Republic Records Removes Word "Urban"

Major record label Republic Records makes a big change in how they handle  labeling. 

By removing the word "Urban," they plan to remove the current connotation seen as damaging or divisive. 

Republic Records' statement also notes that within the music industry, "urban" was historically rooted in the need to label Black music and was not originally deemed as negative. 

However over time, the meaning and connotation of “urban” has been used to generalize Black people in many sectors of music.

Thoughts? Comment below! 

CONFEDERATE FLAG BANNED BY U.S. MARINES

The directive, which was announced on Friday, details what is prohibited in Marine installations, office buildings and work spaces.

The U.S. Marine Corps on Friday issued detailed directives about removing and banning public displays of the Confederate battle flag at Marine installations with a list that extended to such things as mugs, posters, bumper stickers and more. 

"Current events are a stark reminder that it is not enough for us to remove symbols that cause division - rather, we also must strive to eliminate division itself," said by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David H. Berger.

COMPANIES SPEAKING OUT SINCE GEORGE FLOYD DEATH AND PROTESTS

Many businesses are taking a step back to make way for more important issues amidst protests around the nation after the death of George Floyd, the 46-year old Black man who died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

McDonald's, Amazon, Target, Apple & Starbucks are some of the huge companies that have released statements in support of justice and racial equality.

Starbucks and other large brands have held open discussions with employees to discuss the protests and racism in the workplace.

Some companies made statements, some vague and others making monetary donations to various foundations and causes.

What are other companies doing?

• Bank of America pledged $1 billion to help communities dealing with economic and racial inequality.

• Facebook is contributing $10 million toward groups working on racial justice.

• Cisco is donating $5 million to various organizations.

• Shopify said it will commit $1 million to three different organizations.

Companies both large and small are halting normal operations to voice their support or donate to organizations.