Black & Magazine MAR|20 by blackandmagazine

MAR|20

San Diegoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Digital Black Lifestyle Magazine

The 2020 Airbnb Black Travel List

How to live your life intentionally

BLACK QUEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Black Riverside County has ARRIVED

WWW.BLACKANDMAGAZINE.COM

weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not giving you a table of contents ... we want you to enjoy the surprise of each page. But we do want you to know the links on the pages are live! so if you see a website you want to visit, then click away! 2

Contributors Marshaun Olaniyan Terri Schlichenmeyer

Publisher Rebecca & Company Editor-in-Chief Chida Rebecca Black & Magazine www.blackandmagazine.com Letters to the Editor publisher@blackandmagazine.com INSTAGRAM @blackandmagazine FACEBOOK |blackandmagazine

Cover Photography Derrick Shytel @derrickshytel Make-up Artist Ashli Sabree Down 2 Makeup @down_2_maekup Stylist Candy Kotton Candico @kottoncandico Hair Juanice Green Twynot Beauty Lounge @twynotbeautylounge

psalm 68:11 The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

get where you have to go. That’s how I’ve seen life as a Black woman. I just get where I have to go - often times anticipating some type of fight ahead, because we’ve always had to fight. Fight for ourselves, our men, our children, our families, our rights, our needs and omen’s History Month is upon our desires. us. This is the time of year when As a people we keep making wins for our nation comes together to the team. Some notable ones include acknowledge and celebrate the getting a Bill passed (The Crown Act contributions of women. In that light, I decided Bill) which allows... YES ALLOWS to create a panel of Black women who will come us to wear our God given hair in its together on March 28th to discuss their lives as natural state in the workplace. THIS IS entrepreneurs who are living their best lives and RIDICULOUS! Just let that resonate. running successful busiensses in San Diego. There A law allowing you to wear your way aren’t a lot of spaces locally where we can let our the WAY it was grown. Locally, we just hair down and just have candid conversations had our FIRST Black woman run for the about our journeys. I wanted to contribute to the mayoral seat in the City of San Diego... need by creating this environment for fruitful not to mention the other dozens of firsts dialogue. I should add that I’m even MORE for Black women happening across the excited about the event because we are hosting country. Some of us are finally getting it a Black woman-owned venue called SIP Wine the recognition for the brilliant ideas & Beer in Escondido (more details here: www. we’ve contributed to this society, like bossstories.eventbrite.com) that of Jalaiah Harmon who created the viral Tik Tok dance “Renegade”, Being a woman has it’s challenges. But to go only to have a white Tik Tok Influencer through this life as a Black woman is something take the credit. Celebrities and fans of not everyone will truly understand. I say this her work came together to support her because it wasn’t until I read this quote from on social media sharing the truth and Malcolm X that the state of my existence really encouraging others to do the same. hit me. He said “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most These are just a few instances I can share unprotected woman in America is the Black of our recent victories. But the fight is woman. The most neglected woman in America far from over. Despite the fact that we’ve is the Black woman.” Though these words were been through so much - I wouldn’t trade voiced years ago, I think they’re still very true being a Black woman for anything in today. When you’re used to fighting you stop the world. Black Queens, I celebrate you thinking about the fact that you’re always fighting today. I love you sis! - you just do it. To me it’s like walking. When you - Chida Rebecca walk - you don’t necessarily think about the fact 4that your legs are moving beneath you. You just

letter from

the editor

black

social

C BLAK RIVERSIDE COUNTY 6

BRC Co-Founder Sigmund Valentine

BRC Co-Founder Maurice Watkins

By Black & Magazine Staff hen you live in parts of Southern California, the task of finding the Black community can be daunting. For the city of Riverside and its surrounding areas, it was no different. Determined to create better access to the area’s Black community, Maurice Watkins came up with an idea, inviting Sigmund Valentine to join him on the journey of building a digital Black community through Facebook, called Black Riverside County. Between the two of them, Watkins and Valentine sent out extensive invites, garnering approximately 900 members within the group’s first week. A little over seven months after its inception in 2019, Valentine says that it was crucial that he post what he and Watkins innately represented. “I felt it was important to fill the Facebook group with propaganda reflecting exactly who and what Maurice and I represent: love, unity, going the extra mile for each other, celebrating others success, motivation, inspiration, and every

other “tion” that brings value to the Black community, reaching back, being “Pro-Black” (nothing against any other race, creed or color ) being sure to make a concerted effort to patronize Black businesses first.” Valentine adds “I make it my business to maintain the beautiful tone and blissful temperature of the group with powerful morning posts that feed and condition the minds of the members not only from a business or entrepreneurial perspective, but the whole person. Seven months later BRC is a flourishing metropolis of [over] 5,500 Black businesses, entrepreneurs and faithful, raving patronizing fans.” Watkins says that the response to the new bustling digital community has been phenomenal. “I feel that the community was waiting on a platform like this.” But the thing that he enjoys most is the camaraderie. “We love helping the businesses and consumers recognize that as African Americans we do have viable businesses and Black commerce matters.” For Valentine, he says that he simply enjoys bearing witness to Blacks locally and from surrounding areas. Though

there have been challenges in spearheading such an impactful group, he feels their efforts haven’t been in vain. “[The] challenges have allowed certain individuals to grow from the patience, humility, and love that had to be exemplified at those times. Every business or businessperson is not at the level they should be. But the BRC way is to love, lead by example, and maintain a certain level of exceptional professionalism. That culture has guided many from where they were to where they are today. It’s a blessing.” While some would find a small Black demographic in certain parts of the region challenging, Valentine and Watkins are choosing to use their energy to solve the issue by building the Black Riverside Couny Facebook group, well as build their individual businesseses. When asked what the future held for BRC, the fellas were a bit hush, but Watkins shared “We will be rolling out the bulk of our plans this summer. I don’t want to jinx it and let the cat out the bag just yet. FInd them on Facebook under “Black Riverside County” today and join!

