The Breakdown: House Approves DREAM Act for Undocumented Immigrants
Plus, Megan Thee Stallion hosts a “hottie beach cleanup” and YouTube bans white supremacist content.
Getty Images: Aaron P. Bernstein / Stringer
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The One Big Thing
House Approves Dream and Promise Act, Hoping to Give Millions of Young Immigrants a Path to Citizenship
On Tuesday evening, the House passed the Dream and Promise Act, landmark immigration legislation that would create a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants. This is the first time since 2010 that legislation to protect immigrant communities without hurting them has passed a chamber of Congress. Because of tireless advocacy by youth immigrant rights groups like United We Dream and also DoSomething members like you, we are one step closer to a country that protects those most vulnerable among us. And while it’s unlikely that the bill makes its way to a vote in the Senate or to the President’s desk to sign, the fact that such a positive piece of legislation passed even one chamber means that legislation can only get better with every round.
(Pop) Culture Shock
Megan Thee Stallion Announces “Hottie Beach Cleanup”
Acclaimed rapper Megan Thee Stallion announced a “Hottie Beach Cleanup” on June 5 at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles. The rapper, who released her debut album Fever last month, has frequently discussed her environmentalism online -- everything from thinking about hosting a tree-planting event to providing tips to be “an eco-friendly hottie” on Instagram. It’s so great to see celebrities and influencers taking an active role in improving our local communities. And whether or not you’re in Los Angeles, all of us can be “hotties” when it comes to the environment by monitoring our personal environmental impact.
The Good News Is...
YouTube Bans White Supremacist Content On Its Platform.
On Wednesday, YouTube announced that it would be changing its community guidelines to ban videos that promote superiority as a justification for discrimination -- namely, white supremacy. The move is expected to cause the removal of thousands of channels that promote Nazism and other discriminatory ideology. “The openness of YouTube’s platform has helped creativity and access to information thrive,” YouTube said in a statement. “It’s our responsibility to protect that, and prevent our platform from being used to incite hatred, harassment, discrimination and violence.” On the heels of similar moves by Facebook and Instagram, YouTube’s decision is a step in the right direction to make the internet a safer place, free of discrimination.
Flag white nationalist content on social media platforms to stop extremism and create safer spaces online.
That's What She Said
“#DontF**KWithMyFreedom”
-Miley Cyrus, speaking out about consent, after being groped and kissed by a fan in Barcelona.
Quick Hitters
Why aren’t more people talking about… the Alabama mayor who has offered to resign after suggesting to kill LGBTQ+ people?
Meanwhile, in Jordan... teenages living in Za’atari Refugee Camp are photographing their experience, balancing adolescence with a new sense of identity as they redefine home.
My hero today is… Rooha Hagher, the high school valedictorian, who read the names of victims of police brutality during her graduation speech.
Today in viral cuteness… this video of a toddler having a full-on (nonsense) conversation with his dad. It’s racking up MILLIONS of likes.
I’m obsessed with… Patrick, one of our new, incredible campaigns team interns. The unofficial job title he chose (which literally makes me his #1 fan) is “Assistant to the Head of the Regional Party Planning Committee." (He’s wearing an NSYNC shirt today… I mean, come on!)
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