September 29, 2016

Another day, another student who learns the hard way that there is nothing to be gained from acting racist on their Snapchat account. I mean, seriously, life is hard enough. There’s enough racism,Islamophobia, sexism, ignorance, indigenous rights, homophobia,stereotyping, and hate going around to keep any newsroom busy. That’s why it’s important to highlight the ways Americans are fighting stigma with increased visibility, cynicism withunderstanding. We’ve explored what it’s like to be biracial and pregnant in America; how communities of color are often the losers in broader government plans; the actions we can take to fight racism in law enforcement; why it’s important to look outside our field of vision; and the difference between how black and white citizens aretreated by the justice system. We’re living in a time when there’s never been more positive media representations of people of color, yet there’s still so much to improve in the way minorities are actually treated. We’re at the precipice of one of the most important elections in history, one that will decide the fate of the country and which direction we go in—if we will elect the first female president, orstart building walls. Now, more than ever, is the time to stay informed. We like to think we’re helping with that. But really, at the end of the day, America: Isn’t that choice yours? 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 —Laura Feinstein

TODAY IN...

SEARCHING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
How Facebook Live became the go-to tool for black Americans to broadcast their horrific run-ins with the police.

ZONED OUT
The White House's new housing report had one glaring omission: decades of racist practices.

IF I WERE A TOY
This brilliant ad uses Beyoncé's music to shatter gender stereotypesfor children.

CHANGE YOUR FILTER
Why white people can't see the difference between their reality and everyone else's.

SKIN DEEP
This digital beauty mag highlights makeup for women of color.

THE READ

If You're Black, DNA Ancestry Results Can Reveal an Awkward Truth

by Cara Rose DeFabio

Nikiah Washington live-streamed the unboxing of her Ancestry.com DNA testing kit as one of her young sons might a new toy, complete with all of the same excitement and anticipation of what would come next. The kit contained a vial for her to spit in and a return envelope. After sending her saliva to Utah-based Ancestry.com, Washington would receive an analysis of her genes, finally answering questions she’s had all her life about where exactly her ancestors are from. For Washington, a black woman living in Crescent City, Florida, science was about to challenge her notion of who she is—and she was ready to broadcast all of it live on Facebook.

She’s far from alone. There’s now hundreds of ancestry reveal videos on YouTube and Facebook, featuring people looking for answers about the past in their genes. In the videos, people lay their bets on what they think their heritage is—and then, live on camera, they share their actual ethnicity, according to a DNA test, with the entire internet. Read more.

LET'S TALK ABOUT HAIR-ITAGE

It could be said Nigerian-British photographer Juliana Kasumu’sgreatest muse is a woman’s hair. Previously, her photo series Irun Kiko focused on the power of hair statements within the Yoruba culture in West Africa. Now, with her newest work, “From Moussour to Tignon: The Evolution of the Head-Tie,” she’s again showcasing how personal style can also radically empower women to embrace their heritage.