FAA, shutdown, air travel — Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 17, 2025

TSA Warns Travelers Of Thousands In Fines For ‘Unruly Behavior’ At Security Checkpoints

The TSA wants bad behavior at the airport—and in the air— to hit stop.

As holiday travel ramps up again, and set to break records, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is warning passengers about the hefty fines for bad behavior on the ground or in the air.

“Passengers who engage in unruly behavior at the checkpoint or in-flight may face substantial penalties and possible prosecution on criminal charges,” wrote TSA in a Dec. 8 post, as reported by The Sun.

The reminder comes as air travel-related passenger incidents remain relatively high, as they did before the pandemic.

Although the FAA reported that 2025 numbers, roughly 1,500 incidents, have lessened compared to 2021, which saw a peak of nearly 6,000, the TSA still aims to reduce these figures.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of yearly incidents remained well under 1,000, averaging 860.

The agency emphasized the “zero tolerance” policy regarding treatment of TSA officers and flight personnel: “No threats…No verbal abuse. No physical violence of any kind,” detailed the post.

If a traveler violates this ruling, they could pay well over $10,000 and could face jail time.

“If you threaten, endanger, or harm Transportation Security Officers during screening, TSA will pursue criminal penalties and fines of up to $13,910.”

A post this week confirmed that assaulting a TSA officer could come with a fine of just over $17,000.

There is zero tolerance for assaulting our officers. Make no mistake, violators who threaten, endanger, or harm our officers will face severe penalties and legal action, with fines of up to $17,062. https://t.co/neSX0CyslB
— TSA (@TSA) December 15, 2025

But recent in-flight incidents between passengers and flight attendants left passengers with even pricier fines to pay. Fines of up to $45,000 have been issued to passengers who harass and harm flight attendants or other travelers while on board aircraft.

battlefield states, governor, Wes Moore,Commencement Tour — Maryland State Government, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Mary Spiller

December 17, 2025

Maryland Lawmakers Override Governor’s Veto, Approve Commission To Study Slavery Reparations

The Democratic-led legislature moved forward despite the governor’s objections, saying a formal study is necessary to determine how reparations could be implemented.

Maryland will establish a commission to examine potential reparations for slavery after state lawmakers voted on Tuesday, Dec. 16, to override a veto from Gov. Wes Moore, marking a significant step in a debate that has divided Democrats nationwide.

As reported by NBC News, the bill, which had been a top priority for the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, calls for a formal study of how the state could address the lasting effects of slavery and systemic racism. Moore, the nation’s only Black governor, vetoed the measure earlier this year, arguing that Maryland had already conducted extensive research on the issue and should instead focus on direct action.

In his veto message, Moore described the decision as difficult but wrote that the time had come to “focus on the work itself.” Lawmakers, however, said a commission is a necessary step toward determining what meaningful and legally sound reparations could look like.

“This topic isn’t easy, but, again, without formal study, reparations risk being dismissed as symbolic or unconstitutional, regardless of moral merit,” said state Sen. Charles Sydnor, a Democrat, during debate on the override vote.

After the legislature reversed his veto, Moore said he disagreed with the decision but signaled a willingness to cooperate. “I am eager to move forward in partnership on the work of repair that we all agree is an urgent and pressing need,” he said in a statement. “I believe the time for action is now — and we must continue moving forward with the work of repair immediately.”

The bill outlines a wide range of potential reparations that the commission could explore, including official apologies, direct financial compensation, property tax relief, housing assistance, tuition waivers, debt forgiveness, and business incentives. It also references possible support for childcare, social services, and reimbursement of licensing fees.

Maryland has one of the largest Black populations in the country, with about 30% of residents identifying as Black — the highest share of any state outside the Deep South.

Momentum around reparations has grown since the 2020 murder of George Floyd, though the issue remains politically sensitive, particularly as conservative opposition to diversity and equity initiatives intensifies. The Legislative Black Caucus praised the override vote, calling it a reaffirmation of “truth-telling, accountability, and meaningful progress for Black Marylanders.”

