The Breakdown: Why Are Young People Leading Massive Protests in Hong Kong?

Getty Images: Anthony Kwan / Stringer

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The One Big Thing

Hong Kong Youth Fuel Occupation of a Government Building Amid Massive Protests

Protesters stormed Hong Kong’s legislative building on the 22nd anniversary of the territory’s return to China from British rule. The (mostly) young demonstrators broke off from a peaceful march earlier in the day. Hong Kong youth are increasingly frustrated with what they perceive to be a gradual loss of civil rights in the process of integration to mainland China, and this has led them to the forefront of these more radical protests. Hundreds of thousands of Hongkongers have been protesting for the past month over a controversial extradition bill, but this group is taking it a step further and calling for autonomous democracy in the region.

(Pop) Culture Shock

It Might Seem Crazy What He’s ‘Bout to Say: Pharrell Williams Guarantees Internships For HS Class

Pharrell Williams ended his speech to the high school graduating class of the Harlem Children’s Zone’s Promise Academy with a pleasant surprise. The artist announced that all 114 graduates had guaranteed internships waiting for them next summer. The Harlem Children’s Zone works to “disrupt the cycle of generational poverty in Central Harlem” through education, and Williams’ move is continuing in these efforts to raise up underserved youth. Historically, low-income communities of color like Central Harlem tend to have less opportunity for academic success, but with steps like these, students are more prepared to close the achievement gap.

The Good News Is...

California To Become First State To Ban Discrimination Based On Natural Hair

The California State Assembly just voted to pass the CROWN Act, making it the first state to ban racial discrimination based on hair texture and style. Natural hairstyles historically associated with Black identity (like curls, braids, locs, and twists) are often unfairly targeted as inappropriate. Some policies regulate and repress natural hair in the workplace and at schools (you may remember this young wrestler who was forced to cut his locs in the middle of a match). Legislation like California’s keeps grooming policies fair and free from harmful stereotypes. States like New York and New Jersey are in the process of introducing similar measures.

That's What They Said

“As Jews, we've been taught to never let anything like the Holocaust happen again. Now, with children detained in unacceptable conditions, ICE raids targeting our communities, and people dying at the border...we refuse to wait and see what happens next.”

-Statement from the Jewish activist group Never Again Action, following their protest at an ICE detention center

Quick Hitters

ICYMI... here are recaps for the first and second Democratic debates last week.

Why aren’t more people talking about… how young people are becoming less tolerant of LGBTQ+ people, according to this survey?

Meanwhile, in Afghanistan... this school doesn’t have electricity or heat, yet 92% of its graduates are still college-bound.

My hero today is… the girl who urged Latinos to register to vote at her at her quinceañera.

And my OTHER hero is... Cori “Coco” Gauff, 15, the youngest player to qualify for Wimbledon...who just beat Venus Williams!

Today in viral cuteness… these cows who really love it when this dad plays the saxophone for them.

I’m obsessed with… those ready-to-bake cinnamon rolls you can get at the grocery store. I nearly burned my apartment down making them this weekend, but it was def worth it.