Metro Boomin Gives $100K To 5 St. Louis Nonprofits In Honor of Late Mother
Metro Boomin is honoring his late mother's legacy by giving back to nonprofits for women.
Record producer Metro Boomin donated $100,000 to five women-dedicated nonprofits in his hometown of St. Louis to honor his late mother.
In 2022, Leslie Joanne Wayne was killed by her husband, who later killed himself. Now, Metro remains committed to empowering other women in the name of his beloved mother.
“I’ve seen firsthand the work that goes into being a single mother. Mine was my inspiration and my hero,” said Metro in a statement to Variety. “It’s very important to me to pay it forward, because I see the same resilience and dedication in the women these organizations work with.”
Almost Home, Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation, the Haven of Grace, the Little Bit Foundation, and Parents as Teachers will all receive $20,000 checks. Metro partnered with Rung for Women and Amazon Access to deliver the grants, which will help these organization help women handle such burdens as debt, childcare, and paying rent.
Metro previoulsy hosted the Leslie Joanne Soiree previously, a gala for 250 single mothers that included a performance by R&B singer and actress Brandy. The December 2023 event was the beginning of Metro’s plans to establish a nonprofit foundation. Rung for Women will also help its launch.
“We are excited to partner with Metro Boomin in his work to lift up single mothers in St. Louis,” said Rung for Women’s president Leslie Gill. “Inspired by the remarkable love he has for his late mother, he is demonstrating a commitment to women and to our community.”
Metro’s music has held chart-topping success as well. His latest collaborative album, “We Don’t Trust You,” with Future, debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 in April. Its sequel, We Still Don’t Trust You, also claimed the top spot.
50 Cent Sells Diddy Docuseries To Netflix After Bidding War
50 Cent has capitalized on the downfall of his longtime rival.
An in-depth examination of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s allegations will soon be released to the public. 50 Cent has sold his Diddy docuseries to Netflix following a bidding war.
The project will be a multi-part documentary, similar to that of “Surviving R. Kelly,” that details Diddy’s past and accusations surrounding sexual assault, domestic violence, and other nefarious actions. 50 Cent produced the feature under his G-Unit Film and Television Studios, which created hits such as the “Power” franchise and “BMF.”
According to TMZ, multiple networks and streamers were in the running to release the docuseries on their platforms. However, Netflix emerged as the highest bidder. 50 Cent, a longtime rival of the disgraced media mogul, posted the news on social media.
“NETFLIX wins the bidding war but if more victims keep coming out [shrug emoji] I’m gonna need more episodes,” shared 50 Cent in the caption.
As the “Many Men” rapper suggested, another victim has spoken out against Diddy. Model Crystal McKinney filed a lawsuit against the 54-year-old on May 21, accusing him of sexual assault in 2003. At the time, McKinney claims Diddy forced himself on her after seemingly drugging her at a party, per TMZ.
The filing occurred mere days after the release of the violent footage of Diddy beating and kicking ex-girlfriend Cassie. The incident at a hotel in 2016 was described in her original legal filing in November 2023. Diddy apologized for his actions shortly after the footage went public despite originally denying all allegations.
50 Cent seems ready to capitalize on the downfall of his rival, Diddy. The duo has had hip-hop beef for years, with 50 Cent currently relishing in his enemy’s legal turmoil. As for Diddy, there is no word thus far on whether he will try to stop the docuseries from airing.
This Summer Guide Will Help You Wrap Your Mind Around Wine And Spirits
With the start of summer comes seasonal drinks for kickbacks with friends and family while enjoying the weather.
Originally Published Jun. 26, 2020.
With the start of summer comes seasonal drinks for kickbacks with friends and family while enjoying the weather. It is a time where you can enjoy your favorite summer drink either by yourself or with a companion. As you prepare your bar with your favorite wine and spirits, add a few Black-owned brands to your top shelf.
As the first Black-owned rosé based out of St. Tropez, France, founder and CEO, Donae Burston wanted to created a wine that had a more multicultural focus in its marketing materials. The fruity, eco-friendly rosé wine is ideal for outdoor outings like picnics with friends on a beautiful day.
