usatoday--2020-12-04--The Biden presidency will be normal, but for many that's not so great

Joe Biden is officially the president-elect for the umpteenth time .
The day it was first announced Biden will become the 46th U.S. president , I went down to Frederick Douglass Circle in Harlem , New York , to witness the dancing and celebration .
I asked some people what they were most excited about .
The resounding sentiment was that the extreme toxicity of the last four years was over .
Within my circles , the general attitude holds : politics can be boring again .
Under a Biden administration , there ’ s no fear of incompetence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to normal .
It 's going back to business as usual .
Biden ran on that very premise .
That Trump was an anomaly .
A mistake in what was once a predictable political matrix .
That idea , that nostalgia of yesteryear , undergirded his campaign from the onset .
This yearning for normalcy , amid a pandemic , is what turned people out in historic numbers .
Because common decency became the most touted classification for the highest office in the land .
The real 'normals ' in our country People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were excited about a Biden and Harris term .
The 80 million people who voted for the ticket were ready for a government reset and really voted against the revolting , vile reign of Trump , not for Biden specifically .
Back to the days where a civil and prudent person held the office : a semblance of order Americans and Washington are accustomed to .
A time when people can wake up in the morning and not be concerned about a president ’ s tweet .
But , let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been normal in the United States of America .
When were we even ever united ?
Harsh realities permeate marginalized communities under normal .
Police brutality isn ’ t going anywhere and was no better under Obama or Bush .
In the past six years , over 2,300 Black and Hispanic people have been fatally shot by police .
What about the food insecurity sweeping the nation at alarming rates , disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities ?
It was only deepened by COVID-19 , which also affects marginalized groups more .
Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assistance program , and most are now relying on food banks for the first time in their lives to feed their families .
Food insecurity isn ’ t new .
It ’ s long impacted those disenfranchised communities under business-as-usual-America .
All of which were exacerbated by the declining economy under a mishandled pandemic .
Politics and hostility : Political incivility is at crisis point in America .
Here 's how we can fix it .
A Pew study found that in a three-month period from February to May , the unemployment rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Great Recession .
It rose from 6.2 million to 14 million , with people of color and immigrants seeing higher unemployment rates .
Most states hit their historical unemployment highs this year alone , with some states , such as Nevada , reaching a high of 30.1 % Let ’ s look at another normal .
The torrent of class and racial divisions that continue to widen , disproportionately impacting BIPOC , Hispanics , and immigrants .
In one breath the Kyle Rittenhouses of the world are hailed as murderous heroes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kalief Browders are penalized and stripped of their humanity , a result of existing while Black in America .
So , brokering in the nostalgia of Obama 's hope and change — an ideological America of equity that does not exist — Biden ’ s campaign of getting back to business as usual is nothing to rejoice over .
That polarized political environment inhabited by the likes of Harris and Biden , with their political baggage and past , is what got Trump and his autocratic and populist views into the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security : Biden ’ s National Security team reveals he has learned from the mistakes of past presidents Trump will be gone from the people 's house come Jan. 20 , but partisanship could worsen with Trumpism pervading the GOP — along with the 73 million Americans who cast their vote for him .
And though Biden may embody that solace of the ordinary and the possibility of a calmer , reach-across-the-aisle political climate , there remains no path on how we get there .
We may be headed towards a more fragmented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system — but not all Americans — can thrive .
Rita Omokha is a freelance writer based in New York .
She has written for ELLE , Cosmopolitan , Women 's Health , Christianity Today , and more .

The Biden presidency will be normal, but for many that's not so great Many voted for Biden because they wanted to return to normalcy. But normal in America isn't so pretty.
Joe Biden is officially the president-elect for the umpteenth time. The day it was first announced Biden will become the 46th U.S. president, I went down to Frederick Douglass Circle in Harlem, New York, to witness the dancing and celebration. I asked some people what they were most excited about. The resounding sentiment was that the extreme toxicity of the last four years was over. Within my circles, the general attitude holds: politics can be boring again. Under a Biden administration, there’s no fear of incompetence and instability.
The country is going back to normal. It's going back to business as usual.
Biden ran on that very premise. That Trump was an anomaly. A mistake in what was once a predictable political matrix. That idea, that nostalgia of yesteryear, undergirded his campaign from the onset. This yearning for normalcy, amid a pandemic, is what turned people out in historic numbers. Because common decency became the most touted classification for the highest office in the land.
The real 'normals' in our country
People were not jubilant about this victory because they were excited about a Biden and Harris term. The 80 million people who voted for the ticket were ready for a government reset and really voted against the revolting, vile reign of Trump, not for Biden specifically. Back to the days where a civil and prudent person held the office: a semblance of order Americans and Washington are accustomed to. A time when people can wake up in the morning and not be concerned about a president’s tweet.
But, let’s not kid ourselves, nothing has ever been normal in the United States of America. When were we even ever united? Harsh realities permeate marginalized communities under normal. Police brutality isn’t going anywhere and was no better under Obama or Bush. In the past six years, over 2,300 Black and Hispanic people have been fatally shot by police.
What about the food insecurity sweeping the nation at alarming rates, disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities? It was only deepened by COVID-19, which also affects marginalized groups more. Where millions have enrolled for the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and most are now relying on food banks for the first time in their lives to feed their families. Food insecurity isn’t new. It’s long impacted those disenfranchised communities under business-as-usual-America. All of which were exacerbated by the declining economy under a mishandled pandemic.
Politics and hostility: Political incivility is at crisis point in America. Here's how we can fix it.
A Pew study found that in a three-month period from February to May, the unemployment rate was higher than the two years of the Great Recession. It rose from 6.2 million to 14 million, with people of color and immigrants seeing higher unemployment rates. Most states hit their historical unemployment highs this year alone, with some states, such as Nevada, reaching a high of 30.1%
Racial division is normal in America
Let’s look at another normal. The torrent of class and racial divisions that continue to widen, disproportionately impacting BIPOC, Hispanics, and immigrants. In one breath the Kyle Rittenhouses of the world are hailed as murderous heroes of blatant white supremacy. In another, the Kalief Browders are penalized and stripped of their humanity, a result of existing while Black in America.
So, brokering in the nostalgia of Obama's hope and change — an ideological America of equity that does not exist — Biden’s campaign of getting back to business as usual is nothing to rejoice over. That polarized political environment inhabited by the likes of Harris and Biden, with their political baggage and past, is what got Trump and his autocratic and populist views into the White House in the first place.
National Security: Biden’s National Security team reveals he has learned from the mistakes of past presidents
Trump will be gone from the people's house come Jan. 20, but partisanship could worsen with Trumpism pervading the GOP — along with the 73 million Americans who cast their vote for him. And though Biden may embody that solace of the ordinary and the possibility of a calmer, reach-across-the-aisle political climate, there remains no path on how we get there. We may be headed towards a more fragmented society. One in which the American system — but not all Americans — can thrive.
Rita Omokha is a freelance writer based in New York. She has written for ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Christianity Today, and more.


usatoday--2020-12-03--20 Black-owned businesses to support this holiday season

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
'T is the season for holiday shopping — and this year , we 're putting the spotlight on Black-owned businesses .
