Community & Democracy Media

What Does It Mean To Be Hispanic or Latino? - MALN

BOSTON—Earlier this year, the Biden administration sparked a national and reflective conversation after it proposed to rephrase Hispanic as a race on the U.S. Census. Latinos have been split over their support for the controversial change.


In the 2020 U.S. Census, over 43 percent of Hispanics either marked the “some other race” box or simply did not respond to the form’s question on race. For decades, many Latinos have struggled to answer questions about race when Hispanic or Latino wasn’t an...

What's Happening In Hollywood? Here's What You Should Know About The Strikes - Girls' Life

Home / Trending / In the News / What’s happening in Hollywood? Here’s what you should know about the strikes



Some of your fave stars like Lola Tung (The Summer I Turned Pretty) and Joey King (The Kissing Booth) have been spotted striking alongside their fellow actors and writers. But why? Well, to put it simply, most of Hollywood is on strike. Keep reading to learn why…
Not one, but two!



@joeyking
Yep, it's not just one, but two unions on strike rn. The first union to go on strike back...

Everything You Need To Know About The Supreme Court's Ruling On Affirmative Action - Girls' Life

Home / Trending / In the News / Everything you need to know about the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action



Please select your race. 
This question is asked on forms, standardized tests and even college applications. For some, choosing how to identify is as easy as checking a box or bubbling in a circle with a pencil. For others, making this decision could now make or break their futures.
Last week, on June 29, the Supreme Court ruled that affirmative action programs at Harvard Univer...

Students of color bear brunt of school discipline, identity bullying, Boston forum says

A black marker squeaks along the bottom of a whiteboard then stops. Eight words appeared at the bottom of the board.

“Give all students, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, opportunities to succeed.”

Eliza Davern capped the marker, and Mirian Albert began posing questions to people seated in chairs arranged in a circle. Both helped organize the community meeting to lead a catalytic conversation about dismantling inequities in education.

Boston startup YUNG DUMME raises awareness on community violence - MALN

ROXBURY—As snow gently fell onto the Roxbury Community College campus, the smell of burger patties and hot dogs wafted into the Student Commons, where booths lined the foyer and people of all ages wore red and black—the official colors for homicide awareness.


In the back corner stood a mother, daughter, and best friend selling a variety of clothing items with the logo YD for YUNG DUMME. Their mission, however, extends far beyond just fashion. It was turning their anger into action.


The tri...

Lawyers For Civil Rights Boston Leader Receives New Honors - MALN

MA Latino News covers the social determinants of health and democracy. Collaborations like the partnership with Boston University’s Department of Journalism in the College of Communication is integral to the health of news and the health of democracy. 


Some people grow up with aspirations of becoming a celebrity, an athlete, or even a world-renowned singer. For 43-year-old Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, choosing a career had nothing to do with dreams and everything to do with a question.


“How do...

Emergency Contraceptive vending machine will be out of stock until further notice

Six months after the vending machine stocked with Plan B for $7.25 was unveiled, the machine will be out of stock until further notice, according to an Instagram post by the Boston University Students for Reproductive Freedom. 
SRF announced in an Instagram post Sept. 8 that there were issues with the newest refill, citing “technical difficulties” and “size issues” with their newest shipment as the cause of the delays. SRF will post an update on their Instagram page when the machine is restocked...

New North End record store promotes community building, sustainability

Skateboards hung above the red fireplace, vinyl records covering nearly every inch of the room and a neon sign that says “all in good taste,” this is GOOD TASTE Records — a new record store in Boston’s North End. The store, which is co-owned by a husband and wife, aims to promote connections and community building through vinyl records.
“We want to turn people on to good music … just having people pop in whether it be once a month, every day… sharing stories and getting to know people through th...