MAC N’ CHEESE FSTIVAL Macaroni and Cheese. A classic. A timeless favorite. The warmth of those slightly curled noodles coupled with cheesy goodness can bring smiles and comfort to tummies far and wide. Especially when it’s the perfect recipe. But what is the perfect recipe for macaroni n’ cheese? It is reported that there are over 40 versions contending for the number one spot, and in case you need to find out for yourself, you’re in luck. On Saturday, March 21st from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, attendees will sample their way through delicious mac n’ cheese dishes designed by some of San Diego’s Top Chefs who are simply seeking to satisfy your ridiculously cheesy cravings. Tickets include an unlimited sampling of over 40 Mac Options, and Live Music! And who’s responsible for all of this? “A community of foodies, music lovers and creatives that strive to create the most delicious live culinary events, festivals, and memorable experiences that [they] can possibly imagine.” They call themselves “Rock the Fork”. For more information on the festival visit http://bit.ly/maccheesesd

boss presents

JASMINE L. SADLER

Doors Open 4pm

Panel begins at 5:30pm NIKKI N. KLUGH

HOST CHIDA REBECCA

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Stories

A panel of four successful Black women entrepreneurs will discuss navigating Business Love Relationships Family Money Education Leaving Corporate America and surviving San Diego

$25

CASSANDRA SCHAEG

march 28th

SIP Wine & Beer 131 S. Orange Ave Escondido, CA 92025 ANGEL BROADUS

NETWORKING

TICKETS: www.bossstories.eventbrite.com

WINE TASTING

FOOD

GREAT DIALOGUE9

HER Quotes

“I’m convinced that we ass Black women possess a special indestructable strength that allows us to not only get down, but to get up, get through, and to get over.” -Janet Jackson

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” - Maya Angelou “I was built this way for a reason, so I’m going to use it.” - Simone Biles “I am a feminist, and what that means to me is much the same as the meaning of the fact that I am Black; it means that I must undertake to love myself and to respect myself as though my very life depends upon self-love and self-respect.” - June Jordan “If we give our children sound self-love, they will be able to deal with whatever life puts before them.” - bell hooks 10

“I need to see my own beauty and to continue to be reminded that I am enough, that I am worthy of love without effort, that I am beautiful, that the texture of my hair and that the shape of my curves, the size of my lips, the color of my skin, and the feelings that I have are all worthy and okay.” - Tracee Ellis Ross

“You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served.” - Nina Simone

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” - Alice Walker

“Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.” - Janelle Monáe

“If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself.” -Gabrielle Union

“Self-esteem means knowing you are the dream.” – Oprah Winfrey “Don’t settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that’s in us” -Angela Bassett 11

Wanna Go to the Museum? Climate change, global health, and sustainability are some of the most pressing concerns of the 21st century, especially for future generations. SDAIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Illumination is positioned squarely at the intersection of art, science, and technology, and uses these interconnected fields to boost public understanding of contemporary issues and explore solutions, both real and imagined. In creating this experiential show, 26 artists spin research into art through mediums that range from light, sound, and metal installations to soundscape, textile, and even trees. Sixteen local artists produced work after

teaming up with scientists and technologists from seven major research institutions: La Jolla Institute for Immunology, Qualcomm Institute/Calit2, Salk Institute, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Scripps Research, and UC San Diego. Ten additional multimedia artists from the region are bringing individual perspectives and personal points of view to 21st century challenges. 16 artists were paired with scientists from these institutions, curated by Chi Essary, and 10 artists worked independently, curated by SDAI. FREE GENERAL ADMISSION FOR THE RUN OF THE EXHIBITION

Illumination: 21st Century Interactions with Art + Science + Technology Thru Sunday, May 3, 2020 5:00 PM 13

ENTERTAINMEN

ENJOY JONNY DEE March 18th Soda Bar

SAINt JHN March 21th House of Blues Presented by Cricket Wireless

TAJ MAHAL March 23rd Belly Up Tavern

JADE NOVAH March 24th House of Blues Presented by Cricket Wireless

CHAKA KHAN March 28th Pechanga Resort Casino

RIKI March 27th Whistle Stop

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of

Madam C.J. Walker 16

Black & Magazine Newswire Academy Award® winner Octavia Spencer stars as Madam C.J. Walker, the trailblazing African American haircare entrepreneur who was America’s first female self-made millionaire. Inspired by the book, On Her Own Ground written by Walker’s great-great-granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles, the Netflix original series, SELF MADE: INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF MADAM C.J. WALKER brings the uplifting story of this cultural icon to the screen for the first time. Against all odds, Walker overcame post-slavery racial and gender biases, personal betrayals, and business rivalries to build a ground-breaking brand that revolutionized black haircare, as she simultaneously fought for social change.

The four-part limited series also stars Blair Underwood as her husband C.J. Walker, Tiffany Haddish as her daughter Leila, Carmen Ejogo as Walker’s business rival Addie Monroe, Garrett Morris as Walker’s father-in-law, Kevin Carroll as her longtime lawyer Ransom and Bill Bellamy as Ransom’s cousin Sweetness. SELF MADE: INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF MADAM C.J. WALKER was created by Nicole Jefferson Asher with co-showrunners Elle Johnson & Janine Sherman Barrois, directed by Kasi Lemmons and DeMane Davis, and executive produced by Barrois, Johnson, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Eric Oberland, Christine Holder, Mark Holder, Kasi Lemmons, LeBron James and Octavia Spencer.

PREMIERE DATE | March 20, 2020 12:00 AM PDT

Back & Magazine Newswire The three members of the fast-rising allBlack women musical group The String Queens — Kendall Isadore, Élise Sharp, and Dawn Johnson — have each experienced racism during their musical career. However, they used it as fuel to serve as an instrument for change and diversity in the

field of classical music. Starting out as soloists in Washington, DC, the group’s violinist Isadore, cellist Sharp, and violist Johnson have each heard a number of racist remarks that really hurt them. Two years ago, the three started playing in big concert halls and since then, they have tried to push for racial diversity, especially in the world of music.