Whether you 're shopping for your mom , your dad , or your best friend , there are plenty of gifts you can buy from Black-owned brands that will both make your giftee happy and show your support for the Black community .
Below , we 've rounded up 20 popular Black-owned businesses that you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your list .
From the cult-favorite Briogeo hair products to McBride Sisters wine to Partake gourmet cookies , these are some of the amazing Black-owned brands you can support before 2020 is over .
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter .
It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any time .
Of all of Briogeo 's beloved hair products , perhaps the most popular is the OG Do n't Despair , Repair !
Deep Conditioning Hair Mask , which has over 131,000 loves from Sephora shoppers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hair oils , shampoos , gels , protectant creams , and more that come highly reviewed .
Founded by two sisters obsessed with all things vino , this Black-owned wine company is perfect for holiday shopping .
McBride Sisters has everything from sauvignon blanc to merlot and even has a whole `` Black Girl Magic '' collection .
While you can find McBride Sisters wine at local grocery stores and wine retailers across the country , you can also order bottles online and have bottles shipped to your door .
If you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vagina '' this holiday season , consider snagging something from The Honey Pot .
The trendy feminine care brand has become very popular on social media thanks to its plethora of all-natural products designed to cleanse and rejuvenate down there , from feminine wipes to organic wash. You can find the Honey Pot on Amazon and at Target .
Who does n't love getting a pack of delicious , gourmet cookies in their stocking ?
Exactly .
Enter Partake , a Black-owned snack brand that makes tasty cookies that are gluten-free , allergen-friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flavors like birthday cake , chocolate chip , ginger snap , and triple chocolate .
For the pet parents on your list , it will be hard to resist the adorableness that is House Dogge 's custom hoodies .
Named one of Oprah 's Favorite Things of 2020 , the Black-owned pet brand designs personalized sweatshirts for pups that range in sizes from XXS to XXL .
Skip the Starbucks this year and instead opt for BLK + Bold , a Black-owned coffee brand that people are raving about .
Not only do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and delicious when brewed , but BLK & Bold also donates five percent of its profits to non-profit organizations that help at-risk youth .
Blankets , pillows , rugs , oh my !
You 'll find all of that and more at Black-owned Bolé Road Textiles .
The home decor pieces and fabrics are stunning , yes , but they 're also all handwoven in Ethiopia , making them a unique gift for anyone on your shopping list this holiday season .
`` We think you ’ re dope just the way you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give you that little bit of extra . ''
That 's the motto of KNC Beauty , the Black-owned brand that 's best known for its lip scrubs , collagen-infused lip masks , and retinol-infused eye masks .
You can shop their products directly from KNC 's website or at Sephora .
Since 2013 , Black-owned shoe brand Brother Vellies has been bringing stylish yet sustainable footwear to thousands of fans around the world .
The luxury shoes are handmade by artisans in countries like Ethiopia and Kenya , so you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving back and is completely one-of-a-kind .
No , Etsy as a whole is n't Black-owned , but there are plenty of Black-owned shops within the giant retailer that you can choose from .
For the holiday season , Etsy has created an entire landing page dedicated solely to gifts from Black-owned shops , including these bracelets with thousands of reviews , these hand-poured soy candles and these best-selling cocktail mixes ( hello , pineapple chipotle Bloody Mary ! )
.
Another one of Oprah 's Favorite Things of 2020 , Mented Cosmetics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have thousands of reviews for being smooth and long-lasting and for coming in a rainbow of beautifully saturated colors for all skin colors .
Plus , all of the products are vegan and free of parabens .
What began as a design blog has now bloomed into a home decor brand that aims to `` bring good vibes home '' by providing vibrant , beautiful pieces from all over the world .
Black-owned Jungalow has everything from furniture to wall decor to gifts galore ( including a collaboration with Keds sneakers ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Candles always make a great gift for the holidays .
One of the more well-known Black-owned candle brands is Forvr Mood .
Founded by makeup artist and US Army veteran Jackie Aina , Forvr Mood has tons of gorgeous and fragrant candles , in fun scents like Cuffing Season ( champagne ) and Left On Read ( coconut milk sorbet ) .
Kiddos everywhere will be thrilled to unwrap one of these cute bath mitts this Christmas .
SoapSox , a Black-owned brand sold at Target , has received glowing reviews for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun and functional .
Little ones will love playing with the plush animals while parents will love how effective yet gentle they are at scrubbing .
There are few things that a man is more passionate about than his shaving routine .
Upgrade his facial grooming this year with one of Scotch Porter 's popular beard-care and after-shave products .
From beard conditioners to balms to face wash , Black-owned Scotch Porter is praised for its delicious scents and moisturizing powers .
Wellness junkies rejoice !
Golde is a haven of all things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in search of a matcha turmeric latte blend or a clean greens face mask .
Bonus : The popular `` superfood '' health and beauty products are the perfect size for stocking stuffers , too .
There are plenty of haircare brands to shop , but if you 're looking for one that 's Black-owned , look no further than SheaMoisture .
While the popular beauty brand has tons of products from leave-in treatments to serums , best-sellers include the Strengthen and Restore Conditioner and the Curl and Shine Shampoo , both of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Creator of the Slap ( a satin-lined cap ) , Grace Eleyae is the place to go for all things silky and luxe .
The Black-owned apparel brand is beloved for its pillowcases , headbands , and hats because they both look good and protect you ( or your giftee 's ) hair from frizz or damage .
Stella and Haas is a Black-owned jewelry brand that has been featured in O , The Oprah magazine , and that is praised for its pieces that are both classic and statement-making at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necklaces , zodiac rings , pretty stackable bracelets , and more .
Gift the foodie in your life cassava flour , hibiscus flower powder , or piri piri seasoning — all available from Black-owned brand Iya Foods .
You can shop the delicious goodies and spices on Amazon , where they have rave reviews for their high quality and tasty flavors .
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , product reviews , and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this article was published but may change over time .

20 Black-owned businesses to support this holiday season
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
'Tis the season for holiday shopping — and this year, we're putting the spotlight on Black-owned businesses. Whether you're shopping for your mom, your dad, or your best friend, there are plenty of gifts you can buy from Black-owned brands that will both make your giftee happy and show your support for the Black community.
Below, we've rounded up 20 popular Black-owned businesses that you can shop this holiday season for anyone on your list. From the cult-favorite Briogeo hair products to McBride Sisters wine to Partake gourmet cookies, these are some of the amazing Black-owned brands you can support before 2020 is over.
Need help finding products? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
1. Briogeo
Of all of Briogeo's beloved hair products, perhaps the most popular is the OG Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask, which has over 131,000 loves from Sephora shoppers. The Black-owned beauty brand also sells hair oils, shampoos, gels, protectant creams, and more that come highly reviewed.
2. McBride Sisters Wine
Founded by two sisters obsessed with all things vino, this Black-owned wine company is perfect for holiday shopping. McBride Sisters has everything from sauvignon blanc to merlot and even has a whole "Black Girl Magic" collection. While you can find McBride Sisters wine at local grocery stores and wine retailers across the country, you can also order bottles online and have bottles shipped to your door.
