Emmy Award-Winning Journalist
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but some are worth much more.
On Sunday, photographer Master Williams captured a photo of dozens of proud native Washingtonians.
The photo is in response to the Washingtonian‘s controversial “I Am Not A Tourist” marketing campaign.
Author and activist Tony Lewis Jr. organized the event.
Listen to our full interview below (either on YouTube or on SoundCloud).
Location: AMC Theatre in Georgetown
When you think of Serena Williams and Venus Williams, you may just envision them dominating tennis courts around the world.
On Saturday, I got to see a different side of them.
The sisters sat down with residents in Ward 8 to talk about the many ways that violence can impact families.
Their words were from the heart, as they discussed the foundation they created in honor of their sister Yetunde Price. Price was murdered in 2003 in Compton, California.
Before they sat down for the panel discussion, I talked to them about their message.
Watch the entire panel discussion below.
I remember growing up in Jamaica with thick, coarse hair — the type of hair that would break combs. I had the type of hair that would make me scream when it was wash day (my mom really enjoyed trying to style my hair…NOT). I ended up wearing braids often to avoid dealing with my hair.
When I got to primary school, I eventually noticed that many of classmates had relaxers (or cream as Jamaicans refer to it). The relaxer seemed to make things so much easier. My friends had straight, manageable hair, and I wanted it, too. For months, I bothered my mom to relax my hair. When I was 10, she agreed.
I loved having a relaxer. I got to whip my hair back and forth (like Willow). I started to regret it the older I got. About a year ago, I decided to stop getting relaxers. I missed my real hair texture.
Sadly, I still struggle with dealing with my hair. I would love to wear it curly often, but I haven’t figured out how to style it. I also recently reverted to a texturizer because the transitioning process got tough.
Last night, when I saw Davina Bennett standing on the world stage at Miss Universe, I was beaming with pride. Not only because she is Jamaican, but because she proudly wore a crown that is not man-made (her natural hair). She gave me hope, and I’m sure she gave many others hope, too, especially young girls who do not always see natural hair being embraced on television. Thank you, Davina! You’re a winner in my book.
“I did not win but I got what I was seeking. I won the hearts of many, I got to highlight Deaf awareness, I stand as the first afro queen to have made it thus far, I represented my little island and I received allll the love one could possibly wish for.” – Bennett on Instagram. Read the rest of her caption below.
“No abuse should be tolerated.” – Miss #Jamaica when asked about sexual harassment. 👏🏾👏🏾#MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/zmLaycq8C3
— Anna-Lysa Gayle (@ABC7Annalysa) November 27, 2017
(1)President Trump is keeping his eye on the Tax Cut Bill.
“The President is headed to the Hill Tuesday to meet with Senate Republicans at their luncheon. He’ll also speak with the so-called ‘Big Four’: House Speaker Paul Ryan, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.” – CNN
Read more about the bill here.
Back in D.C., big week for Tax Cuts and many other things of great importance to our Country. Senate Republicans will hopefully come through for all of us. The Tax Cut Bill is getting better and better. The end result will be great for ALL!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2017
(2) Sexual harassment investigations underway, as Capitol Hill faces pressure to end culture of secrecy.
Click here to learn more.
“Lawmakers are facing mounting pressure to end Capitol Hill’s culture of secrecy over sexual harassment as they return from a holiday break, with members of both parties calling for Congress to overhaul its handling of misconduct claims and to unmask lawmakers who have paid settlements using taxpayer money.
On Sunday, the roiling debate over sexual harassment cost one lawmaker who has paid such a settlement — Representative John Conyers Jr. of Michigan — his post as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, at least temporarily. Mr. Conyers, the longest-serving member of the House, announced that he was stepping aside as the House Ethics Committee investigates allegations that he sexually harassed aides.
And on the other side of the Capitol, Senator Al Franken, the Minnesota Democrat who has been accused of groping several women, told a home state newspaper that he would return to work on Monday feeling “embarrassed and ashamed.” – New York Times
(3) Pope Francis to visit Myanmar on Monday
“The world’s most high-profile Christian is about to take center stage in a staunchly Buddhist country accused of horrifying acts of brutality against its Rohingya Muslim.” – CNN
(4) Baltimore detective to be laid to rest this week, search for suspect continues
Here are the funeral arrangements for Detective Sean Suiter. Please continue to keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/7Uyu97sp2K
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) November 26, 2017
(5) Federal judge rejects effort to block certification of Va. delegate race. Elections board scheduled to meet Monday.
Click here to learn more.
“A federal judge on Wednesday rejected an effort to block the Virginia elections board from certifying the results in a House of Delegates race where election officials say some voters got the wrong ballots.
The elections board, controlled by Democrats, is scheduled to meet Monday, and officials there say they will have little choice but certify Republican Bob Thomas as the winner over Democrat Joshua Cole in the 28th District in the Fredericksburg area.” – AP
(6) Congratulations to Prince Harry & Meghan Markle! The happy couple announced their engagement on Monday.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle pose for photos at Kensington Palace in London after announcing engagement https://t.co/RsvHN6gYK3 pic.twitter.com/lf6Q7hEQbg
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) November 27, 20
Twitter is great for many things, but there are also many downsides.
Some estimate that Twitter has more than 300 million monthly active users.
With so many voices in one place, there are so many differing opinions.
Recent examples of tweets that did more harm than good:
Here are ten things that I ask myself before I tweet:
(1) Would I share this thought from a podium?
Think about it, how would you feel if those words left your mouth while you were standing at a podium?
(2) Read it three times and then ask yourself ‘Did I hesitate before hitting send?’
(3) Will it come back to haunt me (especially if a screenshot exists)?
(4) Will this tweet add value to people’s lives?
(5) Is it verified information from a credible source?
(6) Will this tweet start a conversation or an argument?
If arguments are your thing, go for it!
(7) What is the purpose of this tweet? (to inform, to point out a valuable hidden perspective).
(8) Is this is a fact or opinion?
(9) Am I attacking anyone indirectly?
(10) Am I sharing someone’s private information?
Examples: Photos or videos that reveal a person’s home address, social security number, etc.
Bonus question: Do I have to use all 280 characters?
Let’s just say sometimes less is more.
Note: As a public figure things are different for me, but I hope the takeaways are helpful.
