Latest news with #Winters
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Politics
- USA Today
I'm exhausted by attempts to pretend discrimination doesn't exist in America
Mary-Frances Winters defined the term 'Black fatigue' in her book of the same name, describing it as a form of psychological and emotional exhaustion from persistent racism and microaggressions. You know what I'm tired of? The MAGA movement twisting and co-opting language used to help Americans cope with racism and turning it back on them. The latest example is "Black fatigue." In 2020, author Mary-Frances Winters defined the term in her book of the same name, describing it as a form of psychological and emotional exhaustion from persistent racism and microaggressions. This fatigue can impact one's mental and spiritual well-being, and if left unaddressed, it could also affect physical health and shorten life expectancy. Today, the term has been co-opted by the right – and even people unwittingly using it against themselves. For instance, when five girls attack a woman at the opening night of the Milwaukee Night Market, it is labeled "Black fatigue." When some boys drive recklessly in a stolen car, it is also called "Black fatigue." When a 39-year-old man is arrested in the shooting of a Milwaukee police officer, you guessed it. I reached out to Winters, 74, who said she was not surprised to learn the MAGA crowd had co-opted the term. However, she is disheartened that some are using it against their fellow African Americans. Opinion: I remember my first Juneteenth. It's more than a Black holiday. While it's understandable for people to feel frustrated and speak out when they witness something bad happen, it's important to recognize that no single group has a monopoly on bad behavior. The bigger question is why do Black people often find themselves under greater scrutiny? I believe we know the answer to that. Real 'Black fatigue' gives voice to microaggressions, systemic racism This disparity is precisely why Winters coined the term in the first place, capturing the struggles faced by the Black community in a world that is quick to pass judgment. Ironically, the movement co-opting the term is the one inflicting the pain by pretending bigotry doesn't exist by President Donald Trump's attempt to erase diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Opinion: Trump worries more about South Africa's nonexistent genocide than real US racism When Winters' book was released, America was grappling with a global pandemic and confronting systemic racism after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who sparked nationwide protests. When she was writing the book, many expressed to Winters, the founder and CEO of The Winters Group, Inc., a 40-year-old global organization development and DEI consulting firm, that they felt exhausted by microaggressions, conveying a sense of pressure to excel at work but thought they were only making minimal progress. Think of it as constantly walking on a new carpet. Over time, you don't realize how the fibers are worn down until you compare before-and-after pictures and see how your repeated steps have diminished the carpet's beauty. That's what racism does. Since Trump took office again, Winters noted that real Black fatigue has intensified due to his rhetoric and policies, which have escalated racial tensions and eroded civil rights protections, further compounding a long history of unacknowledged, unaddressed racism and discrimination. 'He's hurting people. Just think about all the government jobs that have been eliminated," Winters said. "A lot of those employees were Black men and women who now must figure out what they want to do." MAGA uses concept to perpetuate negative, racist stereotypes There are dozens of videos online featuring people discussing the co-opted concept of Black fatigue, and to be honest, it makes me angry. It's not surprising, though, as there are even more videos and websites seemingly dedicated to showcasing the worst behaviors. Sites like and 'Ghetto Fights' often highlight instances of fighting, or just being unkind to each other. Given that our country is so hypersegregated, it's no wonder that people watch these clips and conclude this is representative. And the thing that is so tiring is how the term has been twisted so silently. Dynasty Ceasar, a local community activist who has studied race and racism, was unaware that the definition had changed. She described the issue as 'complex and sensitive,' making it difficult to grasp. 