Shop McBride Sisters Wine
3. The Honey Pot
If you're shopping for "any human with a vagina" this holiday season, consider snagging something from The Honey Pot. The trendy feminine care brand has become very popular on social media thanks to its plethora of all-natural products designed to cleanse and rejuvenate down there, from feminine wipes to organic wash. You can find the Honey Pot on Amazon and at Target.
4. Partake
Who doesn't love getting a pack of delicious, gourmet cookies in their stocking? Exactly. Enter Partake, a Black-owned snack brand that makes tasty cookies that are gluten-free, allergen-friendly, and totally vegan. Choose from flavors like birthday cake, chocolate chip, ginger snap, and triple chocolate.
Shop Partake cookies at Target
5. House Dogge
For the pet parents on your list, it will be hard to resist the adorableness that is House Dogge's custom hoodies. Named one of Oprah's Favorite Things of 2020, the Black-owned pet brand designs personalized sweatshirts for pups that range in sizes from XXS to XXL.
Shop House Dogge hoodies at Amazon
6. BLK & Bold Coffee
Skip the Starbucks this year and instead opt for BLK + Bold, a Black-owned coffee brand that people are raving about. Not only do shoppers say that the coffee is fragrant and delicious when brewed, but BLK & Bold also donates five percent of its profits to non-profit organizations that help at-risk youth.
Shop BLK & Bold Coffee at Amazon
7. Bolé Road Textiles
Blankets, pillows, rugs, oh my! You'll find all of that and more at Black-owned Bolé Road Textiles. The home decor pieces and fabrics are stunning, yes, but they're also all handwoven in Ethiopia, making them a unique gift for anyone on your shopping list this holiday season.
Shop Bolé Road Textiles
8. KNC Beauty
"We think you’re dope just the way you are, but we’re here to give you that little bit of extra." That's the motto of KNC Beauty, the Black-owned brand that's best known for its lip scrubs, collagen-infused lip masks, and retinol-infused eye masks. You can shop their products directly from KNC's website or at Sephora.
9. Brother Vellies
Since 2013, Black-owned shoe brand Brother Vellies has been bringing stylish yet sustainable footwear to thousands of fans around the world. The luxury shoes are handmade by artisans in countries like Ethiopia and Kenya, so you can feel good knowing that your purchase is giving back and is completely one-of-a-kind.
10. Etsy
No, Etsy as a whole isn't Black-owned, but there are plenty of Black-owned shops within the giant retailer that you can choose from. For the holiday season, Etsy has created an entire landing page dedicated solely to gifts from Black-owned shops, including these bracelets with thousands of reviews, these hand-poured soy candles and these best-selling cocktail mixes (hello, pineapple chipotle Bloody Mary!).
Shop Black-owned shops at Etsy
11. Mented Cosmetics
Another one of Oprah's Favorite Things of 2020, Mented Cosmetics' lipsticks constantly sell out online and have thousands of reviews for being smooth and long-lasting and for coming in a rainbow of beautifully saturated colors for all skin colors. Plus, all of the products are vegan and free of parabens.
Shop Mented Cosmetics at Amazon
12. Jungalow
What began as a design blog has now bloomed into a home decor brand that aims to "bring good vibes home" by providing vibrant, beautiful pieces from all over the world. Black-owned Jungalow has everything from furniture to wall decor to gifts galore (including a collaboration with Keds sneakers) and is a must-visit for holiday shopping.
Shop Jungalow
13. Forvr Mood
Candles always make a great gift for the holidays. One of the more well-known Black-owned candle brands is Forvr Mood. Founded by makeup artist and US Army veteran Jackie Aina, Forvr Mood has tons of gorgeous and fragrant candles, in fun scents like Cuffing Season (champagne) and Left On Read (coconut milk sorbet).
Shop Forvr Mood
14. SoapSox
Kiddos everywhere will be thrilled to unwrap one of these cute bath mitts this Christmas. SoapSox, a Black-owned brand sold at Target, has received glowing reviews for its stuffed animal bath toys that are both fun and functional. Little ones will love playing with the plush animals while parents will love how effective yet gentle they are at scrubbing.
Shop SoapSox at Target
15. Scotch Porter
There are few things that a man is more passionate about than his shaving routine. Upgrade his facial grooming this year with one of Scotch Porter's popular beard-care and after-shave products. From beard conditioners to balms to face wash, Black-owned Scotch Porter is praised for its delicious scents and moisturizing powers.
Shop Scotch Porter at Target
16. Golde
Wellness junkies rejoice! Golde is a haven of all things good for you, whether you're in search of a matcha turmeric latte blend or a clean greens face mask. Bonus: The popular "superfood" health and beauty products are the perfect size for stocking stuffers, too.
Shop Golde
17. SheaMoisture
There are plenty of haircare brands to shop, but if you're looking for one that's Black-owned, look no further than SheaMoisture. While the popular beauty brand has tons of products from leave-in treatments to serums, best-sellers include the Strengthen and Restore Conditioner and the Curl and Shine Shampoo, both of which have over 6,000 reviews on Amazon.
Shop SheaMoisture at Amazon
18. Grace Eleyae
Creator of the Slap (a satin-lined cap), Grace Eleyae is the place to go for all things silky and luxe. The Black-owned apparel brand is beloved for its pillowcases, headbands, and hats because they both look good and protect you (or your giftee's) hair from frizz or damage.
Shop Grace Eleyae
19. Stella and Haas
Stella and Haas is a Black-owned jewelry brand that has been featured in O, The Oprah magazine, and that is praised for its pieces that are both classic and statement-making at the same time. Choose from dainty initial necklaces, zodiac rings, pretty stackable bracelets, and more.
Shop Stella and Haas
20. Iya Foods
Gift the foodie in your life cassava flour, hibiscus flower powder, or piri piri seasoning — all available from Black-owned brand Iya Foods. You can shop the delicious goodies and spices on Amazon, where they have rave reviews for their high quality and tasty flavors.
Shop Iya Foods at Amazon
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-12-03--Want to compare Spotify Wrapped top songs? What USA TODAY entertainment experts streamed most this y

On Wednesday , Spotify listeners got their annual Wrapped recaps of the songs , podcasts and musicians they streamed most during 2020 .
Sometimes it 's hard looking in the mirror .
Sure , we knew we liked Taylor Swift 's surprise album `` Folklore '' but , really , we listened to `` Exile '' that many times ?
And Justin Bieber 's `` Yummy '' ?
No , it 's not a masterpiece but , dang , as a workout song it 's fire .
Other top songs were n't as surprising .
We , like many Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lipa to help us dance through the pain of 2020 .
We blasted `` Frozen '' songs so our kids could play while we worked .
We leaned into showtunes and R & B songs to say the words we could n't find .
So , because sharing our love of entertainment is literally what we do , here 's a look at our top songs .
Be kind .
Lady Gaga released this dance pop banger in what I – and many – in the U.S. like to call `` the before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold of our country and forced us all inside .
It 's a song I was looking forward to dancing to during Pride events this summer , carelessly bopping around the middle of a dance floor and celebrating love in all forms .
It still beared repeating even when I could n't go anywhere .
Once the world returns to normal – whatever that means – you can bet I 'll be screaming `` I want your stupid love '' to anyone who will hear me .
