In a recent interview for Time Magazine, President Barack Obama and ballerina Misty Copeland sat down with reporter Maya Rhodan for a discussion on a plethora of hot topics including race and gender. Throughout the meeting, the modern-day icons honestly expressed their thoughts while managing to motivate an entire generation.
It was beyond epic!
See excerpts from the interview below:
TIME: … You both represent the African American community. As the President of the United States, as a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater, do you ever think that – how does race come to play? Do you think that people still treat you differently because of race? Because you’re African American?
COPELAND: You know, my experience has been that a lot of what I’ve experienced has not always been to my face, or it’s been very subtle. But it’s in a way that I know what’s going on and I feel it deep inside of me. And I, being the only African American in almost every environment in terms of classical ballet, it weighs on you and it wears on you after a while.
And I feel like a lot of it as well is what I’m kind of putting on myself. And this just trying to not get too caught up and too wrapped up and too weighed down with being black and trying to just be the best person and the best dancer that I can be. And work, and work harder than, even if I see the person next to me that things may be a little bit easier for them, I’m going to try and push myself even harder than them. But I think that being African American has definitely been a huge obstacle for me. But it’s also allowed me to have this fire inside of me that I don’t know if I would have or have had if I weren’t in this field.
TIME: …I’m curious also what you make of social movements like Black Girl Magic, when there’s like these grassroots level reinforcement of these ideas that black is beautiful, in a sense?
OBAMA: Well social media obviously is the way in which young people are receiving information in general. So the power of young activists to help shape color and politics through things like Black Lives Matter, which I think is hugely important. And when I think about the journey I’ve traveled, there’s no doubt that young African America, Latino, Asian, LGBT youth, they have more role models. They have more folks that they can immediately identify with.
And that, in and of itself is of value. But what we also have to remember is that the barriers that exist for them to pursue their dreams are deep and structural. And so it is wonderful that the potential dancer can see Misty and say, I can do that. But if there’s no dance studio at all in their neighborhood, and if their schools don’t offer any extracurricular activities at all, or if their school is chronically underfunded, then it’s going to be a problem.
I hope that there are young men of color who are looking at me and saying, I can aspire to be the president, or a senator, or a community organizer and make change in my neighborhoods. But if they are locked out of opportunity, and in neighborhoods where even if I’m on television, there are no men in their neighborhoods who’ve got jobs that are able to support a family, then you’ve still got problems.
So I think culture, changing attitudes is hugely important. You know we’re for example trying to get more girls and women to study the stem subjects, math, science, engineering. Because they’re chronically under-represented. And in researching this we found out that for example, since CSI came on, and there are women who are doing forensic investigations, that the number of women who are in this field has skyrocketed, right. So some of it is just okay, I now picture myself as doing that. But I think it’s important for us to remember that it’s not just a matter of providing us a strong image, it’s also making sure that they’ve got good schools, making sure that they’re getting programs that allow them to explore all their talents. Making sure that the economy is working in a way that gives everybody a chance to succeed. It’s a both and rather than an either or proposition.
TIME: Looking back, was there anything that someone told either of you about race, or didn’t tell you about race that you wish they had or that you feel like you had to learn on your own? And how does that impact how you talk to young people today?
COPELAND: I feel like my mom pretty much covered everything with me. Being biracial she made it very clear to me that yes, you’re Italian and you’re German and you are black, but you are going to be viewed by the world and by society as a black woman and you should be prepared for that. I think that I, being very shy going into a setting where I was the only black woman, allowed me to observe more, rather than react.
And I think that saved me a lot. And it taught me a lot. And it has allowed me to, when I’m interacting with my mentees to say to them, you know, there are just ways that you have to approach situations that may be difficult or may not be fair, but it’s how you represent yourself. You may be carrying a responsibility that you don’t want, but it is what it is being African American and being in certain environments. It doesn’t matter if you’re a ballet dancer, if you’re an attorney, whatever it is you’re trying to do, you’re going to be faced with these obstacles.
