’ Resource Center. “Children need both their parents to be fully engaged as they are growing up to have the best chance of being successful in life. But, far too often the system unnecessarily prevents fathers from being able to do so.”
Dads’ Resource Center issued a report on the impact of dads not being involved in their children’s lives. The report, titled DRC NLSY97 Analysis Executive Summary, warned that children who do not grow up with their father in their household:
Are less likely to graduate from high school or graduate from college.
Are less likely to vote, donate to a charity or volunteer their time.
Are more likely to have been convicted of a crime, use hard drugs, and smoke.
Are more likely to have intercourse before the age of 17and to need mental health treatment.
Make less money per year as an adult and more much likely to use government welfare programs.
Dads’ Resource Center was started by Dr. Myers, a father of eight and the founder and CEO of AccuWeather. The mission is to help combat the issues associated with children growing up without their fathers in the home. At its heart, the center is a child advocacy organization that aims to ensure that each child has the appropriate involvement and contributions from both parents.
Dads’ Resource Center has been established to benefit children of separated or divorced parents by advocating the importance of fathers having adequate opportunities to fulfill their role of fatherhood. The group helps get information regarding the issues out to the public and works with fathers to help make improvements.
Dads’ Resource Centeroffers tips for successfully co-parenting following divorce or separation.
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), one out of every two marriages ends in divorce. Many of these marriages involve children, putting them at risk for a variety of emotional issues resulting from the separation. It is vital that the children continue to have the active involvement of both parents, and that the parents find a way to work together on their behalf.
“The impact on kids not having access to their fathers is heartbreaking,” says Dads’ Resource Center founder Dr. Joel N. Myers. “Most fathers know their children are missing out, but are unable to overcome the barriers to the system and fulfill the most fundamental role that men have – being a dad.”
How the two parents go about co-parenting makes a world of difference in the emotional health of their child. Successful co-parenting doesn’t happen by accident, but it is something that people can do with intention and effort.
The AACAP advises that children will do best when they know that both parents will remain actively engaged in their lives. They also report that the research shows children do better when parents can minimize conflict and cooperate on the child’s behalf. While many parents know that this is the healthiest route for their children, they may still find it difficult to figure out how to do it.
According to Dads’ Resource Center, there are three stages that co-parents go through following separation. The stages include family reorganization, co-parenting, and personal growth. In family reorganization, decisions are made about where the children will be and when and how they will be supported. The co-parenting stage is where decisions will be made about how to make it all work. Finally, the personal growth stage is where parents have finally established a working relationship without conflict, which brings relief to their children. The longer that parents remain stuck in the re-organization and co-parenting stages, the more the children are negatively impacted.
It’s important that parents make a concerted effort to learn how to co-parent while separated. Here are some tips for how parents can successfully co-parent, provided by Dads’ Resource Center:
Both parents need to commit to always doing what is best for their children, which includes making sure both parents have the access needed to maintain an active and meaningful relationship with them. This extends to family on both sides.
Communication is vital. Mom and dad should be able to work out the logistics in a patient and calm manner and make a habit of providing updates on how the children are doing – in school, about health-related matters, how they are doing developmentally, and what is going on generally in their lives.
Both parents need to practice forgiveness. For the sake of their children, mom and dad need to let the past be in the past and treat one another with acceptance and compassion.
Separated parents should educate themselves about the impact that divorce has on children, to help minimize the negative consequences. If they are having a difficult time collaboratively co-parenting parents should find support from family, friends, churches or seek professional help.
However, parents should not allow themselves to become overly reliant on family courts and child welfare services to manage their inability to work together. Doing so only enables them in not moving on, and if they don’t move on their children can’t either.
“Parenting is not a one-person job,” added Jeff Steiner, executive director of the Dads’ Resource Center. “Even in a separated family, both parents should view the other parent as an equal partner in the upbringing of their children. This means they must be adaptable and flexible and treat one another with grace and compassion.”
Dads’ Resource Center has been established to benefit children of separated or divorced parents by advocating the importance of fathers having adequate opportunities to fulfill their role of fatherhood. The group helps get information regarding the issues out to the public and work with fathers to help make improvements.
Art of Pure, a curator of clean beauty grounded in purity and sustainability, will open its first retail storefront this November. The new boutique, located at 958 W Armitage Ave. will offer a handpicked selection of local and internationally sourced skincare, makeup, haircare, modern wellness, personal care products, and eco-friendly home goods. Nurturing beauty, body, and wellness through truly natural, pure and potent products, Art of Pure ensures products are responsibly sourced, ethically produced, have a minimal environmental impact, and provide social good, while being free of any harmful ingredients. Art of Pure invites shoppers and the beauty community at large to access trusted and classic brands all while discovering unfamiliar gems.
“At Art of Pure, we are on a mission to prove that beauty can be synonymous with sustainability,” said Monika Joshi, founder and CEO of Art of Pure. “For years I have envisioned a store where green beauty lovers can shop without worrying about the ingredients, and I am thrilled to be able to share that vision with the community.”
Joshi, a former investment banker and mother, felt an urge to enter the beauty industry after spending countless hours researching skincare ingredients in an effort to understand her daughter’s eczema as well as her own issues with sensitive skin. Joshi became an expert in the field and decided to share her knowledge and product recommendations by launching the Art of Pure e-commerce store in 2017.
Art of Pure promises to bring safe, non-toxic, and entirely green solutions to customers through brands that seek to promote a health and wellness forward lifestyle. The new boutique will boast 1,000 square feet of space and serve as a physical extension of the online store, featuring products with high-performing, plant-based ingredients and actives. The store will carry all existing lines and categories along with new product lines including feminine wellness, environmentally friendly home goods, and gifts. As the focus is on sustainability, the store will include a soap and lotion refilling station. Customers will also be able to book a clean makeup application session with a professional makeup artist or a clean swap consultation. Additionally, Art of Pure will host wellness events, panels + discussions, and mini markets, all while helping foster community and dialogue. A mask bar will be offered at the store in the coming months as well.
Health and safety standards are uncompromising for Art of Pure. Ensuring transparency and thoughtful sourcing, Art of Pure tests every item, ingredient, and brand for performance and potency. Building on a foundation of growth and discovery, Art of Pure continues to learn and expand its knowledge base within the cosmetics industry, focused on continued research, thoughtful partnerships, and expanded knowledge.