“We’re actually modeling what we believe the musical world should be like,” Sharp told the DCist. “And even [in] the people that work with us on our graphic design and our production in the studio, we try to partner with people who look like us and who have a similar message as us.” Aside from bridging the gap between different races, they are also introducing a fresh take on classical music as they incorporate mainstream pop in most of their sets. The trio even does mashups people would likely never imagine to hit off but they did. “The influences we have, from gospel, from jazz, from Broadway, from classical -- we’ve sort of fused all of those together at different points,” Isadore said. “I wish there was a formula that we could magically just write down and say, ‘we do these steps when arranging songs.’ At the end of the day, it just comes from our hearts.” Moreover, all The String Queens members

also serve as orchestra directors at various KIPP DC middle schools where they teach young musicians how to play traditional classical music as well as improvisational techniques. In return, they discover new music from their students. “In terms of selecting repertoire, I think the balance of performing and teaching really helps us out,” Johnson said. “Our students have introduced us to so much music, some of which we didn’t even know was out there.” Most recently, the trio released their self-titled debut album which featured covers using the arrangements they have been performing live on stage. They are also set to perform as ensemble-in-residence with Washington Performing Arts’ Mars Arts D.C. initiative. For more information about The String Queens and their schedule of concerts, visit www.thestringqueens.com

black

living

TRAVEL

The 2020 Airbnb Black Travel List 21

Black & Magazine Newswire irbnb announced their second annual Airbnb Black Travel List, a yearly spotlight of Black leaders and influencers in travel. The Airbnb Black Travel List was inaugurated last year and recognizes those shaping and leading the global travel community. This year’s group includes travel enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and media figures from across the United States.

“Our second Airbnb Black Travel List is a celebration of Black travel leaders who are raising awareness, innovating, and inspiring others to travel,” says Janaye Ingram, Director of National Partnerships at Airbnb. “These individuals are changing the way people think about travel and thanks to their contributions, are making travel more inclusive for Black people around the world.” The 2020 Airbnb Black Travel List features 14 individuals:

Saada Ahmed

@everydayppl Co-Founder Everyday People

Kenyan-born, Atlanta-raised Saada Ahmed is the co-founder of Everyday People, an event series in New York City focused on community, music, activism and wellness. Labeled “The World’s Coolest Day Party” by Vice, and “A Daytime Dance Party that Celebrates Black Diversity” by The New York Times, Everyday People has become an international cultural phenomenon, through its hugely popular day parties spanning several New York City residencies and pop-ups in Los Angeles and Miami. Everyday People also produces special events in a variety of domestic and international locations in partnership with local communities and influencers.

Luvvie Ajayi @luvvie Author/Blogger Awesomely Luvvie

Luvvie Ajayi is a frequent traveler and award-winning author, speaker and digital strategist. Her debut book, I’M JUDGING YOU: The Do-Better Manual was an instant New York Times best-seller. The 16-year blogging veteran covers all things pop culture at AwesomelyLuvvie.com. On her podcast Rants & Randomness, she shares her most pressing rants, raves and faves and interviews interesting guests. She recently launched her eSchool, The Do-Better Academy (DBA) which focuses on teaching people how to thrive in business and their careers. Luvvie is a sought-after speaker, having spoken at noted institutions and conferences such as the

... continued White House, MAKERS Conference and SXSW, and has interviewed iconic figures like Oprah Winfrey, Geena Davis and Shonda Rhimes. Luvvie is committed to using her voice for pop culture critique and gender and racial justice.

Elton Anderson Jr. and Tai Beauchamp @taibeau @eltonandersonjr Co-Hosts Lens of Cultures

Tai Beauchamp and Elton Anderson Jr. are the co-hosts of CLEO TV’s ‘Lens of Culture’, a 30-minute travelogue that highlights destinations throughout the Diaspora from a Black millennial’s perspective. Tai and Elton bring their varied background and experiences together to share authentic travel experiences with their viewers. Tai is an award-winning producer, TV host and creative consultant, who has lent her expertise to platforms such as ABC, NBC, E!, BET, The Wendy Williams Show, TLC, and TV One as host, personality, style authority and judge. Elton is a travel and celebrity photographer as well as the founder of Creators of Color, a new movement highlighting diversity in the creative sphere. Elton caught the travel bug in 2009 on a philanthropic trip to Swaziland, and has been traveling ever since.

Olivia Christine

@ochristine Influencer/Travel Blogger O. Christine Olivia Christine is the creator of O. Christine, a travel and wellness blog inspiring people to invest in experiences, prioritize personal wellness, and embrace the outdoors. As featured on OWN and O, The Oprah Magazine, PopSugar, NYLON and Sheen Magazine, Olivia shares stories of outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, affordable luxury, and the pursuit of wellness. Living with lupus nephritis since her teenage years, Olivia believes mindful travel can be an effective way to find wellness, and provides actionable travel advice to help others experience the same.

Dr. Lezli Levene Harvell @doctorlezli Founder The Iconoclast Dinner Experience

Lezli Levene Harvell is a board-certified pediatric dentist, who has spent her career providing oral healthcare to healthy, medically compromised, and special needs children. Along with a passion for good health comes Dr. Lezli’s fervor for good food––and breaking the antiquated industry traditions that go along with it. Levene Harvell, a dual citizen of the United States and Jamaica, is the creator and curator of The Iconoclast Dinner Experience, an event series that has been celebrating diversity and culture through the lens of food since its 2015 inception, with annual events hosted in Chicago, Los Angeles, Martha’s Vineyard, and New York City. Event proceeds benefit Spelman College (Lezli’s alma mater) students from Jamaica and sub-Saharan African countries, with over $100,000 donated to date.

NAACP San Diego Branch presents…

Financial Readiness Workshop Practical steps you can take to be Þnancially ready and get more control over your Þnances and your life. Get on a solid Þnancial footing, and help your kids and grandkids do the same!

