THE MCPHERSON MEMO

ON OUR MINDS
Brought to you this week by account executive Fernando Snellings, who’s desperately hoping to see Sting at his residency in Vegas.
 
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose...
On Tuesday, October 28, an expert committee advising the FDA recommended COVID-19 shots for children, ages 5 to 11. The FDA and Biden administration see this as a crucial way to keep schools open and to maintain a sense of normalcy for many students, who have been uprooted by the pandemic. In Los Angeles, the effect of the pandemic has shown a dramatic drop in grades for Latino students, who make up almost 75% of the district’s students. Educators have warned of these issues and disparities facing Black and Latin students. COVID-19 is “the eighth-highest killer of kids in this age group over the past year,” and data from Pfizer has shown that the vaccine had a 90.7 percent efficacy rate in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in a clinical trial of 5- to 11-year-olds. As the shots become available and more steps towards a routine become clearer, hopefully students can receive the support they so desperately need.
 
Off to the races
According to a recent report by Higher Heights Leadership Fund, 2022 could be a record-breaking year for Black women in office. While Black women continue to break down barriers and influence major voting decisions, overcoming funding issues and garnering greater support to win electoral races are two challenges they continue to face. Despite these frustrations and obstacles, more Black women are running for office in larger numbers than ever before.
 
Liar, liar...
As more information surrounding the leaked Facebook Papers continues to be revealed, it’s striking to see the dual messaging that the social media company put forth to the public versus its internal team. As the Papers reveal, Facebook leadership was far more aware of the dangers and misinformation proliferating across the network than the company let on to the public, especially leading up to the January 6 insurrection. Uniquely positioned and strategic in her campaign to bring these Papers to light, Frances Haugen’s bravery, alongside her working with the prominent Whistleblower Aid, have made Haugen stand out, hopefully influencing others to speak out in Silicon Valley. As Haugen herself says, “I love Facebook. I want to save it.” The one thing that won’t be saved? The internet’s collective roasting of Facebook’s naming unveil. 
 
ON OUR RADAR
Read:

• The world is currently preparing to watch the COP26 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland to discuss climate change—particularly lowering carbon emissions. As businesses continue to adapt and change, there are many reasons as to why they should be paying close attention.
• Fast Company’s first-ever Brands that Matter list, consisting of brands that have an “undeniable impact on culture.” From McDonald’s to Bumble, you’d be surprised who made the list.
• A report shows that more than one in five CEOs seek therapy, or other professional help. As the pandemic continues to dismantle what we think to be true as norms, one of the biggest ones—that CEOs need to be heroes—is one of the toughest to topple. Harvard Business Review examines this.
• Ten years ago, Amanda Knox was cleared of a crime she didn’t commit. In the decade that’s followed, she’s been working to prove her innocence in a higher court—the court of public opinion.
• The Women’s Philanthropy Institute, a McP client, launched its third-annual Women & Girls Index this week. The new research shows that less than 2 percent of total giving supports women’s and girls’ organizations in the U.S. 

• In USA Today, McP client Lisa Kenney writes: “Halloween can be the perfect starting point for parents and kids to foster a culture of love, individuality and support around the topic of gender.” (Subscriber content.)
• Halloween is always a time of tricks, treats and frights. The New York Times interviews two performers at iconic New York haunted attractions on how to add the “jump” to your “jump scare” this weekend.
• Speaking of Halloween, remember Goosebumps? R.L. Stine’s iconic scary stories feel more comforting than ever, given everything going on. Here’s a gentle nod to curl up and not be too worried you’re afraid of the dark. Goosebumps not your thing? Here’s more.

• Big congratulations to McP client Persefoni! Yesterday, the climate tech startup announced its record-breaking Series B fundraise in a signal that the carbon accounting market has truly arrived. 
• Fortune’s 2021 List of Impact 20 - smaller companies already making big differences.

• Carol Cone interviews Paul Polman, author of Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take, and explains what it means to be a net positive business today.
• Whether you’re handing out candy, exploring a haunted house, or binging a Horror movie marathon, the McP team has a playlist for that.
• 40 years after asking Fernando about drums, ABBA is back with the same sound in a new album, Voyage. Whether you plan to listen as a first timer, or for a dose of nostalgia, plan to fall in love with the Swedish super foursome. Talk a walk down memory lane, where one author shares why their songs are so iconic and beloved.

• Passing, Rebecca Hall’s forthcoming adaptation of the 1929 novel by Nella Larsen, focuses on two Black women and the choices they make to integrate themselves into white society. The film, which is coming to Netflix this November, has opened up a larger conversation on colorism and privilege.
• Four Hours at the Capitol, on HBO Max, details the January 6 insurrection and the aftermath. In this observant documentary, both sides are given opportunities to recount one of the most lurid moments in recent American history.

• The strangeness of humanity, and everything that comes along with it. Laurie Anderson, an artist who needs no introduction, celebrates a retrospective of her work at the Hirshhorn.
• Celebrating Black Southern Artists, the Morgan Library’s newest exhibit celebrates the innovative techniques and stories told through drawings on loan.

 
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