For People Dreaming Of Their Next Vacation — Cremas Absalon
Cremas is a Haitian rum similar to coquito in Puerto Rico. Cremas Absalon brings the traditional drink to a larger audience with a twist: a cream liqueur with a taste that reminds you of an island vacation. The company also produces an ice cream made from the rum to enjoy during the summer.
Gin is another popular spirit that shows a lack of diversity in its field. The owners behind HH Bespoke Spirits used the inspiration of the Harlem Renaissance to bring their traditional London Dry style gin to a modern American audience.
Uncle Nearest is named after the country’s first Black master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green, who was believed to perfect the Lincoln Country Process that created Tennessee Whiskey. He is also the one who taught Jack Daniels how to distill his whiskey. The brand opened in 2019 in Tennessee to honor the African American whiskey maker.
Bronny James Admits ‘It’s Tough’ Following In Father’s Footsteps
Bronny James admits to the toughness of being the son of LeBron James and playing basketball
Bronny James responded to a question about playing a sport while being the son of a great player like his father, LeBron James, admitting that “It’s tough.”
During a recent interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio, Bronny spoke about the reality of having to deal with the pressure of following in the footsteps of LeBron, who some place in the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) conversation. The interview took place at the NBA Draft Combine, where the 19-year-old is working out to showcase his skills in front of NBA scouts. Although he had a troublesome freshman season at USC (University of Southern California), he entered his name into the NBA Draft, which will take place June 26-27.
Bronny was asked about why he decided to try his luck in this year’s NBA Draft. He referenced his mother’s teaching in making the determination to throw his hat into the ring.
“I always want to end up where I am happy the most. My mom has always told me to take me where my heart wants me to be. I just found happiness in what I am doing right now.”
With not only having his father’s name (Bronny is a nickname for LeBron Jr.) and legacy to contend with as he embarks on his own journey into the basketball world, he admitted that he gets a lot of criticism, probably due to him being his father’s son.
“It’s tough. A lot of criticism gets thrown my way, but you know I got to deal with it,” he states.
Reporter: “What is it like to play the game of basketball when your father [LeBron James] is one of the all- time greats?”
Bronny: “It’s tough. A lot of criticism gets thrown my way, but you know I got to deal with it.”
After only playing one season at USC, where he averaged only 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while playing 19.4 minutes per game, Bronny declared for the NBA draft in April. Due to the freshman suffering a cardiac arrest on July 24, 2023, he had to be cleared by three NBA physicians before being allowed to participate in the NBA Draft Combine.
Stream Of Consciousness And Coins: The Rise Of Kai Cenat
Streamers like Kai Cenat have become well-known names in the music business because of their ability to give musicians a platform
By Brandon Byrd and Jeffery Jones
During an Instagram Live session with Nicki Minaj, Twitch sensation Kai Cenat dropped a bombshell: he was heading to jail. Curiosity piqued, Nicki inquired, “Why are you going to jail?” Cenat’s cryptic response — “Seven days, it’s crazy” — left fans scratching their heads, wondering if this was another one of his outlandish jokes. The next day, a trailer was uploaded to his YouTube channel, teasing a seven-day livestream event. In an audacious move, Cenat planned to voluntarily subject himself to a simulated prison experience, alongside internet celebrities and ex-convicts.
As bewildering as it sounded, the concept became a reality, capturing the attention of millions. The seven-day streaming marathon drew a staggering 3.8 million viewers total. It was a spectacle like no other, proving once again that in the world of online entertainment, anything is possible. Similar to your favorite TV show, these streamers have changed the realities of live entertainment attracting a massive audience to twitch, an app that was meant for gaming but became the forefront of an entertainment revolution.
Let’s rewind for a moment. For those wondering, “Who is Kai Cenat?” or “What is Twitch?” and perhaps even, “Why should anyone care?” — here’s the scoop. Kai Cenat, a 22-year-old content creator, has surged into the limelight over the past few years. Hailing from the Bronx, his journey in the realm of social media commenced on YouTube, creating simple videos like “EATING THE WORLD’S HOTTEST PEPPER CHALLENGE” or “THINGS WE HATE ABOUT SCHOOL!!“. Eventually, he joined a rising collective of creatives known as “Any Means Possible” or AMP for short. Together, they swiftly climbed the ranks of YouTube stardom with their unique content and captivating personas.
