In the Groove

The year continues to come with many highs and lows. The good news is that humanity continues to make history, On the other hand, we need to find a new direction to change the world for the better. Check out the hot topics.

W H A T G O I N G O N ?

These are troubled times as several countries across the world have experienced civil unrest. Protests, assassinations, coup d'etat, and natural disasters have flooded news headlines and timelines. How can we heal the world at such a time like this? We will do our best to provide aid for those affected. Let's pray for the world.

# T R E N D I N G 23

BLACK GIRL MAGIC

Black women and women of colour are the gift that keeps giving. Tokyo 2020 saw several female athletes break records and make history. Donata Katai is Zimbabwe’ s first black swimmer to make it to the Olympics. Tems scores her debut Billboard number one with "Essence" alongside Wizkid. Thuso Mbedu bags her first international award-a ‘Critics Choice Award’ for her role in "The Underground Railroad" . Rihanna is officially a billionaire. As Beyonce turns 40, she keeps outdoing herself. She became the first black woman to wear the iconic yellow Tiffany diamond! Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams are the highest paid female athletes, according to Forbes.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Despite the fact that the world is in an unpredictable position, it continues to spin. With the ongoing fear of a COVID-19 pandemic, the major issue is: what's next? The Delta variant continues to trigger unsettling concerns, despite occasional rays of optimism. Many countries are administering vaccines as a preventative measure to combat the virus, which has killed millions of people worldwide. However, there are debates about the vaccines' effectiveness, as well as policies for mandatory jabs. What do these measures mean for the ordinary citizens' freedom, and will the world finally be rid of the pandemic? Continue to take precaution measures, and stay safe.

SPORTS AND MENTAL HEALTH

Athletes are more than just bodies, they are minds too. That’ s the biggest lesson the sports industry is coming to grips with. While the topic of mental health for sports is barely addressed, athletes are taking a stand. At Tokyo 2020, Simone Biles announced she was dropping out of competition to protect her mental well-being. arlier this year, star tennis player Naomi Osaka stepped away from post-match interviews to protect her own mental health. Fans and the media have been divided, with some arguing that athletes need to commit to the careers that they have trained for. However, like the rest of the world, the events in the past year have taken a toll on our minds .A body can be fit, but without a sound mind, you can’ t win. We need more education to support athletes so that they thrive personally as well as professionally.

Crazy or innovative? What are your thoughts on the latest social media craze, the 'crate challenge'?

Cover Story

Craig Zoowie

Photography: Optimas Art Studios