Inspiration - (RED) https://www.red.org/reditorial/category/inspiration/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:51:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 Clever Sign Ideas to Win Marathon Day… From the Sidelines https://www.red.org/reditorial/inspiration/clever-marathon-sign-ideas-to-win-marathon-day-from-the-sidelines/ Sat, 26 Oct 2024 22:32:12 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=6768 Every marathon has its heroes, and they aren’t just the ones running. With the right sign, you can not only lift the spirits of tired runners but also provide them (and the other spectators) with some comic relief. Whether it’s a witty one-liner, a heartwarming shout-out, or a bold design,... Read more »

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]]> Every marathon has its heroes, and they aren’t just the ones running. With the right sign, you can not only lift the spirits of tired runners but also provide them (and the other spectators) with some comic relief.

Whether it’s a witty one-liner, a heartwarming shout-out, or a bold design, your sign can be the game-changer that keeps athletes powering through those toughest miles.

After cheering on the incredible (RED) Runners raising money for the AIDS fight at the Boston Marathon® and Chicago Marathon®, presented by (RED) partner Bank of America, we know a thing or two about good signs. Here are some of the best ones we’ve seen.

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]]> Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: 3 Essential Lessons I’ve Learned as a Woman Working in Global Health https://www.red.org/reditorial/partnership/standing-on-the-shoulders-of-giants-3-essential-lessons-ive-learned-as-a-woman-working-in-global-health/ Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:42:47 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=6681 This is a guest (RED)ITORIAL written by Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics. As a (RED) Champion, Pelly helps spread the word about (RED) and Roche’s shared mission to raise awareness around the importance of testing and diagnostics, strengthening healthcare systems, and empowering women and girls to... Read more »

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]]> A portrait of Pelly Malebe on a red background. She is smiling, and wearing a red Roche shirt.

This is a guest (RED)ITORIAL written by Pelly Malebe, PhD, Product Manager: Specialized Molecular, Roche Diagnostics. As a (RED) Champion, Pelly helps spread the word about (RED) and Roche’s shared mission to raise awareness around the importance of testing and diagnostics, strengthening healthcare systems, and empowering women and girls to pursue careers in STEM.

In my journey in the public health sector, I’ve learned invaluable lessons, shaped not only by my work but also by the powerful legacy of those who came before me. As a woman in science, and particularly as a Black woman, my experiences are unique yet representative of many who have walked similar paths. These are the three key lessons I hold close:

1. Harnessing Strength and Paving the Way

My genetic make-up consists of two X chromosomes and melanin, a combination that represents both strength and complexity. When people see me, they do not simply see a woman; they see a Black woman. This identity comes with its own challenges and prejudices, but I wear it as a badge of honor. Throughout my studies and career, I’ve had to consistently bring my A-game, just to be acknowledged as competent. But through this perseverance, I’ve carved my place in the field of Biotechnology, Genetics and Healthcare, three disciplines I am deeply passionate about. My advice to people that identify as women: stand tall in your identity. It is not a burden but a crown. Rock it!

2. A Seat at the Table, the Power of the Female Perspective

Public health, like many fields, must be inclusive at every level. As a (RED) x Roche Africa Champion, I have been privileged to advocate for access to diagnostics, treatment, and monitoring with the goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation. I’ve learned that any effort to eradicate pandemics or treatable diseases must start with diagnostics. In my current role, I remain passionate about strengthening diagnostic systems, particularly in Women’s Health and Infectious Diseases in Africa. The female voice is essential to this mission. We bring perspectives that shape policy and decision-making in ways that benefit not only women but entire communities.

3. From Classroom to Community, Women Redefining STEM

Women are the foundation of our communities, and our contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are indispensable. Our paths should not be dictated by societal norms, but rather, we should be at the forefront, building roadmaps for future generations. Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey, a renowned Ghanaian intellectual, famously said, “If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” I deeply believe in the power of education to break generational, geographical and cultural barriers. I encourage young women to see STEM as a powerful tool for change, one that they can use to reshape their communities and the world. There should be no limit to your ambitions.