When they ventured onto the streaming platform, Twitch, Kai’s star truly began to shine. Initially, his foray into Twitch was fairly conventional — reacting to viral YouTube videos of the day. But as they became more and more experienced, Kai and AMP unleashed their creativity, pushing boundaries and pioneering new forms of content. Once the group ventured onto the streaming platform Twitch, Kai’s ascent to stardom skyrocketed. From somehow getting his hands on a functional Iron Man suit to live-streaming escapades in Japan, and even staging firework wars within their own home, Kai Cenat and the rest of AMP relentlessly pushed the boundaries of streaming to new heights.
But where did Twitch even come from? In 2006, four friends began working to put together a 24/7 documentary of their friend’s life. It became what we now know as Twitch in 2011, being bought by Amazon for $970 million in 2014. Since then, the platform has blossomed into a space that hosts over 140 million monthly users and has led the charge of the “streaming” medium.
Twitch has given rise to a diverse array of voices and perspectives, allowing niche communities to thrive and foster a sense of belonging. This daring experiment pushed the boundaries of this new form of entertainment marking the advent of high-production live experiences but never to the same extent that we see in Kai’s streams.
Twitch has redefined “fame” and “celebrity.” When you hear the word celebrity, you usually would think of actors, musicians, or athletes first but these days, streamers like Cenat have millions of devoted fans and lucrative sponsorship deals, based on their authenticity and connection to their audience. The distinction between traditional and digital media has become more unclear as a result of these changes, undermining the power of established entertainment organizations and opening the door for new kinds of celebrity.
“When I go live on any social media platform people always join but Twitch took it to another level.” influencer Mckenzie Taylor said; and it’s safe to say that it absolutely has, with Twitch streamer, QTCinderella going as far as to even create an award show called The Streamer Awards to celebrate the accomplishments of streamers from communities across the platform
There is some confusion regarding the term “streaming” because of its use for multiple tech related concepts. Unlike TV streaming, this medium revolves around content creators doing any number of activities live, including but not limited to playing video games, hosting watch parties or simply having interesting conversations with their viewers. Streaming is also not limited to Twitch. Youtube, the video uploading platform, has had a streaming feature for years and was what many would consider Twitch’s main competition up until two new competitors entered the market.
Kick and Rumble are two primary players in the streaming game. The evolution of companies like Kick came from creators branching off away from Twitch due to restrictions on the vulgarity of content. The live streaming market is becoming more competitive as a result of the emergence of these new businesses. With their distinctive features and offerings, Kick and Rumble draw producers and viewers to their platforms, but Twitch is under growing pressure to stay ahead of the competition and innovate in order to hold its top spot in the live streaming market. Twitch may improve its current capabilities, add new tools for creators, and better the entire viewing experience as a result of this competitive climate.
Twitch streamers like Kai Cenat have also become well-known names in the music business because of their ability to give musicians a platform to run creative promotional campaigns to his loyal viewers on stream and anyone else who may see clips of the stream through social media. Radio play, music videos, and live performances were the mainstays of music promotion in the past. But with the growth of online communities like Twitch, artists now have another way to interact with fans and present their work.
“It’s the new talk show,” Anthony Pisano, CEO and founder of Game Over Entertainment says.
It may feel like this new medium came out of nowhere but marketing agencies like the one Pisano started have been monitoring its growth from the start.
“We’ve been using AI social listening tools to actually capture all that data. That’s what we did for the Tyla and Kai Cenat stream” (which garnered 150 thousand live viewers) Pisano explained.
“When these artists go on these streams the amount of [user generated content] that’s created just naturally is honestly insane and I don’t think there’s a bigger way of doing an album rollout or a single rollout than getting onto Kai’s stream,”
The loyalty that these streamers have garnered through their fan bases provide musicians with a platform to connect with new listeners and generate excitement about their music. Artists who have streamed with Kai Cenat include Nicki Minaj, Offset, Ice Spice, and Lil Uzi Vert.
