#darrensanders

[craneca]

Happy Birthday Darren Sanders! 🥳🤘🏻🎈

[morningstarmoonchild]

Today was 110% clawsome getting to see @garrett_sander and his brother Darren at the Sherri’s Doll Show. I brought a few dolls for Garrett to sign and he was nothing short of ugh-mazing in signing them all for me! Plus, I bought a few goodies for my next mini shrine! Thanks again to Garrett, for signing my dolls! They will be highly treasured! #nilissues #monsterhigh #wearemonsterhigh #garrettsander #darrensander #frankiestein #clawdeenwolf #zombigaga #autographs #dollcollector #hauntcouture https://www.instagram.com/p/CayAVxouZkw/?utm_medium=tumblr

[antoine-roquentin]

help me

[stopandimagineloveforever]

Pete Buttigieg praised the courage of a young Brigham Young University valedictorian who came out during his speech at the Mormon school’s commencement ceremony, telling BuzzFeed News he looked forward to calling the student.

“I know that kid is going to make it easier for somebody else,” Buttigieg, who is gay, told BuzzFeed News on Monday. “Imagine if you’re a terrified closeted kid in that audience at BYU and what it does for you to have that student lead that way.”

Buttigieg’s new comments offer a glimpse into how the presidential candidate is thinking about the impact his candidacy is having as his popularity increases, and as pro-LGBTQ groups continue to coalesce around him as a cause. Buttigieg said he has only seen the broad contours of 24-year-old Matt Easton’s valedictorian speech, in which the student proclaimed, “I am proud to be a gay son of God."

Buttigieg, who came out in a 2015 op-ed, said that he “had some awareness” that coming out while mayor of South Bend, Indiana “might make it easier for somebody else.”

Buttigieg said he found the setting, and the idea of even the possibility that he could be inspiring people to act with courage as Easton did in his speech “incredibly moving to think about.”

On Monday, Easton has received support from the actors Kristin Chenoweth and Jamie Lee Curtis, tennis icon Billie Jean King, and Buttigieg’s husband, Chasten, whom Easton retweeted from his account.

In his speech, Easton thanked his mother, who he said is suffering from cancer. “Four years ago it would have been impossible for me to imagine that I would have come out to my entire college,” Easton said. “It is a phenomenal feeling and it is a victory in and of itself.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints only announced earlier this month that it would allow same-sex couples to baptize their children, ending a policy that defined same-sex marriage as a sin and viewed same-sex couples as “apostates.” The church said at the time that it still viewed same-sex marriage to be a “serious transgression.”

Buttigieg — who has expressed some reticence at being defined by his identity as a married gay man and is not eager to just be a “poster child” for LGBTQ issues — was buoyant as he spoke about the prospect of his usefulness as a role model, running as though it’s normal to be accepted.

Buttigieg laid out a roadmap for running in a way that feels comfortable, “living a real life, behaving as though it would be natural to be accepted and letting people see when that acceptance comes, even if it isn’t universal — that’s how you do this. At least that’s what’s worked for me."

“I don’t think someone in [Easton’s] position is looking to be celebrated, I think the reason this is so hard for them is they’re looking to be accepted.”

Buttigieg said he owes his ability to run for president in this way and live openly as he does to earlier generations. “Then again I only had the room to do [this] because people before me had to assert, sometimes militantly, that they shouldn’t be suppressed. Otherwise there’s no oxygen for somebody like me to do something like this and possibly help someone like that.

“All of this is part of a bigger arc.”

[berniesrevolution]

The Highlander Research and Education Center is one of the unsung mileposts of the struggle for civil rights. People like Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and Ralph Abernathy refined their organizing skills at Highlander. It was there, in 1957, that a young Martin Luther King Jr. first heard Pete Seeger sing “We Shall Overcome.” On his way to the airport after the anniversary of what was then known as the Highlander Folk School, King proclaimed, “There’s something about that song that haunts you.” Highlander has since moved farther east, but its mission remains the same.

