Author: Leslie Scotland-Stewart

Detroit’s rich musical heritage, particularly in jazz, has made it a significant hub for artists and culture. During the Great Migration, the city emerged as a sanctuary for jazz musicians, fostering a vibrant community that allowed the genre to evolve and thrive. Notable venues, such as the Blue Bird Inn and Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, played crucial roles in providing spaces where musicians could collaborate, innovate, and establish lasting bonds within the jazz scene. Honoring Female Contributions to Jazz Recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of women in jazz, oral historian Veronica Johnson has teamed up with the Detroit Sound Conservancy. Together, they…

In an exciting development for Concord University’s women’s basketball program, head coach Tesla Southcott has officially announced the addition of Morgan Mitchell to her coaching staff for the 2025-26 season. Previously, Mitchell served at the University of Dubuque, a Division III institution located in Dubuque, Iowa. She spent four seasons with the program where she made significant contributions, particularly in her last three years as a full-time assistant coach. Under her guidance, Dubuque achieved a commendable 54 wins since the start of the 2021-22 season and made it to the American Rivers Conference Semifinals in 2024, finishing with a record…

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The discomfort associated with women’s health procedures has long been a minimalized issue, resulting in inadequate pain management for gynecological treatments. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has recognized this gap and emphasized the urgent need for improved care. Understanding Women’s Pain Experience Dr. Kristin Gray, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Sanford Health in Bismarck, highlights a troubling trend: women’s pain is frequently discounted. Research indicates that this issue disproportionately affects non-white women and adolescents, leading to increased suffering for those with prior trauma, including pelvic floor disorders or a history of sexual abuse.…

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis women’s basketball team announced the completion of its support staff for the upcoming 2025-26 season, introducing Chastadie Barrs as the new director of recruiting. This strategic hire is aimed at strengthening the program’s recruiting efforts as they move forward. Barrs comes to Memphis from the College of Charleston, where she spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach and director of operations. Under her guidance, the Cougars achieved a remarkable record of 25 wins during the 2024-25 season, reaching both the semifinals of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tournament and the Super 16 in…

Empowering Vulnerable Women in Eastern Congo Through the Mama Lynn Center The Mama Lynn Center, established by the United Methodist Church, represents a beacon of hope for marginalized women and girls in eastern Congo. Opened in 2019, the center aims to uplift those who are abandoned or stigmatized, offering them training in various trades to foster their economic independence. Sustained through support from the Tennessee-Western Kentucky and California-Pacific conferences, the center has successfully trained 675 women, with dozens benefiting annually from skills that enable their reintegration into society. “The center is a gift from God, transforming lives daily,” remarked Bishop…

Tems Launches The Leading Vibe Initiative to Empower Young Women in Music Chart-topping R&B and soul artist Tems is set to unveil a new empowerment program titled The Leading Vibe Initiative. This initiative aims to support aspiring young women eager to immerse themselves in the music industry. The launch was announced by Billboard on July 2. Seminar Details The program will feature a two-day seminar on August 8 and 9, specifically designed for a group of 15 to 20 women in Lagos, Nigeria. The seminar seeks to offer participants a platform to refine their artistic skills, enhance their understanding of…

The discovery of DNA from over 100 individuals buried in the East Mound of Çatalhöyük sheds new light on the social structure of one of the world’s oldest known settlements. This ancient site, located in modern Turkey, was inhabited for approximately 1,200 years, yet no written records of its civilization have survived. Consequently, much of our understanding of the society has been derived from archaeological findings. Insights into Kinship and Burial Practices Research demonstrates that the inhabitants of Çatalhöyük showed a tendency to live in proximity to maternal relatives. Contrary to what might be expected in a tightly-knit family structure,…

BEND, Ore. — On Tuesday evening, Hawthorn Healing Arts Center held a special Open House focused on women’s health, inviting the community to explore their offerings. Situated on NW Louisiana Avenue in Bend, the center provided attendees with light refreshments and a complimentary five-minute wellness check. This event served as an opportunity for guests to interact directly with healthcare professionals. Interactive Q&A Session with Nurse Practitioner Attendees engaged in a live Q&A with Nurse Practitioner Melissa Porras, who specializes in menopause. Porras shared insights into the various changes women experience during this transitional phase. “The typical symptoms that people know…

Exploring Identity Through Art in a Digital Age Artistic expression is often a reflection of one’s upbringing, cultural influences, and personal experiences. For many, including artists from diverse backgrounds, the journey of self-discovery can be enriched by both physical and digital landscapes. This is particularly true for those growing up in places with stark social contrasts, such as Colombia, where traditional values coexist with deep-rooted issues surrounding violence and gender norms. In this context, digital platforms can provide a semblance of freedom for individuals navigating their identities. The Impact of Online Spaces The internet can serve as a refuge, allowing…

July 1 (UPI) — The University of Pennsylvania has formally agreed to comply with the U.S. government’s regulations prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. This decision follows an investigation by the Department of Education into the university’s handling of transgender swimmer Lia Thomas during her participation in the 2021-2022 season. In April, the Department of Education concluded that the University of Pennsylvania infringed upon Title IX, asserting that allowing male athletes to compete in women’s sports deprived female athletes of equitable opportunities. UPenn President J. Larry Jameson remarked that the university will align with current federal interpretations of…