Dreaming the Impossible and Accomplishing the Unbelievable
Her name is Heather, and she is a statistic. Since the age of sixteen, she has been a statistic due to becoming pregnant with her firstborn son, Zachary. Heather had always believed that she would only be known as that: a teenage mom. She worked hard and graduated high school a semester early to entirely focus on being a full-time mother. Heather then put off college and any thought of childhood dreams because she felt they were unattainable. She worked minimum wage jobs to try and raise her son the best that she could.
Heather’s daughter, Tyanna, came along when she was 21 years old. In that time, Heather found herself in an unhealthy relationship. She fought hard to pull herself and her children out of the situation; she eventually did. However, she found herself turning to alcohol to cope with the pain she had endured through the years. Alcohol became Heather’s best friend for over a year, and she was faced with losing her children and eventually becoming pregnant with her youngest son, Jaxson. He was her saving grace. An angel sent from above to remind Heather that she was worthy of love and that she was stronger than she had ever known. It took her a few months to get back on her feet for herself and children, but she did it with her head held high.
Fast forward to 2011 where Heather was working as a cashier at Walmart, barely making ends meet for her family. She met her now-husband, Joshua. In 2013, they became a big, blended family with six children. Heather gained three more beautiful children: Emmanuel, Lyric, and Benjamyn. Their children now range in age from ten years old to 22 years old! Also, Heather is a proud grandma to two beautiful grandchildren – Lydia and Jaxton, a.k.a. her Sweetpea and Monkey.
It hasn’t been an easy road, but it has been full of love and memories. Heather’s husband has been the sole provider for their family, sometimes working over sixty hours a week. It was decided that Heather stay at home with the children for many reasons. The most important reason was due to the emotional abandonment that Emmanuel, Lyric, and Ben went through due to their biological mother. Although they have learned coping techniques, it has been a stressful and emotional journey. It was always best for the children if Heather was available at all times for them.
In addition to the chaotic life they live with a large family, Heather’s oldest daughter was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome in 2016, which led to an emergency brain surgery to better Tyanna’s quality of life. This is a lifelong disease with no cure, so there have been quite a few struggles for her to find her new normal. She will never lead a “normal” life; however, she is doing her best to make life fun, and that is all Heather can hope for. Heather also has these health conditions, but they are nowhere as severe as Tyanna’s are. Heather also suffers from a dead talus bone in her ankle, along with two collapsed joints surrounding that ankle. This has contributed to continuing on as a stay-at-home parent as well. Heather’s family is big and unique, but they are full of love, and that’s the best thing she could ask for.
Heather has spent years being unable to provide for her family financially. As a parent to six children, this has always weighed heavily on her. She has watched her husband work from four in the morning to close to midnight in the same shift. He is hardworking and very dedicated to providing for his family. In 2018, Heather decided to start exploring the idea of college. She knew that she wanted to be in something art related. Art has been a coping mechanism throughout life; sketching, painting, and inks are her mediums of choice. She believed that the career she landed with should be something that she loved and would be proud to do. This led Heather to enroll at Independence University to obtain her associate degree in graphic design. This career choice allows Heather to share her art with the world and also contribute to her family. She has worked hard to keep an impressive grade point average while learning as much as she can about graphic design.
Heather will officially graduate in January 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. She decided after a year into her associate degree that she wanted to pursue her bachelor’s degree. Obtaining this degree would open opportunities for Heather to work within public relations, publishing, and digital media businesses.
Heather had been asked by quite a few people why she wanted to pursue her bachelor’s degree so soon after graduating with an associate degree. Many assumed that she wanted to stay focused on her education; that is true. However, that was not the decision-maker for Heather. This decision comes from a life-changing situation that her family encountered at the beginning of 2020. You see, Heather’s father was taken away from her when she was three years old. She found him again when she was sixteen and had not been away from him since then. Her father, Mike, was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS, in March of 2020. This disease has continually cursed her family throughout the years. It has taken her great-grandmother, paternal grandmother, an aunt, an uncle, a distant cousin, and now her father. Heather always doubted that she would be able to attend college and succeed, but Mike was always the voice telling her that she could and that he was so proud of her. Mike was an amazing person and had always been Heather’s biggest cheerleader in life. She has many reasons to continue creating art; however, her passion comes from wanting to pursue more for her family, especially her father. She would love the opportunity to make him proud continually, even though he has been watching her from heaven since November of 2020.
In February of 2021, Heather took a big breath and reached out to Vaughn Lowery, President of 360 Magazine, in hopes of obtaining an internship through the magazine. 360 Magazine stands out from other magazines on many levels. 360 is an edgy fashion, lifestyle, and culture magazine. The founding members have over 30 years of collective experience both as notable talent and uber professionals within fashion, music, art, design, and entertainment. They are an LGBTQIA-friendly publication. Quality art content is the constant goal – No magazine like it is available today, constantly celebrating racial and sexual ambiguous talent and artists. Interning with 360 Magazine was definitely an opportunity she was ready to take on!
The morning Heather interviewed with Vaughn, she was battling the flu that was running its course through her household – she nailed the interview and started the next day! Heather continues to learn every day during her internship and through her classes. She has become increasingly more confident in her illustrations with Vaughn’s guidance. In addition to her internship with the magazine, Heather is also the Communications Director for her school’s AIGA Student group. She was recently nominated and is looking forward to learning her new role within the group!
While Heather stays really busy with art-related things, she really does enjoy doing other things! Her family has five dogs (Beethoven, Duchess, Ruby, Lucky & Alaska) and six cats (Pepper, Chewy, Tom, Jerry, Ebony & Dolly) that fill their home with fur and love. Heather and Josh try to hop on the ps4 a few times a week and play some Warzone. They have always been gamers! They enjoy having game nights, outdoor experiences, and hiking. Her husband is in the process of finishing their home gym – which they are pretty excited about it! Oh, can’t forget reading! Heather has a ton of books that she has bought over the years or have been given to her. She loves being able to curl up and spend an entire day just reading. Music. Music is her saving grace as well! Heather has such a unique playlist(s) – pop, country, r&b, hip-hop, rap… the list could go on!
Heather has a new mantra that she tries to tell herself daily: Keep going until YOU’RE proud. Heather has always doubted herself…but she needs to remember – like many others – that she needs to keep pushing and straighten her crown!
With Easter right around the corner, and spring blossoming all around the United States, many people are finding a reason to celebrate. Easter usually means chocolate bunnies and colorful eggs, but this Easter consider these gifts to liven up your loved ones’ baskets.
Sugar Plum Gourmet Easter Egg Hunt Set
Sugar Plum has put together an imaginative set of handsomely decorative metal Easter eggs that have been engineered from the ground-up to turn any Easter egg hunt from “blah” to “oooh-la-la!” faster than that Easter Bunny can come on hoppin’ down the bunny trail.
