13 Celebrities Who Are On The Frontlines Of Fighting Racial Injustice
In just a few weeks, society as we knew it has been thrown into complete turmoil. While the images that we see on social media these days may be unsettling, sometimes good things fall apart so that better things can come together and I believe I speak for everyone reading this when I say we outside and it's time that people in powerful positions pull TF up.
During this time of social unrest, it's become clear that silence is mad loud and it's important that we remember who was a member of the movement when all of this is over. The black dollar is valuable as f*ck and after the dust settles, we won't forget the support (and lack thereof) of the celebrities that fought for our right to exist.
Along with Keke Palmer, Kehlani, and Miguel, who stood in solidarity with protestors to storm the streets of LA, was Insecure's Kendrick Sampson, a longtime activist who was brutally attacked and shot with rubber bullets by LAPD officers during a peaceful protest further proving that even celebrities are not immune to the disease that is systemic racism.
Keke, Kehlani, Kendrick, and Miguel aren't the only celebrities who are on the frontlines fighting the good fight, and their dedication makes us love our faves even more. From J. Cole to Tessa Thompson, here are 13 celebrities who are doing their part when it comes to combatting racial injustice:
Meagan Good & Devon Franklin
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan out here protesting! https://t.co/mSGEPwB1Pb— BILLBOARD BULLY 😈 (@BILLBOARD BULLY 😈) 1590881669.0
"This country was built on the backs of our ancestors––backs that had a target the entire time and this month is no different with more black lives caught in the crosshairs. Too many look at us as public enemies, only some see us as humans, and yet we need to be superhuman just to survive. We must strategize, organize, and train ourselves as we demand more. One arrest isn't enough. This is just the beginning."
J. Cole
J. Cole out here protesting with the people. He’s living his raps 🙏🏾 https://t.co/LseTbMUszy— BlackySpeakz (@BlackySpeakz) 1590890744.0
John Boyega
“Look I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this but, f**k that.” John Boyega. https://t.co/KPFDUUFGlM— The Nikki Diaries (@The Nikki Diaries) 1591193409.0
"I'm speaking to you from my heart. Look, I don't know if I'm going to have a career after this, but fuck that. Today is about innocent people who were halfway through their process. We don't know what George Floyd could have achieved, we don't know what Sandra Bland could have achieved, but today we're going to make sure that won't be an alien thought to our young ones."
Keke Palmer
I love @KekePalmer. She’s out in the streets of LA talking with the National Guard. https://t.co/7iZ2tvubXn— Anthony Dominic (@Anthony Dominic) 1591137553.0
Porsha Williams
"A very peaceful group of us protesters had pepper spray bombs thrown at us! In the post right before this one you can hear the music and peaceful chanting right before we were had bombed! SMH -What a shame to try to silence the people once again."
Chance The Rapper
Kendrick Sampson
"Peaceful to violent. The violence comes entirely from LAPD. You can hear the commander yell 'MOVE!'––cop talk for 'F**K EM UP!'––At the end watch THREE COPS coming at me as I defend someone on the ground they were beating!!!"
Tinashe
Miguel
"Ultimately if we want the kind of change that addresses the root of the problem, we cannot lead with our anger or rage. Human history across cultures and civilizations prove this. Now is the time to educate ourselves and each other and organize and strategize."
Tessa Thompson
https://t.co/mw4lb1A6LM— Tessa Thompson (@Tessa Thompson) 1590883501.0
Ariana Grande
hours and miles of peaceful protesting yesterday that got little to no coverage. all throughout beverly hills and w… https://t.co/8SJQ4vSyRJ— Ariana Grande (@Ariana Grande) 1590949706.0
"Hours and miles of peaceful protesting yesterday that got little to no coverage. All throughout beverly hills and west Hollywood we chanted, people beeped and cheered along. we were passionate, we were loud, we were loving. cover this too please."
Halsey
fired rubber bullets at us. we did not breach the line. hands were up. unmoving. and they gassed and fired. https://t.co/K8YauF0APn— h (@h) 1590890694.0
Featured image by Instagram/@tinashenow.
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line CÉCRED & Here's My Honest Review
Beyoncé is snatching our wallets yet again with her latest business venture CÉCRED. In 2023, the Texas native hinted at a potential haircare line when she posted this photo causing fans to speculate that her next project would be focused on her famous tresses - they were right. Her haircare line Cécred launched on February 20 with her first drop called The Foundation Collection which focuses on haircare first, and I can only assume that a style product line for colored-treated hair will likely follow since Beyoncé is known for slaying various shades of blonde.