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]]> Celebrating Designer Willi Smith on His Birthday https://www.red.org/reditorial/fashion-beauty/celebrating-designer-willi-smith-on-his-birthday-williwear-hiv/ Thu, 29 Feb 2024 22:54:36 +0000 https://live-red005.pantheonsite.io/?p=4066 In West Philadelphia born and raised, the original fresh prince of fashion was born today. Willi Smith was a true visionary iconic designer whose designs helped birth what was then a new concept called streetwear—though he preferred calling it street couture. His WilliWear line married comfort, fun, and high fashion... Read more »

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]]>
Credit: Smithsonian via Barbara Kruger / Artventure

In West Philadelphia born and raised, the original fresh prince of fashion was born today.

Willi Smith was a true visionary iconic designer whose designs helped birth what was then a new concept called streetwear—though he preferred calling it street couture. His WilliWear line married comfort, fun, and high fashion within larger silhouettes.

It’s said that he was the first designer to mix and match plaids, stripes, and bold colors especially in menswear. And his line was the first to house menswear and womenswear under the same label.

Willi Smith, born on Leap Day February 29, 1948, in a working-class Philadelphia, PA neighborhood to a homemaker and iron worker father. His grandmother helped him get perhaps his first break, an internship with couturier Arnold Scaasi.

Scassi’s designed for such boldface names as Mamie Eisenhower, Barbara & Laura Bush, Hilary Clinton as well as Diahann Carroll and Catherine Deneuve.

As part of his internship, Smith assisted in designing outfits for Elizabeth Taylor.

In 1965, his creativity and passion for design led him to Parsons School of Design in NYC. However, two years later, he was expelled for openly dating another male student.

But with his resume within the high fashion world, he became the lead designer for Digits.

Smith then co-founded WilliWear Ltd. alongside his business partner Laurie Mallet in 1976. Together, they set out to challenge the conventions of high fashion by creating clothing that was accessible and reflective of the urban zeitgeist.

Central to Smith’s design philosophy was the belief that fashion should be democratic and reflective of everyday life appealing to a broad spectrum of consumers.

“I don’t design clothes for the Queen; but for the people who wave at her as she goes by,” he famously said. Though Smith did touch what was known in the US as “Camelot” designing the suits for Ed Schlossberg’s 1986 wedding to Caroline Kennedy.

Throughout the 1980s, WilliWear became synonymous with the burgeoning hip-hop and street culture movements, earning a cult following among urban youth, celebrities, fashionistas, and models alike. Take, for example, a then-unknown model named Whitney Houston ‘walking’ for Smith.

Smith’s designs captured the spirit of the era, embracing diversity and self-expression while challenging conventional notions of beauty and gender norms. But at this time the HIV epidemic was quickly growing and the fashion industry was no exception.

To point, Willi Smith took part in the American Foundation for AIDS Research’s “The World’s Largest Photo Session: To Care Is To Care” in April 1986. At the time, it was the rare event to fight stigma and find a cure. It was estimated it grossed $500K at a critical time.

Tragically a year later to the month, Smith’s life was cut short when he passed away at the age of 39. At the time and similar to many others, the original cause was stated as pneumonia. It wasn’t until some 10 days later when his family learned it was AIDS-related complications.

His final design is probably current pop culture’s most famous. Two months after his passing as part of a massive PR push, Marvel Comics revealed that Smith was the designer for Mary Jane Watson’s wedding dress, arguably the biggest wedding in comic book lore. Watson is famously the girlfriend and future wife of Peter Parker aka Spider-Man.

Smith’s legacy lives on and likely in the clothes you’re wearing now.

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]]> Meet 3 Innovative Companies That Are Leveraging Technology To Transform Healthcare https://www.red.org/reditorial/partnership/meet-3-innovative-companies-that-are-leveraging-technology-to-transform-healthcare/ Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:15:31 +0000 https://live-red005.pantheonsite.io/?p=3985 This is a guest blog post by (RED) President and COO Jennifer Lotito The new year is a time for new beginnings and renewed optimism. And one area that’s filling (RED) with hope is the progress we’ve seen in global health, especially among children. Consider this: In 1950, one in... Read more »

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]]> Life science partners at a panel at Davos
(RED) and the Global Fund host a lunch at the 2024 World Economic Forum to showcase (RED)’s life science partners and discuss the latest innovations in global health.

