New York, N.Y. Every year on November 16th, the International Day for Tolerance generates awareness of the dangers of intolerance. Since the inception of this day, it’s been the UN’s goal to strengthen tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and peoples.
#InternationalDayForTolerance
Just because people don’t agree with one another doesn’t mean they can’t peacefully coexist. It’s called tolerance. Tolerance is the best way for diverse people and mixed communities to survive. In a world where violent extremism and disregard for human life is becoming the norm, tolerance is more important than ever. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedom of others.
International Day for Tolerance views tolerance as respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures. It includes our forms of expression and ways of being human. Intolerance is just the opposite. Injustice, marginalization, and discrimination are all forms of intolerance. Much must be done to counter intolerance.
Some ways to counter intolerance include:
Enforce human rights and punish all instances of hate crimes and discrimination
Educate children about tolerance, human rights, and other cultures and ways of life
Develop policies that allow access to information and freedom of the press
Use nonviolent action to discredit hateful propaganda and end discrimination
Each individual has the power to end intolerance. They can do this by not allowing bigotry, insults, and racial jokes. To identify intolerance in one’s own life, individuals should ask themselves specific questions. “How tolerant am I of other people, cultures, and societies?” “Do I stereotype people or reject those who are different than me?”
HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE
Human rights activists, educators, and many international organizations use this day to discuss and educate others about the importance of tolerance. Some people write essays or tell stories of how their life has been affected by intolerance. The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence is awarded to institutions, organizations, and persons who have made great contributions toward tolerance and non-violence. The award is given every two years on the International Day for Tolerance.
To participate:
Identify scenarios you were intolerant. Ask yourself how you would respond differently today.
Talk to your friends and family about why intolerance is so dangerous
Think of ways you can improve tolerance in your community, state, and country
Watch movies with different viewpoints on understanding. These include Taxi Driver, Far From Heaven, and American History X
Read classic books about intolerance including To Kill a Mockingbird and 1984
Share this day on social media with #InternationalDayForTolerance
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE HISTORY
In 1995, the U.N. observed the United Nations Year for Tolerance. That same year, UNESCO’s Member States adopted a Declaration of Tolerance on November 16, 1995. The date marked the organization’s fiftieth anniversary. On November 16th, 1996, the UN General Assembly invited the U.N. Member States to observe the first-ever International Day of Tolerance.
New U.S. Census Data Reveals Detailed Ancestry Among ‘White’ Americans
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Census Bureau reports that for the first time ever, respondents to the 2020 Census who reported “White” as a race could write in more details such as Italian, Palestinian, or Cajun.
Together, the English American (46.6 million), GermanAmerican (45 million), and IrishAmerican (38.6 million) alone or in any combination populations made up over half of the White alone or in combination population in 2020. This new write-in area for collecting detailed White responses was an improvement made to the 2020 Census race question design. As a result, data are now available for 104 detailed White groups, including Lithuanian, Irish, Libyan, Syrian, Pennsylvania Dutch, and Australian.
Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) responses, such as Lebanese and Moroccan, were included with the White category, following the standards set by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget in 1997, which classify MENA responses as part of the White racial category.
Detailed responses from the race question are tabulated in two ways: race alone and race alone or in any combination. The alone population includes those who reported only one response to the race question, such as Austrian. The alone or in any combination population includes those who reported one or more responses to the race question, such as only Austrian or Austrian and German or Austrian and Asian.
In the 2020 Census, over 235 million people reported they were White alone or in combination with another race group, such as Black or African American. As the nation becomes more multiracial, understanding the composition of the race alone and race alone or in any combination populations is increasingly important.
Most U.S. White respondents reported a detailed European response.
About two-thirds of the White alone and White alone or in combination populations reported a detailed response, such as German, Irish, Lebanese, or French Canadian. Detailed European responses accounted for 58.8% of the White alone and 56.1% of the White alone or in combination populations. Other White responses, such as Canadian and Pennsylvania German, represented around 2% of the White alone and White alone or in combination populations. Middle Eastern and North African responses, such as Lebanese, Iranian, and Egyptian, represented over 1% of the White alone and White alone or in combination populations.
Among those who identified as White alone or in combination, English (46.6 million), German (45 million), and Irish (38.6 million) were the largest groups. Several other alone or in any combination groups had at least 8 million people:
Italian (16.8 million), Polish (8.6 million), Scottish (8.4 million), and French (8.0 million). An additional 11 detailed White alone or in any combination groups had at least 1 million people, including Swedish (3.8 million), Norwegian (3.8 million), and Dutch (3.6 million).
French Canadian and Canadian were the two largest detailed groups in the “Other White” population, with their alone or in any combination populations each exceeding half a million. The next largest groups were Pennsylvania German, Cajun, and Australian.
Among White respondents who reported a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) response:
The largest MENA alone groups were Iranian (413,842), Lebanese (328,137), and Egyptian (313,720).
These same groups also accounted for the largest MENA alone or in any combination groups: Lebanese (685,672), Iranian (568,564), and Egyptian (396,854).
The English-alone population was the largest detailed White group nationally, in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The German-alone population was the largest in 10 states, the Italian-alone population in four, and the Irish-alone population only in Massachusetts.
Texas had the largest English-alone population (over 2.1 million).
The largest German-alone population was in Pennsylvania — 1,112,662, or 11.4% of the state’s White alone population. California had the largest Irish-alone population (803,899), followed by New York (730,165) and Florida (692,142). The Italian-alone population was concentrated in New York and New Jersey. Together, the two states accounted for over a quarter (1,712,976) of those who reported Italian-alone. New York was home to 1.1 million.
Illinois had the largest number of people who identified as Polish-alone (352,882), followed by New York (274,580), Michigan (256,398), Pennsylvania (206,264), and Florida (160,119). Louisiana had the largest French-alone population (136,390), or 5.1% of its total White alone population, followed closely by California (127,756), Massachusetts (111,502), Florida (107,687), and Texas (105,770).
County-level findings showed that the English-alone or in any combination was the largest detailed White group in approximately two-thirds (2,050) of the counties in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
The English population was the most prevalent group in northern New England, the South, and throughout the West, as well as in Puerto Rico.
German was the largest group in over 1,000 counties, particularly in the Midwest, Pennsylvania, and parts of Texas, Phoenix had the largest English and German populations of all counties in the nation (620,199 and 639,586 respectively).
Norwegian was the most common group in 15 counties, all in northern Minnesota, North Dakota, or Montana. The county with the largest Norwegian population (135,077) was Hennepin, Minnesota, which includes Minneapolis.
Ukrainian was the largest group in West Alaska, and Dutch was the largest group in Sioux County, Iowa, and Ottawa County, Michigan.
French was the largest in two Louisiana Parishes while Bristol, Massachusetts, was the only county with Portuguese as the largest detailed White group.
Finnish was the largest group in four counties, all in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Tags: U.S. Census, 2020 Census, Race and Ethnicity, Demographics, White Americans, Ancestry, European Heritage, MENA Responses, U.S. Office of Management and Budget, American Diversity
An estimated 180,000 people marched through Taipei on Saturday in a riotous and noisy celebration of LGBTQ+ equality and diversity at east Asia’s largest Pride march, with Vice President Lai Ching-te becoming the most senior government leader ever to attend.
Taipei, Taiwan. The event took place ahead of Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections in January, and Lai, leading opinion polls to be elected president, joined the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s delegation, seeking to cement its position as a defender of liberal values.