Maryland now joins a growing list of states and cities examining reparations. California and New York City have launched similar efforts, while Evanston, Illinois, became the first U.S. city to implement a reparations program using cannabis tax revenue.

Public opinion on reparations remains divided. A 2021 Pew Research Center survey found that roughly 70% of U.S. adults opposed providing compensation to descendants of enslaved people, highlighting the political challenges lawmakers continue to face.

CDC, termination, 180, employees, email — photo credit: Public Domain-CDC logo

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 17, 2025

CDC Drops Universal Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation For All Newborns

The CDC has ended its decades-long policy recommending the hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has adopted controversial guidance from its advisory panel, ending a decades-long policy that recommended the Hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns.

On Dec. 26, Acting CDC Director Jim O’Neill approved the shift after the agency’s vaccine advisory committee—all members who were appointed this year by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., following the dismissal of the prior panel—voted in favor of the change earlier this month, NBC News reports. With the decision finalized, the CDC now advises women who test negative for hepatitis B to consult their healthcare providers about whether their newborns should receive the first dose of the vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

“We are restoring the balance of informed consent to parents whose newborns face little risk of contracting hepatitis B,” O’Neill said in a statement.

The decision overturns more than 30 years of CDC guidance, as the agency has recommended the hepatitis B birth dose since 1991. The agency is still reviewing a related proposal advising parents to consult healthcare providers about testing children for hepatitis B antibodies before proceeding with later doses of the vaccine, which is typically administered as a three-shot series.

Under the updated guidance, the CDC now advises delaying a baby’s first hepatitis B shot until at least two months of age if the birth dose is skipped, while still recommending immediate vaccination within 24 hours for infants born to mothers who test positive for hepatitis B or whose status is unknown.

Experts warn the CDC’s shift to what it calls individual-based decision-making could leave more children vulnerable to hepatitis B and encourage families to skip vaccination without a clear federal standard. Critics also note that CDC guidance influences insurance coverage and helps doctors determine appropriate care.

Public health specialists say delaying the vaccine could fuel a rise in hepatitis B infections and, over time, increase cases of liver disease and cancer, despite broader changes to U.S. vaccination policy under RFK Jr, a noted anti-vaccine activist.

“This recommendation is ignoring the science,” said Dr. Emily Landon, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Chicago Medicine. “The fact that the acting director of the CDC would sign on to this just continues to reinforce that they are no longer committed to science-based recommendations for improving health.”

Hepatitis B infections in the U.S. have dropped by nearly 90%, falling from 9.6 cases per 100,000 people before widespread vaccination to about one per 100,000 in 2018. Meanwhile, officials are conducting an additional review of the panel’s secondary recommendation that parents consult healthcare providers about antibody testing to decide whether later doses of the hepatitis B vaccine are necessary.

Lizzo, sampling lawsuit — Lizzo performs during the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/AMA2019/FilmMagic for dcp)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 17, 2025

Lizzo Speaks Out After Lawsuit Over ‘Fat-Shaming’ Claims Dismissed By Judge

While a judge has axed the fat shaming claims, the allegations of false imprisonment and sexual harassment remain.

Lizzo spoke out after a judge dismissed the “fat-shaming” claims made by her ex-dancers in a defamation lawsuit.

The lawsuit made headlines when it was filed in 2023 after the former dancers accused the body-positive singer of letting them go due to their weight gain as well as accusations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

A judge ruled earlier this week that the case will not proceed with all of its initial claims, as reported by Blavity.

The “Good As Hell” singer took to social media for an update, posting a message over a video of herself looking at the camera.

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A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

“The fat-shaming claims against me have been have been officially dropped by my accusers,” wrote Lizzo in the video. ” They conceded it had no merit in court.”

She then revealed what led to the dancers’ termination.