That’s why shortly after the 2016 election, on November 18, several dozen Black Lives Matter leaders selected it as the place to gather.

Top activists in the movement — like Alicia Garza, cofounder of the Black Lives Matter network of organizations (a namesake group), Charlene Carruthers of the Black Youth Project 100, and others — met to privately discuss how to move forward in Trump’s America. Protests had already dominated the news for days. This would be the time for decisive action, undergirded by a clear strategy. Here, in the hills of Tennessee, the activists would come together for a meeting of groups involved in the Movement for Black Lives, an umbrella group of organizations that want the same things, and devise a plan to address the new president, the shock of his election, the law and order he had promised during the campaign, and the devastating blow it all had delivered to generational movements about race and criminal justice policy in the United States. They would devise a plan — like the heroes of the civil rights movement once had decades before.

That good feeling didn’t last long. Few people want to talk about exactly what went wrong — how exactly the meeting devolved. But one problem, according to people who attended or were briefed on the meeting, was pretty simple: The ideas weren’t that good.

Some activists pitched things that had been pitched before. Someone pitched a plan that would require the recruitment of new groups into the fold, and leadership of the so-called resistance. And someone pitched a grand vision: the organization of 1 million black people. This last idea in particular infuriated people inside and outside the meeting. After years of organizing, local activists were cash-strapped, trying to keep their people motivated, and struggling to coordinate with other groups nationally while staying relevant at home. One million black people organized? Organized by whom? Organized for what? And this was the plan?

On top of that — people fumed over this — the meeting had done little to address the structural problems that had dragged down the movement since its meteoric rise from dispersed beginnings to national political influence. Many local activists felt they couldn’t get access to funding, and didn’t know who to take it up with. Organizers felt like they’d been lured in before by the promise of greater collaboration, the sharing of resources, and cultivation of a social community — only to feel left out, especially when it came to the Movement for Black Lives, an umbrella group of organizations that want the same things. Many chafed at the tenet, repeated by the press, that Black Lives Matter was free from hierarchy and instead began to question the existence of tight control exercised by a small group of activists. “The hierarchy was clearer than ever, even though folks are sure there isn’t one on the outside,” said one person briefed on the meeting. For months during the campaign last year, key progressives had watched Black Lives Matter and kept wondering two things many activists on the inside were starting to wonder themselves: What is the movement’s strategy? What is the end goal?

Nobody resolved the structural issues at Highlander. There was no one big plan.

(Continue Reading)

[news-mashable-yahoopartner-blog]

Tiger Woods crowned 'Comeback King' after his first major victory since 2008

Dramatic comebacks are usually the stuff of sports movies, complete with sweeping music and tearful embraces. But Sunday, America witnessed one, IRL.

That's when Tiger Woods won the Masters, the most important of all annual golf tournaments, at the Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia. It was the embattled sports legend's first major victory since 2008, and first Master's win since 2005. Fans across the internet, and Tiger Woods himself, appear to be joyously bowled over by what's being hailed as one of the greatest sports comebacks of all time.

A comeback for the ages. #themasters pic.twitter.com/Errkvqh4He

— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 14, 2019

The leaderboard packed with the best players in the world. The setting historic. The conditions dramatic. The play exceptional. And in the end, Tiger Woods won. If that wasn’t the best day in golf history it was pretty damn close. #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/ZvCj7J83jN

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) April 14, 2019

Today I gathered my 3 boys Henry 7, Sam 5, and Theo 2 to watch Tiger Woods win #TheMasters...We high fived, cheered, and hugged all morning...and then their Dad cried...For as long as I live I will remember and cherish this morning Congratulations @TigerWoods & THANK YOU

— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) April 14, 2019

When Tiger Woods rose to fame and prominence in the 1990s, he helped turn golf into a sport that a mainstream audience actually cared about. The fact that he was a black golfer also helped open up the sport for future POC athletes, and fans, who might never have connected with the often elitist, whitewashed sport otherwise. 