This is a guest blog post by (RED) President and COO Jennifer Lotito

The new year is a time for new beginnings and renewed optimism. And one area that’s filling (RED) with hope is the progress we’ve seen in global health, especially among children.

Consider this: In 1950, one in four children did not live to adulthood. Today, the child death rate has declined to around 4%.

Since the turn of the millennium, the number of new child HIV infections declined by 75%. A recent UNAIDS report found that in 2022, the fewest number of children acquired HIV since the 1980s.

This is a major cause for celebration, but we cannot be satisfied by our remarkable progress alone. While it may not make headlines every day, AIDS is still a crisis. One child dies from AIDS every five minutes.

If we want all children to live healthy and productive lives, the public and private sectors must direct more resources to marginalized communities. Few know this challenge and opportunity better than (RED)’s incredible life science partners, which include Merck, IQVIA, and Roche. In addition to the outstanding advancements these companies are contributing to the fields of medicine, data analytics, and diagnostics, they are also committing both cash and heat to helping (RED) fight global health injustices that impact the world’s most vulnerable.

Beyond (RED)’s life-saving, life science coalition, there is so much happening in healthcare – from the promise of transformative technologies to the advent of artificial intelligence – that is nothing short of inspiring. Here are just a few of the many companies we’ve encountered that are building a stronger global health future – for children, and everyone.

Zipline: Transforming Healthcare Delivery & Logistics

Patients in need of emergency blood transfusions at Rwanda’s Nyanza Hospital used to wait nearly three hours for blood to be delivered from the country’s capital city, Kigali. It now takes as little as fifteen minutes.

“Three hours can make the difference between saving or losing a life,” the hospital’s head surgeon, Dr. Roger Nyonzima, told TIME. 

Behind this incredible advancement is Zipline, a drone delivery and logistics company that has partnered with five African countries to deliver vital medical supplies to remote regions. Zipline’s AI-powered drones have significantly reduced delivery times, saved countless lives by ensuring prompt medical interventions, and underscored the potential for technology to bridge healthcare gaps worldwide. To date, Zipline has recorded over 850,000 autonomous deliveries and has delivered over 14 million vaccine doses to those most in need. 

As Miki Sofer, the Senior Vice President of Global Health Partnerships at Zipline, told (RED) in Davos last month, just by having health supplies available, certain communities in Rwanda have seen a 51% drop in maternal mortality, and parts of Ghana have experienced a 21% increase in vaccination rates. This has a major impact because “missed opportunities for treatment go down and reliability and faith in the health system goes up,” she said.

This efficient and eco-friendly approach not only accelerates the delivery of supplies to remote areas but also serves as a model for sustainable healthcare logistics. Each day, Zipline is reducing the sector’s carbon footprint and demonstrating how technology can revolutionize healthcare while preserving the planet. 

Cepheid: Increasing Access To Testing 

When South African doctor Zolewa Sifumba began experiencing tuberculosis-like symptoms, she immediately got tested. Her doctor then told her to go home and wait for her results, which sometimes take days — putting her family and friends at risk.

Sifumba’s story is far too common, and it underscores the importance of accurate and rapid diagnostics in fighting preventable diseases. Without testing, treatment is impossible.

Cepheid, a California-based diagnostics company, knows this all too well. Their molecular testing systems enable quick and precise identification of diseases like AIDS and tuberculosis and provide doctors with life-saving medical information in hours, not days.

Through the development of its GeneXpert platform, Cepheid has created the Xpert HIV-1 Viral Load test that provides accurate and fast results, enabling healthcare providers to monitor HIV progression in drastically less time. And these tests are user-friendly and portable, making them valuable in resource-limited settings or regions with limited laboratory infrastructure.

By offering reliable diagnostic tools, Cepheid is playing a pivotal role in increasing global access to testing and improving public health outcomes worldwide.