“There was no evidence that I fired them because they gained weight. Because it never happened. Now the truth is finally out,” she continued. “They weren’t fired for gaining weight. They were fired for taking a private recording of me without my consent and sending it off to ex-employees.”

The news initially shocked fans, given Lizzo’s platform for supporting body diversity, which she emphasized in her video.

“I have never fired an employee for gaining weight. I have only encouraged and supported people with bigger bodies and shared my platform with them. “

As the case continued, Lizzo became less vocal about the legal battle. Her team has remained adamant that the allegations were fraudulent, and filed appeals.

She added, “This claim has haunted me since the day it came out. It has been devastating to suffer through this in silence, but I let my lawyers lead, and I’m so grateful for this victory.”

The three dancers, Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez, confirmed that they will not appeal the ruling, said their attorney, Ron Zambrano, who released a statement.

“Of the couple of claims Judge Epstein did dismiss, the plaintiffs have taken a considered approach to leave that be. One would hope to see the same level of intellectual honesty and neutral assessment from the defendants, but that hasn’t been the case thus far, and it’s disappointing,” he said.

Zambrano added that a “vast majority” of claims are in play, so Lizzo, 37, may still have to appear in court as there are additional claims of sexual harassment and false imprisonment.

“I am still in a legal battle…I am not settling,” she said. “I will be fighting every single claim until the truth is out. “

10 Black Movies To Cozy Up To For The Holidays — Photo by monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images

by Ahsan Washington

December 17, 2025

10 Black Movies To Cozy Up To For The Holidays

Which is your favorite?

As the holiday season nears and planning for all the festivities gets underway, remember that nothing beats watching films that focus on Black joy, family, love and tradition.

When the busy hours of the holiday start to wind down, cozy up on the couch to watch these 10 Black films, which are ideal choices for first-time audiences and returning viewers.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

This 2020 holiday musical fantasy tells the story of a toymaker who rediscovers his holiday spirit through his granddaughter. The film, featuring Forest Whitaker Keegan-Michael Key, Anika Noni Rose, and Madalen Mills, serves as perfect family holiday entertainment, thanks to its diverse cast.

Almost Christmas

This 2016 comedy-drama depicts a family uniting for the holidays that quickly results in both disorder and affection. Starring Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Mo’Nique, Kimberly Elise and Romany Malco, Almost Christmas delivers an authentic depiction of family relationships by blending comedy and emotional depth.

It’s available to watch on Prime Video and Netflix.

Boxing Day

This 2021 British romantic comedy tells the story of an author and his fiancée who manage family pressures during the Christmas season. It stands as the first British Christmas romantic comedy to feature an almost complete Black cast. Even better, the film delivers a warm and unique approach to the genre.

Friday After Next

The Friday trilogy’s third installment features Ice Cube, Mike Epps, and John Witherspoon. The story follows them as mall security guards who experience a Christmas disruption when a robber Santa attacks them. The 2002 film, which has gained cult status because of its holiday chaos and hilarious comedy, streams on multiple platforms.

This Christmas

The Whitfield family reunion forms the central storyline of this holiday ensemble drama. This Christmas received acclaim for its multi-character storytelling which unites humorous moments with emotional scenes and soulful elements. Loretta Devine, Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Regina King, and Chris Brown lead the cast of this 2007 gem..

The Best Man Holiday

The Best Man Holiday continues the story from The Best Man by showing college friends who meet again during Christmas to resolve their past conflicts during a funny, poignant reunion.

The cast of the 1999, including Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs and Nia Long, returns for this 2013 hit. Peacock and Hulu both stream the film.

Black Nativity

This memorable 2013 musical drama adapts Langston Hughes’ play about family, faith, and finding one’s way home for Christmas. The film features Jennifer Hudson together with Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, and Jacob Latimore.

Christmas At Water’s Edge

Christmas at Water’s Edge presents a modern holiday story that follows the structure of A Christmas Carol. Here, a student receives guidance from an angel who reveals the true significance of the holiday season. Keshia Knight Pulliam and Pooch Hall star in this 2004 film that delivers a delightful and spiritual message. It’s available on DVD and on streaming.