Featuring a reusable plastic egg carton and handsomely festive metal eggs that can be refilled over and over again, the Gourmet Easter Egg Hunt Set promises a fashionably fun (and tasty!) time with those you care about most year after year!
This year after coloring eggs, add a new Easter activity to the agenda for you and the kiddies – matching manis! Dashing Diva’s fun and colorful collections are sure to keep the festivities going and make them feel just like their mamas! Also not to mention, a great addition to any Easter gift basket (and an easy way to swap out some chocolate).
Whether it’s smiley faces, friendly fruit or Old McDonald’s barnyard friends – MAGIC PICK KIDS nail stickers will have the kids beaming from ear to ear. And we can’t forget about you, mamma! Dashing Diva’s Powder Pastels collection will give you that simple springtime manicure and ability to color coordinate with the kids or if you’re feeling even more festive, check out So Egg-stra or Bunny Hop. \
As the weather warms up, more and more people are gathering outdoors. The good news is you don’t need to break the bank to get a new fire pit. Baby Fire Pits offers two sizes of small firepits that are perfect to stay warm and they begin under $100. They come with gorgeous teal detailing that will make a statement in the center of your outdoor table. The fire pit is handcrafted in the USA and made with copper and steel.
Each fire pit is one-of-a-kind, as the color of the patina design varies depending upon the humidity levels in the production of each item. Each fire pit includes one can of TerraFlame gel fuel which is odorless, smokeless, and nontoxic so it can be used indoors and outdoors!
The newly launched interactive, learning activity, Alphapals, is designed to specifically help keep your house clean and tidy! Each Alphapals set is equipped with 26 plush letters, each with a unique personality and signature embroidered smiley face, that conveniently packs into a comfy bean bag when playtime is over. Alphapals is a perfect tool for your little ones learning the alphabet or practicing spelling and reading. It promotes learning in a fun, interactive way.
Alphapals are available in rainbow and neutral color schemes. They are the perfect fun learning gift for any child this easter. Letters are sold separately as well as in a set! Plus the letters are machine washable.
Kidrobot is excited to present The Simpsons Stupid Sexy Flanders 8″ Vinyl Figure. This premium vinyl art figure features Ned Flanders showing off his ski suit and some of his other assets as he joins his neighbor Homer on the slopes. “Feels like I’m wearing nothin’ at all!”
This iconic scene from The Simpsons has burned its place in our hearts and become a beloved meme-worthy moment that will be forever captured in your collection. Kidrobot has a variety of gifts perfect for anyone that loves The Simpsons. From pins to plushes, this website will not disappoint. Pre-order this exclusive vinyl figure right now at Kidrobot.com and find other Simpson exclusives.
Canopy and The Sill have come together to bring optimized beauty and wellness to your home. Canopy’s humidifier is compatible for aroma diffusion via the diffuser puck, on which essential oils from The Sill’s aroma kit can utilized. This new home fragrance kit promotes healthier skin, families, and houseplants. Inspired by where flowers and greenery reign supreme, the collection features three scents: Forest (transparent amber, wild jasmine, green musk), Greenhouse (eucalyptus, trailing ivy, pear blossom), and Flower Market (blue hydrangea, hyacinth, pink grapefruit.)
The evaporative technology circulates filtered, bacteria free, moisture back into your home, revitalizing your living spaces. By using Proprietary Smart Persistent Airflow (SPA (technology and embedded UV LEDs, mold growth is prevented. If there does become any build up in your aroma diffuser, all parts are easy to clean and are dishwasher safe. These diffusers are perfect to set on nightstands to make the surrounding space smell clean and fresh up to 500 sq ft. With a run time of up to 24 hours, this aroma diffuser keeps your space consistently clean and fragrant. To purchase Canopy’s humidifier, please visit their website.
Reebok’sPump Omni Zone II “White” Sneakers
In honor of the 30th Anniversary return of Dee Brown’s coveted Pump Omni Zone II “No Look Dunk” earlier in 2021, Reebok is now rereleasing the Pump Omni Zone II “White” sneakers ($140, G57540), dropping May 21 at 10am EST on Reebok’s website, Foot Locker, Finish Line and Champs Sports, among other local retailers.
This past March, for the first time since its initial release in 1991, Reebok revived the iconic Pump Omni Zone II in the true high-cut design adorned by rookie high-flyer Dee Brown as he covered his eyes and soared to a dunk contest. The notable sneaker is now returning with its second original colorway released in ’91: white. The Pump Omni Zone II features the iconic, orange dimpled “Pump” button and a custom-fit air bladder extending downward from a futuristic rubberized tongue. Seated atop a retro multicolor outsole is the classic white/black/orange layered upper built from the ‘90s blacktop. TPU overlays advances the wearer’s quickness, while adding durability and style to the chunky retro design. To learn more, please visit Reebok’s website.
G-Shock’s New Women’s Collection
The G-SHOCK GMAS2100 collection boasts the distinctive, octagonal bezel of the original men’s GA2100 timepiece in an updated, slimmer case. It also features new complementary metallic color accents on the dial, and a Carbon Core Guard Structure that ensures the watches are trendy on the outside, yet strong on the inside.
The collection arrives in four colorways including white with silver accents, blush pink with rose gold accents, and black with rose gold accents. The fourth colorway is a limited-edition watch that boasts a hot pink case with rose gold metallic accents. All four watches offer the perfect combination of strength and style, creating the perfect accessory to go from day to night.
G-SHOCK‘s latest Full Metal GMWB5000 series unveils their newest model, the GMWB5000TR-9 wristwatch. This model features a new titanium material called “Tran Tixxii.” This titanium was developed by both Casio and Nippon Steel Corporation, creating a sustainable watch that has the hardness of approximately twice that of pure titanium. Further, the surface is all-mirrored, and comparable to the look of stainless steel. The watch also features a refined, multi-colored Ion-Plated Band, and a mirror finished bezel.
Ditch the novelty Easter basket and treat yourself to something you’ll use every day of the year– G-SHOCK’s GMWB5000TR-9 model. The watch will become available mid-May at select G-SHOCK retailers, the G-SHOCK Soho Store, and on G-SHOCK’s website.
As Valentine’s Day comes to a close, there seems to be a lull in the season of gift-giving. Christmas and Valentine’s Day are two holidays focused on spreading love and the next day focused on sharing love is Mother’s Day. Although it’s still weeks away, it’s never too soon to start planning for the important women in your life.