Vice President Lai Ching-Te visiting the 2023 Taiwanese Pride Parade
Lai, speaking to reporters before joining the march around its midway point, thanked those who had worked to support equality and the legalizing of same sex marriage in 2019, which President Tsai Ing-wen and the DPP championed.
“On this road the DPP has always been together with everyone,” he said, as scantily clad male dancers passed behind him on the back of a truck.
“Equal marriage is not the end — it’s the starting point for diversity. I will stand steadfast on this path,” he said.
Lai then joined the DPP delegation, marching behind a banner reading “Democracy Supports Gays” as supporters yelled out “Hello Mr. President.”
None of the other three presidential candidates attended, although the youth wing of the main opposition Kuomintang party did, with its members shouting that their party also supported equality as they passed by Lai.
The streets of central Taipei were packed for the annual parade, the 21st since it began, and included go-go dancers and drag queens.
Organizers put the number of attendees around 176,000, the official Central News Agency reported, including many foreigners.
“Under the umbrella of Taiwan’s democracy and freedom, we learn to accept everyone’s characteristics and respect everyone’s differences,” Tsai wrote in a Facebook message.
Taiwan’s openness on LGBTQ+ issues stands in marked contrast with its neighbor China, which claims the island as its own territory.
While same sex relations are not illegal in China, same sex marriage is, and the government has been cracking down on activists and depictions of LGBTQ+ people in the media.
Amman —Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan has emerged as a leading voice for peace and empathy amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, forcefully rejecting the notion that supporting Palestinian rights is synonymous with antisemitism or support for terrorism.
In a series of high-profile interviews, Queen Rania has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged the international community to recognize the humanity of all civilians caught in the conflict.
“Advocating for the protection of Palestinian lives and rights is a matter of human dignity and justice, not an endorsement of violence or hatred.“
Speaking to CNN, Queen Rania stated, “Being pro-Palestinian is not being antisemitic, being pro-Palestinian does not mean you’re pro-Hamas or pro-terrorism.” She emphasized that advocating for the protection of Palestinian lives and rights is a matter of human dignity and justice, not an endorsement of violence or hatred.
Queen Rania has consistently condemned the killing of civilians on both sides, expressing empathy for Israeli families whose loved ones have been taken hostage by Hamas, while also highlighting the suffering of Palestinian families under relentless bombardment and blockade.
She has called for the swift release of hostages and an end to the cycle of violence, urging leaders to choose compassion and dialogue over retribution.
In her interviews, Queen Rania has criticized what she describes as a “glaring double standard” in the international response to the conflict.
She noted that while the world has witnessed unprecedented suffering in Gaza, there has been a lack of unified calls for a ceasefire, which she described as “deafening silence” that makes the Western world appear complicit in the ongoing tragedy. She warned that failing to address the root causes of the conflict—such as occupation, human rights abuses, and disregard for international law—will only perpetuate violence and suffering.
“Criticism of Israeli government policies should not be conflated with hatred of Jewish people.“
Queen Rania has also addressed the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia, condemning both and stressing that criticism of Israeli government policies should not be conflated with hatred of Jewish people. “Israel does not represent all Jewish people around the world. Israel alone is responsible for its own crimes. Jewish people around the world, many of them are appalled by what they’re seeing,” she said. She called on Muslims to be the first to condemn antisemitism, citing a long history of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Jews.
The Queen has defended the wave of pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. college campuses, rejecting attempts to label student demonstrators as “pro-Hamas.” She emphasized that the majority of these protests are peaceful and rooted in calls for social justice, human rights, and adherence to international law. While acknowledging the need for law and order, she urged the public not to lose sight of the core issues being protested: the protection of civilian lives and the pursuit of a just peace.
Queen Rania has urged the public not to lose sight of the core issues being protested: the protection of civilian lives and the pursuit of a just peace.
Queen Rania has been particularly critical of Israel’s military strategy in Gaza, arguing that an all-out war and the rejection of a ceasefire are “morally reprehensible” and amount to justifying the deaths of thousands of civilians.
She suggested that more targeted approaches, such as surgical strikes against Hamas, would be more effective and less devastating for the civilian population. She warned that dehumanizing Palestinians as mere security threats only serves to perpetuate the conflict and erode the moral fabric of all involved.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with warnings of mass famine and unprecedented hunger, Queen Rania has called for urgent international action to flood the territory with aid and prevent further catastrophe. She described the situation as a “major stain on our global conscience” and urged world leaders to act before it is too late.
Queen Rania’s message is clear: supporting Palestinian rights and calling for an end to violence is not antisemitic, but a stand for universal human rights and dignity. She continues to advocate for empathy, justice, and a collective commitment to peace in the Middle East.
New York, N.Y. October is a month of golden leaves, crisp air, and heartwarming possibilities—especially for animal lovers. Recognized as “Adopt a Shelter Dog” Month, it’s a time to celebrate the transformative power of giving a rescue dog a forever home.
As someone who’s shared my New York City apartment with up to 18 shelter dogs at once (though nine feels just right these days), I can attest: adopting a shelter dog doesn’t just save a life—it enriches yours in ways you might never imagine.
Why is “Adopt a Shelter Dog” Month so important?
Every year, millions of dogs enter shelters across the United States, each one brimming with potential to love and be loved. According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter shelters annually, and while adoption rates have risen, many still wait for their chance at a family.
This month shines a spotlight on these deserving pups, encouraging people to visit their local shelters and see the magic that happens when a dog finds its human.
Photo: The author on Roosevelt Island in New York City where he lives with rescue Scruffy, found wandering the Westchester highway, 2023. Credit: The Stewardship Report/Jonas Wang.
For me, the journey began with Scruffy, a scrappy little soul I found wandering along a Westchester highway.
Today, he’s my loyal companion on Roosevelt Island, where we live happily together. Scruffy’s story isn’t unique—shelter dogs come from all walks of life, often abandoned or lost, but always resilient.
Adopting one is a chance to rewrite their story with a happy ending. And trust me, the gratitude in their eyes is worth every moment.
Why should you adopt a shelter dog?
Beyond the obvious joy of saving a life, these dogs bring companionship, laughter, and purpose into your world. Studies show pet ownership can reduce stress, boost happiness, and even improve physical health through daily walks and playtime.
Shelter dogs, in particular, seem to know they’ve been given a second chance—they repay it with boundless loyalty. As founder of the New York Shih Tzu Rescue Society, I’ve seen firsthand how these adoptions spark joy not just for the dogs, but for the humans who welcome them home.
This month isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action.
A good call to action? Visit your local shelter or rescue organization this October. Spend time with the dogs, ask questions, and let your heart guide you. You don’t need a big home or a perfect life—just a willingness to love. Many shelters offer adoption events throughout the month, complete with waived fees or special meet-and-greets.
Can’t adopt? Consider fostering, volunteering, or donating to support these incredible animals.
Adopting a shelter dog can change your life in the best ways.
I’ve watched shy dogs blossom into confident companions, and I’ve felt my own days brighten with their presence.
Take my Scruffy: once a highway wanderer, now a beloved family member who greets me with a wagging tail every morning. These dogs don’t just fill a space in your home—they fill a space in your heart.
So, as October unfolds, let’s celebrate “Adopt a Shelter Dog” Month with open arms and open hearts.
Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, there’s a shelter pup waiting to make your life a little brighter. Visit a shelter today, and who knows? You might just meet your new best friend.
DO YOU LIKE TO WRITE? It occurs to us that it would be beneficial to create a Stewardship Report (our platform) profile and LuceWiki post for each of our Awardees as well as a press-release noting their recognition for their local press and personal use (social media alumni magazine etc.). Make sure you name-check yourself and your friends as well!