Saturday, March 28, 10am - 12pm Skyline Hills Branch Library 7900 Paradise Valley Road RSVP: sandiegonaacp.org/ready

San Diego Branch

Rondel Holder @kingronthedon Founder & CEO Soul Society 101

Passionate about cultural storytelling, Rondel Holder began creating travel content via blog and social media under the moniker Soul Society 101 in 2012. Recognizing Black travelersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; frustration due to the lack of content from their perspective, a lack of community to share experiences and a lack of imagery to see themselves, Soul Society 101 was created to serve as a solution and to be a voice for the underrepresented Black millennial traveler. The Soul Society 101 platform now has a reach of over 100,000 Black travelers and has expanded from its social media and blog roots to Soul Society 101 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Podcast, where Rondel has interviewed over 30 influential Black travelers. Rondelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest venture, Global Royalty, is a travel concierge company which connects the African diaspora by curating personal travel experiences to all 54 countries of Africa and hosting group trips to Africa, specially catered to Black travelers globally. Rondel has now visited over 60 countries and continues to push the culture and change the narrative of Black travelers.

v Trael Ciara Johnson @hey_Ciara Blogger Hey Ciara

Ciara is a Texas-born blogger, writer and fulltime traveler who shares her experiences from around the world. She left the country for the first time through a college study abroad program and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been hooked ever since. Through her blog, she encourages women to seek meaningful experiences through solo travel. She believes it only takes one place or even person to expand your worldview and change your perspective. Her boundless curiosity has taken her to more than 60 countries and six continents. Ciara has created digital content for brands such as Airbnb, Toyota, REI, Hotel Tonight, Chase Marriott and Backcountry. Her dynamic travel content has landed her in Forbes, The New York Times, Marie Claire, The Huffington Post, Refinery 29, The Washington Post and countless other publications.

Christina Rice

@christinamrice Founder OMNoire

Christina Rice is the founder of OMNoire, a social wellness platform for women of color. After four years of running a clothing boutique in Nashville, TN, Christina Rice decided to sell her store and relocate to New York City where she founded LuxeLife Media Inc., a full-service boutique PR and marketing agency representing high-profile personalities and brands. After experiencing â&#x20AC;&#x153;entrepreneur burnout,â&#x20AC;? Christina decided to pursue her yoga teacher certification and share how yoga transformed her life with other entrepreneurs and busy professionals. OMNoire has hosted wellness retreats in Grenada, Barbados, Poconos and Bali and in April 2019, they held their first ever summit called Glow In OM Arizona.

Alishia Richardson and Randi Williams @wegotooworld Co-Founders We Go Too

Business partners and best friends, Randi Williams and Alishia Richardson met in 2011 in the Dominican Republic as the only two Black participants of an international teaching program. Shortly after meeting, Randi and Alishia began swapping stories and experiences about traveling abroad while Black. Their similar experiences sparked an instant friendship and led them to realize the gap in travel for Black millennials. In 2015, the travel lovers would take the leap and begin what is now We Go Too, a company dedicated to Black millennial travelers looking to get the most

out of their travel. We Go Too curates and hosts international experiences for Black professionals who want to engage with new cultures, create lasting memories and build community. We Go Too has been featured in Essence, Black Enterprise and Go Abroad, and has partnered with Howard University and Hampton University to help over 100 HBCU students obtain or renew their passports.

Bionca Smith

@bioncasmith Blogger Off the Grid with a Kid Bionca is a single mom, motivational speaker, humanitarian and full-time traveler homeschooling her nine-year-old son Carter on the road. In 2017, she quit her corporate sales job to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and travel the world while doing so. A year later, she and Carter moved into a vintage campervan and now navigate across the United States while infusing their travel experiences into her sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education. Bionca and Carter document their experiences on their popular YouTube channel, Off The Grid With a Kid.eir first ever summit called Glow In OM Arizona.

Malinda Williams and Tariq Walker @malinsworld @tariqmw Creators This is Leaving

This Is Leaving is a travel and lifestyle brand that celebrates a life well-lived through travel and discovery. Founders Malinda Williams and Tariq Walker share the travel wheres, whats and whys on everything from the least-hyped table for two to the best ways to explore a cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sites and history. For this intrepid duo, each destination changes their perspective for the better; and sharing it with their followers and fellow travelers via reviews, travel tips, video and rich con31 tent is a distinct part of the experience.

Spotlight on

BLACK QUEEN

PHOTOGRAPHY

My name is Tchanavia Lastie and I am the owner/photographer of Black Queen Photography. I’m a Southern girl living in a West Coast world. I went to school to be a lawyer, but somehow ended up with a camera in my hand. I’m just a geek who loves capturing the inner awesomeness of people through my photography. I’m not afraid to be a goofball if it will help my client relax. I do my best to provide my clients with world-class service and an unforgettable experience.

All Photography by Tchanavia Lastie of Black Queen Photography 32

Instagram: @blackqueenphotography www.blackqueenphotography.com

Model: Alaysia Strawberry Makeup: Desiree Greer Clothing: Amazon Photographer: Black Queen Photography

Model: Alaysia Strawberry Makeup: Desiree Greer Jacket and Shirt: Forever 21 Skirt: Amazon Photographer: Black Queen Photography

Model: Alaysia Strawberry Makeup: Desiree Greer Jacket and Dress: Forever 21 Photographer: Black Queen Photography

Model and makeup: Tanzania Brown Clothing: Forever 21 Photographer: Black Queen Photography

Model and Stylist: Eureka Ulinwa Makeup Artist: Patty Tolentino Photographer: Black Queen Photography

Model: Sydney Webb Dress Designer: Blazzian Collection

Photographer: Black Queen Photography

Get Your Kids

to the Library Black & Magazine Staff | San Diego Library Do you kids have homework? The Library has got help! The Do Your Homework @ the Library program is part of Mayor Faulconer’s One San Diego plan to re-establish the City’s libraries as centers for learning and civic engagement. The program includes: Free access to paid Coaches and caring volunteers who are available to help K-8 students with their homework assignments; Free access to school supplies and materials; and Free access to computers, online research tools, and other digital resources available at the library. --------------------------------------------------------------The Union Bank Homework Center at the Central Library is open seven days a week: Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., 92101 (619) 236-5800 The Union Bank Homework Center is located on the second floor of the Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common. At the Homework Center, students in grades kindergarten through 12 can get in-person homework help from teachers on staff, as well as volunteer “homework coaches.” For more information, please visit the Union Bank Homework Center Page: https://www.sandiego.gov/ public-library/central-library/homework-center

The following branch Homework Centers are open Monday - Thursday: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