REVIEW: Fountain Street ‘Sidewalk Video Gallery’ uses weather data to show our fleeting time on Earth

A series of small rainbow lights gently illuminate the red-bricked street of the SOWA Art + Design District. As the night darkens, an intricate masterpiece radiates from two large screens displaying colorful paint splatters that glide and shift across stark yet hopeful words.
The Fountain Street Gallery’s 24/7 public exposition called “The Sidewalk Video Gallery” is exhibiting its first generative piece, where pedestrians can instantaneously be immersed into the minds of artists who truly have t...

Fostering a female community in STEM subjects

From superheroes to celebrities, we’ve all had somebody we could look up to or aspire to be. But for women in STEM, finding these idols in a male-dominated field can be challenging.
Students at Boston University’s Undergraduate Women in Science and Engineering aim to overcome this obstacle by creating a community filled with role models for underrepresented individuals.
“Our official mission is to provide a community and support network for all those who support women in STEM at BU,” Artemis Mar...

Editorial & Blogs

How To Talk To Your Friends When They Hurt Your Feelings - Girls' Life

Home / Life / How to talk to your friends when they hurt your feelings



From planning out summer sleepovers to having deep, late-night chats, good friends can have you feeling like you’re on cloud nine.
But while friendships hold a special place in our hearts, our friends aren’t perfect—and sometimes, they mess up.
Whether it be spilling that really embarrassing secret they promised to seal their lips about or forgetting about those plans you made weeks ago, confronting your BFF about a mista...

So Your Ex Just Got Into A Relationship. What's Next? - Girls' Life

Home / Crushes / So your ex just got into a relationship. What’s next?



Your morning ritual of scrolling through Insta is rudely interrupted when you see your ex-bae standing a little too close for comfort with another person.
OK, let’s not totally freak out yet, maybe they’re just friends?
Sorry bb, that “happier than ever” caption topped off with a sparkling pink heart is not looking too good rn.
Breakups are hard enough as is, but seeing your ex fully jump into the dating world again after...

Everything You Need To Know About Stretch Marks - Girls' Life

Home / Wellness / Your Bod / Everything you need to know about stretch marks



Trying to fit the beauty standard can feel exhausting, especially when your body decides to throw new changes your way during puberty. And one of the changes it can bring? Stretch marks.
PSA: Stretch marks are totally normal. But we also understand that dealing with a new change can bring on some insecurities. Don’t panic, we’ve got your back—here’s everything you need to know about stretch marks.
What are stretch m...

QUIZ! Describe Your Aesthetic And We'll Tell You What Y2K Piece You Need In Your Closet - Girls' Life

Answer these Q's and we'll give you a mantra to beat your end-of-year slump



End-of-year slump? We don't know her. Answer these Q's then power through thefinal bell with a newmantra, inspired by Your Throne by SAM.TAKE THE QUIZ HERE!

Answer these Q's and we'll give you a mantra to beat your end-of-year slump

End-of-year slump? We don't know her. Answer these Q's then power through thefinal bell with a newmantra, inspired by Your Throne by SAM.TAKE THE QUIZ HERE!

Hair Perfumes That Actually Last All Day (and Make You Smell Amazing) - Girls' Life

From buying a sugar scrub for your next everything shower to carrying around a rollerball perfume in your bag, sometimes it feels like we have to go the extra mile to make up for body mists that smell good one second and totally disappear the next. While reapplying seems to do the trick, finding that one spritz-and-go product is the ultimate goal.
Your next fragrance game changer? Hair perfumes. These mists are making their names known in the beauty world for not just smelling good, but also hav...

Why It's OK To Not Be In A Relationship (and Why It's OK To Want One, Too) - Girls' Life

Home / Crushes / Why it’s OK to not be in a relationship (and why it’s OK to want one, too)



The dating world can bring on some pretty mixed emotions. Whether you're rocking that independent girlie lifestyle or are ready to take on an S.O., there always seems to be a battle between which one is "better" or  "right." The answer? There isn't one!
Dating starts with you—it's all about how you feel and what you want. Wherever you might be at in your love life, we're here to tell you why it's tota...