Hopefully they 've heard the song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It Go ' from Frozen We are in a pandemic people .
If putting on an Elsa dress and belting out Frozen songs occupies my daughter for two minutes so I can send an email , then put .
it .
on .
repeat .
My No .
2 song ?
`` Into the Unknown . ''
Why ?
See reason No .
1 .
– Amy Haneline , social media editor Teyana Taylor is the epitome of R & B on this heartbreak song .
My love life is in shambles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relate with lyrics like , `` Bare with me through heartbreak // Bare with me through long days . ''
She 's essentially asking for patience .
And I will add that I think it 's a crime that she did n't earn a single Grammy nom for `` The Album '' because it was my favorite project of the year !
– Cydney Henderson , reporter In the early days of the pandemic , when my fear , anxiety and stress levels were at what I thought would be the highest point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I began listening to the original Broadway cast recording for “ Dear Evan Hansen ” on repeat .
A longtime fan of musicals , I turned to the showtunes genre as my ultimate source of comfort while COVID-19 radically changed my life ( and everyone ’ s ) .
Although I ’ ve never seen this musical staged , the kicky , poppy score is easy to listen to even if you don ’ t know the story , with stunning ( and Tony-winning ) vocals from Ben Platt anchoring it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the titular Evan Hansen expressing his frustrations feeling like a timid outcast in high school , looking through a window at the connections he could be making .
Relatable in quarantine ?
Absolutely .
– Kelly Lawler , TV critic This truly was the one song that `` helped me get through it all . ''
I listened to this song for 14 hours straight during a road trip from DC to Montreal , and though I do n't know a single lyric in the song , it was such an upbeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jenna Ryu , intern I literally started 2020 with this glitterball of a song .
The first time I heard it was when Dua performed on Dick Clark ’ s New Year ’ s Rockin ’ Eve .
My daughter started dancing with the English pop star , making us smile with her off-key singing and out-of-step moves .
As the year progressed and the world turned upside down , she and I had almost daily dance parties on our patio .
She would ask for “ Du-ah Lee-pah ” and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an escape from closed school , missed family and canceled activities .
As the year ends , I ’ m hoping we , like Dua , will be “ better on the other side.
” – Jennifer McClellan , entertainment editor Unsurprising to anyone who knows me , all five of my top-played tracks were by La Roux ( real name : Elly Jackson ) , the British singer behind 2009 ’ s infectious dance hit “ Bulletproof.
” Her criminally underrated third album “ Supervision ” is , in a word @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the anxiety attack that is 2020 with its chill , electro-funk-flavored pop .
“ Automatic Driver , ” a deceptively upbeat song about a relationship on autopilot , is the album ’ s undeniable highlight and a head-bobbing , mood-boosting escape .
– Patrick Ryan , reporter This song is in French , and even after four years of exchanging `` ça va biens '' in high school , I have n't been able to decipher the lyrics as of yet , but that doesn ’ t stop me from singing along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hype melodic song that feels like it would be the soundtrack of a recap video to an unforgettable boozy brunch/day party on a warm summer day .
Unfortunately due to the panny ( COVID-19 ) , no boozy brunches/day parties ensued because summer was canceled .
But best believe I ’ m saving this song for when outside is open again .
– Rasha Ali , reporter File this under “ late to the party ” : This year I officially became a Taylor Swift fan .
As an entertainment editor for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully followed Swift ’ s career and her music , but it wasn ’ t until “ Folklore ” that the songs actually spoke to me .
That ’ s partially due to her new collaboration with two of my longtime favorites : Bon Iver and The National ’ s Aaron Dressner .
“ Exile ” tops my list because it ’ s a love-gone-wrong ballad with an amazing bridge that ’ s perfect for singing off key at the top of your lungs .
And clearly I did that many times !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Wishing Well ” by Juice Wrld , and I think the lyrics to the chorus speak to our collective struggles this year : “ Waiting for the exhale .
I toss my pain with my wishes in a wishing well.
” It ’ s a poignant and prescient rap from the late musician .
Listen closely to the words .
– Alison Maxwell , managing editor This is from the movie `` Eternity 's Gate . ''
Like the movie , it 's profoundly beautiful .
But it helps calm me during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A big reason why I have both ears .
Too soon ?
– Bryan Alexander , reporter Roddy Ricch 's `` The Box '' had me hitting play over and over this year .
And apparently , I 'm not alone .
The song , which took me from home to the gym to work ( first to the office then from my bed to the couch or kitchen table ) and back was also Apple Music 's most-streamed song of 2020 overall .
– Morgan Hines , reporter More : Roddy Rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album of 2020 Spotify is my go-to app when commuting to work .
But since I ’ ve been working from home since March due to the coronavirus pandemic , I haven ’ t used it much .
That ’ s why when I saw my No .
1 song was Selena Gomez ’ s “ Rare , ” I was completely transported back to my pre-pandemic self , who listened to this dance-y , upbeat song to get me pumped up and ready for the work day after the track dropped in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to incorporate the track back into my morning routine , since I ’ ll take all the feel-good vibes I can get in 2020 !
– Sara Moniuszko , reporter This is , unfortunately , my truth .
The first time I heard this song , I was disappointed .
I did n't think it was good , but I listened again for good measure .
And apparently I listened to it again and again and again .
Bieber 's first single off of his fifth album `` Changes '' was a slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I listed to it 55 times since my first stream on Jan. 3 .
It feels wrong , but I know it 's right ( also my explanation of the song , which I do actually like ) .
I blame it on my playlists : I make the same three playlists for myself each year and this landed on my `` new year , same me '' list early on in 2020 .
– Anika Reed , deputy trending editor Could you ask for a song title more emblematic of 2020 ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels , and it was refreshing to disappear away into the fictitious breakup drama of `` Exile '' instead of focusing on the real world 's problems for a little while .
– Hannah Yasharoff , reporter I got the new Chicks CD , “ Gaslighter , ” soon after it came out this year , and I can ’ t stop listening to the opening , title song .
When the CD is on in my car , that song is on repeat .
If I had a Spotify account , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most .
It ’ s ostensibly a song about betrayal by an ex “ on my boat , ” but during this election year , you could have applied it to other , higher targets as well .
In any case , it ’ s a classic Chicks song : Blistering , clever lyrics , tight harmonies , peppy country-rock beat and expert instrumentation .
It ’ s been something like 15 years since the band formerly known as the Dixie Chicks put out a record ; this song is emblematic of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that drew me to them in the first place .
– Maria Puente , reporter

Want to compare Spotify Wrapped top songs? What USA TODAY entertainment experts streamed most this year
Show Caption Hide Caption Spotify’s most-streamed artists of 2020 Spotify has revealed that its most-streamed artist of 2020 is Bad Bunny, with more than 8.2 billion streams globally. He also had the top album of 2020. unbranded - Entertainment, unbranded - Entertainment
On Wednesday, Spotify listeners got their annual Wrapped recaps of the songs, podcasts and musicians they streamed most during 2020.
Sometimes it's hard looking in the mirror.
Sure, we knew we liked Taylor Swift's surprise album "Folklore" but, really, we listened to "Exile" that many times? And Justin Bieber's "Yummy"? No, it's not a masterpiece but, dang, as a workout song it's fire.
