“Epic Flooding”: Tropical Storm Barry May Become a Hurricane by Saturday

As Tropical Storm Barry slowly moves through the Gulf of Mexico, reports state that the storm could become a full-blown hurricane by the time it reaches Louisiana this Saturday. With the storm expected to bring 74 mph winds plus torrential rain and flooding, state officials are urging residents to prepare for the potentially life-threatening storm.

 

As preparations continue, the threat is yet another reminder of the need for immediate action on climate change, which continues to increase the likeliness of natural disasters. To our friends in Louisiana and Texas, remember to take the proper precautions and stay safe.

 

Take Action: Donate (or encourage others to donate) to GlobalGiving so those in areas affected by the potential hurricane receive necessary resources.

Janelle Monáe Speaks On Redefining What Young Black Women Look Like In Music Industry

Musician, actor, fashion icon, and (dare I say???) American treasure Janelle Monáe recently gave a powerful interview with InStyle about the importance of expressing her sexuality and Blackness through her art. "I've always wanted to redefine what a cool young Black woman looks like in the music industry," said Monáe. "I was never interested in fitting into a system that wasn't built for me or with me in mind. I'm interested in burning that sh*t down and building something new."

 

While Monáe has continued to blaze trails for the past decade, it’s worth also taking a moment to celebrate the newest wave of Black artists who are making waves in today’s media landscape. Whether it’s Lil Nas X coming out as gay or Lizzo championing body positivity, there’s no shortage of Black artists who are telling stories that haven’t traditionally been told.

 

Take Action: Advocate for more accurate perceptions of Black beauty and culture by calling for racially inclusive dictionary definitions of Blackness.

Fortnite Gamer Raises Nearly $1 Million For Charity

Earlier this summer, Fortnite streamer Dr. Lupo raised $920,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital during a charity stream. For those new to the gaming community, this means that viewers could donate to the charity of Lupo’s choice, all while earning various incentives. This isn’t the first time that the gaming community has come together to raise huge amounts of money for good: most notably, another Fortnite streamer named Ninja raised $2.7 million just last year. While gaming culture has a reputation of being toxic, it’s encouraging to see leaders in the community use their platforms to make the world a better place.

 

• Why aren’t more people talking about… how missing women and girls of color receive less media coverage than missing white women?

 

• Meanwhile, in England… a new report states that London is expected to become as warm as Barcelona by 2050, which could result in severe droughts and other climate disasters.

 

• My hero today is… Asma Kaukab, 11, who was recognized at the MLB All Star Game for her powerful essay about the pain of being teased for her Muslim faith.

 

• Today in viral cuteness… Kumail Nanjiani gives a gift to Dave Bautista after Bautista gave him (and the rest of the cast) thoughtful gifts following the wrap of their new film Stuber.

 

• I’m obsessed with… the US women’s national soccer team. Beyond being one of the most talented teams I’ve ever watched, their leadership off the field is what makes them truly awe inspiring.

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