Shanon Lee
(She/Her)
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pop culture, entertainment, health & wellness, beauty, mental health, parenting, gender, racism
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sports, religion, politics
Writer + Media Pro + Licensed Esthetician, Past: AP #atasteofchocolatecity, Coach @TheOpEdProject, Creator @Facebook, Contributor @TheLilyNews
Articles by Shanon Lee
A Study Found Bacteria Lurking in Tattoo and Permanent Makeup Inks—Here's Why That Matters
A new study found bacteria in 35% of commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks tested. The researchers found the presence of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in the deeper layers of skin. The study should be a wakeup call for stricter regulations regarding the safety of body inks, experts said. Potentially dangerous bacteria could be lurking in your tattoo and permanent makeup (PMU) ink.
The Other BBL Treatment That's Harming Melanated Skin
As the skin-care industry expands, learning how to properly treat melanated skin is still too often an afterthought. Monique Diaz Doolin learned this the hard way after receiving broadband light (BBL) therapy, offered to her as a no-risk "facial" by an aesthetician at a medical spa. While light therapy is commonly used to treat everything from blemishes to hyperpigmentation, the wrong type of laser, flawed application, or improper aftercare can leave permanent scarring.
Actress Melissa DuPrey on Why Afro-Latina Representation Is So Vital: "Women Like Me Exist" Original
Melissa DuPrey is an actor, comedian, producer, musician, and playwright with roots in Chicago and Puerto Rico.
Actress Melissa DuPrey on Why Afro-Latina Representation Is So Vital: "Women Like Me Exist"
Ryan Reynolds cashes in on his budget wireless provider Mint Mobile for a cool $1.35 billion Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds has seen another business bet pay off, as T-Mobile is set to buy Mint Mobile— the wireless provider in which he …
Rihanna's Super Bowl Performance Was Iconic in More Ways Than the Obvious One
After a seven-year hiatus from the stage, Rihanna pulled off a trailblazing Super Bowl halftime performance that represented the woman she is now — a mother, a business mogul, and an international pop superstar. Much happened during the iconic performance, in which Rihanna boldly announced her pregnancy; confidently touted her own brand; and stayed true to her Caribbean roots all at once. It was an exuberant celebration of a woman doing what she wanted, on her own terms.
Rihanna's Super Bowl Performance Was Iconic in More Ways Than the Obvious One
Rihanna Dressed Her Baby Bump in a Red Jumpsuit With a Vinyl Breastplate Rihanna's much-anticipated Super Bowl LVII halftime show saw her in her own edgy brand of athleisure and also confirmed the news that she's expecting baby number two. Styled by Jahleel Weaver, the 34-year-old singer sported a red Loewe utility jumpsuit casually unzipped to reveal a vinyl bra cup above her baby bump, just barely visible in her spandex mockneck bodysuit.
Rihanna's Super Bowl Performance Was Iconic in More Ways Than the Obvious One
After a seven-year hiatus from the stage, Rihanna pulled off a trailblazing Super Bowl halftime performance that represented the woman she is now — a mother, a business mogul, and an international pop superstar. Much happened during the iconic performance, in which Rihanna boldly announced her pregnancy; confidently touted her own brand; and stayed true to her Caribbean roots all at once. It was an exuberant celebration of a woman doing what she wanted, on her own terms.
How to Take Action on Police Brutality and Anti-Black Racism
The police killing of George Floyd may have sparked global protests never seen before, but less than three years later, police brutality in the US continues to harm Black people disproportionately. On Jan. 27, news outlets aired footage of a 29-year-old Black man named Tyre Nichols being beaten so viciously by Memphis police on Jan. 7 that he died in the hospital three days later.
Esthetician Sets The Record On Hair Removal In The Black Community
Sponsored by European Wax Center Esthetician Deidra Green had an unusual start to entrepreneurship in the beauty business after rising through the executive ranks of Morgan Stanley. Leaving corporate America to become a licensed esthetician, she opened and operated her own salon in Maryland, specializing in women’s body waxing services for several years. Now she works as a field training manager for European Wax Center, where she is also a member of their diversity and inclusion committee.
Simone Biles is being applauded for her strength. Society owes her more, these Black women say.