City Heights/Weingart: 3795 Fairmount Ave., 92105 | 619-641-6100 College-Rolando: 6600 Montezuma Road, 92115 | 619-533-3902 Kensington: 4121 Adams Ave., 92116 | 619-533-3974 Linda Vista: 2160 Ulric St., 92111 | 858-573-1399 Logan Heights: 567 S. 28th St., 92113 | 619-533-3968 Mountain View/Beckwourth: 721 San Pasqual St., 92113 | 619-527-3404 North Clairemont: 4616 Clairemont Drive, 92117 | 858-581-9931 North Park: 3795 31st St., 92104 | 619-533-3972 Oak Park: 2802 54th St., 92105 | 619-527-3406 Otay Mesa-Nestor: 3003 Coronado Ave., 92154 | 619-424-0474 Pacific Beach/Taylor: 4275 Cass St., 92109 | 858-581-9934 San Carlos: 7265 Jackson Dr, 92119 | 619-527-3430 San Ysidro: 101 W. San Ysidro Blvd., 92173 | 619-424-0475 Scripps Miramar Ranch: 10301 Scripps Lake Drive, 92131 | 858-538-8158 Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa: 9005 Aero Drive, 92123 | 858-573-1396 Skyline Hills: 7900 Paradise Valley Rd., 92139 | 619-527-3485 Valencia Park/Malcolm X: 5148 Market St., 92114 | 619-527-3405

Do Your Homework @ the Library Suppers Suppers at select Homework Centers Do Your Homework @ Library Suppers will be provided for minors at select Homework Centers. Times may vary for each location. Call the library of your nearest Homework Center to check for availability and duration. For questions about the program, please contact Brenda Monzon at BMonzon@sandiego.gov.

How Intentional Will You be With Your

Life By Marshaun Olaniyan

Love can be such a tricky thing to indulge in. One minute everything is going great but then the next minute, life serves a problem on a silver platter. Sometimes it can seem like the issues keep coming back to back to back. So how do you get over these humps and back on track in your love life? By being intentional. Being intentional will start you on the path of rekindling your flame with your partner or jump starting it all together. Being intentional means having the tough conversations without sweeping things under the rug or acting as if the issue has been resolved and you two can move right along as if the problem has disappeared. When this occurs the only thing it does is create a mountain in your living room for you to trip over one day. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how to be intentional even when having tough conversations scares you for fear of the outcome.

Think before you speak

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You slow things down by thinking. You may be asking yourself â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;why do I need to think?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad you asked this. You want to slow things down and find a quiet place and time to think about all the major issues. The problems that you and your partner keep arguing about. Ask yourself why these same issues keep surfacing. Maybe they keep popping up because you and your partner never solved them. Instead of staring them in the face, having the difficult conversation and finding a resolution, you two stop being mad at one another for the moment only for this same problem to rear its ugly head in another week or two.

Make a list

After thinking, put those items on a sheet of paper making a list of all the issues you can think of that keep coming up. Then, number them by order of importance where number one is the main issue that you feel the two of you need to address. Tackling this issue will give you the most peace of mind and you can see this one giving you both some reprieve. Continue to number the items on your list with the next most important one being numbered two and so on until each item has a number next to it.

Sit down with your partner The next step is to sit down with your partner so he or she can be a part of this process. The purpose of this sit down together is only for you two to look over the list together. You tell him or her why you created the list and present him or her with the problems you see that need to be addressed as soon as possible so you both can feel heard, understood and most of all put that issue to rest. Before ending this brief talk. Ask him or her if they have anything to add to the list and if he or she thinks the order of the list needs to be adjusted. Finally set a date and time to discuss the first issue you both agreed was number one.

Before meeting again Before you two meet again, each of you create a separate list of all the reasons why you think the way you do regarding this issue. Be as specific as possible without pointing the finger at one another or blaming one another. This list

will help you express yourself in a way that you were not able to previously. Sometimes when you are arguing you lose what you wanted to say based off of what the other person is blaming you for. This list of reasons will keep you from feeling as though you were not heard or you missed an opportunity to express your thoughts.

5 6 7 44

Stick to your meeting After the two of you have set a date and time to discuss the first repetitive problem then hold each other accountable in making sure this meeting happens. Do not let any excuses stop you two from having this difficult conversation. Each time you both are not on the same page of how important this is to discuss and rectify, the least likely you two will have a successful relationship. You cannot expect to have a loving relationship without being able to effectively communicate with one another. Making these tough conversations a nonnegotiable and sitting down to talk them out increases your chances of lasting love, being fulfilled and happy that you choose your partner and that you were chosen as well.

Only one person talks at a time Now that you two are sitting face to face get down to the real issue. Remember to discuss this issue only. While one of you is speaking the other person should listen quietly even if what your partner is saying does not seem correct. You will have your chance to respond soon enough. One of the reasons why you two are here is because neither of you have been able to hear the out completely. Now is the chance to give him or her the space to fully express themselves. If there is a question you want to address while your partner is speaking then write it down so you two can discuss that further without you interrupting him or her at that moment.

Come to a resolution After you both have heard each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s argument of why you both think this way about the problem, next, is to come to a resolution about the issue. What needs to happen to make sure this issue never comes back up again? Depending on the issue do you need to ask your partner before making a final decision about the thing? Can you make sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not brought up during a time where the other person is preoccupied? Does a time need to be designated to discuss issues like this one? Create a go-to so when problems like this occur you two will know what to do next and how to handle them.

Finish your original list Now that you two have completed the first issue off your list, it is time to repeat steps 2-8 for the next problem. Keep going through this process until all items are completed on your list.

The more you both are intentional with turning your relationship around the happier you both will feel with one another. The more connected you two will feel and the more understood you both will be. Being intentional does take time to do but it is well worth it and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll notice that the more you two communicate, talk and listen the more grace and mercy you will have for each other. You will be able to discern that your partner is having a bad day or he or she is not being disrespectful on purpose or even when he or she is more irritated than usual. Being intentional helps you know why your partner shows up the way he or she does, why he or she reacts the way they do and creates space for understanding. Need help being intentional in your relationship? Sick and tired of relationship after relationship not having any depth, not working out or moving forward? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talk! Send me a message at marshaun@marshaunolaniyan.com.