Tea Forté
Tea Forté has a variety of exquisite teas that are the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. The company features a variety of tea collections such as the Soleil Collection, which will be available in March 2021, the Wellbeing Collection and the Tea Over Ice Collection.
Tea Forté also features a variety of gift sets so they’re ready to go as a perfect gift. Beyond tea, they feature teaware such as a steeping cup that has a double-walled cup to keep tea hot and the cup cozy to hold. Plus, enjoy free shipping on all orders over $49!
A perfect gift for Mother’s Day is skincare and OURA has products worth talking about. OURA has recently worked to create self-care products that infuse high-tech solutions into everyday life, while also doing social good by granting the wish of a childhood cancer patient for every 1,000 products sold.
The OURA Exfoliatoris self-disinfecting and rejuvenates the skin by removing dead skin cells as it cleans out pores and sweeps away debris deeply and completely using only water. The dual-textured smart fiber pad is infused with copper oxide which works naturally to improve skin texture and provide a luminous glow, while gentle enough for sensitive skin. These special cleansing cloths are anti-bacterial; ultra-plush; self-sterilizing; sustainable; hypoallergenic; and anti-aging.
Like the Exfoliator, the Hydro Glove creates a healthy glow on skin from head to toe. The Hydro Glove is antimicrobial and made of 100 percent cotton infused with copper to allow for gentle exfoliation for the entire body.
There’s finally a sensible solution to help stop stains on your favorite panties from unpredictable monthly leaks. Cutie Undies are underpants that you wear during your period and then toss into the garbage!
Each pack comes with two pairs of 100% cotton breathable briefs with built-in sanitary pads for the best day/night protection. The briefs are discreet, secure, comfortable and biodegradable. The best part? It’s only $9.99 for a pack of two! Check out their website for more information.
Mom has been working overtime for the past year, it’s only fair to give her a gift of true comfort with Barefoot Dreams’ new Spring collection featuring new colorways of fan-favorite sets and brand-new styles. Surefire items include the Crinkle Jersey Lounge Set in a beautiful new color, Waterfall Sea Salt, the Scoop Neck Short Set, and the Washed Satin Short PJ Set.
Now, with everyone staying home, loungewear is the perfect gift for any woman in your life. Barefoot Dreams features a collection of cozy, chic and comfortable clothing.
Score extra points with mom this year, by giving her a gift made just for her – salon-quality custom haircare by Gemmist. Made with coconut oil, camellia japonica seed oil and avocado oil, and by using science-based formulas from a quick hair quiz, this personalized shampoo and conditioner set, and the Scalp Balancing Bar is the endless thank you mom deserves.
With these products, women in your life will be able to bring the spa home with them. The brand also offers a Gemmist gifting subscription service to save you the hassle.
DoggieLawn was created when founder Natalie wanted to find an easy indoor dog bathroom solution to living in an apartment with dogs. It’s the perfect, natural place for your pet to relax or go potty – especially right now with cold temps, crazy storms, or even if it’s in the middle of the night and you don’t want to venture outside!
DoggieLawn is an environmentally-friendly subscription or one-time purchase that delivers a never-ending supply of fresh grass right to your door. Great for indoors, small balconies, backyards and more! Learn more on their website.
Qemp has a variety of CBD oils, the perfect Mother’s Day gift for all the stressed moms out there. Their formulas are crafted to help maintain focus, boost energy and improve rest. They also have a CBD cream to help provide relief for pain. They have formulas for nighttime and daytime use as well as an oil for beginners that don’t know where to start.
The GlassFusion VisionGuard+ with D3O and GlassFusion+ with D3O are now available for the Apple iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12/12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The formulation used by InvisibleShield is crystal clear, so it looks just like the phone’s original screen. The D3O additive makes these industry-leading screen protectors more than 20% stronger than the original GlassFusion protector. These screen protectors are perfect for the mom that can’t seem to hold on to their phone.
GlassFusion Screen Protectors – Starting at $49.99
G-SHOCK’s Gold Ingot Collection
G-SHOCK’s new Gold Ingot Collection screams luxury. The GM110SG-9A, GM5600SG-9, and GM6900SG-9, each feature stainless steel bezels and buckles with eye-catching semi-transparent bands and metallic gold dials inspired by the design of a classic Gold Ingot. The retro-inspired models each come equipped with standard G-SHOCK technology and capabilities including shock resistance, 200M water resistance, EL backlight, daily alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer, and full auto-calendar.
G-SHOCK’s Gold Ingot Collection – Starting at $220
L’OR Espresso
For the mom that loves coffee, L’OR will allow them to dive into pure espresso bliss. With L’OR you can experience the sweet aroma of the freshest Arabica and Robusta beans, hand-selected by L’OR roasters. The selection is truly exquisite and would satisfy any mom that wants to indulge.
As we move into the spring months and warmer weather, sandals are on every women’s wishlist. The Blowfish Malibu Spring Collection has a variety of cute styles to choose from. The Rylim Sandal is the perfect slide on shoe to complete your Spring look; the cushioned footbed, featuring a cactus flower sock design, allows for all day comfort without breaking the bank or compromising your chicness. The Rylim Sandal comes in five cool colors and is Vegan Registered too!
A trend in skincare is moving toward more natural and organic products, and sugar can be a key ingredient in a natural skincare regimen. Ida Body Care Founder & CEO Vicki Weaver Payne says “Our Sugar Scrub is Ida’s secret step to maximize hydration. My mother Ida created it with natural sugar and 12 essential oils including anti-aging powerhouses like Avocado oil, Evening Primrose oil and Apricot Kernel oil,” Vicki explains. “Your skin will never feel the same.”
A vegan and cruelty-free line, Ida’s Body Scrub stimulates the skin, activating and cleansing it, so you feel revived and ready. Sugar is beneficial to the skin because it is a natural humectant. A humectant draws moisture from the environment into the skin. Using sugar on the skin can help hydrate the skin and retain moisture.
PROUDis an ethically sourced collection with a mission to give back. Any purchase the customer makes from the website, 10% of gross sales will be donated to their charity of choice: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Pink Ribbon Girls, Baby2Baby, Off The Street Club, Victoria’s Victory Foundation or the Rezvan Foundation.
PROUD’s ethos is to create a brand that unifies people beyond the current political divide in America and awaken the philanthropist in each of us. The idea is no matter where you come from or what you do, we all have something to be proud of. With a variety of sizes, styles and prices, the women in your life will love PROUD.