Many have said that Tiger Woods changed golf forever.

Who has done more for a sport than Tiger Woods? Tiger is Golf.

— Alexander Bruesewitz (@alexbruesewitz) April 14, 2019

During the height of his career, Tiger won 14 major tournaments, and four Masters. But his star began to fall in 2009 when his wife divorced him amid cheating allegations, and a series of porn stars and other consorts came forward throughout 2010 to reveal their illicit relationships with the superstar golfer. Over the next few years, Woods suffered from multiple injuries and surgeries — and also was charged with a DUI after crashing his Mercedes in 2017. 

The fall from grace was particularly hard to stomach for fans who idolized his singular talent and the way he had changed golf. Adding to that disappointment were four back surgeries, and multiple other debilitating injuries, that caused Tiger to approach comebacks, only to drop out or fail over the last few years.

Now, fans — including the likes of Serena Williams, Steph Curry, and Michael Phelps — got to share in Tiger's redemption on Sunday.

I am literally in tears watching @TigerWoods this is Greatness like no other. Knowing all you have been through physically to come back and do what you just did today? Wow Congrats a million times! I am so inspired thank you buddy.

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) April 14, 2019

Greatest comeback story in sports! Congrats @TigerWoods Let me hold one of those 5 jackets one time!

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 14, 2019

Michael Phelps cheering on Tiger Legends. pic.twitter.com/9vicCvwRUL

— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) April 14, 2019

The V stands for Victory

— This is what it's all about. (@GuardianPrinny) April 14, 2019

Jack Nicklaus, the only golfer who has won more majors than Tiger Woods, also congratulated Woods on his comeback. Nicklaus is the oldest player to have ever won the Masters, at 46; Tiger, at 43, is now the second oldest.

A big “well done” from me to @TigerWoods! I am so happy for him and for the game of golf. This is just fantastic!!! 👏🏼@TheMasters

— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) April 14, 2019

Woods' victory even united President Trump and President Obama. Who doesn't love an American comeback story?

Congratulations to @TigerWoods., a truly Great Champion!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2019

Congratulations, Tiger! To come back and win the Masters after all the highs and lows is a testament to excellence, grit, and determination.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 14, 2019

Tiger's win was by no means a sure thing. Some betting houses lost big thanks to the rogue sports betters who took the long odds and put it all on Tiger to win.

On Tuesday, an unidentified bettor went into a William Hill sportsbook in Southern Nevada and put $85,000 on Tiger to win the Masters. That bettor just won $1.19 million. https://t.co/jrfp8BA7Yl

— Rob Tornoe (@RobTornoe) April 14, 2019

Twitter and media reports were largely devoid of criticism of the player for his past indiscretions. Culturally, many people are grappling with how to consider the work and legacy of people (mostly men) who turn out to be, well, shitty (or much worse). 

Tiger is a lot like America. He’s awful, he’s awesome, he’s got addictions, he’s thrilled us, embarrassed us, he’s lied, he’s cheated, he’s the best ever, and he’s all of ours whether we like it or not. There was little faith he could be fixed, but there was faith. And it worked.

— Darren Sands (@darrensands) April 14, 2019

It seemed that, on Sunday, America was just in need of a redemption story, and a happy ending. Watching Tiger at the Master's, it got one.

WATCH: Obama advises men to avoid toxic masculine behavior

[shihtzuman]

How “Auntie Maxine” Became A Meme — And The Hero Of The Anti-Trump Internet

“What you’re seeing is not a performance.”

https://www.buzzfeed.com/darrensands/how-auntie-maxine-became-a-meme-and-the-hero-of-the-anti?utm_term=.ov8ZE6QJNd#.idGE7ebwqj

[progressiveohio]

Shared from BuzzFeed News https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/darrensands/ayanna-pressley-endorse-elizabeth-warren-2020-squad?s=mobile_app

[political-fluffle]

The Georgia Democrat, who launched and lost an insurgent campaign for Georgia’s 6th Congressional District, is considering a statewide run, sources told BuzzFeed News.

