There was a time when the Syrian Arab Republic was not the site of an out-of-control civil war where government forces carry out chemical weapon attacks against civilians, and where an abominable terrorist organization has set out to destroy rich archaeological treasures dating back several centuries. Less than a decade ago, Syria was a country…
In late 2016, Fadumo Dayib made history when she announced her candidacy for the presidential elections of Somalia, thus marking the first time a female politician aspired to the highest office of the troubled nation. Dayib was not in Somalia at the time of the announcement, which she made from Finland—the nation that welcomed her…
Esi Edugyan is an award-winning novelist whose cultural heritage and diverse education fuels her rich stories of history, race, and finding one’s place in the world. Born in 1977 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Edugyan began writing poetry as a teenager and her talents were soon recognized by a high school teacher. She started her…
Time Magazine has released their annual list of the most influential people of 2017. The list includes important figures including world leaders, artists, and athletes. The 2017 list includes a number of African and African-American individuals of note. Among those who made the list this year are athletes LeBron James, Simone Biles, and Colin Kaepernick, musicians John Legend and Alicia Keys, actress Viola…
An explosive new Vanity Fair report about the Donald and Melania Trump marriage has also provided new insight into the relationship between Melania and Ivanka Trump. President Trump’s relationships with both women, his wife and his daughter, have always been closely scrutinized. Both relationships are certainly unlike any we’ve seen with any previous First Family. As First…
A Nigerian government official attracted worldwide attention this month for cutting off the hair of a number of female employees. Andrew Kumapayi is a commander for the Nigerian Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Rivers State, Nigeria. He was performing a “routine inspection of officers’ hair and nails” when he determined some hairstyles to be non-compliant. Images…
Israeli musician Idan Raichel blends styles to share music with a message of peace. A keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and composer, his music draws from Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African musical styles. His lyrics are almost always in Hebrew and he often uses bits of traditional Hebrew texts. LA Times described what Raichel does as creating “a zesty…
Oprah Winfrey and Viola Davis are two of the most powerful women who continue to leave their incredible imprints on the world. The pair have been recognized in a most deserving way, landing on People magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful issue this year. Congratulations, Oprah and Viola. Your glamour both on and off the red carpet, stunning features, poise, intellect and confidence…
A Prestigious Appointment Recently, Dr. Vera Songwe was appointed as the new Executive Secretary of the United Nation’s Economic Commission for Africa (the “ECA”). An economist with extensive experience directing policies relating to the World Bank’s activities in West Africa, she becomes the first African woman to hold the influential position. The United Nations Economic Commission For Africa issued…
Are you intimidated by the gym? Do you feel like it’s too late to get in shape? An 80-year-old grandmother from Baltimore named Ernestine Shepherd is just the person to inspire you to get fit. She has an unbelievable physique and an impressive record. Ernestine’s story proves that anything is possible with determination and…
In 2008, Airbnb improved the means of lodging for many people. Welcoming loft apartments and stylish designs for destinations, this company has attracted masses from all walks of life. Airbnb has been the talk of travel for many people with millions signing up as members. In 2015 in South Africa, the number of Airbnb guests…
A WHO Goodwill Ambassador is typically a celebrity that uses their fame and talent to advocate for matters relating to health across the globe. While former ambassadors have been carrying out their duties, mostly unnoticed, the recent appointment of Robert Mugabe caused public uproar. The President of Zimbabwe, aged 93, was appointed as the WHO Goodwill Ambassador…
Weddings are expensive but some people take the expense of a wedding to another level with all kinds of bling and extravagance. Not surprisingly, when Gucci Mane married Keyshia Ka’oir this week, the ceremony was all kinds of lavish. In fact, they spent a cool $1.7 million on the big day. Or rather, BET did.…
The number of women victimized by producer Harvey Weinstein has continued to grow. In a compelling op-ed for The New York Times, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has added her voice to the chorus. After sharing the details of several uncomfortable encounters with Weinstein, Nyong’o ends with a rallying cry hopeful of change. “I speak up…