For the mom that wants a bag that is stylish and practical, the Luli Bebé Monaco Diaper bag is the one for her. Available in two sizes—Monaco and Petit Monaco—the soft vegan faux leather texture is gorgeous and easy to care for. Worn as a backpack or a shoulder/crossbody bag, with clips provided to attach to it to a stroller, this diaper bag is versatile and beautiful.
The central satin-lined storage space is ringed by pockets for a total of nine storage spaces, to keep all of the baby’s things organized and easy to reach. The exterior design and elegant colors make this diaper bag look runway-worthy, with shades of Ebony Black, Pearl White, Stone Grey, Pastel Pink, Latte Brown and Caramel.
Mother’s deserve a good night’s sleep and FluffCo brings ultimate comfort to your bedroom. Featuring down and feather as well as down alternative pillows, bring the ultimate hotel pillow experience home with you! The pillows contain ethically sourced down & feather and pillow shells made with cooling eucalyptus.
At half the industry retail cost, your best night sleep ever is right around the corner with FluffCo. Any woman in your life will love the comfort that FluffCo can provide. After all, they deserve to relax after the busy lives they need to balance.
Coachx Champion
For the fashion-forward mom, this limited-edition collaboration brings together two American icons, combining Coach’s distinct attitude and legacy of craftsmanship with Champion’s authority in authentic athletic apparel.
Featuring leather bags, leather jogger pants, sweaters and shearling jackets printed with new branding that unites Coach’s storypatch, one of its house symbols, with Champion’s iconic C-logo, the collection reimagines the shared heritage of both brands with a fresh, modern lens.
BisouLovely Jewelry
BisouLovely is a line of high-quality ethereal jewelry that will remind you of the magical jewels in your fairytale dreams!
Inspired by magical girls, each piece is crafted with care using precious metals and sparkling stones to create the jewelry of your fairytale dreams. Choose from rings, necklaces, and earrings in celestial shades of pink, blue, rose gold, silver with sapphires, opals, cubic zirconia stones, moonstones and more.
Puro Sound Labs, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium, safe children and adult headphones, recently announced a change in ownership. Founder Dave Russell has sold the company to his daughters, Ashley Warnicki, Christina Russell and Nicole Russell, to both honor Women in the Workplace as we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, and also to continue his legacy of providing safe hearing for all.
The brand is dedicated to creating healthy, affordable, high-quality listening products for everyone. They have a variety of styles and colors beginning at just $64.99. The volume limiting headphones ensure a safe listening experience.
Malicious Women Candle Co. is a woman-owned company serving sassiness through their ethically made candles, cosmetics, apparel, jewelry and more. They have built a community of Malicious Misfits from around the world and their candles make the perfect gift.
Scents like “A Hot Mess” and “Blueberry Cobbler” will fill anyone’s home with a fabulous scent. The women in your life will love the cute candle jars that will spice up any room. The candles come with funny sayings so they can be personalized to the woman you’re shopping for.
For the mom that loves wine, Repour has the perfect way to save the bottle so every last drop stays fresh. By absorbing the oxygen from the bottle—which is what causes wine to go bad in the first place—it keeps your wine fresh from the first glass to the last.
Use Repour like you would a normal stopper or closure. One Repour will save one full bottle of wine (750 ml), even if you drink one glass a week for 5 weeks. The stopper eliminates 100% of oxygen from your wine, perfect for those who can never finish a bottle.
This Mother’s Day, make mom feel bathed in opulence with a heartfelt gift from luxury designer, Louis Vuitton. The company has an array of exotic and leather handbags so that mom can tote around all her goods in one compact, fashion-forward purse. Vuitton also features stunning springtime garment designs, like their Starboard Wedge Sandals and Stellar Sneakers, so mom can stride with style. Pair her favorite Louis Vuitton shoes with the fashionable Flounce Detail Straight-Cut Dress or the Monogrammed Jacquard Gabardine dress for a full outfit–perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch. If she can’t get enough of the accessories, add a cool new pair of sunglasses, a monogrammed shawl, or some of the company’s beautiful baubles. From earrings and rings to necklaces and watches, let mom shine in what is sure to be a gift she’ll cherish forever.
Louis Vuitton experiential gifts can make for most unforgettable Mother’s Day memories– such as their Surfboard by Alex Israel, bikes, board games, and book collections. Sharing an afternoon playing chess with mom on her new Louis Vuitton chess set might be your new, favorite Mother’s Day tradition together.
A variety of luxury home goods are available from Louis Vuitton’s Mother’s Day gift guide. From origami flowers by Atelier Oi to Marcel Wanders diamond mirror to Tokujin Yoshioka’s stunning blossom vase and more, outfit mom’s space with the glitz and glamour she deserves. Several of Vuitton’s gifts–including the Doudou Louis teddy bear and Lockit bracelets– give money back to UNICEF, so customers can feel good about simultaneously indulging in mom and contributing to a charitable cause.
GUCCI
Gucci’s Mother’s Day gift guide offerings include the Ken Scott, Off The Grid and Ouverture collections along with Gucci’s Beloved Handbags which were recently reimagined in new precious gems colorways! Gucci’s eclectic, contemporary and romantic designs are sure to leave mom swooning for more!
SKINNEY MEDSPA
Shower some of your most deserving with the gift of great skin…because there’s no better gift than giving mom a little time for herself on her very special day! SKINNEY Medspa is the latest beauty destination to debut in Miami in Bal Harbour Shops, offering all manners of cosmetic enhancements under one roof. Specializing in high-tech non-invasive skin treatments, cosmetic and body contouring procedures, SKINNEY Medspa’s Mother’s Day promo showcases some of their favorite treatments at a discounted price, available for purchase from now until Mother’s Day!
FRAXEL:
Fraxel promotes more beautiful, healthier skin. Stimulates collagen, fights aging, uneven texture, deep wrinkling, or scars. Normally valued at $1,500, the treatment will be available for $1,000 for a limited time.
THERMAGE:
Address the visible signs of aging in minutes! Thermageis non-invasive that smooths + tightens. Normally valued at $3,000, the treatment will be available for $2,400 for a limited time.
On the other hand, surprise mom with something you both want! In addition to the above treatments, SKINNEY Medspa is offering Buy 1 Gift 1 on select facials:
HYDRAFACIAL:
The HydraFacial immediately improves the look and health of skin using patented technology to cleanse, extract and hydrate while providing ongoing results. This A-list facial will leave skin looking healthy and flawless.
VENUS FREEZE FACIAL:
Venus Freeze is a non-surgical face-lift that smoothes fine lines, wrinkles and tightens skin. Its powerful cell stimulation promotes an instant glow, making the skin look plump and healthy.
