Extra! Extra! Read all about it!! Got a new addition to the site for you all!! Everyday I find myself learning the latest trends in fashion, getting the latest news in media, uncovering the next great memoir, new restaurant openings, and where I should be traveling to next. It’s also necessary that I share this news as I am a huge proponent of showcasing the joys and achievements of what is happening in the world especially as it pertains to Black and Brown folks!! So I figured, why not share these with you and share in the wealth…I’m calling it Dr. G’s Weekly Hot Topics!!
Each week, much like the trailer alerts, I will share some of the top news stories with you! Without further ado, let’s see what is on the docket this week!
- This past week on August 21st, a group of Black women made history at the U.S. Gymnastics Championship in Tampa, FL…Konnor McClain (17), Shilese Jones (20), and Jordan Chiles (21) grabbed the top 3 spots in the all-around competition. This would be the first time 3 Black female gymnasts swept the podium!! Talk about Black Girl Magic!! Another reminder that #RepresentationMatters !!
- A new American Girl Doll is celebrating Black Joy during the Harlem Renaissance through Claudie Wells’ 1922 story!! And to sweeten the story the “Claudie” doll was developed in consultation with some high profile scholars such as historian Keisha N. Blain and emeritus director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture Spencer R. Crew. “Claudie” is the fourth Black doll in the American Girl’s historical line. Looking forward to adding this to my collection!!
- Black Brewers are changing the Washington, DC landscape of craft beer!! To date DC has three Black-owned breweries, making up 20% of the city’s total of 15 (Sankofa Beer Company [2018], Soul Mega [2018], and Urban Garden Brewing [2021]). Along with these breweries making their mark, DC Black beer fans can also bridge the brewery gap and build community through the Black Brew Movement. Our nation’s capital is shaping up to be another prime location for Black owned breweries. DC is truly taking a leading role with other Black-owned breweries in such places as Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and neighboring state Maryland. Who says representation does not matter in the beer game?!
- For all my travelers near and far, there is a new Black-owned travel bottle company, “Ries Beauty“!! Looking for a refillable, TSA-friendly bottle that will not leak all over suitcase, ruining your good clothes…Ries Beauty is the product for you!! Founded by a Black-woman Megan Graham, who was once the beauty market director at Vogue, Graham has created the first reusable travel bottle and has partnered with Sephora to launch the product. As told to WWD by Graham, “Ries is built for women and people in the way that we truly travel. Historically the bottles in the beauty industry have been build on single-use, cheap, inexpensive virgin plastics—they’re not built for the functionality that Ries provides.” Ries is available now on Ries-Ries.com and Sephora.com
Now these are some things we ought to be talking about and sharing with the masses!! And make sure you stay tuned next week for more Hot Topics!!
Black Future Feminist 