Other top songs weren't as surprising. We, like many Americans, turned to Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa to help us dance through the pain of 2020. We blasted "Frozen" songs so our kids could play while we worked. We leaned into showtunes and R&B songs to say the words we couldn't find.
So, because sharing our love of entertainment is literally what we do, here's a look at our top songs. Be kind.
'Stupid Love' by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga released this dance pop banger in what I – and many – in the U.S. like to call "the before times," before the pandemic took hold of our country and forced us all inside. It's a song I was looking forward to dancing to during Pride events this summer, carelessly bopping around the middle of a dance floor and celebrating love in all forms. It still beared repeating even when I couldn't go anywhere. Once the world returns to normal – whatever that means – you can bet I'll be screaming "I want your stupid love" to anyone who will hear me. Hopefully they've heard the song. – David Oliver, reporter
'Let It Go' from Frozen
We are in a pandemic people. If putting on an Elsa dress and belting out Frozen songs occupies my daughter for two minutes so I can send an email, then put. it. on. repeat. My No. 2 song? "Into the Unknown." Why? See reason No. 1. – Amy Haneline, social media editor
'Bare Wit Me' by Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor is the epitome of R&B on this heartbreak song. My love life is in shambles, so maybe that's why I can relate with lyrics like, "Bare with me through heartbreak // Bare with me through long days." She's essentially asking for patience. And I will add that I think it's a crime that she didn't earn a single Grammy nom for "The Album" because it was my favorite project of the year! – Cydney Henderson, reporter
More music: Beyoncé leads Grammy nominations, Dua Lipa, Roddy Ricch and Taylor Swift score big
‘Waving Through a Window’ by Ben Platt
In the early days of the pandemic, when my fear, anxiety and stress levels were at what I thought would be the highest point (oh how naive I was), I began listening to the original Broadway cast recording for “Dear Evan Hansen” on repeat. A longtime fan of musicals, I turned to the showtunes genre as my ultimate source of comfort while COVID-19 radically changed my life (and everyone’s). Although I’ve never seen this musical staged, the kicky, poppy score is easy to listen to even if you don’t know the story, with stunning (and Tony-winning) vocals from Ben Platt anchoring it. This early Act I song has Platt as the titular Evan Hansen expressing his frustrations feeling like a timid outcast in high school, looking through a window at the connections he could be making. Relatable in quarantine? Absolutely. – Kelly Lawler, TV critic
'Roses - Imanbek Remix' by SAINt JHN, Imanbek
This truly was the one song that "helped me get through it all." I listened to this song for 14 hours straight during a road trip from DC to Montreal, and though I don't know a single lyric in the song, it was such an upbeat tune that never got old. – Jenna Ryu, intern
'Don’t Start Now' by Dua Lipa
I literally started 2020 with this glitterball of a song. The first time I heard it was when Dua performed on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. My daughter started dancing with the English pop star, making us smile with her off-key singing and out-of-step moves. As the year progressed and the world turned upside down, she and I had almost daily dance parties on our patio. She would ask for “Du-ah Lee-pah” and we’d blast this song about overcoming heartbreak as an escape from closed school, missed family and canceled activities. As the year ends, I’m hoping we, like Dua, will be “better on the other side.” – Jennifer McClellan, entertainment editor
Dua Lipa's 'Future Nostalgia': Throw a quarantine dance party with 2020's best album
'Automatic Driver’ by La Roux
Unsurprising to anyone who knows me, all five of my top-played tracks were by La Roux (real name: Elly Jackson), the British singer behind 2009’s infectious dance hit “Bulletproof.” Her criminally underrated third album “Supervision” is, in a word, a vibe, and got me through the anxiety attack that is 2020 with its chill, electro-funk-flavored pop. “Automatic Driver,” a deceptively upbeat song about a relationship on autopilot, is the album’s undeniable highlight and a head-bobbing, mood-boosting escape. – Patrick Ryan, reporter
'Mbangu Te' by Ya Levis
This song is in French, and even after four years of exchanging "ça va biens" in high school, I haven't been able to decipher the lyrics as of yet, but that doesn’t stop me from singing along. It’s such a soothingly hype melodic song that feels like it would be the soundtrack of a recap video to an unforgettable boozy brunch/day party on a warm summer day. Unfortunately due to the panny (COVID-19), no boozy brunches/day parties ensued because summer was canceled. But best believe I’m saving this song for when outside is open again. – Rasha Ali, reporter
'Exile' by Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver
File this under “late to the party”: This year I officially became a Taylor Swift fan. As an entertainment editor for the last 15 years, I’ve carefully followed Swift’s career and her music, but it wasn’t until “Folklore” that the songs actually spoke to me. That’s partially due to her new collaboration with two of my longtime favorites: Bon Iver and The National’s Aaron Dressner. “Exile” tops my list because it’s a love-gone-wrong ballad with an amazing bridge that’s perfect for singing off key at the top of your lungs. And clearly I did that many times! A close second on my list was “Wishing Well” by Juice Wrld, and I think the lyrics to the chorus speak to our collective struggles this year: “Waiting for the exhale. I toss my pain with my wishes in a wishing well.” It’s a poignant and prescient rap from the late musician. Listen closely to the words. – Alison Maxwell, managing editor
'Van Gogh Theme (With Violin) IV' by Tatiana Lisovskaya
This is from the movie "Eternity's Gate." Like the movie, it's profoundly beautiful. But it helps calm me during stressful moments, especially at work. A big reason why I have both ears. Too soon? – Bryan Alexander, reporter
'The Box' by Roddy Ricch
Roddy Ricch's "The Box" had me hitting play over and over this year. And apparently, I'm not alone. The song, which took me from home to the gym to work (first to the office then from my bed to the couch or kitchen table) and back was also Apple Music's most-streamed song of 2020 overall. – Morgan Hines, reporter
More: Roddy Rich has Apple Music's most-streamed song and album of 2020
'Rare' by Selena Gomez
Spotify is my go-to app when commuting to work. But since I’ve been working from home since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, I haven’t used it much. That’s why when I saw my No. 1 song was Selena Gomez’s “Rare,” I was completely transported back to my pre-pandemic self, who listened to this dance-y, upbeat song to get me pumped up and ready for the work day after the track dropped in January. Maybe it’s time to incorporate the track back into my morning routine, since I’ll take all the feel-good vibes I can get in 2020! – Sara Moniuszko, reporter
'Yummy' by Justin Bieber
This is, unfortunately, my truth. The first time I heard this song, I was disappointed. I didn't think it was good, but I listened again for good measure. And apparently I listened to it again and again and again. Bieber's first single off of his fifth album "Changes" was a slow burner for me, and Spotify claims I listed to it 55 times since my first stream on Jan. 3. It feels wrong, but I know it's right (also my explanation of the song, which I do actually like). I blame it on my playlists: I make the same three playlists for myself each year and this landed on my "new year, same me" list early on in 2020. – Anika Reed, deputy trending editor
'Exile' by Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver
Could you ask for a song title more emblematic of 2020? Swift's quarantine album brought all the feels, and it was refreshing to disappear away into the fictitious breakup drama of "Exile" instead of focusing on the real world's problems for a little while. – Hannah Yasharoff, reporter
'Gaslighter' by The Chicks
I got the new Chicks CD, “Gaslighter,” soon after it came out this year, and I can’t stop listening to the opening, title song. When the CD is on in my car, that song is on repeat. If I had a Spotify account, that would be the song I listen to most. It’s ostensibly a song about betrayal by an ex “on my boat,” but during this election year, you could have applied it to other, higher targets as well. In any case, it’s a classic Chicks song: Blistering, clever lyrics, tight harmonies, peppy country-rock beat and expert instrumentation. It’s been something like 15 years since the band formerly known as the Dixie Chicks put out a record; this song is emblematic of all the many songs on their previous records that drew me to them in the first place. – Maria Puente, reporter


usatoday--2020-12-04--As Confederate statues fall and protests arise, civil rights museums are key to explaining why

MEMPHIS , Tenn. – In 1963 , Margaret Walker ’ s neighbor , civil rights activist Medgar Evers , was assassinated by Byron De La Beckwith , a white supremacist , in Jackson , Mississippi .