Knowing all of this background and understanding of just how much global impact Cenat and the new medium of streaming has on the youth, it may be easier to comprehend why the jail stream may have caused backlash from the general public. While Twitch streaming as a whole has been changing the game for content creation, Cenat’s prison stream is the first time we have seen high-production, television-like content on streaming platforms, giving us a clear example of how the medium is already beginning to replace older forms of media such as radio and television for younger audiences. But for the stream that revolutionizes the media landscape to feature Black men in jail seemingly having a good time? It was bound to catch the public’s attention.
But the most complicated of them all is without a doubt the one that revolves around such a serious topic for many: the prison industrial complex.
“ – a teenager with the biggest platform in the world right now is glamorizing the prison system to Black and Brown children and people are defending him because prison shows exist on A&E” ‘X’ user @LITsauce says in response to Cenat’s stream.
https://x.com/LITsauce/status/1718979589911843035
For many that same argument was used as defense of Kai’s actions. Cohosts of the former rapper turned podcaster Joe Budden noted that what Kai Cenat is doing could be likened to content already out there, such as comedy movies about prison like Life starring Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy or hip-hop music that contains violent subject matter.
“Where do we draw the line between what Kai Cenat is doing [and] what some of your favorite artists are doing [in] music? There’s no difference.” Ice asked in response to the criticism.
Cenat took a different approach in his defense, telling Wallo and Gillie, cohosts of theMILLION DOLLAZ WORTH OF GAME podcast:
“A lot of people who watched that, they seen the funny clips — and some people kind of criticized it but those same people didn’t take the effort to actually sit there and just watch one day of it”.
The streamer goes on to reference the Beyond Scared Straight-esque segment that occurred during one day of the stream in which kids who had been misbehaving were brought into the “prison” so Cenat and the rest of the crew could convince them that if they continue their behavior their life will look much worse than the simulated set makes prison look.
“I can’t imagine myself in jail and I don’t even wanna imagine myself in jail cause that sh** is the most serious sh** ever” Cenat continued as he explained that glorifying the experience was never his intention.
Cenat left the controversy relatively unscathed but some have argued that his defense of the stream wasn’t enough. Promoting jail to an audience of impressionable Black and brown kids will never be redeemable to some when the Black community still has the highest incarceration rate in the country.
But why does this all matter? Many will look at what Kai does and see it as inconsequential, dumb fun being had by young people. All of that goes out of the window when you see the reach and influence he has had on the culture. Affecting the way the youth speaks, specifically by popularizing the word “rizz”, which was named word of the year in 2023 by Oxford University Press, cultivating live experiences that get the culture talking like his recent trip to Jamaica which sparked uproar about cultural appropriation, and playing an incredibly important role in the way music is consumed is enough to display how much of an impact the streamer has had in his short time on the internet.
Even within Twitch as a platform, Cenat has marked a change. After being a consistently whit-dominated platform, Kai has undoubtedly made his mark winning “Streamer of the year” at the Streamer Awards three straight times from 2022–2024 and breaking the subscriber record during a 30-day subathon, paving a way for Black content creators to create their own community and see that taking over yet another field that was not made for us is possible.
We are all new to this new age of media, so fully grasping what this means for the culture is understandably hard to do but suggesting that this form of entertainment can be what iconic TV shows like Martin, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, A Different World and so many more have been to other generations does not feel like a stretch. In fact calling what Cenat does on a daily basis the modern day Chapelle Show couldn’t be more spot-on. Whether you find him entertaining or not, Kai Cenat and the new era of media we have entered into are here to stay and it’s safe to say that it will leave a lasting impression on the culture when it’s gone.
Arkansas Stopped From Banning Two Teachers’ Critical Race Theory Lessons
A federal judge ruled against Arkansas's ban which prevented two teachers from educating students about critical race theory.
A federal judge has ruled against Arkansas’s ban ontwo high school teachers from teaching students about critical race theory (CRT).
U.S. District Judge Lee Rudofsky issued the preliminary ruling on Tuesday, May 7, which goes against one of the changes Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law last year: the prohibition of indoctrination or CRT. The judge’s ban cites the lack of clarity Arkansas’ ban outlined for critical race theory, AP reported.
Rudofsky’s 50-page ruling noted how the law doesn’t outright “prevent classroom instruction that teaches, uses, or refers to any theory, idea, or ideology.”
