Chris Smalls, an activist and co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union, was physically assaulted while aboard the Handala, an aid ship trying to reach Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a grassroots international group that organizes nonviolent missions to oppose Israel’s blockade of Gaza, said that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) boarded the vessel, beat and choked Smalls, and seized the ship. The Handala was carrying humanitarian supplies including food, baby formula, diapers, and medicine for Palestinians in Gaza. The United Nations has warned that the region is facing a “worst-case scenario
Twitch megastar Kai Cenat recently revealed that he turned away interest from major platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi, to retain complete control over Streamer University, his boot camp for aspiring creators. “We already been getting talks with different people,” Cenat said during a recent live stream, referencing interest from major streaming services. “But an idea like this so original you gotta keep it where it’s at.” A boot camp for creators Streamer University, a free, all-expenses-paid boot camp for emerging creators, took place from May 22 to
Amazon has become a staple of modern life, with millions relying on it for everyday purchases. But few of us stop to consider how our packages magically reach our homes. What if I told you that a robot helped make it happen? On May 7th, Amazon invited POCIT on a sponsored trip to its “Delivering the Future” event in Dortmund, Germany. This is the first in a series of events that will give the media exclusive access to an Amazon innovation center. We were given a sneak peek into Amazon,
New figures reveal that Black shoppers had a significant impact on the February 28 ‘Economic Blackout,’ particularly at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, Retail Brew reports. The boycott, led by grassroots organization The People’s Union USA, urged consumers to freeze spending for 24 hours in response to rising prices, corporate policies, and economic challenges facing consumers. $220 million decline for Black shoppers The boycott fell on a Friday, and sales decreased by 5.4% and trips fell by 4.1% compared to the average Friday, as stated by Numerator. Household
Major US tech companies are warning employees on temporary visas not to travel outside the country, fearing they may be denied re-entry amid shifting immigration policies. Tech giants employ thousands of workers on H-1B visas, which allow highly-skilled foreign workers to temporarily live and work in the US. Warnings to H-1B Visa Holders Documents reviewed by The Washington Post show companies like Google and Amazon have advised foreign workers to avoid international travel, fearing sudden policy changes or heightened border scrutiny could leave them stranded overseas. H-1B visa denial rates
Amazon has changed its company policy and a part of its website that gives employment information. According to The Washington Post, it has removed language that assures protection for Black and LGBTQ+ employees. The company also removed any language that supported laws addressing misconduct and racial bias in policing, initiatives to protect and expand voting rights, and initiatives to encourage better health and educational opportunities for Black people. In December 2024, Amazon withdrew any statements advocating for transgender rights protections along with showing “solidarity” with Black employees and customers. What sections has
Amazon is stepping up its efforts to close the digital divide with the launch of its AWS Education Equity Initiative, as first reported by Fortune. The program commits $100 million over the next five years to support underserved and underrepresented communities in accessing educational technology. Breaking Barriers With Cloud and AI The initiative, funded through AWS cloud credits, will help educational organizations create and expand digital learning opportunities. Swami Sivasubramanian, AWS Vice President of AI and Data, emphasized to Fortune that AI is a transformative tool, likening its significance to
The District of Columbia is suing Amazon, alleging it halted its fastest delivery services in ZIP codes 20019 and 20020—two lower-income and predominantly Black areas—while continuing to charge Prime members for expedited shipping. Amazon Faces Allegations of Discrimination The lawsuit claims Amazon shifted from its in-house delivery fleet to third-party carriers like UPS and USPS in mid-2022, resulting in slower delivery times for residents. Attorney General Brian Schwalb stated that Amazon’s actions disproportionately impacted residents of Ward 7 and Ward 8, areas known for limited retail options and classified as
Global music icon Shakira has partnered with Amazon and Code.org, through her non-profit, Fundación Pies Descalzos, to expand computer science education for Hispanic students worldwide. The collaboration will help young people learn to code through an interactive music experience that uses Shakira’s Spanish-language hits and also provide computer science education training to teachers across Colombia. Learning to code through music Shakira has long worked to enhance educational opportunities for underserved communities in Latin America. In celebration of the partnership, Shakira has donated songs like “Amarillo” and “Chantaje” to Code.org’s Music
Black Girl Sunscreen (BGS) has achieved remarkable success, earning $1.1 million in just three months on Amazon, according to AfroTech. A Vision Rooted in Necessity In 2016, Shontay Lundy created BGS, a 30 SPF lotion formulated for women of color. Recognizing this gap, she invested $33,000 of her own money to create a product that wouldn’t leave the notorious white residue on darker skin tones. Made with melanated skin in mind, BGS dries completely clear and protects melanin without the white-cast that normal skin care tends to leave, according to