What do you think? Does this make sense? Who can help? We can make any of you a columnist for the SR so you can post directly – just ask! – Jim
Expert advice & Free custmization & Timely reply within 24 hours.Create My Trip Now!
Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles, but it’s also know as the Land of the Ladyboys! Compared to other countries, like the Philippines or Malaysia, Thailand has a long history and higher population of ladyboys in the world. As a matter of fact the word “ladyboy” is the English translation for “Kathoey“, a Thai word for transgender women and effeminate gay men.
1. Ladyboy, Transgender person or the third gender – They are called Kathoey in Thailand
The term “transgender” is rarely used in Thailand. Instead, the common term is, “Kathoey” which was once used to define intersex people, human beings who were born with ambiguous genitalia.
Kathoey have become entirely common in Thai society, like everyone else, they go about their daily affairs: shopping, meeting with friends, using public transport, visiting the temple.
Ladyboy, transgender or the third gender is rarely used in Thailand.
Miss Tiffany’s Show Pattaya 32 Finalist. Can you the different with real women?
2. Large ladyboy population in Thailand
Thailand beholds the highest rate of Transsexuals throughout the world. According to Sam Winter, the numbers differ from about 10,000 to (unofficial) 300,000. substantially above that estimated for transgender in most other parts of the world. Thai community creats a sound public opinion environment for those of a different sexual orientation. They can enjoy their freedom of expressing themselves.
3. History of Ladyboy in Thailand
The very first Thai ladyboy is said to present as early as the 14 centry. At that time, Thais started to identify waht is now known as ladyboy.
4. Thai Buddhism help to understand transsexuals in Thailand
First Buddhist scriptures also mention 3 genders: a man, a woman and a kathoey. So, religion officially allows for the third gender to exist. Buddhist teachings also hold that the circumstances we live today are the product of the ways in which we lived our previous lives.
Another concept behind kathoey is the result of karma – in particular one was born kathoey as a consequence of some sexual misdemeanor in an earlier life or lives or that they failed to fulfill an expected role in the reproductive process, such as a man not caring for a woman who is pregnant by him.
Whatever the reason, it is important to note that the common belief says there is no escaping from the karmic consequences, everyone has been kathoey at once in previous lives and will be again in future ones, thus kathoey should be treated with compassion.
5. Big cities have wider acceptance
Kathoey acceptance in society depends on the area in which they live. In the bigger cities, it is more normalized to be kathoey. In more rural villages, treatment of kathoey is described as tolerance than acceptance.
6. Miss Tiffany’s Universe
Miss Tiffany’s Universe is a beauty pageant for Thai transgender women in Pattaya, Thailand. The contest is open to all transgender women who may or may not have gone through sex reassignment surgery.
The Miss Tiffan’’s Universe contest held once a year is receiving more attention especially since it is broadcast live on Thai television with an average of 15 million viewers. The Miss Tiffany’s Universe winner receives a trophy and crown, Honda Jazz, cash prizes, jewellery, and other gifts from sponsors.
See the contrast of winners of Miss Tiffany’s Univers:
7. Lady Gaga gained her inspiration from Cabaret shows – Drug show in Thailand
Cabaret shows are popular and widespread in Thai culture. The Calypso in Bangkok is said to be where Lady Gaga gained a lot of her inspiration, and the Tiffany has been compared to the Miss Universe of kathoey culture.
These cabaret shows include elaborate song and dance routines with elegant costuming. One might be tempted to compare these shows to the drag shows in the US, but in these shows the performers are not just taking on a female persona; many of them identify as women.
The lifestyle of the kathoey varies as well. Mostly though, the kathoey live like other Thai people. They work as hair dressers, film makers, sex workers, waitresses, models, and other jobs that you would find any woman.
They have romantic relationships and are allowed to marry. Kathoey, like other trans people, are just that. People.
9. Easy to see beautiful Kathoey in public media
Kathoeys are more visible and more accepted in Thai culture than transsexuals are in other countries in the world. Several popular Thai models, singers and movie stars are kathoeys, and Thai newspapers often print photographs of the winners of female and kathoey beauty contests side by side.
The phenomenon is not restricted to urban areas; there are kathoeys in most villages, and kathoey beauty contests are commonly held as part of local fairs.
10. Varies “feminising” surgeries to choose from
Kathoey have easy access to hormones and surgery. Local chain drug stores can carry as many as 23 hormonal preparations, all available (without a doctor’s note) over the shop counter.
Many dress as women and undergo a wide range of “feminising” medical procedures such as breast implants, hormones, silicone injections, or Adam’s apple reductions. That’s why a Kathoey is hard to distinguish.
11. Thai males tend to revere females
would any Thai man want to be a woman? We might here answer ‘yes’ more readily than for many other societies; Asian or otherwise. Thai women occupy a more advantageous position in Thai society than elsewhere in Asia. These last authors remark that Thai males tend to revere females, referring to them as the ‘peht mae’ (gender of mothers).
Conversely, all things worthy of reverence are conceived of as feminine; for example a great river is called mae-nam (‘mother-water’). Traditionally, a man’s family has paid a bride price upon a son marrying, while property inheritance has traditionally been through the daughter.
It may be that the changing nature of womanhood has helped kathoey in efforts to be accepted as female.
12. Developmental pathways for who want to be a kathoey
Once a young boy has become discontented about his gender identity, he finds that modern Thai society opens up for him a clear developmental path. On one hand media personalities – TG actresses, singers, models, beauty queens – provide role models to aim for.
Nearer at hand an older peer or often a fellow student, may provide first social contact with a kathoey.
These older role models can provide the young kathoey with important information; initially regarding hormones, clothes, make-up, beauty contests etc, and perhaps later on extending to information about employment and surgery.
13. “kathoey career”
A word here about economics. A nose operation can cost from US$240. Sex reassignment surgery can cost from US$950. To save even that money one needs a job while salaries are low in Thailand.
The costs of surgery therefore act to draw kathoey to the cabarets and bars for work. The cabarets are often unobjectionable spectacles of dance, music and costume for tourists. While the salaries are small much more might can be earned from tips given by tourists taking photos.
The bars, on the other hand, provide a vehicle for prostitution. Both provide a way of earning the kind of money that make surgery possible. Also with hope of meeting a Westerner who might take her to his country, where, apart from anything else, she might be able to achieve legal status as a female and marry. That’s the ‘kathoey career’ for most Kathoey.
14. Beautiful soldiers
Like many countries, Thailand’s military has conscription by way of a lottery. In draft day, all men over 21 – even those who no longer consider themselves to be male – are required to attend the conscription lottery once. In practice, kathoey ladyboys are almost always exempted from military service – but they are still required to attend the lottery.
Thai law forbids people changing their gender on national identification documents, so all trans women remain officially recognised as male. These annual scenes of beautifully dressed women sitting among crowds of more conventionally male-looking recruits draws many eyes.
15. Must a kathoey undergo hormone therapies or transgender surgeries?
Today, the term kathoey is used to cover a broad spectrum of identities. This ranges from gay men that are more effeminate and may take on a persona in performance, not unlike drag shows in the US, to trans women.
It is important to note that identifying as kathoey, like other trans identities, is not dependent on the state of the body. Some kathoey undergo hormone therapies and gender confirmation surgeries, others do not.
16. Considered as men in law
As far as the Thai government is concerned, male to female transsexuals are legally men. Transsexuals cannot legally change their gender on their ID cards.
Transsexuals’ birth gender must remain the same on their passports as well, a fact which can lead to confusion and unwanted scrutiny at border crossings and immigration checkpoints.
