The Breakdown: Black Churches Set on Fire, Suspect Arrested

Getty Images: Spencer Platt / Staff

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The One Big Thing

Suspect Arrested In Connection With Fires At Black Churches in Louisiana

On Wednesday night, police arrested a suspect in the case of suspicious fires set at three historically Black Louisiana churches. The churches were burned down in the span of ten days. While it’s reported that nobody was harmed by the fires, the acts contribute to a frightening ongoing legacy of Black churches being attacked. It is has not been confirmed if these acts were racially motivated, but it is worth noting that reports of hate crimes have increased dramatically in the US and abroad since 2016. While church officials have confirmed they haven’t yet made online fundraising efforts, they have received an outpouring of support from the community. Read this article to learn how you can donate.

(Pop) Culture Shock

Tommy Hilfiger Unveils Innovative Clothing Line for People With Disabilities

Continuing its work that began in 2016, Tommy Hilfiger is expanding its disability-friendly clothing initiative for the spring season, while also pushing a series of ads starring prominent members of the disabled community. The line includes essential fashion pieces featuring modifications that include adjustable hems, one-handed zippers, side-seam openings, bungee cord closure systems, adjustable waists, and more. In a country where 1 in 5 Americans lives with a disability, Tommy Hilfiger is leading the way in creating a more inclusive fashion line. Because everyone should be able to look good and feel good, no matter what.

The Good News Is...

Middle Schoolers Hailed as “True Heroes” by Stopping Woman From Attempting Suicide

A group of middle schoolers are being credited with preventing a near-suicide attempt by a 47-year-old woman in Fresno, California. The boys were reportedly warming up for volleyball practice when they noticed a woman dangling from her arms by a nearby bridge. After alerting their coach, the boys ran back to the woman and encouraged her to hold on. “Your life is worth it,” the boys reportedly told her, “no matter how much things are happening in life, you always gotta think about the positive, you gotta count your blessings.” The woman eventually hoisted herself back onto the bridge. Local authorities said the boys were “true heroes” for their actions. Yep, sounds right to me.

That's What He Said

"If you can pronounce ‘Ansel Elgort,’ you can pronounce ‘Hasan Minhaj.’"

-Comedian Hasan Minhaj, explaining on The Ellen Degeneres Show how mispronouncing his name speaks to a double standard when it comes to names of people of color versus names of white people.

Quick Hitters

Why aren’t they talking about... Los Angeles County’s investigation into the targeted sales of e-cigarette products to young people?

Meanwhile, in Sudan… a photo of a 22-year-old Sudanese woman named Alaa Salah leading protests against the al-Bashar regime from the roof of a car has become instantly iconic.

My hero today is... 14-year-old Marsai Martin, who is making history as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood. DoSomething sat down with Marsai to chat about her film, Little, which opens tonight! (See ya there???)

I’m obsessed with... this article by NBA player Kyle Korver, who shares his thoughts on white privilege and responsibility. His story is a reminder that white people like myself can and should do better.