Luckett, Founders Kimba Williams and Dr. Barb, Kickoff Kushae’s Cool, Comfortable & Confident Summer With Product Launch, Thursday
Some products are so timely most may assume one currently exists in the marketplace; a deodorant stick for “down there” is quite possibly that new, innovative product. Kushae (pronounced koo-SHAY), the first OB/GYN created, plant-based feminine care system, is set to introduce a new natural deodorant stick, Thursday.
An innovation in personal hygiene, Kushae is the first to produce a roll-on for one’s most sensitive areas. Endorsed by celebrity mom LeToya Luckett, the company’s official Brand Ambassador, Kushae is the first feminine health and hygiene company to launch a major global celebrity campaign, focused specifically on helping women become bold, unapologetic, and fearless about making their feminine health a priority. A Black-owned and women-led business, Kushae continues to dismantle the stigmas and barriers women face in speaking about their feminine health and wellness.
With the men’s personal care and hygiene market estimated to reach a $160 billion in 2022, and the feminine hygiene product market alone set to top $125 billion by 2030, Kushae’s deodorant stick is reaching consumers as the demand for products is at a record high.
Stop sweaty, musty odors “down there” in its tracks
with Kushae’s new natural deodorant stick.
“I am excited to work with Kushae. As the proud mom of two beautiful children, I understand how the different phases of life can change a woman’s body. I support Kushae’s simple, science-backed natural products and welcome the opportunity to spread positive information to educate women about the importance of their feminine health and wellness.”
LeToya Luckett
Kushae is turning the feminine health industry upside down in more ways than one. Co-Founder & CEO, Kimba Williams recently raised $1.25M through venture capital/angel investors, making her one of the first 100 Black women to do so. Launched in 2018 with exhibits and expos, the company literally worked to reach and support women one “Kushae” at a time. By 2020 they had achieved triple revenue year over year growth and debuted in Whole Foods Market. The brand has since been featured in global publications including Essence, Vogue, NBC News, and more.
Despite popular trends in the feminine care space, Kushae’s mission and values of always putting women first remain the bedrock of the brand. Led by co-founder Dr. Barbara McLaren (aka Dr. Barb), a Board-Certified OB/GYN, Kushae uses the highest quality natural, plant-based ingredients in every formula to create unique products that are highly effective and manufactured in the USA. Education-driven, the brand focuses on helping women to make informed decisions about their own health; creating avenues for open dialogue where they can feel comfortable and confident about learning about their bodies. Kushae also encourages women to develop feminine health routines and to be more proactive and intentional about their feminine wellness.
Issa Rae (HBO’s Insecure, Little) and LaKeith Stanfield (FX’s Atlanta, Sorry to Bother You) connect in a romance where a woman must learn from the secrets in her mother’s past if she is to move forward and allow herself to love and be loved.
When famed photographer Christina Eames unexpectedly dies, she leaves her estranged daughter Mae Morton (Rae) hurt, angry and full of questions. When a photograph tucked away in a safe-deposit box is found, Mae finds herself on a journey delving into her mother’s early life and ignites a powerful, unexpected romance with a rising-star journalist, Michael Block (Stanfield).
“This Movie Is Love!”
From writer-director Stella Meghie (The Weekend, Jean of the Joneses) from her original screenplay comes a sweeping love story about forgiveness and finding the courage to seek the truth, no matter where it may lead you. The Photograph is produced by Will Packer, blockbuster producer of Girls Trip, the Ride Along franchise, and ten movies that have opened No. 1 at the U.S. box office, including Night School, No Good Deed and Think Like a Man, and by James Lopez, president of Will Packer Productions. The film is executive produced by Meghie, Erika Hampson (co-producer Late Night, Life Itself) and Rae.
The film also stars Chanté Adams (Roxanne Roxanne) as Mae’s young mother Christina, Y’lan Noel (HBO’s Insecure) as Christina’s secret love, and Rob Morgan (Mudbound) as Isaac Jefferson, a New Orleans fisherman with a mysterious connection to Mae’s mother.
NABJ appalled by President Trump’s continued disrespect of African-American women journalists and journalists in general
President Donald Trump rejected National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) member and CNN White House reporter Abby Phillip’s question today as “stupid” on national television. Phillip asked the president if he wanted acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to “rein in Mueller,” referring to Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating possible Russian influence in the 2016 election. Whitaker has been critical of the Mueller investigation.
NABJ members and other journalists have taken to social media expressing their frustration with the president’s continuous attacks.