BRINGING THE

INDOORS

OUT

2020 Outdoor Living Trends

2 Courtesy of BPT

020 outdoor living trends are all about enjoying your backyard alfresco - but with the comfort and ease you expect from your indoor spaces. Today's outdoor spaces are transforming into an extension of the home. The current outdoor design also takes into account the look and feel of your entire home, including the interior and exterior, building materials and surroundings. Connecting with nature: Biophilic design Biophilic design is achieved when natural elements are incorporated into the space, helping people feel connected to the natural environment. It creates a calm, tranquil space and reduces stress. Biophilia

makes sense for indoor urban environments needing to bring the outdoors in, but how does it work when you're already outside? Biophilic design for outdoor spaces means integrating natural elements with constructed elements to create a harmonious space. A plant wall or raised garden bed can integrate greenery and pops of color with the built elements of your outdoor space. It also means using natural materials, like wood and stone, to complement the surrounding environment. Create greener, more sustainable spaces to celebrate the environment, which can help encourage pollinators, grow healthy food and forge a cohesive outdoor space. You can also use materials such as Belgard's permeable pavers, which allow water to drain through the surface, replenishing the soil and aquifers beneath your path, walkway or driveway.

More than just a grill Today's homeowners want much more than a grill in the backyard. With aspirations to cook and entertain guests outdoors with everything the best outdoor kitchen can offer, the possibilities are endless - from grills to cooktops and ovens or even a wine cooler and an outdoor bar. Homeowners also have many options when it comes to the design and price point of their outdoor kitchen. Some may lean toward a grill island, adding prep and storage space to their grilling station, while others might create a full-on outdoor kitchen with a grill, smoker, refrigerator, sink, seating area and more. Either way, homeowners can get a feel for exactly what their space will look like before breaking ground through Belgard's design resources. The Belgard Design Studio takes a simple sketch, some dimensions and a couple of photos and turns it, using design software, into 3D animations and virtual reality experiences to give homeowners a sense of the finished product in their backyard.

Sleek, modern design While it may seem contrary to the more organic approach of biophilic design, the contemporary trend toward sleek, modular furniture can enhance your outdoor space. Modular, sectional pieces with clean lines and streamlined design can be arranged and re-arranged to accommodate any natural elements you want to incorporate in your space, or to handle different numbers of guests when entertaining. The minimalist approach to furnishings also allows the natural elements around you to take center stage.

Multifunctional spaces Whether your home is in an urban area with limited green space, or you want to optimize your outdoor living, get creative:

* Add vertical planters * Hang hammocks for lounging * Create built-in seating * Build raised garden beds

Here's where some of that modular seating can come in handy, too. Some urban homes make good use of their front porches and yards, instead, which invites more neighborhood engagement and a feeling of community.

Entertaining both night and day Regardless of the time of day - or year - you and your family can relax comfortably in your outdoor sanctuary, thanks to modern technology and the latest outdoor installations:

* LED lighting is installed in a variety of ways. You can install strips of light and/or spotlights, even using multiple colors, to add flair at night. * In the harsh sunlight, large umbrellas and movable shade walls or screens can keep your space cool and more comfortable. * For cooler climates, an outdoor fireplace provides heat and light for cozy evenings in the yard. Whether you have a straightforward vision for a patio or dream of elaborate outdoor living spaces, these ideas can help you create your oasis. For more information on how you can upgrade your outdoor space, visit Belgard.com.

FIGHTING BACK TO SAVE BLACK LIVES

Kianna Baddon donated blood stem cells to save a young woman with aplastic anemia. Now they’re planning a trip together to celebrate her recipient’s 21st birthday.

Miss America 2019, donated blood stem cells to save her father’s life.

Miranda Parnell swabbed her cheek on campus and joined the registry in 2011. “I thought it would be cool to save someone’s life.” She was working as a TV reporter when she got the call in 2019: she was a match for a 2-year-old girl with a rare blood disorder. “I joined, because it seemed like the right thing to do. Now that I have li a platform, I want to let people know about the urgent need for more African American donors. It’s something we can all do.”

Miranda, blood stem cell donor

black

haute

Crown Glory

frican American hair is truly a phenomenon. It grows to the heavens and curls with unspeakable expression. Thanfully our hair and it’s uniqueness are being celebrated more, creating a demand for products and regimens that support it. We wanted to direct you to some great websites that we’ve checked out that offer a wealth of information on Black hair and how to treat it. Having an understanding of your hair will help you find the treatment path that works best for your hair type. If you don’t know your curl pattern, here are a few sites to visit to get you going:

Naturally Curly (https://naturallycurly.com) has a great quiz that you can take to get your started. If you are wearing a relaxer in your hair. Curls and Potions (https://www.curlsandpotions. com/pages/curl-pattern )has a great curl pattern guide to helping you understand your hair - check them out here: Naturall Club (https://naturallclub.com/) is another useful website we’ve discovered online to helping you understand your hair. If you have relaxed hair, we highly recommend Harilicious (https://hairliciousinc.com) Find your pattern - get a regimen and watch those beautiful coils transform right before your eyes!

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ORIJIN AFRICA CLOTH | MAASAI RED $209

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black

informed

Black in

Corporate America By Sheri Jones Co-Founder of Black San Diego 59

ost know me as a Realtor but my career path has always been fulltime accountant. All I know is math, I’ve loved math since I was a kid but now, it’s gotten me to a point where I

absoutely hate it. I never thought I would ever see the day where those words, “I hate math” would be a thought. Math has always been my thing. It’s literally like putting together the smallest pieces of a puzzle together or simply telling a dope ass story with numbers. When I dissect why I no longer love math, it comes down to simply being Black in Corporate America. I’ve been through the shit and back. Written up, “are you having problems at home,” “do your kids live with you,” “your hair is cute, I just want to touch it” I’ve had to keep a journal of my work life, documenting every incident when all I’ve ever wanted was to be a damn accountant. Instead, I’ve become an author, writing an autobiography of the last year of my life, wanting someone to publish me and the world to simply read and understand my story. To protect me and my passion for numbers but I was failed countless times. I was written up on 20 items that were filled with discrimination and lies. I had to take 4 hours of my life to write a rebuttal, “reference page one and two" and explain how management style was hostile in nature causing a hostile environment which caused me serve mental anguish. Did I grab your attention? Spending time in HR to explain all of the facts only to have majority of my write up removed because in their words, you were very professional, articulate, and chose the high road. As if I’m some dumb little black girl that doesn’t know how to act outside of being ghetto. Man, fuck y’all! (Is that ghetto enough)! I told you 6 months ago but only because now it’s in black and white, its enough to start an investigation. You see, you didn’t realize I was well organized and well versed in accounting files. You only saw one thing in me that allowed you to overlook that your notes didn’t match the facts. Most would call you a liar, but I would like to call you a racist. (Again, fuck y’all) Have I grabbed your atten-

