From a childhood steeped in soulful blues to navigating the bustling landscapes of New York City and the glittering allure of Los Angeles, Claire’s path has been a tapestry woven with diverse influences that define her distinct sound. With the release of her latest EP, Stardust, Claire returns to her musical roots with a raw, authentic approach that resonates deeply with listeners. Beyond her music, Claire is a passionate advocate for mothers in the music industry, championing initiatives like Mamas in Music. With a career fueled by passion, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of musical expression, Claire stands as a beacon of creativity and empowerment in today's ever-evolving musical landscape. Read on to learn more about Claire London.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Greta Neubauer, Wisconsin State Assembly, District 66

Greta Neubauer (she/her/hers), is a millennial representative in the Wisconsin State Assembly, where she currently serves as the youngest minority leader in Wisconsin legislative history, a role she has served in since January 2022. Greta is also the first openly queer caucus leader. She is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, addressing climate change, protecting democracy, and creating a state where everyone can thrive!

Ryan Wright - Embracing Oneself

Discover the captivating musical journey of Ryan Wright, based just outside Washington D.C. in northern VA, whose upbringing immersed her in a world of music from an early age. From her father's studio sessions to her grandmother's nostalgic lullabies, Ryan's passion for music blossomed into a unique blend of indie rock and synth-pop influences. Ryan Wright’s musical journey is not just about creating captivating melodies; it's also about making a meaningful impact through her work with charitable causes, particularly in the realm of pediatric cancer research. Read on to learn more about Ryan Wright’s insights, artistic challenges, and charitable endeavors, and join her on an inspiring journey through melody, emotion, and resilience.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.2Chelsea ChanJuly 29, 2024music artist, singer song writer, cancer, tour, lyricsComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Alison Beale, Tennessee House of Representatives, District 45

One such candidate is Alison Beale (she/her/hers), a millennial mom who was motivated to run because of a law passed by the Tennessee legislature and signed by the governor that went into effect on July 1, 2021, allowing citizens to openly or concealed carry handguns without a permit. This has led to a rise in mass shootings in Tennessee, including one at an elementary school in March 2023. But Alison has been a gun control advocate since before this law was passed. A former teacher, Alison taught a student who was the younger sibling of a victim of a mass shooting at a Nashville Waffle House in 2018, subsequently getting involved with a foundation named for this young man.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Tanya Vyhovsky, Vermont Senate, Chittenden Central

This week we are profiling Tanya Vyhovsky (she/they), the only member of the Vermont Senate from the Vermont Progressive Party, the 3rd-largest political party in Vermont (in 2022 we profiled Taylor Small, the leader of the Vermont Progressive Party in the Vermont House of Representatives). As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Tanya’s platform is about bringing working class, younger voices that have often been shut out of power into the statehouse. The issues Tanya cares most deeply about are; a sustainable and just economy, healthcare, mental health, climate, criminal legal change and democracy.

Marnie Alton - Finding the Pillars of Wellness

In a journey spanning from the crisp air of Alberta Canada to the city of Los Angeles, Marnie Alton found herself traversing continents in pursuit of her dual passions: fitness and storytelling. For her, fitness is not just about physical exercise but a holistic approach that nurtures the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Teaching barre in Los Angeles was not just a career; it ignited a passion that inspired her to establish M/Body—a method celebrated for its comprehensive approach to well-being. Beyond fitness, her passions extend to advocacy for animal rescue and support for sanctuaries — an embodiment of her belief in compassion and empathy as essential pillars of wellness. To learn more about Marnie Alton, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.2Chelsea ChanJuly 17, 2024clothing brand, Wellness, brand, health, fitnessComment

Adelide - Finding You Through The Tune

Adelide's musical journey is a true testament to the power of passion and personal exploration. Based in Brooklyn, New York since 2019, Adelide has carved out a niche in the music industry with her distinctive blend of disco, synth-pop, and soul. Adelide's songwriting process, deeply rooted in her jazz background, unfolds beautifully, often beginning with chords that came from her creative spark. Her latest single, "Witness," exemplifies her ability to seamlessly blend inspiration with personal narrative. Beyond her music, Adelide is a passionate advocate for causes close to her heart. Her involvement with the Youngsters of Uganda (YOU) organization underscores her commitment to making a positive impact. To learn more about Adelide, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Christina Khalil, U.S. Senate, New Jersey