Thailand also prohibits same sex marriage, meaning that when the partner of a transsexual dies, the deceased’s family receives any and all assets.
17. Ladyboy Bars
Of course, there are Calypso Cabaret and Tiffany’s Show Pattaya, but if you don’t want a big show and the seedy underbelly of ladyboy beckons, ladyboy bars is your best bet.
At Nana Plaza in Bangkok or Pattaya Walking Street, you can find some real ladyboy bars. There are things, or rather, for everyone – from higher, more sports bar staff to Japanese female student type pole dancers.
Parrish developed a taste for art of the Italian Renaissance as a student at Harvard College and began collecting art seriously in the early 1880s, just after moving his successful law practice from Philadelphia to New York.
During that time, he regularly visited his family home in Southampton. The Village, a popular summer resort then as it is now, quickly caught his interest and Parrish soon became an active member of the community.
During a trip to Italy in 1896, Parrish decided to build a museum in Southampton to house his rapidly growing collection of Italian Renaissance art and reproductions of classical Greek and Roman statuary.
He bought a small parcel of land next to the Rogers Memorial Library on Jobs Lane and commissioned a fellow Southampton resident, the architect Grosvenor Atterbury to design the building. Trained at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Atterbury continued to work on the design of the Museum over a period of nearly 20 years.
Developments at the Museum slowed considerably after Parrish’s death in 1932, along with the Great Depression and war years that followed. By 1941, the Village of Southampton accepted the building, grounds, and founding collection as a gift from Parrish’s estate, and the Museum was eventually renamed Parrish Memorial Art Museum.
In 1952, Rebecca Bolling Littlejohn, a civic-minded Southampton resident with a deep interest in the arts, became President of the Parrish Board and took on the overwhelming task of reviving the Museum.
Under Littlejohn’s leadership, a heating system was installed in 1954, allowing the building to remain open year round. That same year, the Museum was granted a charter from the New York State Board of Regents, recognizing it as an educational institution, and the name was changed to The Parrish Art Museum, Inc.
Perhaps most important, Littlejohn believed the Museum should look not only to the past civilizations but to American artists—especially those who had lived and worked on the East End of Long Island.
She generously bequeathed her impressive collection of American paintings, including works by William Merritt Chase, Thomas Moran, and Childe Hassam, to the Parrish. This became the core of the outstanding collection of American paintings held by the Museum today. In 1957, the Museum mounted its first major exhibition: a retrospective of works by Chase.
By the mid-1980s it was clear that the Parrish had outgrown its original building, which lacked the basic infrastructure necessary for a professional museum as well as the space to showcase both its collection and temporary exhibitions.
In 2005 the Museum purchased 14 acres in Water Mill, New York, and the Board of Trustees selected the internationally celebrated architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron to design a new and expanded building. In July 2010 the team broke ground and the 34,400 square-foot building opened to the public November 10, 2012.
The building they left behind in Southampton was the property of the Village of Southampton. Losing a major art museum and having a beautiful empty building on its hands, the Village did quite a bit of soul-searching to maintain the coherence of the historic building and the values it represented.
The town leaders agreed that a multidisciplinary, mixed-arts use for the building would not compete with the Southampton Cultural Center on Pond Lane, another key element of the arts district. Rather, they said such a facility would complement the offerings at the Cultural Center.
The Parrish Gallery they left behind, built in 1897, became the Southampton Arts Center. Today, this art center provides a dynamic and historic venue to present the highest quality programming to our entire community through partnerships with a diverse slate of world-class artists, performers, educators, and cultural institutions.
Southampton Arts Center offers year-round programming includes visual arts, film, live performances, talks, wellness, sustainability, and children’s activities.
Southampton Arts Center is committed to community building through the arts.
They present and produce inspiring, inclusive, socially and regionally relevant programs across all disciplines – welcoming, connecting, and collaborating with the diverse members of New York’s East End community and beyond.
Influenced by the rich cultural tradition and artistic history of the region, Southampton Arts Center drives cultural engagement and economic vitality.
Their goal is to be distinguished as a destination for multigenerational audiences to have artistic, educational and transformational experiences. Using the arts as a unifier they continue to provide a platform for the many voices who comprise our region creating mutual understanding and effecting positive change.
Southampton Arts Center, Photo: Victoria Silva
The Southampton Arts Center’s mission is not just to promote art. The foundation works to encourage creative expression, familial unity, and community. Its galleries often show East End artists and its theater features performances, movies and live music.
The building is surrounded by lush lawns on which children and adults can gather in the spring and summer months for musical treats or for art-centered workshops.
It’s an interactive cultural center, really. Michele Thompson, director of the Center, has big plans to make the space more “organic” to the community.
“We’re working on making modern amenities happen for the Center,” Thompson says. “We really need to accommodate the flexibility of artists now.”
Enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable, Thompson is devoted to the betterment of the Center. She wants to bring the Center’s facilities up to date and to also bring more natural sunlight into the second gallery space as a means of balancing art and the outdoors.
Wanting to reinvigorate the space, she’s partnering with institutions like the Bay Street Theater, the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) and the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Gallery of Columbia University, to name a few.
She’s added staff and she’s had over 10,000 visitors flock to the Center from July to August 2014 alone. Thompson will soon announce upcoming corporate sponsorships.
The space retains its historical integrity with beautiful features like its brick façade and walls, the wrought-iron side door and gates, and the interior ceiling’s plaster friezes. Inside, you may notice how the pure white walls in the gallery are kissed by soft, warm studio lights that shine on artwork of vastly different sizes and content. It is truly a calm, clean, and spiritual environment.
Greco-Roman busts adorn the shady lawn just beside the entrance, an example of Samuel Parrish’s passion for iconographic art and serious art collecting. This is display enough to convince anyone to further explore the establishment.
Or it could be the last thing that you visit—coming out of the museum, you’re drawn to peek behind the brick walls overlooking Jobs Lane. The busts will be there, lined up like tombs at a national cemetery, waiting ever patiently for your admiration.
The Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton. Call 631-283-0967 or visit southamptoncenter.org.
“Join us for a night where art meets philanthropy, and culture is celebrated in its most vibrant forms. This is an event not to be missed—an evening where your presence supports a greater good!”
New York, N.Y. — On Sunday, September 8th, 2024, the Southampton Arts Center will host an unforgettable evening of culture, creativity, and charity.
The evening will begin with an Art Expo at 4:30pm.
This will showcase works from some of the most talented and visionary artists. As guests peruse the vibrant and thought-provoking pieces, they’ll have the opportunity to engage with the creators and gain insights into their artistic journeys.
At 6:00pm, the main event kicks off, featuring the acclaimed “Let Music Band.” This live performance promises to captivate the audience with a unique blend of genres, delivering a musical experience that will resonate with everyone in attendance.
Adding to the ambiance, music will also be provided by the talented Du Toni, ensuring that the night is filled with rhythm and soul.
Creating an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance with renowned Chef Duprat.
The evening’s festivities will be hosted by a distinguished guest, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance.
Attendees will also be treated to an exquisite culinary experience crafted by the renowned Chef Duprat.
Known for his innovative approach to cuisine, Chef Duprat’s menu for the night promises to be a highlight, offering a blend of flavors that celebrate cultural diversity.
Adding to the allure of the event, the celebrated artist Queen Georgy will make a special appearance, providing guests with a rare opportunity to witness her creative genius firsthand.
This “Night of Culture” is not just about art and entertainment.