A Democratic source with direct knowledge of Ossoff’s conversations spoke on the condition of anonymity and said Ossoff is already considering a run in the Democratic primary to challenge incumbent Sen. David Perdue. On Wednesday, Georgia’s other Republican senator, Johnny Isakson, announced Wednesday he would resign at the end of the year, citing health issues. Two sources said the development made Ossoff more likely to run, with some kind of a formal announcement about his intentions coming soon. (...)

In 2017, Ossoff, who is 32, was a newcomer to politics and relatively unheard of. But his formidable fundraising — he raised nearly $30 million in his race against Republican Karen Handel — and profile as a young, telegenic up-and-comer put his name on the map. According to his last filing, Ossoff still had several hundred thousand dollars in the bank.

Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath now holds the seat Ossoff lost, defeating Handel in 2018. McBath is running for reelection and has established herself in Washington as an effective lawmaker and one of the House Democratic Caucus’s most important voices on gun control legislation, as her son died as a result of gun violence.

Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost her race for Georgia governor in 2018, announced that she would not run for president in 2020, but told the New York Times that she remains open to joining a presidential ticket as a running mate. Abrams recently announced the launch of Fair Fight 2020, a voter protection organization dedicated to stepping up efforts to promote election fairness.

A spokesperson said Abrams was out of the race for Isakson’s seat. (...)

He didn't lose, he won that election and was cheated out of office by the usual Rpublican election fraud (vote tampering and hacked machines) with former Russian embassador Kislyak's direct intervention.

[oldguardaudio]

‘Pathway to wokeness’? Ralph Northam’s next step on rocky road to political recovery is a DOOZY

‘Pathway to wokeness’? Ralph Northam’s next step on rocky road to political recovery is a DOOZY

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam remains defiant, and his road to political recovery apparently has many miles to go:

Ralph Northam Will Launch A “Listening Tour” About Race Amid Blackface Scandal https://t.co/sr2V2EzPUL via @darrensands

— Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) February 11, 2019

That’s assuming Northam’s finished reading Ta-Nehisi Coates and Alex Haley booksby the time the tour’s supposed to start.

[kalidesautelsreads]

A Sexual Assault Survivor And Likely Future Member Of Congress Is Calling For The Country To Unite Around Survivors Ayanna Pressley, who won a tight Boston primary last month, said if Brett Kavanaugh “had an iota of decency” he would withdraw his Supreme Court nomination. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/darrensands/a-sexual-assault-survivor-and-likely-future-member-of ......... #feministfashionista #feministaf #feministapparel #feministdad #feministfashion #feministart #feministe #fridashirts #feminista #feministfriday #feminismquotes #feminismforlife #empoweringwomen #femaleentrepreneur #feminismdefinition #motivatewomen #thisiswhatafeministlookslike #feministpride #feministsunite #inspirewomen #feministmovement #womensrights #feministsofinstagram #fridastyle #girlssupportinggirls #womeninbusiness #feministshirt #streetchic #intersectionalfeminist #feministquotes (at Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bou1h9zlpnA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=e97x3fyht2mf

[artsychica2012]

Decades after they fought for a seat at the table inside the Democratic National Committee, black women political leaders say their allegiance to the institution they helped build is now critically imperiled, citing an exasperation with chair Tom Perez and a widely shared feeling that the party’s central arm gives only superficial recognition to the voices that represent its longest-serving stewards and most loyal base of voters.

From young officials to veteran operatives, black women in the party described the DNC of 2018 as “unrecognizable” — less “open,” they said, than in the era that ushered in the Jesse Jackson presidential campaign of 1984, made Ron Brown the first black Democratic chair in 1989, and installed a generation of black women at the highest levels of the party for the first time.

Now, as the party remakes itself amid an election that could see a wave of victories for candidates of color, those original black leaders say they feel pushed aside.

read more @ the link