September 2020

BLAC0920_COVER

Armed with Style

“Fashion changes, but style endures.” – Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

I miss real clothes!” This is what I inevitably screech whenever I find myself involved in a quarantine-related conversation. I’m two Monday-night grocery store trips away from stomping down the dairy aisle in five-inch heels and a red lip. Never mind that leggings and billowing T-shirts make it far too easy to ignore that you’ve developed a cheesecake and pinot habit. The first pair of jeans I tried on after months of vegetation took more than a hop, skip and a jump to pull up. And so, Beyoncé, I feel your pain.

 

Maybe fashion feels frivolous in the wake of all that’s happened over the last six months. But we’re inspired by the way pulling a favorite dress over your head can massage your mood, pull you back from the malaise and remind you of who you are. Or perhaps, you’d like to be someone else altogether today. Fashion says, as you wish. We couldn’t think of a more fitting time to recall the power of fashion and the power of feeling good.

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As we look ahead to a new season (actually and metaphorically), let’s also peer back in time. Flip through our noticeably more robust issue and discover 12 pages of fall looks that evoke the funk and foxiness of the 1970s (Page 32). Was there a decade that better combined sophistication and cool? We’ll wait. Of course, we’ve used the era merely as fuel to light your present-day fire.

 

We can’t wholly escape to the beautiful clothes, though. We’re presenting Part II of our three-part “Evolution” series. The death of George Floyd on Memorial Day and the subsequent demand for justice and reform in all matters relevant to Black lives has made it clear that the status quo is no longer safe. In the first installment, we looked at policing and calls to defund the police.

 

In this issue, we unpack the idea of white allyship (Page 24). At first glance, white people joining the fight for equity feels much like a move in the right direction. But in a zeitgeist where clout and Instagram likes reign supreme, one wonders if, like a Kardashian in cornrows, the Black Lives Matter movement is being absentmindedly tossed on by some without any real connection to its roots. Is Black the new black?

 

Since COVID forced the world to halt on its axis some months back, musicians have been among the hardest hit, but creatives will create. Local hip-hop artist Miz Korona and bassist La’Nar “Kern” Brantley share how they’ve pivoted amid venue closures (Page 28). Speaking of, we consider ways in which we can boost our immune systems naturally (Page 12). We also check in on an upcoming exhibit from Science Gallery Detroit (Page 13), explore how artist Désirée Kelly melds genres to create a unique style (Page 16), plus much more.

 

Oh, and look out for a brand-new department, “Pop Art,” dedicated to recently released Black books, TV and film (Page 20). We’ve got your inspiration for the next time you’re feeling inclined to curl up with a good book or a fully charged tablet – after you’ve finished reading this magazine, of course!

 

Enjoy the issue.

Paris Giles, Senior Editor

 

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fall fashion

Foxy Funky Cool

Fall provides the perfect aura for channeling the soul of the ‘70s, what with splendid ambers, olives and clays on full display and at our fingertips.
La'Nar "Kern" Brantley

For Local Musicians, the Show Must Go On

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Shutdowns have forced local musicians and venues to pivot and adapt, but creatives will create.
white allyship

Evolution: White Allyship

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Amid the tumult of the last few months, we’re forced to consider an important question: Where to next? In Part II of our three-part series ‘Evolution,’ we consider white allyship and what it means to Black lives.
Désirée Kelly

Désirée Kelly Proves Genre is What You Make It

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The artist uses unconventional techniques and unexpected additions to make her pieces truly her own.
Grosse Pointe Schools

Remote Learning May Offer Black Grosse Pointe Students a Relief from Racially Charged Microaggressions

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Former and current Grosse Pointe students say the environment is ripe with racism.
immune health

Help Boost Your Immune System with These Easy Tips

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A strong immune system is the first line of defense against infection.
6 Nonprofits to give this christmas

Online Database Connect4Care Kids Links Parents and Child Care Providers

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The United Way for Southeastern Michigan and city of Detroit collaboration is a one-stop shop for child care services.
Michigan Opera Theatre

Michigan Opera Theatre Prepares for an Unconventional Season

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The show must go on, with socially distanced seating and a remixed venue.
Financial Garden

Education Brand Financial Garden Teaches Financial Literacy to Students

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Owner Tasha Danielle thinks once kids understand the concept of money, they should be taught how to manage it.
Sherri Ann Charleston

Detroit Native Sherri Ann Charleston Harvard’s New Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

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This educated Black woman hopes to help move the storied Ivy League institution forward.
New Black books and movies

Pop Art: New Black Books, TV and Movies

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Recently released and ready to download and stream.
Science Gallery Detroit

Science Gallery Detroit Sets Up New Exhibit, FUTURE PRESENT

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The Detroit Month of Design exhibition imagines the future of design.
Community Foundation of Greater Flint

Isaiah M. Oliver, President and CEO, Community Foundation of Greater Flint

This Flint community leader heads a public charity determined to bridge the gap between philanthropists and community.
Ascension Michigan

Why is Maintaining a Healthy Weight an Important Defense Against COVID?

An unhealthy BMI increases your chance of developing chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, which all make the body more susceptible to COVID-19.