In addition to art and entertainment, the evening will be a significant fundraising event. With tickets priced at $250, the evening is dedicated to supporting the charitable initiatives of Foundation HUF, Inc., a nonprofit organization known for its commitment to humanitarian causes. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Guests will have the opportunity to contribute to these efforts, ensuring that their presence at the event makes a difference in the lives of others.
The dress code for the event is “All White Chic Attire / Hampton Style.”
Guests are encouraged to dress in elegant white, embodying the classic Hamptons aesthetic.
The Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane in Southampton, N.Y. (11968), on the fashionable East End of Long Island.
For more information, visit bat.belmage.com or call 516-292-4400. For event info, call 855-446-7888. Tickets are available thru Eventbrite @ Haitianunitedtd@gmail.com. Tax-deductible donations may be made by Zelle contribution to Haitianunitedtd@gmail.com. For more information section visit www.HaitianUnitedFoundation.org and click on the link to purchase tickets.
The organization enthuses: “Join us for a night where art meets philanthropy, and culture is celebrated in its most vibrant forms. This is an event not to be missed—an evening where your presence supports a greater good!”
The Supreme Court as composed June 30, 2022 to present.
Front row, left to right: Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., Associate Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr., and Associate Justice Elena Kagan.
Back row, left to right: Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett, Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, Associate Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Credit: Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States
Tokyo, Japan — In Japan, the phenomenon of “kodokushi,” or unattended deaths where individuals pass away unnoticed for days or even weeks, is becoming increasingly visible in the media.
This troubling trend is a reflection of growing social isolation, where many find themselves disconnected from society and their families.
One woman, who specializes in cleaning the homes of the deceased, has taken an unconventional approach to raising awareness about this issue—by creating detailed miniature dioramas that capture the scenes she encounters.
Kojima Miyu is an employee of a firm specializing in cleaning apartments and houses of the deceased. She was born in Saitama Prefecture in 1992.
In 2016 she started building dioramas of residences where people have died unattended. Her works have garnered broad attention in the domestic and foreign press and on social media. In a recent article published in Japanese, Miyu writes:
The Quiet Crisis of Isolation
“In recent years, the tragic stories of people who die alone, their absence unnoticed until much later, have grown alarmingly common. Despite frequent media coverage of “kodokushi,” the public often remains fixated on the morbid details, failing to see the broader issue of social isolation that could affect any community.
“With nearly 30,000 unattended deaths each year in Japan, the issue has only recently gained wider recognition.
“When I began working at To-Do Company in 2014—a firm dedicated to cleaning the homes of those who have passed away—few understood what “kodokushi” meant, let alone knew that my line of work existed.
“Our work is as emotionally taxing as it is necessary. When someone dies alone, we are called in to clean and restore their living space.
“This involves more than just removing trash and disinfecting the area; we carefully sort through the personal belongings left behind, passing any items of sentimental or monetary value on to the family.
“We also provide emotional support, offering condolences and listening to the stories of the deceased from their loved ones.
“Realizing that few people understood the grim reality of “kodokushi,” I sought a new way to communicate the gravity of this situation. In 2015, our company participated in the Endex Japan funeral trade show, where I attempted to educate visitors on the rising number of unattended deaths.
“To my surprise, many dismissed the idea that such tragedies could happen in a society like Japan’s. This skepticism led me to explore a more visceral method of communication—creating miniature dioramas based on my experiences.
“Though these dioramas are not exact replicas of specific scenes, they are carefully constructed composites that capture the loneliness and desolation that accompany unattended deaths.
“I began this project with no prior experience in miniature making, learning through online tutorials and trial and error. These small models became powerful tools to evoke empathy and raise awareness.
Depicting Solitary Scenes
“One of my first creations, titled “Kodokushi: Age 50-60,” highlights the commonality of social disconnection among middle-aged individuals. This age group is particularly vulnerable to dying unnoticed due to lapses in communication with family and neighbors. The diorama is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining social ties, even through simple gestures like phone calls or visits.
“Another piece, “Kodokushi Due to Heat Shock,” illustrates the dangers of sudden temperature changes, which can lead to fatal conditions like heart attacks or strokes.
“This model serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for preventive measures in the home, especially during the winter months.
“Finally, “Kodokushi in a Hoarder’s Room” challenges viewers to look beyond the clutter and understand the emotional and psychological turmoil that can lead to such living conditions.
“This scene is a testament to how life’s hardships can push anyone into isolation and neglect.
Reassessing the Concept of “Kodokushi”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature of my work, with more people spending time at home and fewer families needing assistance in clearing out belongings.
However, the demand for trauma cleaning, especially in cases where the cause of death is unknown, has increased. This has reinforced for me the unpredictability of life and death.
“It’s important to challenge the notion that “Kodokushi” is inherently negative. Many of the deceased I encounter lived full lives and maintained strong relationships until the end.
“The term “jitakushi,” meaning death at home, might better capture the reality that not all unattended deaths are marked by loneliness or isolation.
“I hope that my dioramas and this article encourage others to reach out to their loved ones and cherish the connections they have. Life is fleeting, and we should strive to live each day without regrets, appreciating the moments we share with others.“
In 1985, after her time in Japan as a Rotary Scholar at International Christian University (ICU), she and her partner Audrey came out as a lesbian couple, moved to San Francisco and began attending Metropolitan Community Church. Kitt followed a call to ministry, earning a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.
Cherry was born and raised in Iowa in a mostly secular family. Her mother was an art teacher and her father was a businessman and musician. She is the oldest of two children, and enjoyed many fun adventures growing up with her brother, Craig. They loved playing with rubber animal erasers, real live toads and the family dogs.
Kitt met her spouse, Audrey Lockwood, in 1975 when they were both freshmen at the University of Iowa.
After earning degrees in journalism and art history, Kitt worked as a daily newspaper reporter covering business and the arts at the Quincy Herald-Whig in Quincy, Illinois, from 1979-82.
Kittredge Cherry carried a mikoshi Shinto shrine at International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan, as a grad student there in 1982
As a freelance writer in Japan, she wrote for the Asian editions of Newsweek and the Wall Street Journal, plus many other publications, including Audrey’s “Feminist Forum” magazine.
Her father’s sudden, unexpected death in 1983 led to a spiritual crisis and religious conversion experience. Kitt was baptized at age 26 at Kobe Union church, an interdenominational church in Kobe, Japan.
In 1985 she and Audrey came out as a lesbian couple, moved to San Francisco and began attending Metropolitan Community Church. Kitt followed a call to ministry, earning a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.
Her ministry began at MCC San Francisco during the AIDS pandemic of the 1980s. With Jim Mitulski as her supervising pastor and mentor, she served as program director and organized the church’s first annual women’s retreat. Women’s participation tripled under her leadership. She co-authored the landmark 1988 article “We are the Church Alive, the Church with AIDS” in Christian Century magazine.
In 1991 Kitt became an executive at MCC’s international headquarters in Los Angeles. She worked closely with MCC founderTroy Perryand Nancy Wilson, who succeeded him as moderator.
Kitt was on the forefront of the homosexuality debates at the National Council of Churches and World Council of Churches as MCC’s National Ecumenical Officer.
In addition she organized dramatic demonstrations for LGBTQ+ rights in the church, including Hands Around the God-Box at the offices of the National Council of Churches as part of Stonewall 25 and the take-over of the 1993 NCC meeting when members voted to deny observer status to MCC.
She handled media relations for The Wedding, a spectacular group blessing of 6,000 lesbian and gay couples at the 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi Rights.