Holiday Heart

Holiday Heart tells the story of a drag performer who takes responsibility for raising a little girl during the holidays. Ving Rhames, in the title role, and Alfre Woodard lead the cast of this touching 2000 film, which is available through streaming services and VOD platforms.

A Diva’s Christmas Carol

Another contemporary retelling of A Christmas Carol features superstar divas Vanessa Williams and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas uncovering holiday spirit on a journey of self-discovery. The 2000 film is the perfect holiday movie for a cozy night at home.

Sigma Gamma Rho, Block Party, Black business, Black Business Block Party — (Photo: Brian Ach/Getty Images for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 17, 2025

19-Year-Old Ph.D. Makes History As Youngest Sigma Gamma Rho Grad Chapter Member

Dr. Tillman is a renowned leader in the STEAM field and a BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 Honoree.

At just 19 years old, Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman has a new accolade under belt outside her Ph.D. The academic phenom has officially joined the Delta Sigma Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She is the youngest member of the chapter in its nearly century of existence.

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A post shared by Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman II (@dorothyjeanius)

Tillman was officially inducted into the Sigma Gamma Rho on Nov. 1, joining her cohort as part of the “14 Phases of RHOyalty.” Founded in Chicago, the chapter’s latest inductees have tremendous accomplishments of their own.

She began her journey in higher education at just 10 years old. The prodigy then went on to earn her doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health at Arizona State University seven years later.

With her platform, she founded the Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute, helping the youth transform while building careers across science and the arts. The BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 Honoree continues to be an inspiration to her new sorority sisters and young scholars in STEAM and beyond.

Through her motto, “Leading by Examples of Excellence,” Tillman has also maintained her native roots, helping the Chicago community through an environment-focused educational program, Space To Grow. On an international level, Dr. Tillman is an advisor on STEAM education for the Akuapem people in Ghana.

Founded at Butler University in 1922, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. has fostered over 100 years of dedication to communal upliftment and education. As a public speaker and renowned advocate for youth empowerment, Tillman exemplifies the sorority’s values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

With this latest honor, Tillman hopes to further encourage women to achieve their greatest ambitions. As a Black woman in STEAM and a change-maker for young students, Tillman will also bring more awareness to her work as a member of this esteemed organization.

NAUPA, unclaimed, property, money, cash, welfare, wealth, millionaire, Game developer, hardship grants, united way — (Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels)

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 17, 2025

Startup Founder Accused Of Using VC Funds To Purchase New Home, Caribbean Wedding

Experts say startups that run into criminal negligence often face less regulatory scrutiny over public companies.

Shiloh Luckey, the founder and former CEO of Los Angeles-based tax-compliance startup ComplYant, is under federal investigations by the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office amid allegations that she used venture capital funds to purchase a house and pay for a wedding in the Caribbean, Business Insider reports.

Luckey is facing accusations of securities and bank fraud by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as violating securities laws, by using millions of dollars of company funds to pay for Super Bowl tickets, buy a home, and pay for a Caribbean destination wedding.

A civil complaint, according to FX News Group, alleges Luckey raised over $13 million from venture capital investors between October 2020 and September 2023 under false pretenses regarding ComplYant’s commercial success of its software product, in addition to her qualifications to run the company. Federal agents allege that the former CEO falsely labeled herself a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), claiming extensive knowledge and experience in tax management, supervision, and accounting compliance.

As ComplYant operated as an online technology company offering software services for small business owners to track and manage tax responsibilities, the complaint alleges Luckey, once known by her maiden name of Johnson, would continuously overstate both ComplYant’s revenue and the company’s subscriber base to lure in investors.

It was revealed that she was not a licensed CPA.

In addition to her lucrative salary, Luckey pocketed roughly $2.2 million of raised investor funds, allegedly using the money for luxury vacations to places including Aspen, Turks and Caicos, and Lisbon. Her scheme came to light when ComplYant ran out of cash and abruptly ceased operations in mid-September 2023 despite having raised $750,000 from two new investors in June and September.