“Ending TB in 2035 is possible, but we need diagnostics that are fast, that give answers within a certain amount of time so that people can get treated within a certain amount of time,” Sifumba said in a recent interview. 

Novartis: Leveraging AI For Good 

If harnessed correctly, artificial intelligence could be the biggest game changer for global health in generations.

Novartis, a Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company, is leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence to advance global health outcomes. Novartis has embraced digital technologies to strengthen global health, and the company’s focus on equity and accessibility has helped ensure these life-changing innovations reach individuals in places where injustice enables preventable diseases to thrive. 

In particular, Novartis is leveraging AI to advance drug discovery and development. They’ve established a code of ethics to guide their AI usage that aims to improve healthcare while also reducing bias and protecting privacy. Through private and public sector partnerships, Novartis supports initiatives that expand access to life-saving tools in underserved regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

“At Novartis, we are reimagining medicine by using innovative science and technology to address some of society’s most challenging and long-standing healthcare issues,” said Novartis CEO Dr. Vasant Narasimhan. 

Why It Matters

If we want to build a stronger global health future, the private sector must play a leading role. 

Every day, (RED)’s life science partners like Merck, IQVIA, and Roche are doing this important work. Moreover, companies like Zipline, Cepheid, and Novartis are demonstrating how new technologies can create a more effective and cost-efficient healthcare system that better serves the climate, its citizens, and the world’s most vulnerable. 

It’s heartening to see this leadership in action. We need more of it in 2024.

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]]> Celebrating and Empowering Girls on International Day of The Girl https://www.red.org/reditorial/women-girls/celebrating-and-empowering-girls-on-international-day-of-the-girl-child-2023-viiv-letters-to-girlhood-idg2023/ Wed, 11 Oct 2023 21:19:41 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1131 International Day of the Girl is celebrated annually on the 11th of October. With the goal of promoting girl’s empowerment and fulfillment of their human rights, the day also highlights the challenges that girls face all over the world. Every week, 4,000 adolescent girls and young women acquire HIV. Of... Read more »

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]]> International Day of the Girl is celebrated annually on the 11th of October. With the goal of promoting girl’s empowerment and fulfillment of their human rights, the day also highlights the challenges that girls face all over the world.

Every week, 4,000 adolescent girls and young women acquire HIV. Of these infections, nearly 80% are in sub-Saharan Africa. (RED)’s mission is to end that injustice and make preventable and treatable disease preventable and treatable for everyone. Together, we can make sure every girl lives a life free from HIV/AIDS.

Letters to Girlhood

Not every girl has the same story, but we are all connected by our dreams and aspirations for the future no matter where we live. In honor of International Day of the Girl, we asked (RED) supporters to write to their inner girl about their aspirations for the future. We heard from women from all walks of life who shared their heartfelt messages of hope and empowerment. Watch the video and see some of their letters and girlhood portraits in the gallery below.

ViiV Healthcare Empowers Women & Girls

On International Day of the Girl, and every day, we’re proud to partner with ViiV Healthcare to support programs that help fight these injustices. In order to end AIDS, we need to empower women and girls to take control of their own health future.

(RED) Talks: Combatting HIV in Women & Girls

To explore the work that’s being done to end HIV and AIDS in adolescent girls and young women, (RED) President and COO Jennifer Lotito spoke with Cathy Ferrier, Head of Positive Action at ViiV Healthcare, Rukia Männikkö, Community, Rights and Gender Regional Advisor & Focal Point for Africa and Middle East at the Global Fund, Yacine Djibo, Executive Director at Speak Up Africa, and Millicent Sethaile, HER Voice Ambassador, Botswana. Watch the conversation:

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]]> 6 (RED)-Approved Podcasts To Educate And Inspire https://www.red.org/reditorial/art-entertainment/red-approved-podcasts-to-educate-and-inspire/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 20:35:49 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1524 We all have moments in our day when we’re occupied physically, but free to listen. Don’t get us wrong, we fully support your right to put on Taylor’s album for the millionth time, but maybe there are other things that could be worth listening to…? Whether you’re going for a... Read more »

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]]> We all have moments in our day when we’re occupied physically, but free to listen. Don’t get us wrong, we fully support your right to put on Taylor’s album for the millionth time, but maybe there are other things that could be worth listening to…? Whether you’re going for a drive, doing chores, or hopping on a train for your morning commute, podcasts are a great way to make the most of your time! In honor of International Podcast Day, we polled some members of the (RED) team to bring you some top-notch recs:

1. Curiosity Daily

If you’re like us and have an insatiable appetite for factoids, you’ll love this podcast that has short episodes about everyday curiosities. In fact, it’s called Curiosity Daily! Get to know the world around you in just a few minutes a day.