Kitt also made an impact at many other conferences, including Christian Lesbians Out Together (CLOUT) and Re-Imagining: A Global Theological Conference By Women: For Men and Women.
She co-founded a worship service at MCC Los Angeles in the style of Taize, an international ecumenical community in France known for its meditative chants. The MCC denominational newsletter “Keeping in Touch” was voted the most valuable MCC program while she was editor.
Kitt turned to online ministry after Chronic Fatigue Syndrome forced her into a more contemplative life. She launched JesusInLove.org in 2005 to promote artistic and religious freedom and show God’s love for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Since then it has grown to include Qspirit.net, plus a popular blog and newsletter. Readers call it inspiring, informative and “always fabulous.” The blog surpassed 3 million page views in its first 15 years.
The New York Times Book Review praised Kitt’s “very graceful, erudite” writing style and her poetry has won several awards. Her books have been translated into Japanese, Chinese, German, and Polish. Major translations of her Q Spirit blog articles were published on Italian, Russian and Spanish websites.
Kitt and her college sweetheart, Audrey Lockwood, were united in a Holy Union church wedding on April 11, 1987 at MCC San Francisco and legally married on May 4, 2016 at the Beverly Hills Courthouse.
Audrey has worked as an out lesbian in the corporate world since the 1980s. Kitt and Audrey live in Los Angeles with their animal companions.
After coming out, the prince faced severe backlash, including enduring years of torturous “Conversion” therapy, which included electroshock treatments. His family publicly disowned him, reflecting the deeply entrenched societal stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals in India at the time.
Photo: The prince experiences discrimination and violation of human rights. Credit: Twitter.
Despite these challenges, Prince Manvendra has become a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in India.
He is now actively campaigning to make conversion therapy illegal in the country, aiming to prevent others from enduring the same harmful practices.
Additionally, his work extends to raising awareness aboutHIV prevention and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals who face discrimination and persecution.
His story is a powerful example of resilience and dedication to the cause of human rights, as he continues to fight for legal and social reforms that will ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ people in India.
Richard Yao as a Fundamentalist boy growing up in the Philippines.
Born into an affluent Chinese family in Quezon City, Philippines, Yao was shaped by a rich cultural heritage and a legacy of prominence in China, which allowed him to hold passports from both mainland China and Taiwan as a young adult.
It was during this time that Yao fully embraced his identity as a gay man, a journey that would deeply influence his life’s work.
Yao had been raised as a born-againBaptist in the Philippines at a church associated with Jerry Falwell’s missionaries. To further deepen his understanding of the spiritual dimensions of his work, Yao attended Yale Divinity School.
Richard Yao of Fundamentalists Anonymous in New York.
He became friendly with Leander Keck and Leander Keck. His studies there enriched the mission of Fundamentalist Anonymous, which became a beacon of support for individuals dealing with the psychological and emotional challenges of leaving fundamentalist backgrounds.
In the 1980s, Yao emerged as a significant voice against religious extremism following an appearance with Jim Luce on the DonahueShow.
This opportunity provided them with a base from which they could expand their outreach and support services, offering crucial help to those struggling to leave fundamentalist religious communities. The New York Times cover the organization repeatedly, including here.
However, their activism came with risks.
The couple faced death threats and were mugged on the streets of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn where they lived. They were also followed by white men wearing trench coats and had a break-in at their office in which files were ransacked but noting was stolen.
Photo: Jim Luce and Richard Yao testifying against the TV evangelists in Congress, helping topple Jim & Tammy Bakker’s Heritage USA, 1988.
In response to these dangers, a patron offered them refuge in her Greenwich Village brownstone, where they continued their work in a safer environment.
Journalist Frank Chesley of The Everett (Wa.) Herald writes, “I wrote a story about FA… in 1988 and spent considerable time with Richard Yao and James (Jim) Luce.”
He writes about the demise of Fundamentalists Anonymous about 1990: “…Nobody ever found out who sicked the IRS on him and his organization. The IRS confiscated all of his Fundamentalist Anonymous files, and forced FA into permanent exile.”
In his later years, Yao became an American citizen and eventually married a Swedish entrepreneur, acquiring European Union citizenship and now holds five passports. This global identity reflects his broad perspective and multifaceted life.
“Church of Princess Diana”
In the 1990’s Yao may have gone through a nervous breakdown. At this point in his career, he launched an either serious and thus disturbed website – or a satirical website promoting his book DIANA SPEAKS in the order of Gulliver’s Travels.
Edward Babinski wrote in his blog Former Fundamentalists in 2012: “(I)n 1999, on the eve of the new millennium, Richard Yao struck back (in a manner of speaking) with the publication of DIANA SPEAKS: The Uncensored Messages from Princess Diana, a book about alleged afterlife communications he was having with the deceased Princess Diana.
“The Religious Right condemned DIANA SPEAKS because of its alleged “occult connections” (just as they condemned the Harry Potter series). But the publication of DIANA SPEAKS led to a media blitz for Richard Yao that was reminiscent of his days in the media spotlight during the 1980s when he founded Fundamentalists Anonymous.
“I suspect that Yao’s book, DIANA SPEAKS, was a well intentioned pseudoepigraphical fraud, written in the “spirit” and “name” of Princess Diana in order to gain attention for Yao’s basic ideas about peace, love, humanity, and the benefits of living well in THIS life.
“What makes me think that Yao’s book isn’t true (but written to promote the IDEAS it contains, which he puts in Diana’s mouth), is that I can’t believe Yao (who calls himself “Chairman Yao” in the book and whose website, dianaspeaks.org, is named, “The Church of Diana“) could ever SERIOUSLY imagine himself in the role of “cult leader,” since he spent so much time in the 1980s warning people of the effects of following such leaders.
“In other words I think he wrote DIANA SPEAKS to parody the fundamentalist mindset, parody millennial fever, infuriate the Religious Right, and also to obtain media exposure for some “this worldly” ideas. Yao let his “Church of Diana” website expire in early 2001 [For those who are interested in the now defunct “Church of Diana,” its remains can still be viewed here.
“Here are some key quotes from “Chairman Yao’s” book that make me suspect it reflected Yao’s views and was merely a social science experiment:
“There are no Christians in the United States today. Not the kind that Jesus demanded.” — p. 214, DianaSpeaks
“After you’ve bought this book, use it as your point of contact to access my healing touch.” — p. 236, DianaSpeaks
Was Yao conducting an experiment on the eve of the millennium to demonstrate how gullible most people are, and perhaps to see how many stories he could collect of people being “healed” by Diana, to contrast such “miracles” with fundamentalist Christian claims? Yet he also kept the book rooted in the here and now, in humane ideals, and had Diana mention the benefits of peace, love, and longevity research.
“I suspect that Yao’s book was written to remind the Religious Right of the gullibility of people who believe in gods and goddesses, but unfortunately, I cannot back up my suspicion with a statement from Yao himself since he has once again vanished into thin air after having ended his latest social experiment and deleted his Diana website in 2001.
“I also found the following review of his book at amazon.com that sounds like someone had the same suspicions I did concerning his book:
Dec. 20, 1999, Reviewer Jack P. from New York, N.Y.:
DIANASPEAKS is a fable — a parable — for our age. You don’t have to believe it’s from Diana. The book can stand quite well on its own merits. As one of my book-critic friends admitted “It’s a damn good read!” I’m a skeptic. But I must confess that after reading a book galley of DIANASPEAKS, I can recommend it without reservations to all my fellow skeptics. I haven’t been so excited or moved since I read Carlos Castaneda in my youth. We learn from the Princess’ mistakes how we could live our lives. How we can transform it overnight. How today is always the day of salvation.