Shanon Lee 55m 55m Marking the second time in recent months a world-class Black woman athlete publicly prioritized their mental health over competing, gymnast superstar Simone Biles withdrew from Thursday’s individual all-around competition at the Tokyo Olympics. “I have to do what’s right for me and focus on my mental health,” Biles told NBC. [ Perspective | The lesson Simone Biles just taught us?
Wanderful - Blog
While I was living and working in Morocco, I spontaneously booked tickets to Addis Ababa, determined to explore sub-Saharan Africa more. In my two weeks trouncing around Ethiopia with little preparation beforehand, I quickly encountered a steep learning curve as a solo female traveler. If you’re planning a solo trip to Ethiopia soon, check out the below tips on how to maximize your experience safely.
Revisionist Black history: why experts are challenging how American history is taught in schools
Educators and activists are challenging how Black history is taught in American schools and calling for a more complex understanding of Black history. (Photo: Getty) While Black History Month is a time to celebrate Black culture, it can also call attention to the problematic framing of American history — which, experts say, excludes much of Black history. “We go from Christopher Columbus to the Pilgrims to the first colonists and then the pre-Civil War.
Women in tech are networking through Clubhouse, an invite-only app. But these Black women say it’s ‘not a place for us.’
Such was the case for Mahaffey, the tech founder. She noticed a pattern of speakers demeaning other women on the app, too. “In Clubhouse, and in the world, women always have to fight for our position,” she said. “That is why having men as allies that understand how we are often disenfranchised is important. The onus should be on them, not just us, to shut down the misogyny when they see it.”
Dad Calls Mom 'Borderline Abusive' for Scaring Her Son About Bike Safety
We all deal with the pressure of trying to do our best to keep our children safe. Not everyone always agrees on the best way to do that — and often those disagreements can take place within the same family. One mom on Reddit is receiving flack after using extreme scare tactics to get her son to protect himself.
Kelly Rowland Is Still Working Out at 9 Months Pregnant Original
January 21, 2021 at 4:24pm PM EST Rather than taking a stroll or eating spicy foods, Kelly Rowland is continuing to work out with her trainer in her last weeks of pregnancy, and we think she’s trying to encourage labor. Both the expecting mom and her trainer, Rebecca Broxerman, have shared video clips to Instagram Stories of Rowland about to burst but still working out hard.
Brayden Harrington & President Biden Show Kids With Stutters 'They Matter'
January 21, 2021 at 12:48pm PM EST Braydon Harrington went viral after bonding with President Joe Biden over his stutter and delivering a stirring speech during the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Now, the New Hampshire teen is writing a children’s book to inspire other kids like him and the president.
Mindy Kaling's Daughter Reacts to Seeing VP Kamala Harris: 'Like Mommy!'
January 21, 2021 at 11:09am AM EST Millions of viewers witnessed the historic inauguration of Kamala Harris as the nation’s first woman, first Black American and first South Asian American vice president on Wednesday. But it was different for the Black and Asian women and girls watching — a sentiment Mindy Kaling captured when she shared her daughter Katherine’s reaction to the sight on Instagram.
Mompreneur Launches 'Just Us' Safety App to Protect Young Black Drivers
Just Us App (Image: JustUsApp.org) Sparked by a growing concern for her son’s safety when “driving while Black,” Charmaine Davis invented a solution for every Black parent experiencing the same fear. Just Us, named as a play on the word “justice,” is a free app with safety features that allow users to easily communicate whether they are safe or in harm’s way. “Just checking in, lets you know that I’m OK. I’m doing great. I don’t need any help,” Davis explained in an interview for Spectrum News.
Beyoncé and NAACP Launch COVID-19 Housing Relief Initiative
(Image: Driely S. Carter) In 2020, Beyoncé partnered with the NAACP to announce a housing relief initiative for those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The BeyGOOD Foundation announced the official launch of the housing support grant program Thursday on Instagram. Those experiencing housing instability due to COVID-19 are invited to visit the NAACP website, where applications for housing assistance grants are currently being accepted.
Kuro and Kiva to Provide Interest-Free Loans to Black Entrepreneurs
Peer-to-peer car-sharing company Turo has teamed up with microloan provider Kiva to create the Turo Seed Initiative, reports Ars Technica. This pilot program, will provide interest-free loans of up to $15,000 to Black entrepreneurs in select cities. According to Turo’s website, participants can crowdfund an interest-free loan on Kiva.org for up to $7,500. Then, Turo will match the amount raised dollar per dollar.