The ruling comes in response to two teachers and two students from the historic Little Rock Central High School who challenged the prohibition Huckabee Sanders signed into law. It fails to fully block the state’s ban on indoctrination in public schools. Still, it aims to “give comfort to teachers across the state (and to their students) that Section 16 does not prohibit teachers from teaching about, using, or referring to critical race theory or any other theory, ideology, or idea so long as the teachers do not compel their students to accept as valid such theory, ideology, or idea.” Rudofsky writes.
Teachers are still prevented from grading or judging students based on how they accept or reject a theory. Attorneys for the teachers and the state of Arkansas applauded the ruling and its implications for the future of the CRT ban.
“We are very happy that the court has acknowledged that the plaintiffs have brought colorable constitutional claims forward,” Mike Laux, an attorney for the teachers and students, said.
“With this notch in our belt, we look forward to prosecuting this incredibly important case going forward.”
Arkansas is one of several Republican-led states that have imposed restrictions on teaching about race in the classroom, including bans on critical race theory, an academic framework that race and racism are embedded in legal systems and policies. Little Rock Central High School gained national attention in September 1957 when nine African American students desegregated the school despite fierce opposition from the local community and state governor.
Heritage Auctions Is Taking Bids For Hip-Hop Memorabilia
This is the first auction that is dedicated entirely to the genre
Heritage Auctions is holding an online auction in which hundreds of mementos from the hip-hop world will be featured.
According to Complex, this is the first auction dedicated entirely to hip-hop memorabilia from many esteemed recording artists in the genre. The auction is currently open and will end on May 26. Anyone interested in getting their hands on possessions that may have been owned or correlated in some way to their favorite hip-hop recording artists can check the Heritage Auctions website to see what is available.
Items up for bids include trading cards featuring artists like JAY-Z, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, N.W.A., Drake and Kendrick Lamar — several vinyl recordings of Eminem albums like The Marshall Mathers LP, Encore and the 8 Mile Soundtrack. Original photographs include some of Public Enemy’s Chuck D, Tone Loc, Run-DMC (including Jam Master Jay), and Busta Rhymes. Ticket stubs for concerts like the “Up In Smoke Tour,” the “Anger Management Tour,” and the “Home and Home Tour.”
Several handbills for shows featuring Afrika Bambaataa, Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash, and the Cold Crush Brothers. Concert posters featuring Biz Markie, Nas, Queen Latifah, A Tribe Called Quest, Salt-N-Pepa and Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) plaques for 3rd Bass and the Beastie Boys.
Some of the items up for auction have no bids, with some listed as having bids in the hundreds of dollars per item. Then there are some items, like a 1992 Tupac Shakur autograph on a 30-day notice to his landlord that currently has a bid of over $2,000, and the Eazy-E-signed It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa cassette tape EP, which has a bid price of $5,000.
Hip-hop fans can surely find a variety of hip-hop pieces to own, ranging from artists who helped start the genre’s commercial success to artists still recording and performing shows worldwide.
The Helping Families Heal Act was first proposed by Bush in September 2022 and was reintroduced on May 20 – which would have been the 28th birthday of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager who was killed in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014 by a police officer at just 18-years-old. Bowman announced the partnership on Twitter while celebrating Brown’s birthday. “Today, Mike Brown would be 28. Instead, he was killed by a police officer at 18 years old,” he tweeted.
Today, Mike Brown would be 28. Instead, he was killed by a police officer at 18 years old.
I’m joining @RepCori to reintroduce the Helping Families Heal Act with Mike’s mom to secure mental health resources to communities harmed by police violence.
— Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) May 20, 2024
With Brown’s death being a staple of the Black Lives Matter movement, the measure would create grant programs within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with the goal of establishing or expanding disadvantaged communities’ reach in funding resources with mental health programs to support victims, families and students impacted by police brutality.
If passed into law, the act would hire, train, and send mental health professionals and community health workers out in order to provide services to anyone suffering from trauma or grief after witnessing or being the victim of police violence. Violence is defined in the legislation as persons who have been personally affected or those who may have lost loved ones from such violence.