Then , 150 miles north of Jackson , Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by James Earl Ray in Memphis .
Yet still standing were Confederate monuments that fueled the white supremacist ideas which got Evers , King and countless other Black people killed or brutalized , or discriminated against .
In Mississippi , those monuments sit in 131 public spaces alone .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the neo-slave narrative “ Jubilee , ” founded the Institute for the Study of the History , Life and Culture of Black People in 1968 , she ensured that the truths of Black people like Evers and King didn ’ t drown in a sea of Confederate myths .
Now known as the Margaret Walker Center , it is a museum and archival center based at Jackson State University in Mississippi .
“ Margaret founded us in 1968 , and to do that in Mississippi was an activist statement , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Jackson State and director of the center .
`` For her to have the courage and wherewithal to make that happen is a remarkable testimony to her , and to the strength of the idea .
It is reflective of the kind of crucial roles these museums have been playing in preserving and promoting African American history and culture.
” Other museums of Black history , such as the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson and the Emmett Till Museum Interpretive Center in Sumner , also exist to show the brutal truths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as the triumphs and resiliency of Black people in Mississippi .
So do Alabama museums such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Center , the Civil Rights Memorial at the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum , also in Montgomery – as does Tennessee 's National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis .
Read more on race and identity : Sign up for USA TODAY ’ s This Is America newsletter In an age in which the nation is being challenged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights museums and archival centers will likely play an even larger role in helping to set the racial record straight , said Terri Lee Freeman , president of the National Civil Rights Museum .
`` I think the role of the museum has always been to educate and to educate truthfully about the subject matter and about the topic , ” Freeman said .
“ Just because you take down the Confederate statue doesn ’ t mean the history didn ’ t happen , so the role there is to be accurate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I don ’ t think our role has changed any .
The questions may be more frequent than they once were , but the answers are still the same.
” The movement to topple Confederate statues , as well as a summer of protests over unarmed Black people being killed by police officers and the disproportionate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on Black people has likely generated more questions for which civil rights memorials and museums are uniquely positioned to provide context , said Tafeni English , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The memorial , part of the Southern Poverty Law Center , was designed by Maya Lin , the architect of the Vietnam War Memorial , and unveiled in 1989 .
Inscribed on granite are the names of 40 civil rights martyrs killed from 1955 – the year that Till was murdered – to 1968 , when King was killed .
The memorial , as well as the Equal Justice Initiative ’ s Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice , which opened in 2018 , pays homage to victims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The interpretive center is a full experience where we not only share the stories of the martyrs on the wall , but we also talk about the work of SPLC , specifically on a wall which says ‘ The March Continues , ’ which speaks to the injustices of today , ” English said .
“ The Emmanuel Nine [ Black parishioners who were murdered in a Charleston , South Carolina , church by white supremacist Dylann Roof in 2015 ] are included on the wall .
… White supremacy and terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we don ’ t talk about it nearly enough .
“ Educating about the history of racism English said civil rights museums also play a role in educating people about the history of racism and white supremacy by presenting material and exhibits that add historical context to current issues .
“ Overall , I think people see museums as being pretty static , that we tell a story and that ’ s it , ” she said .
“ Well , no , that ’ s not how it works .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice issues emerge , museums are able to tell the full story about all of it.
” Next year , for example , Luckett said the center will host an exhibit based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Matthew Desmond : “ Eviction : Poverty and Profit in the American City.
” That topic encompasses the impacts of racism and inequality .
And the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum , which opened in 2017 , also offers a space titled , “ Where Do We Go From Here , ” to help visitors reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to continue to improve society .
That museum , Luckett said , is also a testament to the determination of Black people 's determination to tell the Mississippi civil rights story .
“ I would argue that museum , in the context of memorials and monuments , reflects a community-driven effort to reflect the kind of monument that we should all be proud of , because that museum is a $ 90 million project that is going to withstand the test of time , ” said Luckett , who was on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
“ The Legislature stayed out of most of it , except for the funding , which was good , ” he said .
“ It allowed us to drive a more honest narrative of civil rights in Mississippi .
Community meetings were held throughout the state , and the main thing they wanted was for the truth to be told .
But how do civil rights museums bring new and contextualized experiences to people ?
Virtually all of them offer field trips and supplement social studies curriculum in the schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mississippi , Alabama and Tennessee school systems .
Efforts such as the Southern Poverty Law Center 's Teaching Tolerance offers learning plans and other resources , while National Civil Rights Museum educator Dory Lerner often makes presentations in Shelby County schools .
Many times , the students learn something that helps them to educate their parents on civil rights history , English said .
“ We had a fourth grader come through who was very attentive , and we get to the hallway before they get to put their name on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take a pledge that they ’ re going to be on the side of right , and that they ’ re going to fight for everybody , ” she said .
“ Well this fourth grader , with all of his innocence , said : ‘ My dad told me that the Klan was responsible for keeping people straight , for keeping people in line.
’ “ There was so much genuineness there , in that he saw the Ku Klux Klan as law and order , and that they only attacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a fourth grader to walk away with a different perspective , and to say , ‘ My dad was wrong , ’ that was something.
” Many adults often learn more than they expect , Freeman said .
“ There are people who come to this museum often thinking that what they ’ re going to simply see is the King room , ” she said .
“ They often are surprised to learn that this museum is not only a memorial to King and the tragic event that occurred on April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes people on a journey from Africans being stolen from their native land and brought to this country and spread throughout the diaspora , and then what happened after enslavement and beyond .
“ There are people who are aware and do come and learn quite a bit , but those who come and want to learn are doing that because they don ’ t have all the information.
” Dave Tell , a University of Kansas communications professor and author of “ Remembering Emmett Till , ” has worked with the Emmett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s secured grants and created an app for the project as a way of guarding against the constant vandalizing of Till ’ s memorial sign .
Tell said he believes civil rights museums have an important role to play in clarifying the past and contextualizing this political moment .
“ Museums have become the new lunch counters , ” Tell said .
“ When people want to protest or reflect on issues of race , don ’ t you think they go to monuments or memorials or museums ?
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told in public , and what stories get dignified in public , '' he said .
`` Museums and monuments play a huge role in what stories are going to be dignified and which stories are not .
