The Breakdown: Protestors in Hong Kong Fear They’re Losing Civil Rights

Getty Images: Keith Tsuji / Stringer

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The One Big Thing

Hong Kong Protests Against Extraditions to Mainland China

On Sunday, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Hong Kong in protest of a controversial extradition bill; today, the protests have escalated, clashes with police have broken out, and the bill’s scheduled hearing has been postponed. The legislation would make it easier for the government to detain fugitives and send them to mainland China to be prosecuted, and some fear that this system could be abused to punish those who dissent politically. For context, Hong Kong and China have been operating under the principle of “one country, two systems” since 1997, but some people are worried that the freedoms in Hong Kong are gradually being stripped. A lot of the protestors are students and young civil rights activists, and this may be the start to a larger wave of opposition in the region.

(Pop) Culture Shock

Taraji P. Henson Gives Emotional Testimony to Congress on Mental Health Among Black Youth

Empire actress Taraji P. Henson testified before the Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health. She spoke about her own experiences regarding mental illness, trauma, and grief -- highlighting a larger issue of mental health within communities of color. Gen Z youth in general report the most amount of mental health issues than any other generation, and this crisis disproportionately affects people of color. The emergency taskforce was recently formed to address the rising rates of suicide among Black youth.

The Good News Is...

Instagram Rolls Out More Gender-Inclusive Options in Honor of Pride Month

As a part of the platform’s campaign for Pride Month, Instagram announced that it’s now offering a wider range of gender options. Users were previously limited to indicators of male, female, and unspecified. In recognition of genders outside the binary, the update ushers in a custom option, where users can self-identify however they please. Additionally, Instagram has collaborated with the Trevor Project to produce a guide about online safety and self-care for LGBTQ+ youth.

That's What She Said

“This award is for every kid who is watching tonight who has a disability, who has a limitation or a challenge, who has been waiting to see themselves represented in this arena — you are.”

-Ali Stroker, upon becoming the first wheelchair user to win a Tony Award

Quick Hitters

Why aren’t more people talking about… how the President wants to fund a return trip to the moon with the $8 billion surplus in the Pell Grant program.

Meanwhile, in Sudan... strike leaders are in talks with the ruling military council following violent attacks on protestors

My hero today is… three teenage girls who developed their own apps while still in high school.

Today in viral cuteness… all of these grandmas supporting their grandchildren during Pride.

I’m obsessed with… Stephanie, a campaigns team intern! I asked her for fun facts and she told me that she snuck her Pomeranian-Chihuahua on 3 airplanes when she was younger. Mad respect.