This week we are profiling Christina Khalil (she/her), the Green Party candidate for this fall’s U.S. Senate race in New Jersey. With the current embattled incumbent, Bob Menendez, indicted for bribery for accepting cash gifts from the Egyptian government in exchange for influence, the field is wide open to a wide range of party candidates, including Menendez himself, running as an independent. However, this millennial Green Party candidate, a first-generation Egyptian-American, has no such ties to foreign governments. As a formerly homeless teenager, Christina grew up in the foster care system and was emancipated at age 16. Today she is forced to work two jobs to make ends meet, both as a therapist and a drug and alcohol addiction counselor. Christina put herself through college twice, with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Her lived experience makes Christina passionate about giving voice to the unheard, providing the tools for the poorest and least privileged Americans to work for a better life, and creating safety, freedom and prosperity for all New Jerseyans regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, or immigration status.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Lexi Melton, Tennessee House of Representatives, District 35

In 2024, we have a large number of young people running for office to challenge the status quo upheld by older, long-entrenched representatives at all levels of government. Today we are highlighting one such person. Lexi Melton (she/her/hers), is a millennial wife and mom of two. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lexi decided to go back to school to finish her degree and graduated with an A.A.S. degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from Chattanooga State Community College! Lexi fiercely advocates for strong public schools and women’s rights, and believes in gun safety and equitable healthcare, especially in rural areas.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Yasmin Trudeau, Washington State Senate, District 27

Yasmin Trudeau (she/her) is a millennial attorney who currently serves as a Washington State Senator. A Bengali-American, Yas is the first Muslim to serve in the Washington state legislature. After spending much of her childhood in poverty, including being homeless during her teens, she was motivated to make a difference for people whose experiences were like hers. After a stint working as a Legislative Assistant to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, the current chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, Yas entered politics in her home state of Washington, where she focuses on issues like housing justice and equitable housing development, corporate responsibility and accountability, and continuing to provide the kind of resources for young people that she benefitted from in her youth to put her on the path to success.

Yemen Blues - Magical Tunes

Dive into the fascinating story of Yemen Blues, a band based in TLV, Finland, and NYC, whose music influenced by Yemeni heritage and diverse global backgrounds, transcends boundaries. Their latest single, “People,” and its riveting music video featuring MOVE|NYC| dancers, highlights a powerful collaboration with this organization dedicated to diversity and equity in dance. With an upcoming US and EU tour from September to December, this band is set to captivate audiences with its transformative sound. To learn more about Yemen Blues, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.2Chelsea ChanJune 24, 2024dancer, songwriting, Song, artist, blues, video, music, HealingComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Analise Ortiz, Arizona State Senate District 24

Analise Ortiz (she/her/hers) is the current state representative for her district, but after one term in the Arizona House of Representatives, she has decided to run for the Arizona State Senate. Analise is a Latina millennial civil rights activist who worked for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on issues like criminal justice reform and federal immigration reform, before running for the Arizona House in 2022, where she is the first openly pansexual member of the Arizona legislature. In the House, she is a leader in the Democratic caucus on criminal justice reform, protecting and expanding reproductive rights, and advocating for affordable housing for Arizonans. Analise is passionate about combatting exclusionary zoning practices through meaningful and equitable zoning reforms.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.2Andrew FJune 19, 2024queer, latina, latinx, bisexual, #queer, lgbt, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, #lgbti, Latin, liberal, journalism, JournalistComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Christina Haswood, Kansas State Senate, District 2

This week we are profiling Christina Haswood (she/her/hers) is a Diné (Navajo) millennial who is the only Native American serving in the Kansas state legislature. In her first year in office, she helped pass Kansas’ first Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) bill. A public health advocate, Christina is a champion of reproductive rights and the right to abortion. Christina also stands out for using social media more than her colleagues to inform her constituents with updates from the legislature. Though she currently represents District 10 in the Kansas House of Representatives, Christina is now running for the State Senate.

