🩰 Dance, dance, dance

Hey, what’s up? Last week, the Whitney Museum of American Art unveiled Edges of Ailey, a groundbreaking exhibition curated by Dr. Adrienne Edwards, designed to celebrate the enduring legacy of choreographer Alvin Ailey. Known for transforming the landscape of American dance, Ailey’s work not only elevated Black stories to the national stage but also redefined the possibilities of movement as an art form. Dr. Edwards, who had long envisioned such a tribute, has curated an evocative and immersive experience that blends archival footage, fine art, and even data visualization to explore the depth of Ailey’s influence.

More than just an homage to Ailey’s monumental contributions, the exhibit is a moving and breathtaking praise song to the resilience and artistry of Black America and to its place at the heart of American cultural history.

IN THE WORLD

🇹🇳 A tragic shipwreck off Tunisia's Djerba Island claimed the lives of 12 migrants attempting to reach Europe. The boat capsized under unknown circumstances; 29 people were rescued. Tunisia, a key departure point for people seeking to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, continues to face increased deaths among these groups as economic hardship and political unrest drive people to risk dangerous maritime crossings. Over 1,300 have died or gone missing off Tunisian coasts in 2023 alone.

🇰🇭 Cambodian journalist Mech Dara, renowned for exposing online scam centers, was arrested by military police. His arrest, which followed a Facebook post about a quarry operation, sparked concerns from press freedom advocates. Authorities claim Dara's post was an attempt to incite social disorder, a charge that could lead to criminal prosecution. Dara's investigative work has shed light on human trafficking tied to scam operations, earning him international recognition. Paris-based Reporters Without Borders recently ranked Cambodia 151st out of 180 in its international press freedom index.

🇷🇼 A recent Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has health experts on high alert, with concerns mounting over the potential for widespread transmission. Marburg virus, similar to Ebola, has no known cure and a high fatality rate, igniting fears of an escalating health crisis both within and beyond the region. As global health authorities scramble to contain the outbreak, neighboring countries and international organizations are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for swift containment strategies and cross-border collaboration.

🇲🇿 The European Union's military involvement in Mozambique has intensified with the extension of the EU Training Mission. Launched in response to ongoing Islamist insurgencies in Cabo Delgado, the mission aims to strengthen the Mozambican army. While the EU focuses on military support, critics argue the deeper issues — such as economic marginalization and ethnic tensions — are being sidelined. The mission reflects a growing European interest in securing resources like natural gas, with broader geopolitical implications involving Rwanda and major energy companies.

🇲🇩 Moldova is preparing for a critical EU membership referendum amidst rising tensions with Transnistria, a pro-Russian breakaway region. While Moldova's government pushes for closer ties with Europe, Transnistria remains opposed, favoring its historical alignment with Russia. This geopolitical rift could deepen as Moldova’s EU ambitions clash with Transnistria's separatist stance, potentially destabilizing the region. The outcome of the referendum will likely shape Moldova’s future relationship with both Europe and Russia.

IN PERSPECTIVE

ByteDance’s AI Ambitions — A New Chapter in the Tech Race

As the global AI race intensifies, China's ByteDance is stepping up its game with a bold new venture. The TikTok parent company is reportedly developing a next-gen AI model, leveraging advanced chips from Huawei. This collaboration would position ByteDance not only as a social media powerhouse but also as a significant player in the artificial intelligence space. With Huawei providing cutting-edge semiconductor technology, this partnership could dramatically shift the landscape of AI innovation.

A Counter to Western Dominance?

At a time when U.S. tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft dominate the AI conversation, the collaboration between two of China’s largest tech companies signals a clear message: ByteDance and Huawei seek to challenge Western dominance by crafting AI models capable of competing on a global scale. The success of this venture could mark a significant shift in the balance of power in artificial intelligence.

AI Rivalry

For ByteDance, this AI push is about more than just technology. It’s a bid for influence in the evolving global order. With TikTok already cementing the company’s cultural dominance, the next logical step is to lead in the high-stakes world of artificial intelligence. The outcome of this partnership between ByteDance and Huawei could redefine the global AI landscape — and potentially reshape the future of tech innovation.

QUICK HITS

🖼️ Culture

• Amy Sherald makes history with American Sublime, becoming the first Black female artist to have a solo exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Her iconic portraits continue to redefine representation in American art.

• Indigenous artists 7idansuu (Chief James Hart) and Ludovic Boney are transforming Quebec City with two new public sculptures, blending traditional and contemporary art to celebrate cultural heritage and innovation.

🧘‍♂️ Health

• "Market-driven epidemics” can be driven away. Despite companies continuing to sell harmful products, history shows that consumers have the power to impact change, from tobacco use to sugar consumption, proving that collective action can reshape industries (and health outcomes) for the better.

• Indigenous professionals are urgently needed in Canada’s healthcare system to close cultural gaps, enhance care, and strengthen trust within Indigenous communities.