Happy Wednesday. Skimm HQ is off for Juneteenth (aka, “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day”), the federal holiday commemorating the day when the last enslaved African Americans learned of their freedom — marking the end of slavery. (For a deeper understanding of the holiday and its significance, read this.) But we always want to keep you informed, so we’re bringing you three things to know to start your day, plus recommendations for what to read, eat, watch, and follow in honor of today’s holiday.
— theSkimm editors
Yesterday, the Biden administration announced a new policy to offer legal status and protections for some undocumented spouses of US citizens — shielding about 500,000 immigrants from deportation, according to officials. Experts say the move, which could provide a pathway to citizenship and legal work status in the US, is one of the most significant actions to protect immigrants in over a decade. Though, immigration advocates warn that the program is likely to face legal challenges.
In a “monumental step forward” for LGBTQIA+ rights, Thailand’s Senate overwhelmingly passed a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill still requires the king’s endorsement to become law, which he is widely expected to give, making Thailand the country the first in Southeast Asia to recognize marriage equality.
Justin Timberlake was released from police custody in Sag Harbor, NY, after he was arraigned on charges of driving while intoxicated. Police arrested Timberlake — who allegedly “had one martini” — early Tuesday morning, when he reportedly ran a stop sign, failed to stay in his lane, and “performed poorly” on field sobriety tests. Now, the pop singer’s summer tour may include an extra pit stop — to the courtroom, that is — on July 26 for a hearing.
“One of Our Kind” by Nicola Yoon
theSkimm
When Jasmyn and King Williams move their family to Liberty, CA — a beautiful, all-Black gated community — it seems too good to be true. They’re surrounded by like-minded, socially aware people, great schools, and statues of influential Black figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. There’s even an upscale wellness center at the heart of the community. But when a terrifying secret is revealed, Jasmyn realizes Liberty may not be the idyllic world she thought it would be. Part thriller and part Jordan Peele horror film, Nicola Yoon’s “One of Our Kind” will have you on the edge of your seat until you turn the last page. We asked Yoon a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…
Q: What’s the one place everyone needs to visit?
Yoon: The Scottish Highlands. It’s otherworldly beautiful. Also, there are more sheep than people.
Q: What’s your favorite unapologetic indulgence?
Yoon: Fancy tea sets. It’s fair to say that I watch “Bridgerton” primarily for the tea sets.
This Peach Cobbler Pound Cake Might Ruin All Other Cakes for You
theSkimm
While every Juneteenth celebration looks a little different, most share one common thread: an abundance of delicious food. For Jocelyn Delk Adams, creator of Grandbaby Cakes, no feast is complete without her Peach Cobbler Pound Cake. Rich, buttery, and oozing with juicy peach filling, this decadent dessert is inspired by the cobbler her grandmother — “Big Mama” — makes. “Whenever I think back to those days in Winona, Mississippi, the enticing aroma would waft from her kitchen,” says Adams. “I wanted to create a recipe that reminded me of those nostalgic moments [and] wonderful summer flavors but in my fave pound cake vehicle.”
The Time Commitment: Don’t be intimidated by the total cooking time, which is three hours and 10 minutes. Just 35 minutes is active prep work. The rest is baking and cooling time — which requires little to no attention.
Key Tips: Ran out of sour cream? No problem. Milk or plain Greek yogurt will keep the cake just as moist, according to Adams. And if you’re worried about this cake being a touch too sweet, she says you can skip the glaze entirely: “I promise you, the cake stands tall on its own.”
The Barbie Story You Might Not Have Known About — Until Now
theSkimm
If you were one of the millions that flocked to theaters to see “Barbie,” you’re probably already familiar with Ruth Handler, the inventor of Mattel’s most famous doll. But what about Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby? They’re the three Black women behind the release of the first Black Barbie in 1980. In Netflix’s new documentary “Black Barbie,” you can learn what it took to get the groundbreaking doll made — and how they influenced the iconic doll brand as well as generations of Black women. Written and directed by Mitchell’s niece, the film includes interviews with the three trailblazers, as well as other notable women, like Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) and “Black Barbie” executive producer Shonda Rhimes, who, naturally, has her own Barbie...wearing Carolina Herrera, no less.
As if working as a photo editor for the office of Vice President Kamala Harris wasn’t cool enough, Polly Irungu is also the founder of Black Women Photographers, a global collective that spotlights and supports over 2,100 Black women and non-binary photographers through grants and other resources.
In 2017, therapist Jasmine Jefferson started Black Girls With Gardens because she was struggling to find belonging as “a Black woman who loves plants.” Since then, it’s grown into a thriving, vibrant community, which provides Black women with education, resources, and inspiration for creating green spaces.
Trending products and brands our shopping team has been loving recently.
(More) Black-authored books to read this Juneteenth.
"James" by Percival Everett, "Night Flyer" by Tiya Miles, and "Let Us Descend" by Jesmyn Ward all masterfully reframe the history of slavery in America. PS: The audiobooks are just as good as the physical ones.
You know it's time to get rid of your worn-out swimsuits. Use code SPF30 to get a discount on the brand's cult-favorite one-pieces, breezy cover-ups, and more until July 1.
PS: Want more product recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram.
Looking for a crossword that’s not impossible to solve? You’re in luck. This one even offers hints when you get stuck. The faster you finish, the better your score — and the more impressed the group chat will be. Go on.