Turo and Kiva to Provide Interest-Free Loans to Black Entrepreneurs
Peer-to-peer car-sharing company Turo has teamed up with microloan provider Kiva to create the Turo Seed Initiative, reports Ars Technica. This pilot program, will provide interest-free loans of up to $15,000 to Black entrepreneurs in select cities. According to Turo’s website, participants can crowdfund an interest-free loan on Kiva.org for up to $7,500. Then, Turo will match the amount raised dollar per dollar.
Serial Entrepreneur Raises $1M to Launch Consumer Electronics Startup
After launching NSPRE™, her consumer electronics brand, founder Chaymeriyia Moncrief raised $1.05 million from private and angel investors. Some of the same investors also supported her first startup, Tesix Wireless. The first and only African American and woman-led telecommunication wireless carrier is now valued at $10 million, BlackBusiness.com reports. Moncrief developed a love for tech and gadgets as a young child growing up in Montgomery, Alabama.
Issa Rae Secures Her Seat at the Table, As New Chair Member for TV Academy
Insecure creator and star Issa Rae has secured a seat on the TV Academy Executive Committee for the 2021 season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Television Academy, which governs the Emmy Awards, announced the rising media mogul as one of six new chair members of the executive committee. No stranger to the small or big screen, Rae has received multiple Emmy nominations for her work on A Black Lady Sketch Show and her popular HBO comedy series Insecure.
Crowdfunding Helps Save Black Philadelphia Cafe Amid Pandemic
Franny Lou’s Porch in Philadelphia’s East Kensington is not your average cafe. Before the pandemic, it doubled as a hub for members of the Black community and other marginalized people. “When COVID started and we couldn’t even open our business, the inside, I was really hurt,” founder Blew Kind told WPIV-TV. Opened in 2015, Franny Lou’s Porch was named after artists and abolitionists Francis E.W. Harper and Fannie Lou Hamer.
After Wrongful Conviction, Black Man Awarded $9.8M for 28 Years in Prison
Chester Hollman III with his father, Chester Hollman, Jr. (left) and his sister Deanna. (Image: Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer) Chester Hollman III received a $9.8 million settlement from the City of Philadelphia after spending decades in prison for a wrongful conviction. Holman was convicted in 1993 for the murder of University of Pennsylvania student Tae-Jung Ho during a botched robbery attempt. Yet, he maintained his innocence.
Teen CEO Launches Hair Growth Oil For Kinky, Curly Natural Hair
Zhanyia McCullough (Image: PRSBizNews) 14-year-old founder and CEO of Islande Beauty, Zhanyia McCullough, was searching for her own solution for slow hair growth when she formulated a multi-use, plant-based hair growth oil for natural hair. In an interview with BlackBusiness.com, McCullough shared how she once struggled with low self-confidence due to the condition of her hair.
Bias Against Natural Hair Limits Career Opportunities for Black Women, Study Suggests
Natural hair has made a big comeback amongst people of African descent in recent years. Despite the push for widespread social acceptance of traditional Black hairstyles, new evidence shows employers still favor straight hair. This preference leads to fewer opportunities for Black women who opt out of wearing straight or Eurocentric hairstyles.
Racial Disparities Lead to Poor Mental Health Care for Black Americans
Key Takeaways Many Black Americans are unwilling to seek mental health services due to cultural stigma surrounding mental illness. Wealth and income inequality controls who has access to quality mental health services and the best treatment options. When Black Americans seek services they are less likely to receive adequate mental health treatment if they are uninsured, underinsured, or under the care of racially biased clinicians.
What it’s like to be pregnant during a pandemic, per an Alexandria mom
A new baby is usually cause for celebration, but as Catherine Seaver prepares for the birth of her child this July, the coronavirus has thrown her countdown to delivery into chaos. Photo by Jonathan Timmes After working as a mental health professional for 10 years, Catherine Seaver became a stay-at-home mom following the birth of her first baby. Now the parents of two girls, an 18-month-old and a 3-year-old, Seaver and her husband decided to expand their family last winter.
