Solange is stepping up for Black literature
Solange Knowles has already proven herself as an insanely talented and creative singer, songwriter and actress. Now the Houston native has added another title to her résumé: Librarian. Knowles is the founder and creative director of the Saint Heron Digital Archive Library, a uniquely curated collection of out-of-print, rare and first-edition works by writers and artists of color.
While some conservatives work overtime to ban books by Black and Brown writers, the “Cranes in the Sky” singer is preserving culture and making these works accessible to the public. Readers in the United States can register online to borrow one title at a time for up to 45 days. The Saint Heron covers the shipping both ways. The collection currently features more than 60 titles, including Octavia Butler’s “Clay’s Ark,” Pearl Cleage’s “Mad at Miles: A Blackwoman’s Guide to Truth,” and Gwendolyn Brooks’s “Children Coming Home.” And the best part? It’s completely free. Solange stays proving she’s a boss.
Laura Loomer takes on Jasmine Crockett … and gets dragged
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, is never one to hold her tongue. So when conservative commentator Laura Loomer went on a racist, sexist tirade, Crockett didn’t waste time clapping back.
Speaking at a Congressional Black Caucus Week event, Crockett, 44, reminded the crowd that she’s actually 12 years older than Loomer, who has been known to question the congresswoman’s looks and age. “And to be clear,” Crockett added with a gaze into the audience, “there is no Botox.” The crowd erupted in laughter.
Crockett’s remarks came after Loomer called her a “ghetto Black b—h” and a “racist hood rat” in response to Crockett’s criticism of white Democrats who supported a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk. Loomer also went on a racist tirade, calling Crockett a “DEI Shaniqua” and made derogatory remarks about her supporters and staff. The comments have sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many rallying to defend Crockett. Crockett’s wit not only silenced her critic but came after a viral social media trend as Black women everywhere started posting their photos next to Loomer’s, pointing out that they were older than her 32 years. And listen, the contrast? Whew. Straight, no filter, all melanin magic. One thing we already knew was proven yet again: Black don’t crack.
As for Loomer? Let’s just say she might want to retire from the beauty commentary business. Permanently. Because if this little episode showed us anything, it’s that she is not built for side-by-sides.
Some Amazon Prime members could be due a payout
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you may have money coming your way. The Federal Trade Commission has reached a $2.5 billion settlement with Amazon over allegations that the company enrolled people in Prime without their full consent and then made it difficult for them to cancel.
Out of the $2.5 billion settlement, $1.5 billion will go directly to Prime customers. Depending on your fees, you could receive up to $51. To qualify, you must have signed up for Prime between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025.
Refunds will be distributed in two ways: Automatically for those flagged by the FTC who rarely used Prime, and through claims forms for those who used it more frequently or attempted to cancel. Either way, eligible customers could see refunds within months. Keep an eye out for an email from Amazon. They’ll let you know if you’re eligible. Go get your money.