TIME: And wrapping things up. What do you see as the single greatest fixable obstacle to the success of young people today?
OBAMA: Well, you know, I spend most of my time thinking about institutions. And there’s no doubt, even though it’s a cliché that the single biggest difference we can make is making sure that our kids get a good education. We can do a lot to keep the economy moving forward, we can do a lot to make sure that we’re enforcing our nondiscrimination laws. We can do a lot more to open up people’s perspective about who belongs where. And press to make sure that we have more women CEOs, and more African American film directors. And more Latino police officers. And all those things are important.
But the foundation that all this depends is making sure that on the front end, when these little babies are born and start to get curious about the world and are like sponges, that we are giving them the kind of education and the nurturing that they need. So that they’re off to a good start. And that involves an imaginative leap, a moral leap on the part of the society as a whole that says every kid should get a genuine opportunity and we’re willing to put money behind it, and we’re willing to invest in that to break cycles of poverty. And to reach out and pull kids up, even if they aren’t born into the best of circumstances. And that’s hard to do. Because we’re working off of a legacy of hundreds of years of discrimination that gets passed on generationally. If we could decide tomorrow that there was no discrimination, that we had some new drug that everybody took and suddenly nobody would be racially prejudiced. We still have a whole bunch of really poor kids who need help. And that still requires us making investments in them. And that means that all of us, the government, private sector, nonprofits, have to make some sacrifices so that those kids are getting an opportunity.
This interview was amazing! With the rise of so many controversial topics, it was refreshing to hear such inspirational words.
I highly recommend you check out the conversation in its entirety!
Lupita Nyong’o stopped by Late Night With Seth Meyers in New York City rocking a bright orange Balmain three-piece suit from their Spring 2015 collection:
The orange three-piece suit is definitely a play on the infamous ‘power’ suit, paired with a crop top and palazzo pants.
Lupita went with similar-colored shoes and rocked it without the black belt on the runway.
I love everything, EVERYTHING about this. What do you think? Hot or Hmm?
As we continue welcoming Spring in with open arms, we get to see more and more the styles and trends celebrities have been rocking over the months and transitioning as the weather warsm up. Today, we’re taking a look at how celebrities have rocked the 70s trend!
The 70s trend is so versatile, it can seem like literally anything goes! We’ve seen embroidery, paisley prints and a bunch of bell bottoms, platforms, denim and jumpsuits on our favorite celebrities, who have taken the trend and reinvented it 21st-century style!
Aside from the psychedelic prints you may see in a maxi dress or even full gown, you’re also bound to see more celebrities rocking full denim on denim looks, suede, mini-skirts and bright colors. Once again, the 70s trend isn’t just confined to one thing, it’s whatever you want to make it!
Let’s check out how celebrities have tackled the trend, whether in suede, bell-bottom show stoppers, bright colors or funky prints and textures. Go through our gallery to get some style inspiration for this Spring!
So how do you tackle the 70s trend? Let’s choose one in particular….SUEDE! Send your best Suede submissions to submissions@fashionbombdaily.com to possibly be featured in this week’s How Do You Wear It!
Today’s Bomb Product of the Day is the $290 Thea Aztec Leather Heel by Kat Maconie. Because the brand is known for their vibrant colors, Thea is the perfect statement shoe for the spring and summer seasons.
Thea features 5 rainbow-colored, Aztec embroidered straps across the front of the open-toe sandal. With the pink patent leather block heel, genuine leather lining and cushioned insole, you’ll be able to stand comfortably for extended periods of time. The shoe features a black zip closure at back, making it easy to pull on and off.
Thea would look great with a pair of culottes so you can highlight the shoes.
Want to make a purchase? You can shop the look here.
What do you think? How would you rock these heels?