The Hapuku Wedge sandal features a 3-inch heel and a faux-leather strap upper with a Velcro closure. With the Blowfish Malibu sandals signature cushioned footbed, your mom won’t have to sacrifice style or comfort!
The Marley, one of Blowfish Malibu’s best-selling sneaker, is a slip-on sneaker featuring a canvas upper with elastic for an easy on/off wear. With distressed edges and a cushioned footbed, this sneaker is perfect for everyday wear! Available in a variety of colors and prints.
If she likes simplicity, she will love this S1 MOD watch from MVMT, featuring a minimalist architecture with a sleek all-over silver steel colorway and a 32MM diameter case.
For the moms on the go, this pair of aviators will fit and flatter anyone! Designed with polished stainless steel, the Runaway is a great addition for a classic and effortless look.
This barbed wire inspired cuff is perfect for the edgy and stylish mothers. Featuring an open closure, this cuff is a fun twist to stack with other accessories or to wear by itself. Available in 4 different colored metals.
BBQGuys Outdoor Living Products
Food brings people together. This Mother’s Day, enjoying some quality time with mom over a delicious meal. With BBQGuys‘ wide range of grills, BBQs, smokers, pizza ovens, BBQ accessories, outdoor kitchen appliances, and more on their website, you’ll be cooking up a delicious meal in no time. The Blaze Electric Grill is perfect for cooking up a delicious Mother’ Day meal. With a water-resistant exterior, mom will love this new grill. Table-Top to Pedestal, or Built-In model, the Electric Grill is versatile, allowing for mom to grill anywhere in style. The newest launch that she will adore features triangular searing rods to create the perfect sear marks, stainless steel flame tamers to minimize flare-ups and add flavor, and 1500 Watt heating elements to distribute heat evenly and with a maximum grill surface temperature of 749°F.
Give back to mom, after all the years she’s spent caring for you, by showing her some love with a home-cooked meal. Or, if she’s a chef, grace her kitchen with a new appliance she’ll love to use. Either way, BBQGuys is here to make Mother’s Day even more delectable this year.
Tissot Bellissima Wristwatch
This Mother’s Day, get mom a stunning timepiece she is sure to cherish forever. Tissot’s Bellissima evening wrist watch is the perfect, elegant accessory for any look. This delicate time piece is available in several versions, which can be viewed on Tissot’s website.
Add an extra sparkles to your mom’s outfits with a gift that will remind her of you every time she glances down to check the time. This dainty watch suits all of life’s occasions, including being the perfect Mother’s Day gift.
The Bodega
On Saturday, June 12th btw 4PM-8PM, 360 Magazine will host our intimate immersive pop-up shop, which will be reminiscent of a traditional Bronx Bodega. This po-up shop is a collaborative effort to elevate our brand’s priorities in popular culture and design (PC+D). We are looking to collaborate with and highlight local businesses in the Bronx. 360 Magazine works with LGBT-friendly, community-based organizations.
This boutique and private shopping experience will be held at the #360TRAP Bronx workspace. The event will feature #AOHSOA Trunk Pieces and lifestyle choices, specifically designed for consumers to live their best PC+D lifestyle.
The pop-up will possess a carnival theme and will feature creative activities and decors compatible with this fun concept. The event’s open bar will run for four hours and feature signature spirits of mixologists, as well as festive tapas. This event will be a privileged opportunity to reinforce brand awareness and network among target audiences and sponsors.This summer event will also be the precursor for World Blood Donor Day (6/14) and Armon Hayes‘ birthday (6/16).
A recent study has found that moms are not more likely than other women to support gun control efforts. In fact, this new study finds that parenthood doesn’t have a substantial effect on the gun control views of men or women.
“Everybody ‘knows’ that moms are more politically liberal on gun control issues,” says Steven Greene, corresponding author of the study and a professor of political science at North Carolina State University. “We wanted to know if that’s actually true. And, as it turns out, it’s not true – which was surprising.”
To explore the impact of parenthood on people’s gun control views, the researchers drew on data collected by the Pew Center for Research in 2017 as part of Pew’s nationally representative American Trends Panel. The researchers then used statistical models to account for various confounding variables, such as political affiliation, allowing them to focus specifically on the effect that parenthood has on one’s beliefs regarding gun control.
The Pew surveys had examined a range of issues pertaining to gun control. Across the board, men were substantially more politically conservative than women on questions related to gun laws and regulations. In other words, men were more likely to favor fewer regulations and laxer legal requirements when it comes to guns.
On four of the gun control issues, parenthood had no statistical impact at all – meaning that the positions of moms were no different from the positions of women who weren’t parents, and the positions of dads were no different from the positions of men who weren’t parents. Those four issues pertained to: gun ownership, or how permissive gun ownership laws should be; home safety, or laws pertaining to how guns and ammunition are stored or secured in the home; teachers and guns, or whether school personnel should carry firearms; and whether stricter gun laws would reduce mass shootings.
However, parenthood did have a small – but statistically significant – impact on two other gun control issues.
Mothers were actually more politically conservative than other women on the issue of gun strictness – meaning that moms were slightly more likely to support less restrictive gun laws.
And fathers were more politically conservative than other men on the issue of gun prevalence – meaning they were slightly more likely to believe that more people should be allowed to own guns, and guns should be allowed in more places.
“When we talk about political movements and efforts to change laws, it’s important to have a clear, accurate sense of where people stand on the relevant issues,” Greene says. “Using the potent symbolism of motherhood in America in order advance a political agenda, in this case, is actually ignoring the fact that positions on gun control are virtually identical for women across the board. There is some minor variation, but even there, it actually suggests that mothers are less supportive of restrictive gun laws.
“To be clear, most women – including most moms – support more restrictive gun laws. But it’s not because they’re parents.” In conclusion, there is no true correlation between how adults feel about gun laws and if they are a parent.
The paper, “Do moms demand action on guns? Parenthood and gun policy attitudes,” appears in the Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties. The paper was co-authored by Melissa Deckman, of Washington College; Laurel Elder, of Hartwick College; and Mary-Kate Lizotte, of Augusta University.