“The most powerful man in the free world is verbally abusing journalists,” said NABJ President Sarah Glover. “The past two years have been filled with assaults on the media and Donald Trump’s comments this week have reached an all-time low with attacks on three black female journalists. His dismissive comments toward journalists April Ryan, Abby Phillip and Yamiche Alcindor are appalling, irresponsible, and should be denounced.” Trump responded to Phillip, a former Washington Post reporter and Harvard graduate, “What a stupid question. What a stupid question that is. But I watch you a lot. You ask a lot of stupid questions.”
The president also used demeaning and insulting language about American Urban Radio Network’s April Ryan, calling her “nasty” and a “loser.” He further scolded her, telling her to “sit down” several times during Wednesday’s news conference at the White House.
During that same news conference, Trump was also dismissive of Yamiche Alcindor of PBS Newshour. She asked if the president’s rhetoric was encouraging white nationalists. The president responded, “That is such a racist question.”
The NABJ is calling on the president to stop his verbal assault on black women journalists and all journalists, and to provide truthful answers instead of insults.
Read NABJ’s statement calling for Jim Acosta’s White House press credentials to be restored here.
Bishop Jakes Captures Historic Mother-to-Mother Moment: Sybrina Fulton Honors Allison Jean at International Gathering
A brief word from SMG founder, Fred Willis: Last night when I saw this, I couldn’t hold back my emotions. To hear from this mother, still in the throes of grief, flanked by Bishop, Lady Jakes and Sybrina Fulton was a lot to grasp. Bishop Jakes serves as Pastor to Dallas County DA, Faith Johnson who is charged with the pursuit of justice for Botham Jean’s unjust killing. DA Johnson has quite a task on her hands because successfully prosecuting and ultimately convicting police officers in America is not yet the norm.
In his wisdom, I’m certain that Bishop Jakes is praying for DA Johnson and the Jean family who are both seeking justice in this matter. For Johnson, the conviction of Amber Guyger could come at the cost of her professional career if some officers and unions have their way. In this moment, I celebrate Bishop Jakes, Lady Serita Jakes and God’s Leading Ladies for bestowing this honor and placing the weight of their support and prayers behind this family who has endured an international tragedy.-Fred
Trayvon Martin‘s mother, Sybrina Fulton, presented the Lady of Grace award to Allison Jean, mother of Botham Jean, last night during the God’s Leading Ladies gala at Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Woman, Thou Art Loosed!Master Class conference. The award recognizes Jean’s grace, courageous faith, strength and resilience as she rose up to advocate not only for her son, but for others who have unjustly lost their lives.
https://youtu.be/WYVIDIhWqvg
The historic moment captured the two women who are inextricably linked by the tragic and unexpected loss of their sons through racially motivated violence: one to an overzealous neighbor and the other to an off-duty police officer. Fulton has become an advocate and consoler to other families who have lost loved ones due to violence.
Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter’s House, has worked to keep public attention on the issue of racially unjust violence:
“This is a 200-year-old problem that we are still facing within contemporary society. Today too many families have become victims to senseless tragedies. Now is the time to unite and not divide. We need leaders of all colors to come together and recognize we have a problem across America. My hope and prayer is that together as a community we can work together to educate society and change this disturbing pattern. Regardless of race and background, every mother should feel that her children are safe.”
The 2018 Woman, Thou Art Loosed! Master Class runs until Oct. 20 at The Potter’s House in Dallas. For more than 25 years, Woman, Thou Art Loosed! has been training, teaching and inspiring more than half a million women. This year’s new Master Class format will feature breakout panels on topics such as the challenges female leaders face in male-dominated work environments, how to achieve work-life balance, how to succeed in corporate America and tips to maintain healthy relationships.
Visit WTAL.org for more information on confirmed speakers, talent, the full schedule and special event updates. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following @MyWTALConf.
With the president’s signature today, the Music Modernization Act is officially the law of the land. As we celebrate the harmony and unity that got us here, we applaud the efforts of the thousands of performers, songwriters, and studio professionals who rallied for historic change to ensure all music creators are compensated fairly when their work is used by digital and satellite music services. We thank the members of Congress who championed this issue throughout the past several years to bring music law into the 21st century.
Neil Portnow President/CEO Recording Academy™
ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY Best known for the GRAMMY Awards®, the Recording Academy is the only organization that exists to champion the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, and engineers. With no corporate members, the Recording Academy directly and solely represents music creators, working tirelessly to protect their rights and interests. From strong representation in Washington, to mobilizing the industry and organizing grassroots movements across all 50 states, we use advocacy, education, and dialogue to raise awareness about pressing music issues, develop policy, and advance key legislation. Our purpose is to give back to music makers by making sure that they’re compensated fairly for their work today and have greater opportunities to prosper tomorrow.