DIANASPEAKS articulates a breathtaking new paradigm that makes more sense than anything I know of as we enter the third millennium. I can only call it immortalist. But it is immortalism based on science. And it has the real potential to reconcile science and religion in the next century. This is no ordinary vision. With the collapse of Marxism, and the bankruptcy of globalism, Yaoist Immortalism could become a worldview to reckon with. Maybe this will be the secret to its longevity. Without a vision, the people perish.
Chairman Yao shows us the difference between form and substance, between appearance and reality. Does it matter who Carlos Castaneda was? Nope. All that matters was his message. The same can be said about Chairman Yao. An unforgettable pseudonym, stage name, or alter ego. So long as he can give us books like this, I say more power to Chairman Yao!
Edward Babinski writes that the information on Yao’s book from his now defunct “Church of Diana” by ‘Chairman Yao’ included that the publisher was Komintern (Limited Collector’s edition (Nov. 26, 1999) ISBN: 9197349356). The website included reviews:
(Princess Diana) “knew she had healing power.” — Liz Tilberis, the former editor-in-chief, Harper’s Bazaar
“Audacious, provocative, and possibly groundbreaking.” — Lars Fimmerstad, Swedish critic & commentator
CHAIRMAN YAO ROCKS! LONG LIVE CHAIRMAN YAO! — Alexander Bard, European pop star & impresario
Excerpt: On Thanksgiving Eve, November 26th, 1997, I had a dream….It was about Princess Diana who had died in a car crash in Paris on the 31st of August… I saw Diana on my TV screen. She looked radiant, very much alive, as handsome as ever… she is looking straight at me… ‘Hello,’ she says, ‘May I speak to you?'” Thus begins the extraordinary odyssey of Chairman Yao, the exclusive conduit for Princess Diana’s messages, who has been thrust into controversy and attacked by the tabloids just like the People’s Princess. Believe it or not. But read it and decide for yourself if these messages are from Princess Diana as increasing numbers believe. This is the book the powers that be don’t want you to read. Discover her message of hope for you in the new millennium. Tap into her healing powers through this book. Discover your evolutionary and spiritual destiny. Find out how she really died. And what she thinks of Prince Charles and his mistress Camilla. Read her predictions about how we shall conquer Old Age and Death – soon! Marvel as she solves the riddle of Nostradamus’ prophecies concerning the New World Teacher – when he will appear, and how we will recognize him.
A press-release states: RELIGIOUS RIGHT SEEKS TO BAN “DIANA SPEAKS” FROM LIBRARIES & SCHOOLS. New York — Just like the late Princess, DIANA SPEAKS: THE UNCENSORED MESSAGES FROM PRINCESS DIANA (NY, Stockholm: Periskop, $39.95) has no lack of admirers, detractors, or controversy. Just as with the bestselling Harry Potter novels, the Religious Right wants to ban DIANA SPEAKS from libraries and schools on the grounds that it is “occult,” “anti-Christian,” and “subversive.” Sources also report Buckingham Palace is “furious” about the book and is “moving to discredit it.”
Chairman Yao, the spiritual teacher who is the exclusive conduit for Princess Diana’s after-death messages, has already been on Roseanne, Philly After Midnight, Wireless Flash News Service, and a host of radio talk shows. And all this buzz before the book’s publication date. If one is judged by the quality of one’s enemies, then Chairman Yao is doing well indeed.
“Don’t let a Pat Robertson or a Prince Charles tell you what to read! Make up your own mind by reading this book,” the preternaturally youthful and telegenic spiritual master challenges us. “Find out why they’re so afraid of this book. Why they want to shoot the messenger.” 40% of those who have read DIANASPEAKS in focus groups are so “touched” they “believe or are open to the possibility that it contains authentic messages from the late Princess.”
The book DIANA SPEAKS is incurring the wrath of the Religious Right by predicting that
i) Science will conquer aging and death in our lifetime – without Christianity;
ii) Christianity will collapse by 2050;
iii) “The New World Teacher” – predicted by The Buddha – will appear soon (the Religious Right attacks him as “the AntiChrist”)
Now in his mid-60s and residing in Europe, Yao has largely retreated from public life.
He deeply guards his privacy. Nevertheless, his legacy endures through the continued impact of Fundamentalist Anonymous and the countless lives he has influenced. Richard Yao’s life story is a powerful testament to resilience, advocacy, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.
TAGS: Richard Yao, Fundamentalist Anonymous, LGBTQ rights, religious extremism, televangelists, Wall Street, NYU Law, Yale Divinity School, Jim Luce, Madison Avenue Baptist Church
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, in an event that shocked the world and marked a turning point in American history. This story is written for young leaders who weren’t born at that time, to understand the significance of that day and the lasting impact of JFK’s legacy.
New York, N.Y. — In the early 1960s, the United States was a nation filled with hope and ambition. At the heart of this era was John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the U.S.JFK, as he was affectionately known, was a young, charismatic leader who had inspired millions with his vision of a better future. He spoke of civil rights, peace, and even the dream of landing a man on the moon. To many, he symbolized the promise of a new era.
But on November 22, 1963, that bright future was shattered.
On that day, President Kennedy was in Dallas, Texas, as part of a campaign tour. He was riding in an open-top car, smiling and waving to the crowds that lined the streets to see him. His wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, sat beside him, and TexasTexas and his wife were in the car too. The mood was festive, and the people of Dallas were excited to catch a glimpse of the President.
As the motorcade turned onto Elm Street and entered a place called Dealey Plaza, shots suddenly rang out. In an instant, the joyful atmosphere turned to horror. President Kennedy was struck by bullets and slumped forward.
The car sped to the nearest hospital, but the President’s injuries were too severe. At 1:00 p.m., the world received the devastating news: John F. Kennedy was dead.
I was only four years old, but the tragedy shook my family like every family in America, to the core.The country was in shock. For many Americans, it felt as though time had stopped. People gathered around televisions and radios, trying to make sense of what had happened. Schools closed, businesses paused, and a deep sadness hung over the nation.
The man accused of killing the President was Lee Harvey Oswald, a 24-year-old former Marine with a troubled past. He was captured within hours, but before he could go to trial, he was shot and killed by a nightclub owner named Jack Ruby. This sudden turn of events only deepened the confusion and grief, leaving the nation with more questions than answers.
The assassination of JFK was a moment that changed America forever.
It marked the end of the optimism and innocence of the early 1960s and ushered in a period of uncertainty and fear. For many, it was the first time they realized that even in the land of freedom and opportunity, terrible things could happen.
But despite his untimely death, John F. Kennedy’s legacy lived on. He was more than just a President; he was a symbol of hope and change. His call to action—“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”—continues to inspire people, especially young leaders, to this day.
For young leaders today, understanding the assassination of JFK is crucial.
It’s not just a story of a tragedy; it’s a reminder of the power of leadership and the impact one person can have on the world. JFK’s vision of a better, more just society, his commitment to public service, and his belief in the potential of young people are lessons that are as important now as they were then.
The world has changed a lot since 1963, but the ideals that JFK stood for—courage, hope, and the belief that each of us can make a difference—remain timeless. His assassination was a tragic loss, but his life’s work continues to inspire generations to dream bigger, work harder, and strive for a better world.
As you step into leadership roles, remember JFK’s legacy. It’s a call to be brave in the face of challenges, to lead with vision and compassion, and to always believe that you have the power to make a difference. JFK may have been taken from us too soon, but his impact on the world—and on those who follow in his footsteps—will never fade.