tion other than the color of my skin, or the color of my braids. Now we’re on to mediation to “solve and make a healthier environment but you know it won’t happen overnight.” Well, how about 2 ½ months? Is that enough time to make the discriminator stop or do I need to continue to suffer through more pain before you get it. On Jan 13, 2020, I finally had enough. Enough of the belittling, enough of the down talking, the overloading of work, the harassment and the discrimination. I simply had enough. My mental capacity just couldn’t and wouldn’t’ allow another day of being Black in Corporate America So, when you say effective immediately, you mean… It means, my desk is clear, here are my keys, I’m done. What does it truly mean to be Black in Corporate America? It means having to work harder, smarter, longer, without mistakes. It means being a robot and saying yes, whatever you need done, while your counterparts can work less, with mistakes and be less qualified. Being Black in Corporate America will have you questioning and doubting your worth, thinking maybe it’s time for a career change because you’re not cut out for this kind of work. You’re not good enough. But in all actuality, the system was not designed for us to succeed in a cultural that needs diversity and inclusion training. Why does this type

of training exist anyways? I mean, I know not to walk up and ask why do your chink eyes look that way. I know better than to ask are you having problems at home. I also know better than to single you out based on the color of your skin. We don’t need any diversity and inclusion training but for some reason others do, others like you. Is it a sense of entitlement or is it just plain ignorance? Society says, go to college, get a degree, find a good job in corporate America, so you can afford to live the American dream. However, what society failed to mention was the American dream didn’t include me and my blackness. It didn’t include my perfectly versatile hair, nor did it include my black thoughts and black feelings. I am no longer Black in Corporate America; I don’t know if I ever will be again. I fought so long for a seat at their table but now, I’m choosing to create my own table. Who needs a seat? - A Quiet Girl, with a lot of Shit to Say Some Black in Corporate America reads: www.nytimes.com/2019/12/09/us/black-in-corporate-america-report.html www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/blacks-corporate-america-still-largely-invisible-study-finds-n1098981 www.talentinnovation.org/_private/assets/BeingBlack-KeyFindings-CTI.pdf

Women's History Month:

The Women of 6888th Battalion

By Kitty Harris, Navy Veteran/Publicist

n celebration of International Women's Day (Women's Month) let us pay tribute to the women of "Six Triple Eight." The first African-American female battalion to serve in the U.S. Army Women's Auxillary Corps under the leadership of Major Charity Adams Earley, also the first African-American woman to achieve the rank of lieutenant colonel during World War II. In 1944, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion deployed over 800 black women to Europe. The battalion implemented their motto, "No mail, no moral," to ensure service members received letters and packages to remain connected to with their families back home. The" Six Triple Eight" remained active until 1946 and received no public accolades for their accomplishments. On November 30, 2018 a monument was dedicated in honor of the 6888th Central Directory Battalion and currently H.R. 3138, the "Six Triple Eight" Congressional Gold Act of 2019 was introduced to the House of Representatives in recognition of their devotion to duty, military service and contributions to increase morale during World War II. Let's continue to honor the powerful history and legacy of the"Six Triple Eight."

CITY O U N C I L By Black & Magazine Staff People know that being a City Council member is an important job, but often times, not everyone is truly aware of what they do.

This information is posted on Wednesday prior to the Monday and Tuesday meetings. Additional “supplemental” items for the Monday meeting are posted on the According to How Stuff Works. morning of the meeting, but are com “Councilors, generally act as available on line by 2 p.m. on the the legislative branch of the city preceding Friday. Supplemental government, as well as its policyitems for the Tuesday meeting are making body. The council also looks available online by 5 p.m. on the to the city’s goals, major projects preceding Friday. Also available and infrastructure improvements from the City Clerk’s Office are free ranging from community growth copies of a public summary sheet to land use to finances and strategic which captures items docketed for planning.” Needless to say these are discussion as well as redevelopment some pretty important duties. and housing items at the upcoming Council meeting,” as stated on the With that understanding, it’s Council’s website. important that citizens representing one of San Diego’s nine council “In addition to the docket being districts, show up to the City made available online, members of Council meetings to listen in on the the public may also have the docket discussions about plans for the place emailed to them. To be added to the we call home. email list, call 619-533-4010. If you are unsure of where to start, the San Diego City Council website is extremely user friendly. Here’s the link: https://www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil

To find out what the Council will be disucssing “you may access the Council Docket on-line for upcoming City Council meetings.

You may also watch our televised docket summary, which airs on CityTV from Friday evening through the weekend preceding the Council meeting, and provides a list of docket items with a brief description,” as stated on the City Clerk’s FAQ page.

Netflix Premieres First Ever Documentary About

Black Women CEOs

Courtesy of BlackBusiness.com lack women CEOs and entrepreneurs are the stars of the newest Netflix documentary called She Did That. Filmmaker and blogger Renae L. Bluitt created the documentary to promote a more accurate representation in the media of Black female business owners. She Did That is Bluitt’s first cinematic project, and as a digital content creator and PR consultant, she has been writing about the entrepreneurial pursuits

of Black women on her blog, In Her Shoes, for nearly a decade. But now the topic is being brought to the world’s attention via the world’s most popular streaming service. The film revolves around the lives of four Black women entrepreneurs, their journeys, and how they face issues such as the funding gap for Black women. Inspired by #BlackGirlMagic, Bluitt wanted to show how Black women turn challenges into opportunities and become an inspiration to the next gener-

ation. “As the fastest group of entrepreneurs in this country, [Black women] are literally turning water into wine in spite of the many obstacles we face on our entrepreneurial journeys. This film was created to let the world know what it really takes to be a successful Black woman entrepreneur in this world. Platforms like social media only show us the results and the highlights, but “She Did That” pulls back the curtain to reveal how and why we do it,” Bluitt told65