Books You Should Read For Latine/Hispanic Heritage Month - Girls' Life

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Latine/Hispanic heritage gets its time to shine. This month is a time for celebration and reflection for many Latin American countries that received their independence from colonial rule, as well as just honoring the diversity and unique experiences of the culture.
From whimsical metaphors and magical realism to touching historical fiction, we've rounded up some books to add to your TBR list that celebrate Latine/ Hispanic narratives.
Summer of the Mariposas



@guada...

How To Kickstart Your Manifestations This School Year - Girls' Life

You've totally been putting in the time and effort to make your manifestations become a reality, so why aren't they coming true? Don't worry: This doesn't mean the universe is out to get you, and it def doesn't mean you aren't able to manifest.
When it comes to the law of attraction—aka lucky girl syndrome—getting what you want really is as easy as thinking it and knowing it's yours. You've probably been told you need to visualize what you want, but tbh, visualizing can become hard when your goa...

Is Your Crush "breadcrumbing" You? - Girls' Life

You're officially done.
The last few weeks, your crush has put you in a confusing, "they love me, they love me not" whirlwind. On one day, they'll swipe up on your private Snapchat Story, telling you your mirror selfie is fire, and the next day? Literal radio silence (like srsly, they better answer before you lose your streak). 
After deleting them from Snapchat, you're feeling pretty good about letting go of your noncommittal, sort-of S.O. That is, until they like your Instagram Story a week la...

The Perfect Summer Date Idea Based On Your Love Language - Girls' Life

Love is…well, love is many things. For some, love is getting a box of chocolates on a rough day, and for others, it's getting a little competitive with your bb at arcade skeeball. We all experience and interpret love (romantically and/or platonically) differently, but there are five love languages that we can use as broad categories to better understand such a big concept: quality time, words of affirmation, receiving gifts, physical touch and acts of service.
When you're in a relationship, it's...

7 Kinds Of Crushes We've All Had - Girls' Life

Butterflies, jitters and heart eyes galore? Check, check and mega check to all of the above. Catching feels can spring up on you in the randomest of places and tbh, there's really no "one-size fits all" when it comes to having a crush. But some crush tropes are seriously just unavoidable. No need for a flashback to the past to recap the types of crushes you've had—we've got them allll lined up for you. 
Classroom convenience 

As your teacher drones on about next week's final paper, you and the...

5 Superfoods For The Ultimate Immune Boost - Girls' Life

So you've caught a bad case of the sniffles and are cycling through some not-so-great-tasting cough drops and fake bubblegum-flavored Tylenol. While this dynamic duo can help you feel better when you're under the weather, there are much more delish options to turn to. Before heading out to your local pharmacy, give your immune system a boost with some superfoods!
Even though there's no exact definition for what a sueprfood is, a Harvard School of Public Health study says a food levels up to "sup...

Yep, Your Winter Wardrobe Needs Some Knitwear - Girls' Life

From oversized college sweatshirts to fuzzy everything (socks, gloves, you name it), a winter wardrobe calls for warm, comfy pieces. But your go-to chilly day staple this winter? Knitwear 24/7. No need to just look for sweaters, babe: "Knitwear everywhere" is our official snowy season mantra. It's about to become yours, too…
Tis the season for florals



Flower Cardigan, Cider, $30
We've all been seeing those bold gorgeous flowers on knit cardigans this winter, and we're totally *obsessed.* Th...

How To Cope With A Bad Grade - Girls' Life

You're tapping your pencil a little quicker than usual, watching your teacher handing back last week's exam. You think back to taking the test: Maybe a few questions here and there were kinda shaky, but it's nothing to stress over. When your teacher makes their way to you, they hand back your exam face down.
Uh-oh. 
Seeing red ink all over your paper with a lower-than-expected number sitting at the top can be an overwhelming experience. From sending you into a whirlwind of what-ifs and making yo...