Experts say startups that run into criminal negligence often face less regulatory scrutiny than public companies. SEC Regional Director Monique Winkler said the story was painted for the world to see in high-profile cases such as Theranos, once run by disgraced Silicon Valley icon Elizabeth Holmes. “Startup founders cannot fake it until they make it by falsifying revenue metrics,” Winkler warned.

Under Luckey’s leadership, she hired more than 50 employees, but when the company failed, she cut off all contact with them, leaving former employees without final paychecks for seven weeks. Some checks had missing funds from 401(k) contributions.

However, court proceedings have not seemed to stop Luckey from conducting business. She is often seen on TikTok providing financial and tax advice to her 23,000-plus followers.

@shilohluckey
Sunday night scaries aren’t always about tomorrow — sometimes they’re about the stuff you’re avoiding. You don’t need to fix everything tonight. Just start with one habit that makes tax season easier. Mileage adds up fast. #sundaynightscaries #smallbusinesshabits #taxtips #selfemployedlife #businessowner
♬ original sound – Shiloh, the accountant

Records show that in October 2025, she started a new startup called HabitLoop, described as a digital financial assistant for money management.

Trump, Black History Month, Tiger Woods, grants, whitney Plantation, — (Photo: Public Domain)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 17, 2025

Trump’s Proposed Requirements For U.S. Travelers: 5 Years Of Social Media Posts, Their DNA

And that's not all the Trump administration would require.

If the Trump administration gets its way, visitors to the United States would have to submit their social media activity from the past five years as well as DNA samples.

On Dec. 10, the administration unveiled proposed changes to U.S. travel policy, expanding the data collection powers of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Privacy International reports. If approved after a 60-day consultation, travelers could be required to use a U.S. government mobile app, provide social media accounts from the past five years, email addresses for themselves and family members from the past 10 years, and submit DNA samples.

An 11-page notice published in the Federal Register details several proposed changes by CBP to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which screens and approves travelers entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. Under the proposed rules, social media would become a mandatory part of ESTA applications, requiring a five-year history for applicants. “High-value data fields” were also added, such as biometrics, including facial scans, fingerprints, iris data, and even DNA.

Travelers will also be required to use two CBP apps: ‘CBP Home’ and the ‘ESTA Mobile App,’ as the ESTA website is being phased out. The app will collect biometric proof of departure to “close the information gap” and will share the user’s location after leaving the U.S.

Following the Department of Homeland Security’s November announcement to collect facial biometrics from all noncitizens upon U.S. entry and exit, eliminating previous exemptions, the new rules require applicants, including those applying through third parties, to submit a “selfie” in addition to their passport photo.

If approved, the policy would affect all current visa-free travelers. For the estimated 14 million annual ESTA visitors, CBP estimates it would take about 22 minutes to submit information for themselves and their family members. Despite no mobile device currently capable of collecting DNA, the Trump administration remains determined to enforce the requirement.

doorDash — Photo by RichLegg/Getty Images

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 16, 2025

SPIDER WARS? DoorDash Driver Arrested After Pepper-Spraying Customer’s Food, Claims She Was Attacking Arachnid

The incident was caught on camera at a house in Evansville, Indiana

The DoorDash worker seen on surveillance video allegedly spraying a substance on a food order she delivered is in police custody. Her reason for spraying the bag? She claims that she was spraying at a spider.

According to a news release by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, Kourtney Stevenson has been arrested. She is facing charges of two counts of Battery Resulting in Moderate Injury as Level 6 felonies and two counts of Consumer Product Tampering as Level 5 felonies.

The incident was caught on camera at a house in Evansville, Indiana, sometime after midnight Dec. 7. Mark Cardin, who placed the DoorDash order from Arby’s that night, said he brought it into the house. As his wife started eating, she had trouble breathing. When he saw her struggling, he went to investigate the bag.