“Find the good and praise it.” — Dr. Betty Shabazz
“We love her, no matter what. Families have ups and downs, but she’s still our sister.” — Malaak Shabazz
All of the sisters are depicted from the knees up, looking directly at the viewer, and with serious expressions on their faces. Malaak stands at the center with her four sisters gathered closely together in pairs on either side of her. She is wearing a floral-patterned caftan and bracelets on both wrists. Her long, braided hair has cowry shells woven in. Her thin braids at the top of her head are pulled up and back and the lower half drapes over her shoulders. Her chin is slightly lifted, and her fingers are laced together and held loosely at her waist. Standing behind her proper right shoulder is Qubilah on the far left and Gamilah Lumumba directly behind Malaak’s shoulder, just left of center. Gamilah Lumumba is wearing a dark, uniform-style jacket with a standing collar and trimmed with light tone, braided buttons and closures down the front center. Her hair is pulled back and she has her proper right hand curled around Malaak’s right bicep. On the far left is Qubilah. She is standing partially behind Gamilah Lumumba, with her chin resting on Gamilah Lumumba’s proper right shoulder and her right arm wrapped around her sister’s waist. She is wearing a medium tone, patterned, woven shirt with thin black bands at the shoulder and cuff and black trousers. Standing behind Malaak’s proper right shoulder is Ilyasah on the far right and Attallah directly behind Malaak’s shoulder, just right of center. Attallah is almost completely behind Malaak, looking over her shoulder. She is wearing a leather kufi-style hat and a white collared shirt with swirl pattern embellishments at the collar. On the far right is Ilyasah. She is standing partially behind Attallah with her proper left arm wrapped around her sister’s proper left shoulder and her chin resting on top of her hand. She is wearing a black, long sleeve dress with sheer sleeves and a beaded cuff.
Image: Betty Shabazz was featured on the cover of Ebony Magazine, writing about Malcolm.
New York, N.Y. —One family should not have to endure the tremendous death and suffering that Malcolm X and his wife Betty Shabazz, their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents as well as their childrne and grandchildren have dealt with over the last one and a half centuries. In this piece, we will reflect specifically on the six daughters of Malcolm and Betty.
Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz married young. Betty was just in her late 20s, mother to four young girls and pregnant with twins, when she witnessed the bloody political assassination of her husband Malcolm. She subsequently raised their six daughters in a protective bubble that strategically reinforced self love and self sufficiency—keeping paintings, photos and stories of history and their father’s moral character prevalent in our household and conversations. She did not want her girls to suffer from the inaccurate portrayal of him or from the abrupt loss of our father’s love and presence.
Attallah Shabazz (b.1958). Daughter #1 was named after Attila the Hun, her father wrote in his autobiography. She disputes this and says it comes from Arabic meaning” Shabazz says her name is Arabic for “gift of God” (as, for example, Matthew means in Hebrew).
In 1979, a writer for Ebony brought Attallah together with Yolanda King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, for a photo shoot. They hit it off, wrote several plays together, and created a theater troupe that performed on progressive themes for more than a decade.
In 1992, Attallah spoke at the funeral of her godfather, Alex Haley. Before his death, Haley had asked her to write a foreword to The Autobiography of Malcolm X, which her father had written with him. The new edition of the book, featuring Shabazz’s foreword, was published in 1999. Black Issues Book Review called the foreword “superbly realized.”
In 1997, Attallah’s story,From Mine Eyes, was published, described as the “powerful and uplifting story of a young girl who came of age during the height of the civil rights movement and is now able to share, in vivid detail, the most tragic events of her life.”
Ilyasah Shabazz(b.1962). Daughter #3 was named after the Nation of Islam founder Elijah Muhammad.
Gamilah Lumumba Shabazz(b.1964). Daughter #4 was named after the African statesman Patrice Lumumba.
Photo: Betty Shabazz with her twin daughters Malaak and Malikah in 1965, New York City, shortly after her husband Malcolm X had been assassinated.
Malaak Shabazz(b.1965). Daughter #5 was named after her father. Malaak is known as an international speaker, served as president of the U.N. Sub-Commission on Human Rights for the Elimination of Racism and Discrimination, and is one of the leaders of the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center (theshabazzcenter.net) in New York City.
I ran into Malaak on occasion at the United Nations in the 2000’s as we were both representing U.N.-related organizations. She would more often than not ask me for carfare home to Harlem which I usually declined to give her, as I myself had journey there on public transportation.
Malikah Shabazz (1965-2021, age 56). Daughter #6 was also named after her father. One of six daughters of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz, Malikah and her twin sisterMalaak were born just after Malcolm X was assassinated.
In 1997, NBC reported that Malikah has feuded with her sisters. “One of the daughters, Malikah Shabazz, accuses her two sisters, Ilyasah and Malaak Shabazz, and their former lawyer… ’of spending estate money on themselves while permitting property and other estate assets to languish and a tax bill to skyrocket.”
In 2011, then 45, Malikah was extradited from North Carolina on charges of stealing and identity theft and held in lieu of $100,000 bail in Queens Criminal Court for alleged identity theft. She allegedly rang up $55,000 in charges on the accounts of the widow of one her father’s former bodyguards. Her lawyer’s motion for her to be placed in protective custody was granted.
Her twin sister, Malaak, was in the courtroom to support Malikah, despite their being on opposite sides of a family feud over their father’s $1.4 million estate and his unpublished writings. “We love her, no matter what,” Malaak said after the hearing. “Families have ups and downs, but she’s still our sister.”
In 2017, Malikah Shabazz and her daughter, Bettih Shabazz, were arrested in Maryland on animal cruelty charges after authorities said several injured dogs were found inside a stolen U-Haul truck they were inexplicably driving.
Malikah Shabazz was found found unconscious and unresponsive by her daughter in her Brooklyn home. She was said to have been ill and the police say her death appeared to be from natural causes, adding that ‘Islam does not permit autopsies.’
Her death strangely came only days after two of the three men who had been convicted of killing Malcolm X were exonerated in Manhattan. A judge had dismissed the convictions of Muhammad Aziz and the late Khalil Islam after prosecutors and the men’s lawyers said a renewed investigation found new evidence that undermined the case against them.
Bernice King, a daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., said on Twitter, “I’m deeply saddened by the death of #MalikahShabazz. My heart goes out to her family, the descendants of Dr. Betty Shabazz and Malcolm X.”
Photo: Malaak Shabazz (L) and Attallah Shabazz in a 2003 photo.
Public viewing at Unity Funeral Home in Harlem was attended by some 14,000 to 30,000 mourners Feb.23–26, 1965. For the funeral on February 27, loudspeakers were set up for the overflow crowd outside Harlem’s thousand-seat Faith Temple of the Church of God in Christ, and a local television station carried the service live.
Among the civil rights leaders attending were John Lewis and Andrew Young. Actor Ossie Davis delivered the eulogy, describing Malcolm X as “our shining Black prince… who didn’t hesitate to die because he loved us so.”
Ilyasha (daughter #3) said on social media in 2023, “In retrospect, I have so much gratitude for (my mother’s) exemplary love, fortitude and perspective in spite of enduring such man-made trauma. She said, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom and for the freedom of others.”
“My mother was a woman of great faith in our Creator, she had to be. She was an optimist and manifested love, joy and peace in the face of pain, grief and sorrow. Her motto like those before us was not to falter in misery, bitterness and despair. For our life has purpose; to leave this world better than we found it.”
Ilyasah Shabazz (b.1962). Daughter #3 named after NOI founder Elijah Muhammad.