The Comfort Books We Return To Every Winter - Girls' Life

Picture this: You're curled up on your couch with a cup of cocoa, snow is falling outside and your home smells like the chocolate chip cookies that you just threw into the oven. The only thing that could make this scenario even better? A cozy winter read! It's time to make all your winter dreams a reality and cultivate nothing but comfort during the chilly months by finding the perf book! Not sure where to start? We've got you covered with a roundup of our fave comfort books that we return to *e...

Your Ultimate Friendsgiving Cookbook - Girls' Life

The best time to get the girls out of the group chat and around the dinner table with some good eats is Friendsgiving. Unless you're a chef in the making, however, figuring out something you can bring to dinner that everyone's going to like can be pretty intimidating. We are officially putting our aprons on and rounded up dishes that will have everyone getting in line for seconds. 'Tis the season to be grateful and a master chef.
Appetizers
A classy charcuterie board



@oharramellette
If the...

5 Sweet Apple Cider Treats You Need This Fall - Girls' Life

Pumpkin pie, patches and coffee. Fall calls for ~literally~ all things pumpkin, but our mental cookbooks can only handle so much of the same flavor. Step aside pumpkin, the next big flavor of the season is going from hiding in the backseat to sitting front and center in our kitchens—apple cider. 
In other words, pumpkin spice fall is out, and apple autumn is *so* in.
Breakfast Pull-Apart Bread



@sarah_kieffer
We've got yet another reason why you shouldn't be skipping out on breakfast. This p...

Your Denim Lookbook For A Cozy Fall Aesthetic - Girls' Life

It's officially that time of year again: The summer swap from denim shorts to longer denim classics is back in session. These cozy-approved denim pieces have got your back all fall long…
The maxi denim skirt of your dreams



@oliviacalabio
The return of Y2K has brought us one of our must-have items atm—denim maxi skirts. This fab, full-length piece is the perfect mix of fall picnic with the girls and lazy day in a coffee shop reading your fave book. Add an off-the-shoulder long-sleeve or swea...

GRWM’s are here to stay, sorry. — Strike Magazines

Pick from these two options: a fluffy headband with a bow in the middle or two pink, alligator hair clips. After pulling your hair back, the influencer then proceeds to pump a drop of retinol or drunk elephant moisturizer onto their fingertips. “Hey guys, get ready with me to…” You’ve officially fallen down the rabbit hole of last-minute brunch outfits and back-to-school makeup looks. Welcome to the world of get ready with me’s or as they call it GRWMs.If you haven’t come across these all too ad...

The Definitive Guide To Fall Football Weekend Loungewear - Girls' Life

Whatever kind of football girly you are (whether you're watching for Taylor x Travis or can't remember a fall weekend that wasn't dedicated to tuning into football with your family), you can be it in a fun gameday fit.
While we love the super-spirited tailgate numbers you see all over your social media feed every weekend during football season, sometimes the all-out spirit wear look isn't practical for every football-viewing sesh.
To make sure that *all* your football weekend vibes are accounted...

Your Ghoulish Guide To Creating A Spooky S.O. Basket - Girls' Life

Cuffing season in the fall calls for scary movie sleepovers and one too many trips to the pumpkin patch (jk, you can never have too many of those). As you and bae fill your mornings with apple picking and spend your nights shrieking through haunted houses, your heart can have you wanting to woo your boo. If you love gift-giving, we've found the *perfect* way to celebrate your bb. Introducing the spooky S.O. basket. Yep, no hocus pocus here, just a Halloween spin on a typical Easter basket. To sa...

6 Times Girl Math Was Just Too Relatable - Girls' Life

OK, if I didn't use cash, I basically didn't spend any money!
Well um… who's going to tell her?
Welcome to Girl Math. This TikTok trend made its major debut on social media as it finds ways to justify some of our not-so-reasonable financial decisions. From rounding down to make things seem cheaper to even thinking you're getting "free money," Girl Math has srsly made its way into our hearts and saved us a dollar here or there. 
While some of the Girl Math logic might not be as technical as 1+1,...
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