'We need to be mindful of the impact of such statements and avoid language that reinforces negative stereotypes or internalizes racism,' Ceasar said. It's important to clarify that I'm not suggesting that Black people should avoid accountability for their negative actions. What I mean is that everyone, regardless of their race, should be held accountable for their actions but should not be subjected to a different standard than anyone else. It's easy to fall into the trap and use the term incorrectly When I spoke to Winters, I had to be entirely transparent and shared with her that I had inadvertently fallen into the trap. I shared an incident I witnessed while shopping at Plato's Closet, a resale shop in Greenfield. I was about to buy some shoes when I noticed an elderly White woman with her grandson. She was purchasing a pair of sunglasses for him, and I let them skip ahead of me in line because her grandson was very antsy. While we were waiting, a Black woman was selling some shoes and seemed unhappy with what was being offered to her. When the cashier called for the next customer, the older woman accidentally bumped into her, which sparked a verbal altercation. The Black woman began cursing, expressing her frustration about people who bump into her without saying "excuse me." Although the older woman apologized, it only seemed to escalate the situation, as the woman continued to curse and insult her. After both women left the store, several employees asked what had just happened, and I felt compelled to explain the situation. After the incident, I called my cousin and mentioned that I had experienced "Black fatigue" because I felt that the woman's behavior was out of line. My cousin told me that I was misusing the term. Winters and Ceasar both agreed that racism is rarely the result of a single action; it is much more complex than that. While they did not condone the actions of the woman for shouting, Ceasar acknowledged that her outburst might have stemmed from the many times she had been ignored, overlooked as if she did not exist, or made to feel devalued. If Black fatigue can negatively impact on a person's mind, body and spirit, it can also lead to diminished emotional well-being, sometimes manifesting as outbursts to seek acknowledgment. If you find yourself using the term to express disappointment about something bad happening in the world, take a moment to consider how you express that. If your feelings are not specifically related to race, then your fatigue may not be about racial issues at all. It might be about human nature. However, if you believe that only Black people are capable of negative actions and continue to use the term in that context, it might be necessary to reflect on your own biases. That's what I'm tired of. James E. Causey is an Ideas Lab reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where this column originally appeared. Reach him at jcausey@jrnhttps:// or follow him on X: @jecausey
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Will Dumas' Y&R Party End in Bloodshed? Fans Predict a Deadly Twist in France
The big Aristotle Dumas reveal is quickly approaching on The Young and the Restless. The mysterious businessman has invited many Genoa City residents to France for a party. Unbeknownst to the guest, they might be stepping into dangerous territory. All of Genoa City has been curious about the mysterious Aristotle Dumas. After months of buzz, they're finally going to meet the billionaire at his chateau in France. Guests include: The Newmans, The Winters, The Abbotts, and Michael (Christian LeBlanc) and Lauren (Tracey Bregman). With most of Genoa City's top players attending the shindig, something big is going to happen, and it might be sinister. On a Y&R message board, fans are speculating that the party is a setup for a murder mystery. 'Anyone else getting an Agatha Christie murder/mystery vibe with this 'extended stay' gathering in France? Diane already referenced the Orient Express…it's a mystery who the 'Host' is or the Host's intentions, and all the invitees are rich and have LOTS of skeletons in their respective closets,' one fan theorized. 'I am getting that vibe and loving it!!! Can't wait for Friday the 13th when they all meet up in France,' another fan replied. 'I wonder which character will be murdered. Most of the main cast will be at the gathering so it can likely be one of them,' another commenter wrote. Aristotle's party is taking place on Friday the 13th, a day synonymous with bad luck. With Aristotle being a mysterious and powerful businessman, there's no telling what he has planned for his guests. But this is a trip that will change lives and that many of Genoa City will regret attending. Could the gathering end in a whodunnit mystery? If so, which beloved character will die and which party guests will be suspects in the murder?