2. You’re Wrong About

We like this podcast because it challenges common misconceptions and helps educate listeners about misrepresented events, people, and cultural phenomena from the past.

3. Making Gay History

Hear personal, heartfelt, meaningful stories and interviews about gay history. This podcast covers queer stories throughout time, but the most recent season is about coming of age in the 1970s and features firsthand tales of escapes to Fire Island and wrenching accounts of the AIDS crisis in the United States.

4. The Art of Being Well

How much exercise is enough… or too much? Wondering if you have to take supplements or probiotics? How is your home setup affecting your mental health? Have all of your health questions answered in The Art of Being Well by Dr. Will Cole.

5. We Can Do Hard Things

The title of this show is also a personal mantra: We Can Do Hard Things. Get motivated and inspired, and shed a bit of positivity on your day with this upbeat podcast.

6. Second Life

Do you ever think about how your life would be different if you went back to school or underwent a major career change? Turn those “What If” questions into answers in the Second Life Podcast, which features Interviews with successful people who have made significant career changes.  Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to reinvent yourself!

Have a podcast that we should know about? Drop us a DM on our socials!

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]]> 6 Social Justice Podcasts You’ll Wish You Knew About Sooner https://www.red.org/reditorial/art-entertainment/social-justice-podcast-recommendations/ Fri, 30 Sep 2022 15:30:09 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=5109 Today is International Podcast Day, so listen up! With everything going on in the world right now, there has never been a more important time to get informed on social justice issues. Luckily, podcasts make it easy to educate yourself. Next time you’re cooking dinner, folding laundry, or going for... Read more »

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]]> Today is International Podcast Day, so listen up!

With everything going on in the world right now, there has never been a more important time to get informed on social justice issues. Luckily, podcasts make it easy to educate yourself.

Next time you’re cooking dinner, folding laundry, or going for a walk, pop on your (BEATS)RED headphones and check out these 5 insanely binge-able social justice podcasts.

1. Code Switch 

Hosted by journalists of color, NPR’s Code Switch examines the various ways in which race impacts society—from the books we read, to the games we play, the makeup we wear, the food we eat, and so much more. Code Switch brings humor and empathy to some of the most difficult conversations about race.

2. Pod Save the People

DeRay McKesson first entered the national consciousness in 2014 as a formidable organizer for Black Lives Matter after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. Now, as the host of Crooked Media’s Pod Save the People, he’s emerged as one of the most important voices in social justice today. Premiered in 2017, the hour-long show features weekly analysis from Kaya Henderson and De’Ara Balenger and covers stories affecting those in and out of the headlines.

3. Intersectionality Matters

Lawyer, civil rights advocate, and leading scholar of critical race theory Kimberlé Crenshaw brings her expertise and insight to Intersectionality Matters. The podcast explores a range of topics from grassroots activism abroad to #SayHerName through the lens of intersectionality. All while interviewing world-class artists, activists, and scholars.

4. From Our Own Correspondent (BBC)

Social justice isn’t just about seeking equality for those around you; it’s about pursuing justice for those out of view and oceans away. In fact, much of the journey for unconditional equality and human rights for all is simply learning about what is happening around the world. From Our Own Correspondent, produced by BBC, showcases issues long out of focus in the headlines that affect millions around the world.

5. Attitudes! 

For Erin Gibson and Brian Safi ‘Attitudes!’ is an art form and platform. The two fuse pop culture with women’s rights and LGBTQ issues to concoct a social justice cocktail that goes down smoothly (well, that is if you’re not choking from laughter at their debauchery along the way).