After viewing the bag, he noticed the delivery person had sprayed it. He then reviewed the security camera footage and confirmed that Steveneson had sprayed the bag. He then contacted DoorDash and the police department.

Detectives from the police department then subpoenaed DoorDash records, which identified Stevenson as the delivery driver. After contacting her, she agreed to be interviewed by officers. During the phone call, she admitted to detectives that she did use pepper spray on the bag. However, she told them she did it because she saw a spider, which she is scared of.

Police stated that the overnight temperature was 35 degrees, and spiders in Indiana would not be outside at that temperature and would not be “capable of crawling on exposed surfaces.”

Stevenson later called back to inform them that she would not come in for an interview as scheduled. After issuing a warrant for her arrest, authorities in McCracken County, Kentucky, detained Stevenson the following morning. She is being held without bond pending extradition to Indiana.

“Residents should be able to trust that the food they order for their families is safe,” said Sheriff Noah Robinson. “When someone violates that trust and endangers others, we will respond with urgency, and we will pursue charges. I want to commend our detectives and also thank the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office and Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in making this arrest.”

RV, RV park, Josh Grady, Georgia, Warthen RV Park — Photo by Kampus Production/ pexels

by Mary Spiller

December 16, 2025

Houston-Based BLK Beetles Expands From Podcast Into Connecting People of Color with the Great Outdoors

What began as a storytelling platform has evolved into a growing movement creating culturally safe outdoor spaces—with plans to expand beyond Texas in 2026.

BLK Beetles, a Houston-based collective focused on reconnecting people of color with nature and community, is entering a new phase of growth after launching what leaders describe as its most ambitious effort yet: the BLK Beetles Collective.

The Houston-based group, which began as a podcast in 2021, has evolved into an organization that hosts outdoor meetups, creative workshops, and storytelling projects that emphasize belonging and cultural safety. Since its founding, BLK Beetles has engaged more than 1,400 participants through running crews, guided hikes, birdwatching events, and its digital platform, BLK Beetles StoryHouse.

“People weren’t just eager to hear stories of belonging; they were eager to live them,” said co-founder Samad Hinton told Blavity. “That realization pushed us to widen our focus. Our communities needed real spaces where people of color could rediscover the joy, possibility, and healing that comes from being connected to one another.”

The expansion comes as research continues to show disparities in access to green space. Hinton noted that communities of color are “nearly three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived areas.” So they’re eager to re-engage with nature, but often arrive at outdoor events with concerns about safety and acceptance.

BLK Beetles addresses those concerns by designing programming through what leaders call a “cultural safety lens.” In a recent partnership with REI, the group hosted skill-building workshops to lower barriers to outdoor participation.

According to Hinton, participants shared how identity and lived experience influence where—and with whom—they feel comfortable recreating. “This affirmed that the outdoors is not a neutral space,” he said.

As reported by Blavity, co-lead Kelly Hubbell-Hinton said the shift can be transformative once people find a welcoming environment. She described an early member who joined a running group seeking connection and later helped develop a women-of-color running series focused on safety. That participant eventually trained alongside others to complete her first 25K trail race.

“People arrive unsure, and then open up,” Hubbell-Hinton said. “They begin to see nature as a place where they can move freely and genuinely belong.”

In October 2025, BLK Beetles formally launched the BLK Beetles Collective, offering recurring outdoor gatherings and creative programming for adults of color. Leaders say the effort was made possible through support from the adidas Community Lab, which provided funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance.

“The Community Lab helped us see that culturally safe, welcoming outdoor spaces can become the standard, not the exception,” Hinton said.

With new infrastructure in place, BLK Beetles plans to expand to Albuquerque in 2026. As the group grows, its leaders say their mission remains rooted in combating isolation and loneliness.

“One in five adults in the U.S. feels lonely on a daily basis,” Hubbell-Hinton said. “Our role is to remind people they don’t have to move through life alone.”