Happening in the World: Millions are gathering in Central Iran to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the toppling of the US-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi monarchy into an establishment of an Islamic republic. The celebrations are coming about heightened tensions with the United States, of which, in 2018, withdrew from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal and reimposed tough penalties on the Iranian economy. (Radio Free Europe / Radio Free Liberty)
Happening in the US: On the 61st annual Grammy Awards, country singer and songwriter Kacey Musgraves had won ‘Album of the Year for “Golden Hour”. “It’s really nice to see that getting a chance to be included”, Musgraves tells reporters backstage. Childish Gambino’s “This is America” won ‘Record of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year’. Cardi B wins her first Grammy with “Invasion of Privacy” for ‘Best Rap Album’. Michelle Obama also made an appearance. (NY Times)
Happening in NYC: New York City councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., a Bronx city council member, refuses to apologize for saying that the city government is “controlled by the homosexual community.” City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who is gay, demanded for an apology after Diaz’s remarks. (The Hill)
Happening on Campus: Hosted by Barnard Center for Research on Women and Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality, there will be a panel called “African Diasporic Countervisualities” in the Diana Center from 6:30-8:00pm. The panel will highlight the histories of the Danish West Indies, the Dominican Republic, and the Puerto Rican community in New York “previously ignored, erased, silenced, ghosted”.
Overheard: “My weekend said ‘we’ll take THAT’ (mental stability and your coat)” – on losing their coat at an EC party
Song of the day: “Rubber Band Man” by A$AP Ferg.
The power and influence of the gay community via Twitter.