6. UNDISTRACTED

“Enough with the distractions, the noise, the billions of tweets. We got work to do, and we’re going to do it together, and we’re going to find our joy along the way. We are undistracted.” -Brittany Packnett Cunningham, host of UNDISTRACTED (and former (INSIDE THE PARENS) panelist). In this weekly podcast, Cunningham and her guests dive into today’s headlines and other pressing issues through the lens of intersectional feminism.

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]]> 8 INC(RED)IBLE Women Who Revolutionized Healthcare https://www.red.org/reditorial/women-girls/8-incredible-women-who-revolutionized-healthcare-womens-history-month/ Thu, 31 Mar 2022 18:53:38 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1867 Women’s History Month is coming to an end but celebrating women doesn’t have to. One of the areas in which women are often overlooked is the medical field. Women of various backgrounds are the hidden figures behind many of the groundbreaking advancements seen in healthcare today. We pulled together a... Read more »

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]]> Women’s History Month is coming to an end but celebrating women doesn’t have to.

One of the areas in which women are often overlooked is the medical field. Women of various backgrounds are the hidden figures behind many of the groundbreaking advancements seen in healthcare today. We pulled together a list crediting just a few of the incredible women who made history in the field of medicine and broke gender barriers with their achievements.

1. Dr. Gertude B. Elion

A Nobel Prize winner in medicine, Dr. Gertrude B. Elion was a biochemist and pharmacologist on a mission to alleviate people’s suffering from illnesses like cancer. Instead of using the “trial-and-error” method, Elion and partner Dr. George Hitchings used a revolutionary approach to creating medicine by studying the chemical composition of diseased cells. As a result of their new research process and the pursuit of her mission, Elion helped develop drugs to prevent kidney transplant rejection and treat many illnesses like leukemia and AIDS.

2. Dr. Ann Tsukamoto

In 1991, Dr. Ann Tsukamoto was among the scientists on her team who invented a process called “stem cell isolation,” the first method to isolate human blood-forming stem cells. Her breakthrough invention and the resulting 12 U.S patents have led to life-saving cancer treatments.

3. Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett

One of the major contributions to the COVID pandemic was the COVID-19 vaccine. Viral immunologist Kizzmekia S. Corbett was behind the development and design of the mRNA-based COVID vaccine. Corbett now speaks to people to educate them about the science behind vaccines, reduce vaccine hesitancy, and bridge the gap between public awareness and vaccine science.

4. Flossie Wong-Staal

Flossie Wong-Staal was one of the first scientists to clone the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a vital step in finding the correlation between HIV and AIDS, developing of the virus’s genetic map, and paving the way for HIV blood tests. Her pioneering research built a foundation for understanding emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.

5. Rosalind Franklin

In 1952, British Scientist Rosalind Franklin captured the first X-ray image of deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. Franklin’s X-ray allowed Francis Crick and James D. Watson conclude that DNA is a double helix, a major discovery in structural virology

6. Letitia Geer

The syringe you see today in medical facilities and vaccination sites evolved from Letitia Mumford Geer’s invention of the one-handed syringe in 1896. Before Geer’s invention, two hands were necessary in order to utilize a syringe. Geer’s invention has transformed modern healthcare tools allowing syringes to be a quick, smooth, and relatively pain-free tool to transfer medicine for patients and for doctors.

7. Avesta Rastan

At age 25, Avesta Rastan used her skills in biomedical communication design to create a “viral” infographic poster in 2020 to show how COVID-19 affects the body and made it accessible in 18 languages. Rastan wanted to help deliver digestible information about COVID-19 during a time when there was a lot of misinformation and uncertainty around the pandemic. Avesta continues to live by the quote “science is not finished until it’s communicated” and now works in a global health company called Real Chemistry as a Multimedia Production Artist.

8. Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner

Last but not least, Mary Kenner was a self-taught inventor who made numerous inventions but is mostly known for inventing the sanitary belt patent in 1956, the precursor for modern menstrual pads. Kenner created a belt for sanitary napkins, when women were still using cloth pads and rags during their menstruation. Despite the challenges Mary Kenner faced when trying to patent her inventions, she obtained five patents during her lifetime.