How ‘On The Record’ Is About More Than Russell Simmons
750 views||May 29, 2020,06:51am EDT Shanon LeeContributorOpinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. I cover entertainment through a feminist lens. Hubbard. Photographer: Gioncarlo Valentine A new documentary on HBO Max hopes to give a voice to Black women survivors of sexual violence and shed light on the culture of sexual violence within the music industry and hip hop culture.
Shanon Lee Now Represented By The Carol Mann Agency
by Admin Shanon Lee officially accepted an offer of representation by Agnes Carlowicz of the Carol Mann Agency. Established in 1977, the Carol Mann Agency is one of New York’s top literary agencies. It is home to a number of bestselling and award-winning authors, including Paul Auster, Fox Butterfield, Tim Egan, Matt Inman, Queen Latifah and Ja Rule. For more information, visit their website.
When Will The Music Industry Have Its #MeToo Moment?
Pictured at the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards - Former President and CEO of The Recording Academy, Neil ... [+] Portnow, was accused of raping an unnamed female recording artist leading to his termination. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) Getty Images for The Recording Academy Pictured at Fonkoze's "Hot Night In Haiti" Event - Music mogul Russell Simmons is the subject of a ... [+] new documentary 'On The Record' about sexual misconduct within the music industry.
On the eve of Harvey Weinstein’s trial, the Golden Globes had a chance to support #MeToo. Instead, Ricky Gervais was the host.
At the 2018 Golden Globes, celebrities wore black to denounce sexual misconduct and demonstrate their support for Time’s Up, the organization formed by women in entertainment on the heels of the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the #MeToo Movement. Tarana Burke, the creator of the #MeToo movement, was among eight activists chosen to attend the show that year as the guest of a celebrity. Burke walked the red carpet, posing for the cameras and conducting interviews with actress Michelle Williams.
3 Ways to Win the Christmas Gift Giving Battle With Your Ex
My ex always tries to one-up me when it comes to gift giving. One year, he asked me to let everyone on my side of the family know that my son was not allowed to accept video games as a Christmas gift. He then explained that my son was grounded and unable to play video games until he began to mind his manners at home. His Christmas wish list was mostly comprised of video games, but we scrambled to find him toys and books that he might like instead in order to respect his father’s wishes.
Shanon Lee Joins The OpEd Project Mentor-Editor Program
Shanon Lee has joined The OpEd Projects Mentor-Editor Program. This micro-mentoring program connects experienced journalists with promising new journalists in effort to diversify the opinion writing space. “The team includes over 100 media thought leaders at the highest levels, across all platforms—from editors to bloggers, from Genius grant winners to weekly columnists to war correspondents and Pulitzer Prize winners.” TheOPEDPROJECT.ORG For more information about the program click here.
Mock Stacey Dash For Her Clueless Personal Politics, Not Her Arrest
Actress Stacey Dash attends a luncheon in Celebration of Motherhood, with keynote speaker Mrs. Candy ... [+] Carson, at Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. (Photo by Cheriss May) (Photo by Cheriss May/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images Like many, I woke up to reports that Clueless actress and former conservative pundit Stacey Dash was arrested over the weekend for domestic battery. According to TMZ, police responded to her 911 call.
Shanon Lee Joins “About The Essay” Panel At ASJA DC Conference
Shanon Lee joins the About The Essay panel at the 2019 ASJA DC Writers Conference on November 8th. The American Society of Journalists & Authors presents “a one-day conference for nonfiction writers managing businesses in today’s rapidly changing media world. Learn how to launch or expand your freelance business, land better clients, break into major publications, and find new pathways for your talent.
I Was Laid Off For Being Pregnant
After announcing I was pregnant, my supervisor's boss began summoning me to his office for impromptu meetings where he referred to my pregnancy as “the problem." By Shanon Lee In a 2,300-word memo titled “I’m Not Returning to Google After Maternity Leave, and Here Is Why,” a Google employee alleged she suffered retaliation for reporting the discriminatory comments her boss made about a pregnant team member.