“Do moms demand action on guns? Parenthood and gun policy attitudes”
Authors: Steven Greene, North Carolina State University; Melissa Deckman, Washington College; Laurel Elder, Hartwick College; and Mary-Kate Lizotte, Augusta University
Published: Dec. 28, 2020, Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties
DOI: 10.1080/17457289.2020.1862130
Abstract: The idea that motherhood primes women to support stronger gun control policy permeates our contemporary politics. Motherhood shapes views on a variety of issues, but the question remains whether mothers hold distinctive views on gun control policies relative to their non-parent peers. We draw on 2017 Pew Research Center data to explore the ways gender, parenthood, and race intersect to shape attitudes on gun policy in the post-Sandy Hook era when gun violence has become prominently linked with schools and children, and during a time when the Black Lives Matter movement has drawn national attention to the relationship of gun violence and racial inequality. Most notably, we find that contemporary depictions of mothers as a distinctively pro-gun control constituency are largely inaccurate. The very real gender gap in gun policy attitudes appears to be falsely attributed to motherhood, rather than gender. We also find very little impact of parenthood for men. Finally, we generally fail to see much relationship between race, parenthood, and gun attitudes. Overall, despite common belief and media reporting to the contrary, the story is very much one where parenthood seems to play little role in gun policy attitudes.
As of late, one of our team members had the opportunity to sit down with New York City mayoral candidate Dianne Morales for an interview. After eight years under Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City will see someone new in the position in 2021, and Morales, a member of the Democratic Party, is jumping at the opportunity.
360: What are the major points of inspiration throughout your life, so far, that have led you to where you are today?
Morales: At my core is a commitment to community, and I learned community at home. I am the youngest of three girls and the daughter of Puerto Rican parents. My mother, a secretary for the Leather Workers’ Union, and my father, a building manager on the waterfront, created a working-class life for us in Bed-Stuy. But our home was not just for me and my sisters. My grandmother, Mami, lived with us my whole childhood. In fact, she and I shared a bed until the day that I left home for college. Our home was a resting place, a layover, a transition point for whoever needed it. There was always someone new sleeping on the couch or joining us at the dinner table. Whether they had just arrived from Puerto Rico, were in between jobs, had just returned from the military or from being incarcerated, there were always other people staying with us while they “got back on their feet.”My parents opened their arms and their front door to whoever needed it. I never questioned this way of life. I was taught, “If you have, then you provide.” We took care of each other. I saw, firsthand, the opportunity created when we each take responsibility, not just for ourselves, but for our neighbors and for our communities. This belief has spurred me on through 30 years in the public sector, as an educator, a foster care worker and a leader of nonprofits.
As I established my own home in Bed-Stuy as a single mom, my children and I recreated the dynamic my parents had built. We always have a few extra people living in our home – whom we often refer to as our “chosen family.” These extended family members have filled my home with love and reciprocal support. In a twist of fate, since the pandemic hit, I have shared my home with my parents and my children.I envision a New York City where we take care of each other, where everyone is welcome to the dinner table, where neighbors provide more support than extra sugar and all of us have a warm place to rest our heads. Although NYC is vast with diversity, we are all inextricably bound together and are only as strong as our most vulnerable link.
360: How can a mayor, as opposed to any other civic official, lead unique positive changes for equity?
Morales: Over the past several months there is a mantra I have been repeating consistently: a budget is a reflection of our values. The mayor has executive power over what gets funded in the city and by how much. Funding for services that contribute to true public safety (access to housing, medical/mental healthcare, economic stability, job training, education) will provide access and opportunity to those who have historically been left behind by our elected officials. Line by line, the budget reveals the values of a city and government. The NYC budget passed in June was a failure. It failed the residents of NYC, who have been raising their voices in protest and demanding a divestment from law enforcement since May 29. It failed those whose lives have been lost at the hands of the NYPD. It failed communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by violence and brutality.
The budget highlights the need for NYC leadership to put New Yorkers first by investing in communities. The NYC Mayor also has the ability to work to desegregate public schools and impact the quality of education provided to over 1.1 million students, many of whom are students of color living in poverty. This alters the course of a student’s life and provides an entry point to economic mobility and a true career trajectory. New Yorkers deserve a bold, transformational leader who is unapologetically committed to prioritizing justice in the budget’s bottom line. I fundamentally believe that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. Our city needs a mayor that is in tune with her people and provides a vision for and direction for what is possible.
360: What are some of the most pressing or urgent issues that need attention within New York City, and how would you address them?
Morales: New York’s problems all stem from structural oppression by Race, Gender and Class, so our solutions must go deeper, all the way to the root causes. Too many New Yorkers are living in a time of scarcity, and that’s been going on since long before the virus hit. The are working two jobs, just barely surviving and always one misfortune away from losing everything.Instead of this “Scarcity Economy,” we need a “Solidarity Economy,” and that requires bold action.First, transforming public safety in the city by providing access to the same critical resources found in wealthy communities will be a critical step toward creating the long-term change we need for all tolive in dignity.True public safety includes ensuring that every New Yorker has access to “life essentials,” like quality transportation, affordable housing, excellent and equal education and human-centered healthcare. All New Yorkers deserve access to these fundamental resources in order to live in dignity, and it is the necessary floor needed to break through glass ceilings.
Next, we must enhance and overhaul vital infrastructure requiring multi-part, creative solutions that address the deeper issues embedded in the fabric of NYC. To break the racist cycle of poverty that divides our city into the “haves” and the “have-nots,” we will establish a guaranteed minimum income. We will push for universal healthcare and eliminate inequities in the health system faced by women, and especially women of color.We will work to address the persistent segregation of our schools and disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by replacing school safety officers with trained mental health professionals. The driving force behind all policy initiatives is the experiences, needs and voices of women of color. Particularly, Black women. As the Combahee River Collective wisely wrote in its 1977 statement, “If Black women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since our freedom would necessitate the destruction of all the systems of oppression.” We know that if New York does right by Black women, the entire city will be better for it.
360: How can you use your personal experiences with serving as a single mother and observing the many other challenges that face New York City residents to enact policy reform?
Morales: So many of New York’s problems have impacted me directly, and so much of who I am and what I know comes from being a mom. My greatest joy is being the mother of my two children, Ben and Gabby. They constantly push me, teach me and nourish me. As a single parent, I share experiences with hundreds of thousands of other New Yorkers. A 2018 study found that single-parent households are the second largest household type in New York City. I navigated New York City’s systems – economic, health and education – on my own. I balanced a budget for my family each month, figuring out how to make it work. My greatest challenge was parenting my children through the NYC education system. The rigid and unforgiving education that my children received did not allow any space for their learning differences. They did not see themselves in the white-centric curriculum and we struggled to find support during their developmental years. Advocating for my children was a full-time job on top of my paying-full-time-job. Again and again I have stood with parents for a more equitable and life-affirming education for our kids. It is with this same community spirit of coalition building, advocacy and bettering of our social safety nets that I will push for policies that support all types of families in NYC.
