Billie Holiday was one of the most controversial and influential artists of her time. On April 7, 1915, Holiday was born to a teenaged mother and an estranged father. So, early in her life, she faced challenges. At ten or eleven years old, she was reportedly sexually assaulted, according to Biography.com. They added that, “she found solace in music, singing along to the records of Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong.”

After following her mother to New York City, she began singing in night clubs, where she would be discovered at 18 years old. This set the stage for a promising career. In 1937, she joined Count Basie’s band with Lester Young, whom she affectionately dubbed “Prez” because she saw him as the President of the saxophone, Biography.com wrote.

She went on to join Artie Shaw’s band. As a member of the band, Holiday faced racial discrimination from white promoters who did not want to see a Black woman perform.

​Yet, this did not stop Holiday. 

Multi-award winning actress Cicely Tyson devoted her life to portraying strong Black women on stage and screen. The esteemed actress began her career as a model inEbony magazine and became a first-time author in 2021. Tyson’s memoir, “Just As I Am”, was published on January 26, just days before she passed away on January 28, 2021. Of Caribbean decent, Tyson was born in Harlem, N.Y. on December 19, 1924 and died at the age of 96.
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While promoting her book, the 5’ foot 3’’ icon said:

Yesterday, rapper and singer DaniLeigh sparked backlash after posting a snippet of a song called “Yellow Bone.” Leigh, who is of Dominican descent, claims the song was meant to uplift “light skinned baddies.” After the backlash, Leigh took down the Instagram post and issued an apology, which some celebrities thought was ingenuine.

“They made her this poster child for this mainstream body pos movement.”

Last Tuesday, rapper Lizzo was a topic of Twitter debates once again. This “seems to happen every time she wins an award, does something on social media or takes another step toward greater success,” wrote fat activist Sydneysky G for Wear Your Voice Mag.

​This time, Lizzo made headlines because she revealed that she had done a smoothie detox. Although Lizzo said it was for health reasons, critics still found crafty ways to express their disdain.

The vitriol that Lizzo faced over her decision is an extension of celebrity worship syndrome.

Last Sunday, rapper Tory Lanez was arrested on concealed weapon charges, according to Vulture. Initially, some thought that fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion, who was in the car with him, had also been arrested. Yet, as the week progressed, more facts were released.
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On Thursday, Megan spoke out about the incident for the first time. In an Instagram caption, she wrote, “I was never arrested. This whole experience was an eye opener and a blessing in disguise. I hate that it took this experience for me to learn how to protect my energy.” 

​This was in response to a shooting that left Megan with a foot injury. In a statement, Megan added that this was “done with the intention to physically harm” her. By the end of the week, Lanez was being looked at as a suspect in this crime. Once word of this hit social media, memes started pouring out.