As a super fan since the early 2000s, it was only right that I give an honest review of the full line and purchase the Super Fan Bundle (retailed at $265) which includes the full product line of the 8 products, as well as a branded cosmetic bag. If you’re thinking, “Girl that bundle is too pricey for me,” I can assure you that for the value you're getting, the price is quite reasonable. This bundle was an intentional and marketable way to allow consumers to experience every Cécred product.
The brand messaging surrounding Cécred has been salon-inspired, and rightfully so as an ode to Beyoncé’s upbringing growing up in her mother’s hair salon in Houston. This line is backed by science and licensed cosmetologists showing that she’s done her research and appointed the experts. Cécred's IG feed has been filled with images and videos inside of hair salons including some videos of Ms. Tina herself assisting in the styling of beauty experts who visited Cécred's private salon to have the VIP treatment!
Now, have I seen influencers, consumers, and beauty stylists using the Foundation Collection at home? Yes, but I thought it was best to experience Cécred with my go-to cosmetologist who also happens to be my Auntie Tawana. She has been my educator and go-to for hair knowledge since I was a child and has had a hand in my mom's hair health which has always been goals for me. As a little girl, my Saturdays were spent sitting in her hair salon while my mama got her hair done as I patiently waited reading Jet and ESSENCE, ever so carefully eavesdropping on the conversations of the ladies who were coming for much more than just a beauty routine, but an experience.
I’d fall asleep on the plush couch in the waiting area flipping through magazines while listening to the sultry sounds of Maxwell. And I had my first lesson in breakup empowerment when I heard Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before.” So there was no other place for me to go than to see her, and because I’m her niece, I was able to visit her private salon in her home that she calls The After Hours where upon arrival I was greeted with my favorite Black-owned sparkling Rosé, candles lit, and my aunt’s breakdown of Cécred.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
But let me refocus and share my salon experience as I tried Cécred for the first time.
If You’re Wondering…Who is Cécred For?
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
When news of Beyoncé potentially launching a beauty brand hit the internet, there were a bunch of predictions of what and who the line would be marketed towards and if she’d have any wig care products as she’s known for slaying her units! But she went in a totally different direction which I love, and I’m going to tell you why. Critics have questioned if Beyoncé should be venturing into the haircare industry because she is often seen in weaves and wigs, but true Beyoncé fans know that she has healthy hair and that, like many Black women, experiments with various styles.
Cécred was created for all hair types and textures, including straight to coily, virgin, color-treated, chemically processed, and heat-styled. As a Black woman who has worn wigs, had chemically processed hair, heat-styled, natural, and color-treated hair, let me tell you, this was no easy feat! The amount of money I’ve spent on my hair through its various changes just on product alone, forget styling has been astronomical.
Cécred is serving the needs of various hair types in textures and I truly believe that this is going to make Beyoncé a true competitor in the hair industry amongst brands that are comparable such as OUAI and Olaplex. Both competitor brands have similar items at a higher price point and unlike Cécred, their products and brand messaging haven’t always felt inclusive to Black women and other hair types.
Cécred has been tested inclusively and the reviews from various hair types and backgrounds of consumers are allowing the brand to stand out.
I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line Cécred: My Honest Review
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
My hair has never felt cleaner and it shined for well over a week following the styling (but the oil should be used sparingly if like me, oil can weigh down your hair.) Immediately when my hair touched the sink, my aunt told me that she saw all the dirt and oils lifting from my hair when she applied the clarifying shampoo. As a girl who loves my curls, I am often judgy when I use any other shampoo and conditioner aside from Pattern, but not this time.
When my aunt guided my hands across my hair, she showed me how my curls weren’t tangled, and how she didn’t need to comb out my curls before applying the moisturizing deep conditioner or the deconstructing treatment mask.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
She applied each step with care and walked me through the process, and to my surprise, the hair mask wasn’t thick - but through trial and error as a natural girl, I’ve learned that a thick mask doesn’t always equal what’s best for your hair. She styled me with a silk press that left my hair with shine and I can honestly say that each step of the line is needed especially if you are someone who changes up your hair and deals with breakage. If your hair is healthy, you can opt out of the reconstructing treatment mask but I recommend taking the product line to your salon, having a discussion with your stylist on where your hair health needs improvement, and then purchasing based on that.
We know ourselves better than anyone else, but your stylist knows your hair better than you do. I like to lead with their knowledge first and then incorporate what my hair goals are. If you’re a girly who’s committed to hair health and has either the discipline to incorporate each step at home or can bring your products to the salon, Cécred is for you no matter if you’re a silk press or a wash-and-go naturalist.
Give Cécred a try, I’ll be using the line for my hair appointments until it runs out and if I see long-term results, it will be added to the beauty regimen indefinitely.
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Featured image courtesy of CÉCRED