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A Story Of Rescue & Restoration :

In New Orleans, a ‘Black Beach’ Is Being Rescued From the Ruins

_{^{Michael Pellet and Reggie Ford helped spearhead the cleanup of Lincoln Beach, which is now about to undergo restoration by the city of New Orleans. Story | Bryan Tarnowski | NYT}}

In today’s fast-paced world, where misinformation spreads like wildfire and anxiety runs high, finding the truth can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It’s easy to get swept up in the chaos and lose sight of what really matters. That’s where FckThat* comes in—your trusty guide through the noise. We’re here to help you navigate the clutter, stay grounded, and embrace the truth with a sense of calm. Together, let’s cut through the confusion and focus on what truly matters. Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, La is a story of rescue and restoration that is not on front pages or on social media and never heard of.

Feature Article

Civil Rights Act in 1964 : Black New Orleanians finally allowed to swim at Portchartrain Beach

_{^{An overview of the beach as it is today. Live acts like Fats Domino and Nat King Cole once drew crowds to a recreation area that included a roller coaster and swimming pools}}

Lincoln Beach, NOLA

During segregation, Lincoln Beach was the only spot on Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans where Black folks could take a dip. Despite being racist as hell, live acts like Fats Domino and Nat King Cole drew crowds to the place, which boasted a roller coaster and swimming pools. Then came the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and suddenly, Black New Orleanians could swim at nearby Pontchartrain Beach. Lincoln Beach closed up faster than a raccoon at a cat convention.

Fast forward sixty years, and the area was a bit worse for wear—think abandoned theme park meets swampy disaster. The three tunnels that used to let locals sneak under the train tracks to the beach. Now they’re just glorified stormwater ditches. Visiting the beach was officially off-limits, though if you had a knack for stealth, you might have gotten away with it—until recently. Now, security guards are on patrol like they’re auditioning for “Guardians of the Beach.”

But wait, there’s hope! In 2022, the city rolled out a plan to redevelop the area and even secured nearly $25 million in funding. This spring, Representative Troy Carter announced additional federal funds, because apparently, a beach that was a vibrant part of Black history deserves more than just a "fck that" from the universe. The city’s goal? To reopen the beach “in a limited capacity” by next summer. It’s a big deal, thanks to community members who stumbled upon Lincoln Beach and thought, “Hey, this place deserves better than becoming a mosquito haven.”

Michael Pellet, or Sage as he likes to be called, first laid eyes on Lincoln Beach in the late '90s while walking his dogs. He had heard tales of the good ol’ days from his dad and others, but by then, nature had claimed the space—litter was the only thing taking a dip. So here’s to the revival of Lincoln Beach, where it’s about time people can enjoy the water without having to worry about the ghosts of segregation hanging around.

Tip of the Month

Preparation is Key!

When stress strikes, take a deep breath and count to four as you inhale, then count to four again as you exhale. This simple breathing exercise helps center your mind and body, bringing you back to a state of calm and focus.

➡ Integrate De-Stress Tools: Schedule short breaks throughout your day for quick stretches or mindful breathing to reset and recharge

➡ Enhance Decision-Making: Clarify your goals, gather relevant information, and weigh pros and cons to improve decision-making clarity.

➡ Optimize Workflow: Prioritize tasks, use tools for organization, eliminate distractions, and set clear deadlines to optimize workflow.

Case Study Spotlight

Turning a Crisis into an Opportunity

Jameel Mohammed (Victoria’s Secret & Fenty x Savage)

Discover how Company navigated a significant challenge and emerged as a stronger, more resilient organization. Their innovative approach and proactive measures can inspire your crisis management strategies.

A former Victoria's Secret employee leveraged her experience in the fashion industry to maximize her opportunity at Fenty. By applying her knowledge of inclusive marketing and understanding diverse customer needs, she helped shape Fenty's mission of representation. Her insights into product development and brand strategy contributed to creating a more inclusive lingerie line that resonates with a broader audience. This transition not only showcased her adaptability but also underscored the importance of embracing diversity in the fashion landscape

Key Strategies:

Innovation: Learn about the creative solutions they developed to adapt to the crisis and meet their stakeholders’ needs.

Collaboration: Explore how engaging employees and stakeholders played a vital role in their recovery.

Resilience: See how their commitment to continuous improvement not only helped them survive but also set them up for future success.

Jameel Mohammed's contributions to Fenty's inclusive approach significantly boosted sales, leading the brand to generate over $500 million in revenue within its first year. Her insights into diverse customer needs helped Fenty capture a wide audience and redefine industry standards.

AT EASE!!! That’s a wrap

Outro

Thank You for Reading this week’s edition of Fckthat.com! We hope you find these insights helpful as you navigate your own journey. Don’t forget to check out our curated finds every Friday 🗓️

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