Throughout America's obsession with yoga the last half century, our perception and interpretation of it has changed considerably with each decade. The 2010s were a time of incredible change. More and more people were practicing yoga yet in many ways, it remained an exclusive practice due to issues related to accessibility, inclusivity, and financial considerations. By the end of the decade, tremendous progress had been made that would set the stage for the way we currently practice.
The death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 became a catalyst for increased diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across companies in the US and globally. However, recent years have seen growing criticism, reaching a peak earlier this year when Donald Trump signed a slew of executive orders rolling back DEI initiatives. "When hostility toward DEI grew louder, we didn't retreat," says Ricardo.
My final dispatch from the annual genre fest known as Fantastic Fest highlights three young filmmakers, a reminder of how much this event seeks to amplify new talent. It's also a remarkable showcase for inclusivity, as the programming team seeks out and elevates the kind of voices that the Hollywood system often ignores, including LGTBQ filmmakers and artists from regions of the world that don't get highlighted enough on the culture-shaping streaming services.
"Brand is the thread that connects every part of an organisation together and shows what it stands for," says Tosh Hall, global chief creative officer at JKR. "For Blood Cancer United, that meant creating a brand united for all. That spirit now runs through everything, from the name to the design systems to the behaviours, building unity for the work it does and, most importantly, speaking to everyone touched by blood cancer."
The irony of being lectured for 'insularity' during an anti-discrimination workshop highlights the unawareness of those leading the training, showcasing a disconnect in understanding.
Labrador specifically referenced signs hung by Sarah Inama, a sixth grade history teacher at Lewis and Clark Middle School who went viral in March after she revealed that Ada School District administration ordered her to remove signs in her classroom that read "In This Room, Everyone Is Welcome, Important, Accepted, Respected, Encouraged, Valued, Equal," and "Everyone Is Welcome Here."
"This is often a stressful time for families with autism or sensory issues. So I like to have this event to really bring the families together to experience and hopefully have a core memory around Red, White and BOOM!"
The United Colleges Group 2025 Student Awards celebrated achievement, growth, and success, honoring outstanding students in multiple categories such as Improving Student of the Year and Adult Learner of the Year.
Golkin represents a natural evolution in the legal community, emphasizing inclusivity and collaboration, reflecting the diversity of those they serve through her presidency.
The famed parade starts on Sunday at Market and Beale Streets and ends up at Civic Center, highlighting the enduring spirit of Pride with its foundational themes of inclusivity, acceptance, and love.