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kehoe appoints native to oversee STL City board of police commissioners
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced a new appointee to oversee the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's (SLMPD) citizen-led board of police commissioners. St. Louis City native Derek Winters will serve as the Transition Director. According to the Governor's Office, Winters will work with St. Louis City officials, SLMPD, Missouri's Department of Public Safety and other entities. Winters' overall focus is ensuring an efficient transition to a citizen-led board, which is expected to assume control over SLMPD before July 1, 2026, as well as minimizing citizen conflicts in the city. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'This is a pivotal moment for the city of St. Louis,' Winters said. 'It is an honor to support the process of building a board that supports our men and women in uniform, reflects the City's values, and is equipped to meet its responsibilities from the start.' House Bill 495 establishes a board of police commissioners that consists of six members, including St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, to guide the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD). The Governor's Office will announce the remaining commissioners in the coming weeks, with Kehoe responsible for appointing each member. SLMPD Police Chief Robert Tracy acknowledged Winters' new role and said he is in full support of Kehoe's decision. Tracy said SLMPD's priorities surround maintaining public safety, supporting officers and serving St. Louis City. Winters has a professional background in leadership, and he previously served as a commissioner on the St. Louis City Board of Elections and board chair of Saint Louis Makes. 'This transition team requires leadership rooted in accountability, professionalism, and a clear sense of purpose. Derek brings all of that, and we are confident in his ability as a highly skilled operations professional to help build a strong foundation for the board and its long-term role in public safety,' Kehoe said. Spencer released a statement in response to the new Transition Director: 'I spoke to the governor's office and have full confidence that this appointment doesn't change the chief's ability to lead the City of St. Louis' police department this weekend and in the future. While the governor and I disagree on the issue of local control, we share the common goal of a successful SLMPD, and I look forward to meeting with Mr. Winters in the near future,' Spencer concluded. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Independent
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Vet bought a lottery ticket to get change for a pizza tip. Then he won all the dough
Talk about raising serious dough. A retired veteran in California to extremely lucky when he bought a scratch off lottery ticket to break a $100 bill to tip his pizza order. McKinley Nelson, 72, of Winters, recently picked up a pizza for his wife at Round Table but needed change from his large bill to leave a cash tip. Nelson, who said he's played the California Lottery since its inception 40 years ago, went next door to Winters Wine & Liquor, bought the ticket, then picked up his order. 'I had a $100 bill. So, I got two tickets,' Nelson told lottery officials. 'I think it was $20, and I went to the truck and started scratching.' 'I think this one's a million, but I'm not sure,' Nelson said he told his wife about a Loteria Grande scratcher. The cheesy remark turned out to be correct, and Nelson is now $1 million richer. 'So, my wife almost had a heart attack,' Nelson told lottery officials about her reaction. 'And then we had to go in and buy the pizza. It was all because of her, she's the one that likes the pizza.' Nelson said he plans to use the winnings to pay off his home, save a little, and buy a camper van for a road trip with his wife so that they can visit both their families.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Washington's most outrageous MAGA correspondent Natalie Winters dishes on dating in DC: ‘Most men are gay'
Washington's MAGA 'It Girl' correspondent, Natalie Winters, is dishing the dirt on dating in DC after President Trump swept into office — and she's claiming 'most men' who run in the capital's political power circles are gay. 'I think most men are gay in DC — either out or closeted depending on whether they're Democrats or Republicans,' the 24-year-old White House correspondent for Steve Bannon's 'War Room' told the Times of London. Winters also had some eye-opening details on some of the men she and her friends meet in Washington, DC. 'Because I'm such a great investigative reporter, my girlfriends hit me up to investigate the guys they go on dates with,' she said. 'The stuff I found out is insane: married, people who claimed to own multiple properties. One said they had eight rentals, a hunting cabin, 500 acres, a mill town home and many restaurants, and it turned out they actually lived in a housing estate like Section 8,' she added. As for Winters, who recently bought a house of her own, she teased that she may be off the market. 'I want to marry someone who allows me to protect feminine energy in a world that is forcing me to be a girl boss because they keep sending Steve [Bannon] to prison. Perhaps I have …' she said, before trailing off. Winters, who had her membership application for the prestigious National Press Club in DC denied last month, delights in flouting the conventions on Capitol Hill. During dinner at the swanky Waldorf Astoria, Winters is complimented on her denim hotpants by an admirer from Texas who said she had wanted to wear something similar but was told the dress code was more formal. 'Oh, you should have worn it,' Winters said in reply. 'That's why you have to do it even more.' As a young woman in politics, Winters said she is used to not getting taken seriously. 'When anyone covers me, they talk as if I've just sprung up because of my miniskirts,' she said, adding that they forget about her years of reporting at 'War Room' — which is a must-listen for the MAGA faithful working in Washington. Despite her reputation as a wild young disrupter, in reality, Winters lives a strictly controlled lifestyle. She doesn't drink, doesn't consume seed oils, doesn't wear perfume and barely ever eats carbs, she told the Times. 'I just don't like eating carbs like that. I like to eat stuff that gives me glowing skin. If it's not gonna give me glowing skin, then it's not worth it,' she said. For now, Winters continues to be a scourge of 'the Libs' in Washington and a close ally to Bannon, the former White House adviser to President Trump and trail blazer in the MAGA movement.