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]]> Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu https://www.red.org/reditorial/activism/remembering-desmond-tutu/ Fri, 07 Jan 2022 18:58:22 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1899 By Gayle Smith, President and CEO of ONE In my lifetime I’ve had the privilege and honor to meet American presidents and leaders from all over the world, but Archbishop Desmond Tutu commanded more authority than any person I have ever known. His was borne not of faith, nor of... Read more »

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]]> By Gayle Smith, President and CEO of ONE

In my lifetime I’ve had the privilege and honor to meet American presidents and leaders from all over the world, but Archbishop Desmond Tutu commanded more authority than any person I have ever known. His was borne not of faith, nor of religious hierarchy or the status of the positions he held; it emerged from who he was.

He was fierce, and never hesitated to call out injustice, whether to comrade or foe. He was fair – always willing and able to engage with, listen to, and even learn from those with whom he disagreed. He was hilarious, not by design but by nature. And he radiated, with every ounce of his tiny and relentlessly energetic self, the belief that love can, does, and will conquer hate.

A troubled world now has a big hole in it where The Arch used to be. But the world also has the opportunity to honor a man who spent every hour of his life fighting, arguing, cajoling and advocating for each of us to play to the side of our better angels. In his memory, and in our gratitude, may we all practice just a little bit of The Arch, every day – not just because he was one of the best humans ever to grace this Earth, but because who he was is who we must be.

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]]> Phoebe Robinson Feels ‘Hopeful for the Future of Blackness’ This Black History Month https://www.red.org/reditorial/activism/phoebe-robinson-black-history-month-interview/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 17:36:59 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=4699 We’re so grateful to close out Black History Month with a special interview with multi-talented stand-up comedian, New York Times best-selling writer, actress and (RED) Ambassador Phoebe Robinson. If you follow Phoebe on Instagram, or have watched, read, or listened to any of her work, you know about her fierce... Read more »

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]]> We’re so grateful to close out Black History Month with a special interview with multi-talented stand-up comedian, New York Times best-selling writer, actress and (RED) Ambassador Phoebe Robinson. If you follow Phoebe on Instagram, or have watched, read, or listened to any of her work, you know about her fierce commitment to amplifying Black voices and promoting diversity. This week, we spoke with Phoebe about the meaning of Black History Month, her favorite Black-owned businesses and Black authors, and her new imprint, Tiny Reparations Books.

(RED): What does Black History Month mean to you?

PR: It’s a celebration of Blackness, pioneers, and all the ways we have built this country. But Black history needs to be taught year-round because Black history is American history. So I look at this month to feel joyful, proud, and hopeful for the future of Blackness. 

(RED): What inspired you to start Tiny Reparations, and how’s it going?

PR: I love TV and books and always thought both industries could do more in terms of quality representation instead of tokenized representation. I always wanted to have my own imprint and star in TV shows. And seeing the power of the platform that “2 Dope Queens” provided for women, people of color, and folx in the queer community just fuels me to do more. Overall, I think it’s going well. I’m working with amazingly talented people such as Jose Acevedo, my Head of Development at Tiny Reparations and my lead editor Amber Oliver at Tiny Reparations Books. We are building a vision together and I can’t wait for people to see what we’re working on. We’re just so thrilled to be a part of the conversation and a part of the movement that’s pushing things forward.

(RED): Tell us about your favorite Black-owned businesses (and is there one that (RED) just must ask to consider being a partner with us?)

PR: I love Buttah Skin, in particular their cleanser and vibe brush. I swear by their products and Beyoncé shouted this company out, so ya know, you can’t go wrong there. Love Tracee Ellis Ross’ Pattern Beauty. Sewit Sium‘s jewelry is stunning. So is Lorraine West jewelry! Food-wise, I love A Dozen Cousins bean line. Yum!!!

(RED): Which Black authors do you love most, and which of their books should people be reading, and why? 