Drea Okeke - From Engineering to TikTok

Drea Okeke is bringing Nigerian charm to America through her lively and often playful TikTok videos. She can be seen teaching Nigerian slang to celebrities on the red carpet to dressing up as SpongeBob. If this silliness isn’t enough for you, look out for her new game coming out this summer: Nonsense Slangs. When this influencer isn’t blowing up your social media she can be seen supporting education through expanding schools in Nigeria and giving away scholarships to first-generation African American college students. As an ex-engineer herself, she understands the value of a good education. Read on to learn more about Drea Okeke.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.2Kira BuccaJune 10, 2024TikTok, education, influencer, game, board game, Culture, comedyComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Kyra deGruy Kennedy, Colorado House of Representatives, District 30

Today we are profiling Kyra deGruy Kennedy (she/hers), a bisexual millennial community organizer, running for the Colorado House of Representatives. Kyra currently works as a business and political consultant, advising a wide range of organizations. As a former healthcare worker, Kyra has influenced a number of legislative efforts in Colorado pertaining to healthcare, and is most passionate about enacting single-payer healthcare, ensuring that healthcare be treated as a basic human right and not a system that profits off the ill health of patients, including mental health, reproductive health (including legalized abortion), and lower prescription drug costs. Kyra also supports transitioning away from fossil fuels (including in vehicles), reducing access to firearms, and protecting labor, worker, immigrant, tenant, and democratic rights.

Tiffany Elle Burgess - From Page to Stage

Based in Atlanta, GA, Tiffany Elle Burgess seamlessly juggles her roles as an actress, producer, health consultant, and children's book author. Tiffany recently starred in the award-winning movie “The Color Purple,” a film she describes as a vibrant black family reunion that brings fresh perspectives to the beloved story. Dedicated to representation in the entertainment industry, Tiffany believes in the importance of children seeing themselves reflected on screen. Outside of her work in film, she ventures into publishing children's literature, with her latest release, "Decisions, Decisions," designed to uplift young minds, especially those from diverse backgrounds. To learn more about Tiffany Elle Burgess, continue reading.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.2Chelsea ChanJune 4, 2024books, Author, actress, movie, blackgirlmagic, black girl magicComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Ysabel Jurado, Los Angeles City Council, District 14

Today we are continuing our profiles of candidates across the country who want to bring progressive change to America at all levels of government! Ysabel Jurado (she/hers) is an eviction defense attorney and affordable housing activist running for LA City Council. A daughter of undocumented Filipino immigrants, she became a mother as a teenager and later she put herself through UCLA for both undergraduate and law school. Her work as a tenants rights attorney focused on building pathways to home ownership for communities of color, the preservation of open space, and reparative justice. This millennial single mom identifies as Queer and is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Her platform focuses on expanding affordable housing, ending homelessness, supporting small businesses, tackling the climate crisis, and building a more just economy for all.

Ma’Chell M. Duma - Chorus, Cadence, and Cardi B

Seattle-based music critic, Ma’Chell M. Duma, unveils her latest book "Cardi B: Invasion of Privacy," offering readers an insightful journey into the rapper's impact and musical prowess. Reflecting on her journey from North Dakota and years in the music industry, she dissects each track in a series of essays, highlighting the socio-political impact and feminist themes within Cardi’s work. Enthralled by the boldness and originality of Cardi B’s music, she aims to offer readers a deep appreciation of the artist's cultural influence. To learn more about Ma’Chell M. Duma and her new book, read on.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Molly Cook, Texas State Senate District 15

As we get further into election season, the races are starting to heat up! This week we are profiling Molly Cook (she/her), a millennial ER nurse who is the latest addition to the Texas State Senate. On May 4, Molly won a special election in District 15 to fill an open seat left by the departure of John Whitmire to take over the mayorship of Houston. While she is locked in for the remainder of the term (which ends on January 14, 2025), Molly is having another election on May 28 — this time the Democratic primary runoff for the general election (on November 5) of the next term of District 15, where she is facing the same candidate who she defeated in the special election.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - JP Lyninger, Louisville, KY Metro Council District 6

In the upcoming May 21 primary in the Metro Council District 6 race in Louisville, KY, Jejune is profiling JP Lyninger (he/him/his). JP is running as a Democratic Socialist for the seat, after several years organizing with the Democratic Socialists of America at both the local and national levels. In 2022 he managed fellow Democratic Socialist Robert Levertis Bell’s run for State Representative and co-managed Kentucky Access for All’s campaign to defeat a state constitutional ban on abortion, contacting every voter in the state regardless of voter ID to explain that abortion bans harm the working class regardless of whether they identify as Democrats or Republicans. This year, JP has personally knocked on over 6000 doors for his campaign, and has made it his goal to talk to every voter in District 6 by election day.