Because Liberty Isn't Just a Long Weekend

The 4th of July is more than a celebration of independence, it is a reminder of what it takes to stay free. While fireworks and parades can be joyful markers of the day, the true spirit of this holiday lives in civic action, compassion, and accountability. In a time of political uncertainty, social division, and environmental urgency, perhaps the best way to honor our freedom is to take responsibility for protecting it. What does freedom mean today, and how do we keep it alive for everyone, not just a privileged few? Independence Day should be a time not just of national pride, but of national reckoning. Are we living up to the ideal son which this country was founded? Are we ensuring liberty and justice for all, as the Constitution promises?

Articles, zIssue 57.2Angelina DeSalvoJuly 3, 2025history, activists, #activism, Awareness, LearningComment

Sam Lee on the Importance of Transgender Healthcare and Rights

From questions about discrimination and injustices, conservative legislation in not just the U.S. but around the world, and thoughts on fleeing the U.S., to advice, resources, and ways to support the queer community, transgender nurse Sam Lee speaks on the importance of transgender healthcare, rights, and what the future looks like for the community. To learn more about Sam Lee and her thoughts on these topics as a professional in the healthcare field and individual a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, read on.

Louis Henry Mitchell - Creativity is for Everyone

Everyone is an artist. Author of Qreative Evolution, Louis Henry Mitchell, explains how this is a truth throughout his new book and teaches others how to find their creativity and embrace it. As author of a book made for all and creative director of character design at Sesame Workshop for Sesame Street where he created the first ever Muppet on the autism spectrum, Mitchell brings inclusivity to the forefront of his work. With a podcast for all creative disciplines that teaches others how to be an artists coming soon, Mitchell is bringing us even more to look forward to and learn from. To discover more about Louis Henry Mitchell and his new book, read on.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 57.2Eva Elisa WellsJuly 2, 2025Autism, creativity, creative, Creative, book, newbook, children, self-help, Artists, artistComment

Cinema Music Group has a Heart of Gold

Los Angeles based music production house, Cinema Music Group, has created a musical fundraising project. This project’s first product is an album titled Heart of Gold Volume 1 and is composed of several Neil Young covers performed by various well-known artists like Fiona Apple, Mumford & Sons, and Brandi Carlile. Proceeds from this first volume and upcoming volumes will be donated to The Bridge School, an organization bringing education to children with speech and physical impairments. With more volumes on the way, the support for this cause can only grow. To learn more about Cinema Music Group and this project, read on.

Raw, Real, and Unapologetically Herself: Sophia Warren on Music, Rescue, and the Quiet Rebellion of Telling the Truth

Meet Sophia Warren: singer-songwriter, activist, and rebel heart. With her newest EP Adesso, she leans into raw emotion and radical honesty, crafting songs that are messy, real, and deeply human. When she’s not making music, Sophia is fighting for animals through the nonprofit she co-founded, Animal Defenders Alliance. From challenging unethical rescue practices to rescuing dogs from crisis situations, her mission is as bold as her sound. Read more below as Sophia opens up about her journey in music, the stories behind Adesso, and why she refuses to stay quiet—onstage or off.

RAGS AND RICHES: Music for the Underdogs, Fighters, and the Dreamers

RAGS AND RICHES makes loud and proud anthems for their ‘Mob Squad’. With a powerful message, strong lyrics, and uplifting beat backing each songs, RAGS AND RICHES aims to inspire perseverance. In an upcoming EP set to release later this month, the duo plans to express a few personal stories through their music. Beyond the music, RAGS AND RICHES shows support to all those struggling with mental health through a partnership with American Suicide Awareness Organization that helps fundraise for the cause. To learn more about RAGS AND RICHES and their new releases, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 57.2Eva Elisa WellsJune 30, 2025music artist, music industry, music duo, Music Group, New SingleComment

Rob Roman's Reality Gives Back

Rob Roman, known for his time on Hulu’s “Got to Get Out” and Netflix’s “Squid Games: The Challenge”, is more than just a reality star. Dedicated police sergeant and founder of Homecare Roots, a healthcare organization providing in-home specialized care to children, Roman’s passion for helping others is the real star. To learn more about Rob Roman, read on.

Chief Kluane Adamek is Breaking Barriers with Modern Leadership

As the youngest woman to ever serve as Yukon Regional Chief, Chief Kluane Adamek is no stranger to breaking barriers. The work she does is centered around community and aims to support indigenous youth, empower young girls, advocate for women’s rights and climate action, help define what modern leadership looks like, and more. The creation of ‘Our Voices’, a collective dedicated to giving young indigenous leaders a space to amplify their voice, is just one way she has made her goals a reality. To learn more about Chief Kluane Adamek and what she has done for her Indigenous community and others, read on.

How to Find Sustainable Options in the Skin Care Industry

The skin care industry has been booming over the past few years. While it’s important to take care of your body’s largest organ, the skin care craze has started to go too far. From overconsumption to harmful ingredients and wasteful packaging, it can be hard to maintain an eco-friendly routine. However, these tips will help you find sustainable options that will keep your skin happy and healthy.

SWAC: Beauty, zIssue 57.2Cora GoldJune 25, 2025skincare, sustainablebeauty, greenwashing, sustainable, skinComment

Alycia Anderson Leading the Pathway to Disability Inclusion

From sharing her story and becoming a disability advocate and TEDX speaker to supporting inclusive education through partnerships with Bay-Arenac Intermediate and Pinconning Area School Districts, Alycia Anderson puts inclusion at the forefront of her mission. Whether its speaking on her podcast, collaborating with schools, organizations, and companies to create a more inclusive workspace, contributing as a member of the California Insurance Diversity Task Force, or creating her own disability inclusion learning series, disability advocacy is Anderson’s biggest passion. To learn more about Alycia Anderson and her advocacy efforts, read on.