PR: Oh gosh! So many to choose from! I love Samantha Irby. All her books are hilarious and honest. Love Austin Channing Brown’s “I’m Still Here,” Ijeoma Oluo’s “Mediocre,” Robert Jones, Jr.’s “The Prophets,” Michelle Obama’s “Becoming,” Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman,” and Leah Johnson’s “You Should See Me in a Crown.” All amazing books. Love them. Obviously, the importance of reading Black authors is that they are insanely talented, spark conversation, and make us feel. Black authors should be read year-round and not just in February. And people should read more than books about race by Black authors. We laugh, fall in love, have families, go on adventures. We live full, exciting, delicious lives and weave beautiful stories. We’re continually blessing the world with stunning writing that deserves to be consumed routinely. 

(RED): Finally… if there is one thing you want to get off of your chest this Black History Month, what would it be?

PR: I think I just want Black people to be able to rest. We are asked by society to do so much, be perfect, be excellent, to represent our race and I would just like us to take several moments to sleep and take care of ourselves. To pour back into ourselves rest, peace, positive energy, connection with friends and community. Black History Month should be more than just remembered the dead; it should be a renewal to make the most for those who are living. 

The post Phoebe Robinson Feels ‘Hopeful for the Future of Blackness’ This Black History Month appeared first on RED.

]]> Transport Yourself to Africa With (RED) Zoom Backgrounds https://www.red.org/reditorial/tech/transport-yourself-to-africa-with-red-zoom-backgrounds/ Fri, 24 Jul 2020 17:17:06 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=4672 Over the last few months, Zoom has become part of just about all aspects of our lives. Now that we’ve (mostly) gotten the Zoom basics down, it’s time to level up with a virtual background.  On your next Zoom call, rather than letting people see the unmade bed or unfolded... Read more »

The post Transport Yourself to Africa With (RED) Zoom Backgrounds appeared first on RED.

]]> Over the last few months, Zoom has become part of just about all aspects of our lives. Now that we’ve (mostly) gotten the Zoom basics down, it’s time to level up with a virtual background. 

On your next Zoom call, rather than letting people see the unmade bed or unfolded laundry lurking in your home, transport yourself to a beautiful landscape in Africa. We’ve created eight exclusive virtual backgrounds–one for each African country that receives (RED) funding. Check out the collection below and click on your favorite to download!

To add the virtual background, go to your Zoom Preferences, and select ‘Add Virtual Background Image’ to upload the file.

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]]> 5 Lessons Nelson Mandela Taught Us About Fighting for Justice https://www.red.org/reditorial/inspiration/lessons-mandela-taught-about-fighting-for-justice/ Fri, 17 Jul 2020 14:20:12 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=5151 Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to fighting for equality and justice in South Africa, and today, his legacy lives on not only in his country, but across the entire world. The inspiring lessons about passion, courage, and leadership that he left behind are especially relevant in the world we’re living... Read more »

The post 5 Lessons Nelson Mandela Taught Us About Fighting for Justice appeared first on RED.

]]> Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to fighting for equality and justice in South Africa, and today, his legacy lives on not only in his country, but across the entire world. The inspiring lessons about passion, courage, and leadership that he left behind are especially relevant in the world we’re living in right now.

Though best known for his struggle to end the racist apartheid system in South Africa, Mandela fought tirelessly throughout his life on the broader issue of equality for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Toward the end of his life, Mandela became a devoted and effective advocate for HIV-positive South Africans. His groundbreaking speech at the International AIDS Conference in Durban in July 2000 set a new agenda for the future of the HIV/AIDS fight. At that time, South Africa had more than 4 million people living with HIV–making it the most affected country in the world.

(RED) was founded on the principle of equality and the idea that where you live shouldn’t determine whether you live. Our fight to ensure that the world’s most vulnerable communities have access to strong healthcare systems isn’t about charity, it’s about justice.

In honor of Nelson Mandela Day, here are just a few of the infinite lessons the brilliant leader taught the world about fighting for justice:

  1. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
  1. “When the water starts boiling, it is foolish to turn off the heat.”
  1. “It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success.”
  1. “We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”
  1. “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”

Thank you, Nelson Mandela, for inspiring us in our fight for equality.

The post 5 Lessons Nelson Mandela Taught Us About Fighting for Justice appeared first on RED.

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