Hey everyone! D.C.’s weather has been all over the place lately, and some days I find myself wearing a tank top and others a heavy jacket. So, I’m definitely in need of some style inspiration. Maybe today’s Bombshell will give us some, so I introduce to you Akua from London, UK:
She said, ” My name is Akua and I’m from London, UK.”
“I consider my style be a daring plain jane.”
“I love to put together simple pieces and wear them in a daring fashion.”
Check out more photos below:
Okay Akua! You may stick to a mostly neutral palette but there’s nothing plain about you, girl! Hot! Follow her on IG to keep up with her looks at @kuiyaskloset. Let me know though, what do you think of Akua’s style?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
Now’s the time for movie premieres! Celebrities came out to the ‘Allegiant’ Premiere last night, rocking some MAJOR designer-envious looks. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Actress Maggie Q rocked a sheer, fringed black lacy number from Reem Acra’s Fall 2016 collection. Wasn’t too sold on the look, but I definitely think she looks pretty!
Our imaginary bestie Zoe Kravitz rocked a Valentino Spring 2016 fishnet dress and bodysuit. Normally I wouldn’t go for this, but Zoe killed it!
Peyton List rocked an off the shoulder yellow dress. I think she chose the wrong shoe choice, but I love the dress!
Nadia Hilker went for a leopard black and white high-low dress under a black and white blazer, paired with black heels and a black purse. She has this rockstar look to her I just can’t get over. Gorgeous!
The ever so cool Jaden Smith came as well, rocking a plaid button down and black jeans.Mackenzie Aladjem went for a subtle black jumpsuit with cut-out inserts and a pink lip. Simple yet chic.Shailene Woodley had one of my favorite looks of the night, rocking a black and floral sequined romper by Elie Saab. I live!
Naomi Watts wore a shimmery inverted dress from Derek Lam’s Fall 2016 collection. I’m torn on this look. What do you think?
Wow! There you have it folks. I loved the majority of the looks, and think they killed it! Who had your favorite look of the night?
And, I’ve got quite the treat! So, today, I’m highlighting the lovely Charisma Monroe of the impressive blog Chronic Teachings of a Regal Fatty.
According to her ‘About Me‘ section, Charisma states, “My sole mission is simply to be the undefined, uncensored, unrestricted, fearless person I once desperately sought (growing up). Always has been, always will be. While carrying out the task, I put my journalistic skills to use, showcased my personal style and wit, and people happened to “like” me. With any recognition comes feedback. Sometimes it’s empowering and beautiful, sometimes it’s hateful, critical, and disapproving. Either way, seeking acceptance from anyone besides myself is something I’ve outgrown. Label me as you desire. As long as I’ve caught your attention. “
As you can see, she caught my attention! Her undeniable literary presence coupled with her impeccable eye for fashion instantly set Charisma apart. I also respect her confidence and the fact that she uses her platform in efforts to spread body positivism and self-assurance.
In my opinion, style is personal. Style is an expression of one’s feelings and emotions through the use of sartorial creativity. Now, as I examine Charisma’s style, I see fearlessness, I see boundless confidence and I also sense evident self-love. This fashionista’s wardrobe is filled with daring hues, eye-popping prints and bomb accessories. (And, her smile is the icing on the cake!) She’s the epitome of chic with a hint of sass!
Slay on, hun!
Want to know more about this dynamic diva? Well, follow Charisma via Instagram @charisma_monroe or feel free to check out her blog here.
Zoe Kravitz went all out at last night’s ‘Allegiant’ Premiere, slipping on a Valentino Spring 2016 fishnet dress and bodysuit:
Zoe rocked it almost exactly as the model on the runway, instead pinning her hair up and going for a muted red lip.
The dress comes from Valentino’s Spring 2016 ready-to-wear collection and features a sheer fishnet lined-dress with fringe detailing at the bottom over a black bodysuit.
I think this look is Bomb and shows why Zoe slaaaays! What do you think? Hot or Hmm?