In addition, the legislation would invest in programs that help to identify and treat intergenerational trauma as a result of police brutality.
“Police violence steals precious lives like Mike Brown and so many others. The trauma and grief that it leaves in its wake contributes to mental health crises and disproportionately harms surviving family members, Black and brown communities, and young people,” she said.
“I am proud to have worked together with Mike’s mother on this legislation, which is designed to save lives by supporting families in the aftermath of devastating police violence. Mike Brown should still be alive, and today, on his 28th birthday, we are honoring him by reintroducing this vitally needed legislation.”
Usher’s New Look NonProfit Joins IBM To Build Tech Careers For Diverse Youth
Usher's New Look students will partake in the free courses centered on AI programming.
Usher has joined with IBM to create career paths in technology for diverse youth. The singer’s New Look nonprofit will help lead the partnership.
IBM’s SkillsBuild program will connect with students as a part of New Look and engage them in tech training. According to Essence, participants will learn how to navigate AI-focused programming.
“We serve more than 1,500 youth per year, and all the students we serve will have access to SkillsBuild,” said Usher’s New Look (UNL) CEO and President Careshia Moore, as reported by the news outlet. “AI is being infused into every part of our lives, particularly the workforce. We want to make sure that our young people are prepared for what’s coming.”
Founded in 1999, UNL works with children and young adults to achieve career readiness and leadership skills. Its current students will participate in the SkillsBuild program for free as they also embark on professional development.
The program will offer courses in resume writing with generative AI, building one’s own AI chatbot, and AI prompting. Additional lessons will occur in job interviews and public speaking. Following the program’s conclusion, participants will have the skills to pursue a career in the evolving tech industry.
“It’s a privilege for IBM to join forces with Usher’s New Look in making a real difference for promising young learners from communities historically underrepresented in technology,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM vice president and chief impact officer, in a press release. “As AI continues to be a driving force in the workplace, we believe that IBM SkillsBuild is well-positioned to help students develop the technology skills they’ll need to succeed.”
AI use continues to integrate into the workforce and academia despite its obstacles. With its expansion, the collaboration hopes to ensure diverse groups are familiar with and strengthen their skills with technological advancement.
She continued, “In the United States, we very much focus on partnerships like Usher’s New Look, where we can bring the free training, the expertise from IBM, even job shadowing opportunities to the young people in high school, college, and adult learners as well, to make sure that they have these opportunities to move into a good-paying job and be able to increase social and economic mobility.”
The education program will launch for underrepresented communities in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. Moreover, Usher’s New Look will begin incorporating SkillsBuild in its July Disruptivator Summit in Atlanta.
Pulaski County Sheriff Eric Higgins, the county’s first Black sheriff, stood his ground about allowing the film crew of the Netflix series Unlocked: A Jail Experiment inside county jail walls. The eight-episode series, which premiered in April, shines a light on a six-week experiment that allows inmates in one cellblock more freedom by unlocking their cell doors.
As Higgins pointed out, Netflix and Lucky 8, the production company behind the series, approached him about it, and local and state officials waved red flags as they claimed they were not aware of the series until a short time before its premiere. The sheriff told the Joint Performance Review Committee members that he “took action to ensure that we have a reentry program to help those who are booked into our facility to come out and be better individuals.”
However, one critic, Republican Sen. Jonathan Dismang, wasn’t buying it, saying the series exploits inmates.
“I think it’s an exploitation of your prisoners that you allowed a film crew to come in,” Dismang said. He doesn’t have an issue with the program but questioned how the program was being labeled an experiment if it was being filmed.
“For most of the people that watched this docuseries, this is the first time they’ve ever been exposed to Pulaski County, or perhaps to the state of Arkansas,” Ray said. “I worry about the brand damage that our state sustains from this being the first perception of our state to other people.”
However, Higgins, a Democrat first elected in 2018, has some support from those on the same political side.
During a hearing on May 21, the Little Rock chapter of the NAACP supported Higgins and other supporters who filled the room. Sen. Linda Chesterfield said the sheriff’s supporters want someone “to provide humane treatment for people who have been treated inhumanely.” “We are viewing this through different lenses, and it’s important we respect the lenses through which we view it,” she said.