Shanon Lee Returns To The Writer’s Center
Shanon Lee returns to The Writer’s Center on 9/16 to offer a 5-week online workshop, How To Write Op-Eds. The Writer’s Center is a literary hub offering a supportive community to writers through workshops, readings, outreach, and special events. Registration is now open! For more information and to register, click here. Related
'This is Us' offers us the portrayal of black family life that prime-time TV was missing
Shanon Lee January 9 January 9 NBC’s hit dramedy “This Is Us” ushers in a new brand of television programming that transcends any stereotype of the black or American family. “This is Us,” which returns for the second half of its season on Tuesday, is an unlikely story of unconventional triplets raised in the suburbs of Pittsburg, Penn.
I’m a rape survivor. I’m afraid I can’t protect my disabled daughter.
Shanon Lee November 30 November 30 Another birthday came and went with less developmental milestones achieved than I had hoped. It became apparent I needed to schedule my daughter for an evaluation. I stared at her thinking, “if she has autism I am the perfect mother for her.” During college, I worked for the Autistic Children’s Program in public schools as a teacher’s assistant. I was told it was a job I would love or hate. There was no in between. It was hard work, but I grew to enjoy it.
Sorry KUWTK, Jordyn Woods Can't Be Your Jezebel
E! airs the last episode of its two-part season finale of Keeping Up With The Kardashians Sundaynight, and the storyline is centered around the Tristan Thompson and Jordyn Woods cheating scandal.
Shanon Lee Joins “Autism Through A Literary Lens Symposium” Panel
Shanon Lee joins the Autism Through A Literary Lens Symposium panel hosted by The Writer’s Center and sponsored by Maryland Humanities. The Writer’s Center presents a groundbreaking symposium addressing the subject of autism in literature and popular culture. This is the first event of its kind, offering free creative writing workshops followed by a panel discussion, featuring autistic and neurotypical writers.
7 Fatal Mistakes Made by New Freelance Writers - DON’T Become an Instant Industry Fatality!
Q – I just graduated and I love to write. I’m also pretty good at it, according to my professors. I’m thinking about putting myself out there, and launching a freelance writing service. Can you tell me about some common mistakes writers make when first starting out? I’d like to avoid them if I can. Thanks! J.C. A – This is an easy one. 🙂 7 FATAL MISTAKES MADE BY NEW FREELANCE WRITERS 1.
Shanon Lee Joins 2019 Women’s Media Center’s Progressive Women’s Voices Cohort
Shanon Lee has been selected to join the Women’s Media Center’s Progressive Women’s Voices 2019 cohort. Progressive Women’s Voices is the premier media and leadership training program in the nation for women. Graduates have been featured by hundreds of top-tier media outlets. To learn more click here. Related
Dave Chappelle: Your Homophobic, Transphobic, Misogynistic Rants Aren’t Funny
Rape jokes, transphobic insults, and thoughtless remarks about domestic violence are harmful, not humorous. “And he saves way more than he rapes, and he only rapes to save. But he does rape.” This comment — about a fabricated movie plot starring an ugly superhero who rapes women to activate his superpowers and save lives — came not long into one of Dave Chappelle’s comedy specials on Netflix, which were glowingly described as “terrific” and “giddily funny” by The New York Times.
R&B Legend James Ingram Dead At 66 After Battling Brain Cancer
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - FEBRUARY 22: R&B Singer James Ingram performs on 'The Hippest Trip At Sea' Soul Train Cruise on February 26, 2015.Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, music producer and instrumentalist James Ingram died at his home in Los Angeles after battling brain cancer.
R. Kelly secretly wed a then 15-year-old Aaliyah in 1994
R&B singer and producer R. Kelly.PHOTO BY JORDAN STRAUSS/INVISION/AP Ahead of the January 3rd premiere of Lifetime’s new documentary, Surviving R. Kelly, reports of the defamed R&B star’s marriage to late singer Aaliyah have resurfaced. R&B singer and producer R. Kelly secretly wed a then 15-year-old Aaliyah in 1994, the same year her solo album debuted. Kelly met Aaliyah at the age of 12 and produced music for her, three years later they tied the knot.
This year’s Golden Globes touted diversity. It seemed like business as usual to me.
Sandra Oh became the first person of Asian descent to host the Golden Globes on Sunday night. Blockbuster films “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Black Panther,” both groundbreaking movies, were on the receiving end of nominations. Heading into the night, the 76th annual Golden Globes Awards seemed poised to be a racially inclusive broadcast.
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