“ You ’ ll look at what happened to George Floyd as being an isolated problem if you don ’ t know your history .
… Museums are on the front edge of a contest that is being played out right now about what stories get dignified in public space .
”

Tonyaa Weathersbee, Memphis Commercial Appeal

As Confederate statues fall and protests arise, civil rights museums are key to explaining why
Show Caption Hide Caption Noelle Trent talks about the National Civil Rights Museum's role in preserving history Noelle Trent talks about the National Civil Rights Museum's role in preserving history Max Gersh, Memphis Commercial Appeal
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In 1963, Margaret Walker’s neighbor, civil rights activist Medgar Evers, was assassinated by Byron De La Beckwith, a white supremacist, in Jackson, Mississippi.
Then, 150 miles north of Jackson, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated by James Earl Ray in Memphis.
Yet still standing were Confederate monuments that fueled the white supremacist ideas which got Evers, King and countless other Black people killed or brutalized, or discriminated against.
In Mississippi, those monuments sit in 131 public spaces alone.
So, when Walker, poet and author of the neo-slave narrative “Jubilee,” founded the Institute for the Study of the History, Life and Culture of Black People in 1968, she ensured that the truths of Black people like Evers and King didn’t drown in a sea of Confederate myths. Now known as the Margaret Walker Center, it is a museum and archival center based at Jackson State University in Mississippi.
“Margaret founded us in 1968, and to do that in Mississippi was an activist statement," said Robert Luckett, associate professor of history at Jackson State and director of the center. "For her to have the courage and wherewithal to make that happen is a remarkable testimony to her, and to the strength of the idea. It is reflective of the kind of crucial roles these museums have been playing in preserving and promoting African American history and culture.”
Other museums of Black history, such as the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson and the Emmett Till Museum Interpretive Center in Sumner, also exist to show the brutal truths of racism and Jim Crow, as well as the triumphs and resiliency of Black people in Mississippi.
So do Alabama museums such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Center, the Civil Rights Memorial at the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum, also in Montgomery – as does Tennessee's National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.
Read more on race and identity: Sign up for USA TODAY’s This Is America newsletter
Reckoning with Confederate past
In an age in which the nation is being challenged to reckon with its Confederate past, civil rights museums and archival centers will likely play an even larger role in helping to set the racial record straight, said Terri Lee Freeman, president of the National Civil Rights Museum.
"I think the role of the museum has always been to educate and to educate truthfully about the subject matter and about the topic,” Freeman said. “Just because you take down the Confederate statue doesn’t mean the history didn’t happen, so the role there is to be accurate and authentic in our interpretation of the history.
“I don’t think our role has changed any. The questions may be more frequent than they once were, but the answers are still the same.”
The movement to topple Confederate statues, as well as a summer of protests over unarmed Black people being killed by police officers and the disproportionate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on Black people has likely generated more questions for which civil rights memorials and museums are uniquely positioned to provide context, said Tafeni English, director of the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery.
The memorial, part of the Southern Poverty Law Center, was designed by Maya Lin, the architect of the Vietnam War Memorial, and unveiled in 1989. Inscribed on granite are the names of 40 civil rights martyrs killed from 1955 – the year that Till was murdered – to 1968, when King was killed.
The memorial, as well as the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which opened in 2018, pays homage to victims of slavery, lynchings and racial terrorism.
“The interpretive center is a full experience where we not only share the stories of the martyrs on the wall, but we also talk about the work of SPLC, specifically on a wall which says ‘The March Continues,’ which speaks to the injustices of today,” English said.
“The Emmanuel Nine [Black parishioners who were murdered in a Charleston, South Carolina, church by white supremacist Dylann Roof in 2015] are included on the wall. … White supremacy and terrorism still has strong holds in our country, and we don’t talk about it nearly enough. “
Educating about the history of racism
English said civil rights museums also play a role in educating people about the history of racism and white supremacy by presenting material and exhibits that add historical context to current issues.
“Overall, I think people see museums as being pretty static, that we tell a story and that’s it,” she said.
“Well, no, that’s not how it works. As our communities change and as social justice issues emerge, museums are able to tell the full story about all of it.”
Luckett, of the Margaret Walker Center, agrees.
Next year, for example, Luckett said the center will host an exhibit based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Matthew Desmond: “Eviction: Poverty and Profit in the American City.” That topic encompasses the impacts of racism and inequality.
And the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, which opened in 2017, also offers a space titled, “Where Do We Go From Here,” to help visitors reflect on their experiences and offer ideas on how to continue to improve society.
That museum, Luckett said, is also a testament to the determination of Black people's determination to tell the Mississippi civil rights story.
“I would argue that museum, in the context of memorials and monuments, reflects a community-driven effort to reflect the kind of monument that we should all be proud of, because that museum is a $90 million project that is going to withstand the test of time,” said Luckett, who was on the team of scholars who helped to plan it.
“The Legislature stayed out of most of it, except for the funding, which was good,” he said. “It allowed us to drive a more honest narrative of civil rights in Mississippi. Community meetings were held throughout the state, and the main thing they wanted was for the truth to be told.
“There’s a deep honesty reflected in the civil rights museum.”
Offering field trips, learning plans
But how do civil rights museums bring new and contextualized experiences to people?
Virtually all of them offer field trips and supplement social studies curriculum in the schools, which is taught to various degrees in the Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee school systems.
Efforts such as the Southern Poverty Law Center's Teaching Tolerance offers learning plans and other resources, while National Civil Rights Museum educator Dory Lerner often makes presentations in Shelby County schools.
Many times, the students learn something that helps them to educate their parents on civil rights history, English said.
“We had a fourth grader come through who was very attentive, and we get to the hallway before they get to put their name on this wall in which they’re going to take a pledge that they’re going to be on the side of right, and that they’re going to fight for everybody,” she said.
“Well this fourth grader, with all of his innocence, said: ‘My dad told me that the Klan was responsible for keeping people straight, for keeping people in line.’
“There was so much genuineness there, in that he saw the Ku Klux Klan as law and order, and that they only attacked people if they were bad. But for a fourth grader to walk away with a different perspective, and to say, ‘My dad was wrong,’ that was something.”
Many adults often learn more than they expect, Freeman said.
“There are people who come to this museum often thinking that what they’re going to simply see is the King room,” she said.
“They often are surprised to learn that this museum is not only a memorial to King and the tragic event that occurred on April 4, 1968, but that it takes people on a journey from Africans being stolen from their native land and brought to this country and spread throughout the diaspora, and then what happened after enslavement and beyond.
“There are people who are aware and do come and learn quite a bit, but those who come and want to learn are doing that because they don’t have all the information.”
Dave Tell, a University of Kansas communications professor and author of “Remembering Emmett Till,” has worked with the Emmett Till Memorial Project since 2014.
He’s secured grants and created an app for the project as a way of guarding against the constant vandalizing of Till’s memorial sign.
Tell said he believes civil rights museums have an important role to play in clarifying the past and contextualizing this political moment.
“Museums have become the new lunch counters,” Tell said. “When people want to protest or reflect on issues of race, don’t you think they go to monuments or memorials or museums?”