360: What is one of the most significant components of your background or experiential knowledge that separates you from any other candidate?
Morales: I am, in so many ways, the average New Yorker. I was born and bred in Bed-Stuy. I am an Afro Latina single-mom of two children who survived the New York City public school system. I am a first generation college graduate who came back home to my city after school. I am a woman of color who discovered that I was not being paid the same as my white male counterparts. I’ve watched my neighborhood change, I’ve seen Starbucks replace the corner bodega, and I have spent my weekends marching side by side – 6 feet apart – with my fellow New Yorkers demanding justice for those killed at the hands of a racist policing system. Because I am the average New Yorker, my voice reflects the voices of thousands of others. We share our lived experiences, frustrations and joys. I love New York City because I see our full potential for all of us.
360: How does your previous extensive work with social service nonprofits inform your motivations and goals to serve as Mayor?
Morales: For decades, I worked within the community to address structural inequities burdening communities of color. I worked alongside those experiencing the symptoms of our broken system most acutely –poverty, lack of access to education, homelessness and mental health services. I witnessed firsthand the day-to-day struggles of New Yorkers that are perpetuated by cycles of poverty and oppression. I worked from the ground, up and from the inside, out. But as I hammered away, I recognized these structural and institutional barriers, and began to ask, “So how do we burn them down?” It felt as though I was only tinkering around the edges of the problem and providing Band-Aid solutions to deep, deep wounds. The core, perpetuating issues were centralized and foundational. I realized that if I want to create lasting, effective change, I must address these systemic and political problemsat the root. As Mayor, I would carry with me the voices of those I have served.
360: In outlining your points of action and reform for New York City, how does the COVID-19 pandemic affect any of these potential strides for change?
Morales: As we know, COVID-19 is a catastrophe that illuminates all of the cracks and splinters in our broken systems. At first, many claimed the COVID-19 was a “great equalizer,” affecting all people, regardless of race, class or gender. Instead COVID-19 disproportionately impacts people of color and low-income communities. This is not a coincidence or personal failing, but rather the direct result of racist systems, putting structural oppression in stark relief. While some New Yorkers are able to escape crowded areas, arm themselves with personal protective equipment and work remotely, others, namely people of color, are on the front lines providing essential services to our city.
As COVID-19 has had devastating consequences that will leave a lasting impact for years to come, it has also provided us with a unique moment. As we saw after the murder of George Floyd by the Minneapolis police, being homebound and isolated forces us to pay attention. We have paused. We have slowed down. With fewer distractions and a center of focus, folks all across the country have had the veil lifted. People are noticing the interconnected webs of oppression I have lived with and that I have been fighting to dismantle my entire life. In this moment, we need leaders in office who are of, by and for the movement for social change. There is a momentum and hunger for justice that can no longer be ignored. As we overcome the challenge of the disease, I will never let the city forget who is truly essential. Together we will create a world in which front-line workers are truly valued as indispensable. A world where we accompany our applause and platitudes with a livable wage, unquestionable dignity and real community power.
360: What are some of the most rewarding takeaways you have gained from leading several momentous organizations?
Morales: I’ve learned firsthand about the barriers and challenges that people have to overcome in order to gain access to opportunities that are alleged to be available to everyone. I also have watched as community members care for one another to bridge the gaps in access to those opportunities. This is testament to the power of our communities to be true partners in determining the solutions they face when given the resources to do so. Finally, I have been able to bear witness to what is possible when people finally gain access and opportunity and how that has the potential to change the trajectory of people’s lives and transform families and communities.
360: Regarding the national and global movement, Black Lives Matter, how will you utilize your unique identity to empower minorities in the City of New York?
Morales: Like many people of color, I have lived years of my life trying not to take up space. I have seen the ways that my identities – my Blackness, my Latina roots, my politics, my womanhood – make people, namely white people, uncomfortable. In these spaces I would constantly ask myself, “Do I seem too opinionated, too articulate, too aggressive?” I would contort and deflate myself to fit into tight corners and small boxes. I would shrink myself so that others could feel big. When making the decision to run for Mayor of NYC, I decided it was important for me to run as my full, unadulterated, unapologetic, multi-hyphenated self. There would be no more shrinking, questioning or self-doubt. I recognize that by the very nature of stepping into this space, I am opening up a path of possibility. As the first Afro-Latina running for mayor of New York City, I recognize the awesome responsibility I hold. I know that when I speak, unfairly or not, I am representing all Afro-Latina women. Missteps become mass stereotypes. Accolades become communal achievements.
This is both beautiful and deeply terrifying. But in moments of fear, I am guided by a greater purpose to bring with me those whom have been devalued and made to feel small, as I have been; to elevate the voices of those with shared experiences and claim our rightful place in democracy and representation in leadership. People like me, individuals and communities of color, women of color, we must be at the forefront of our politics and policies. I am deeply committed to divesting from racist systems and investing in Black and Brown communities. I am committed to reimagining public safety on our streets and in our schools. I am committed to shifting wealth opportunities to those who have been historically marginalized. I am committed to redressing and repairing the wounds of oppression that scar our city. I am in this race to stand taller in the face of a world that tells me to shrink. I am here to tell them that Black lives are beloved. We matter today and every day forward.
360: To all of the NYC citizens following your efforts to better numerous communities, what are some of the best ways individuals can support your campaign?
Morales: The best way to help me is to join the campaign with a small contribution. I am not a career politician, and unlike other candidates, I have not spent decades cultivating a war chest of people, networks and resources to kickstart my run for mayor.I want to be responsive to the people, not the special interests.. My campaign was born out of my home in Bed-Stuy, out of conversations with my neighbors, friends and colleagues. Our campaign is 100% powered by the people, not the 1%. We are an intersectional coalition of Black and Brown, Latinx, LGBTQIA and working class New Yorkers. We are backed by the people being hit the hardest at this moment in time. I am so incredibly humbled that in the middle of a pandemic, without employment, people are finding a way to donate to our campaign. I know what is at stake and the choices they have had to make to do so. If donating to our campaign is not possible for you during this financially uncertain time, we understand. Visit my website, dianne.nyc, for information and volunteer opportunities. Spread our mission to your fellow New Yorkers. Reach out to join our team. Remember me in November 2021.
To learn more about Dianne Morales, you can click right here. To learn more about her stances and solutions, you can click right here. To support Morales through donations, you can click right here. You can also support her on Twitter and Instagram.