“The issue in 2020 is what stories get told in public, and what stories get dignified in public," he said. "Museums and monuments play a huge role in what stories are going to be dignified and which stories are not.
“You’ll look at what happened to George Floyd as being an isolated problem if you don’t know your history. … Museums are on the front edge of a contest that is being played out right now about what stories get dignified in public space.”
Follow Tonyaa Weathersbee on Twitter @tonyaajw.


usatoday--2020-12-05--Sanders opposes bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal, calling it 'not acceptable' as it lacks payments fo

WASHINGTON – Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , said Friday he can not support a bipartisan $ 908 billion coronavirus relief proposal revealed this week `` unless it is significantly improved . ''
The $ 908 billion proposal is intended as a temporary relief package and was proposed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers , including Sens .
Mitt Romney , R-Utah , Susan Collins , R-Maine , and Joe Manchin , D-W.Va. , as an effort to get congressional leaders from both parties to negotiate a deal on legislation .
`` Given the enormous economic desperation facing working families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be able to support the recently announced Manchin-Romney COVID proposal unless it is significantly improved , '' Sanders , who caucuses with Democrats and is a prominent progressive lawmaker , said in a statement .
Many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have expressed optimism and support for the emerging deal .
Moderate Senators admitted the proposal outlined would upset partisans on both sides , but is a necessary compromise as the country faces rising COVID-19 case counts and economic pain .
Sen. Angus King , I-Maine , who also caucuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea '' of the proposal was something that would `` work for a substantial majority of both houses , '' even if it 's `` not entirely satisfactory to everybody . ''
'We 're going to keep fighting ' : Pence tells Georgia voters presidential election not over Sanders objected to giving `` legal immunity to corporations '' , as well as the exclusion of another round of $ 1,200 checks for Americans , which was part of the Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security Act passed in March .
He called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` At a time when the COVID crisis is the worst that it has ever been in the U.S. with record-breaking levels of hospitalization and death , the Manchin-Romney proposal not only provides no direct payments to working families , it does nothing to address the health care crisis and has totally inadequate financial assistance for the most vulnerable , '' Sanders said .
`` That is wrong morally and it is wrong economically if we hope to rebuild the economy . ''
President-elect Joe Biden has encouraged the bipartisan talks , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments , saying , `` I think it would be better if they had the $ 1,200 '' and that he believes that `` may be still in play . ''
Sanders ' statement indicates some possible progressive opposition , and any successful legislation will need support from Republicans and Democrats .
Live politics updates : Biden plans to campaign in Georgia for Senate candidates The bill has concerned others on the opposite side of the political spectrum , with some calling it too expensive .
Sen. Josh Hawley , R-Mo.
, broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying he wo n't support a bill unless it includes a new round of the $ 1,200 checks .
`` I 'm not sure why it 's controversial , '' Hawley said .
`` I 'm a little baffled by it . ''
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer , D-N.Y. , and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , have stated they supported using the $ 908 billion proposal as the basis for negotiations and talks with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky .
Lawmakers face a tight schedule if leadership is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill , which is needed to avoid a federal government shutdown after December 11 .
Pelosi told reporters on Friday that “ there is momentum ” toward making a deal .
Coronavirus updates : San Francisco Bay Area issues stay-at-home order ; vaccine does n't mean virus is over , WHO warns Congress has not passed a comprehensive relief package since March , and as case totals climbed and benefits lapsed , Democrats and Republicans were unable to come together on another deal .
The Democratic-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate offered their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House and Democratic leaders , all to no avail .
Millions of Americans face the possibility of several more aid programs expiring after Christmas if Congress does not act .
The proposal includes funding for state , local and tribal governments , a federal boost in unemployment insurance , small-business support programs , funding for the U.S .
Postal Service , among other things .
More : Republicans are hit the hardest as coronavirus spreads among elected leaders “ I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sanders said .
`` But , in its current form , I can not support it .
”

Sanders opposes bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal, calling it 'not acceptable' as it lacks payments for Americans
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 stimulus: Biden unveils new economic team Biden said "help is on the way" and called on Congress to pass a "robust" COVID-19 relief package while unveiling his administration's economic team. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said Friday he cannot support a bipartisan $908 billion coronavirus relief proposal revealed this week "unless it is significantly improved."
The $908 billion proposal is intended as a temporary relief package and was proposed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Sens. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., as an effort to get congressional leaders from both parties to negotiate a deal on legislation.
More: Competing COVID-19 relief proposals introduced as Congress sprints to pass aid
"Given the enormous economic desperation facing working families in this country today, I will not be able to support the recently announced Manchin-Romney COVID proposal unless it is significantly improved," Sanders, who caucuses with Democrats and is a prominent progressive lawmaker, said in a statement.
Given the enormous economic desperation facing working families in this country today, I can't support this proposal unless it is significantly improved. https://t.co/vTonhWNPjz — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 4, 2020
Many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have expressed optimism and support for the emerging deal. Moderate Senators admitted the proposal outlined would upset partisans on both sides, but is a necessary compromise as the country faces rising COVID-19 case counts and economic pain.
Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, who also caucuses with Democrats, said the "whole idea" of the proposal was something that would "work for a substantial majority of both houses," even if it's "not entirely satisfactory to everybody."
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Sanders objected to giving "legal immunity to corporations", as well as the exclusion of another round of $1,200 checks for Americans, which was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act passed in March. He called this departure "not acceptable".
"At a time when the COVID crisis is the worst that it has ever been in the U.S. with record-breaking levels of hospitalization and death, the Manchin-Romney proposal not only provides no direct payments to working families, it does nothing to address the health care crisis and has totally inadequate financial assistance for the most vulnerable," Sanders said. "That is wrong morally and it is wrong economically if we hope to rebuild the economy."
President-elect Joe Biden has encouraged the bipartisan talks, and suggested Friday that he favors the direct payments, saying, "I think it would be better if they had the $1,200" and that he believes that "may be still in play."
Sanders' statement indicates some possible progressive opposition, and any successful legislation will need support from Republicans and Democrats.
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The bill has concerned others on the opposite side of the political spectrum, with some calling it too expensive.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., broke with many of his Republican colleagues, saying he won't support a bill unless it includes a new round of the $1,200 checks.
"I'm not sure why it's controversial," Hawley said. "I'm a little baffled by it."
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., have stated they supported using the $908 billion proposal as the basis for negotiations and talks with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Lawmakers face a tight schedule if leadership is to include COVID-19 relief with the spending bill, which is needed to avoid a federal government shutdown after December 11. Pelosi told reporters on Friday that “there is momentum” toward making a deal.
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Congress has not passed a comprehensive relief package since March, and as case totals climbed and benefits lapsed, Democrats and Republicans were unable to come together on another deal. The Democratic-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate offered their own versions of legislation and negotiations continued between the White House and Democratic leaders, all to no avail.
Millions of Americans face the possibility of several more aid programs expiring after Christmas if Congress does not act.
The proposal includes funding for state, local and tribal governments, a federal boost in unemployment insurance, small-business support programs, funding for the U.S. Postal Service, among other things.
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“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to significantly improve this bill," Sanders said. "But, in its current form, I cannot support it.”
Contributing: Nicholas Wu, Christal Hayes