Forbes. She Did That highlights the perseverance and determination of Lisa Price, the founder of hair care brand Carol’s Daughter; Melissa Butler, the founder of beauty brand The Lip Bar; Tonya Rapley, the founder of My Fab Finance; and Luvvie Ajayi, a New York Times best-selling author, speaker and digital strategist. For the project, Bluitt intentionally hired a camera crew of Black women as well as production staff, assistants, and researchers for filming locations. In addition, after almost 2 years of filming, the documentary premiered at a sold-out screening event at ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans. It has since been screened at several HBCUs and other cities in partnership with organizations that cater to Black women. Bluitt said she is overwhelmed with the opportunity to partner with Netflix. Now with a wider audience, she hopes that the film willl touch more Black women’s lives. “I want women to know that even the most successful women in business have experienced the challenges and obstacles they face while building their brands. We all make mistakes, learn from them, and stop to refuel or keep going even stronger. I want women to know they are not alone in their fears and the biggest takeaway is this - if the women in this film can do it, you can do it, too!” Stream it now on Netflix by visiting https://www.netflix.com/title/81194454

w w o o m m ee nn

Federal Trade Commission:

California Is Scam Capital, U.S.A.

Courtesy of California Black Media alifornia has been recognized for a concerning new distinction: We are the capital of scams. In 2019, consumers across the United States filed 1.7 million fraud reports, adding up to a total loss of $1.9 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Although California accounts for about 12 percent of the total US population, 14 percent of the fraud cases originated in our state last year. Californians reported well over 243,000 fraud cases, according to the FTC’s official website. Last Thursday, the FTC and Ethnic Media Services joined forces to highlight the top scams of 2019 during a telebriefing. California Black Media participated in the conference led by FTC Consumer Response and Operations Associate Director Monica Vaca. She gave details on some of the most frequently reported scams of the last year. "Every year, the FTC releases reports, including the top scams plaguing the country," she said. "The data also highlights fraud trends by geographic region and spotlights new patterns and strategies used by scammers." Vaca divided the top scams into three categories: most frequently reported cases, highest total sum of money lost and highest individual monetary loss. She identified imposter scams as the most frequently reported swindle with over 62,000 cases in California. Nationwide, imposter scams accounted for a $667 million loss. “These scams are definitely trending, they are on the rise,” Vaca said. “And these are people who pretended to be a government agency, a well known business, a romantic interest or even a family member.” Vaca also mentioned that scammers will sometimes pose as technical support and ask for sensitive

information regarding personal accounts that can be accessed digitally. According to Vaca, the FTC saw a 52 percent increase in government imposter fraud cases in 2019, in comparison to reports in 2018, which she claimed were driven by an often used over-thephone social security imposter scam. The most frequent payment method for scams in this category were gift cards, according to the FTC. Vaca asserted that the only way people should be using gift cards is for gifts and not payment, adding that any requests for a gift card payment is a red flag. As for the second category, Vaca identified romance scams as the costliest fraud tactic in 2019 with $201 million in monetary losses last year. “That number has grown really steadily since 2015,” Vaca said. “Romance scams were six times more costly in 2019 than they were in 2015.”

reporting this at twice the rate as people 30 or older and because the majority of these ploys are around income opportunities, around jobs or around some kind of legitimate opportunity to make money,” Vaca said. “These are not people being greedy or saying, ‘Oh, I got some free money.’” According to Vaca, phone calls are still the most frequently used tactic to contact possible victims for fraud. The FTC successfully returned over $1 billion to people in the last four years nationwide, although that number accounts only for the number of FTC checks that were cashed. According to Vaca, many checks that were sent to fraud victims were not cashed. California residents cashed over $151 million of that national total last year.

Lastly, the greatest individual loss category, meaning the largest dollar amount lost by one person at a time, were counterfeit check scams.

Vaca stated that the reason not every fraud victim reports their experience is because of a sense of pride.

What is perhaps the most troubling bit of context for this scam is that those who fall victim are often attempting to find legitimate work or provide a legitimate service. “I’m pausing here to talk about this a little bit more because we are seeing people in their 20s are

“People are more likely to avoid losing money if they talk to just one person while the scam is in progress.” Vaca said. “It’s not just the people you think who fall for scams, anyone could fall for a scam.”

"Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot" by Mikki Kendall

c.2020, Viking $26.00 / $35.00 Canada 267 pages By Terri Schlichenmeyer A sea of people. That's what you saw, overlooking the crowd at the rally you attended. More people, perhaps, than you'd ever seen in one place before, all gathered together for one ultimate cause. Or were they? In the new book "Hood Feminism" by Mikki Kendall, look again: was that sea of people mostly white? Chances are, says Kendall, if it was a women's event, many were. White feminists "can lean in," but they sometimes don't "show up when Black women" have different issues to deal with. Feminism, she says, can't "forget that a movement that claims to be for all women" must "engage with the obstacles women who are not white face." "And when we act as allies," she says, "feminists have to be willing to listen to and respect those we want to help." That includes understanding that guns have a lot to do with feminism because poor women and Women of Color are "more likely to be victims of gun violence." It includes knowing that hunger and homelessness are painful realities for many Black women, and that it doesn't help to make either seem like they were the result of "bad choices." Respect means that victims of abuse and sexual harassment are not blamed for their clothing, job, or hairstyle. It means never asking what they were drinking when they were assaulted. It means the end of hypersexualizing young Black girls and women. It means accepting their unique beauty, without politicizing hair or body shape, and without comment. This also, by the way, extends to trans women of any color. Feminism for all means that we ignore fear and misconceptions of "the hood." It means that we must "unteach the normalization of violence against women." It demands that we confront family and friends who hold racist ideals. It means supporting health measures for women and their children. It means voting for the good of all women, and it requires that allies occasionally "stop, step back, and realize they are still part of the problem." In tackling "Hood Feminism," there may come a time when a reader finds it necessary to split the narrative. On one hand, author Mikki Kendall offers exactly what she promises: an uncomfortable truth, because it's necessary and because she's kind, and laying out this information is a sort of kindness. The things she points out are vital for people who profess to be "feminists" to know, and while that may not be any fun, neither is ignorance. Fingers out of your ears, think of this book, maybe, as consciousness-raising workshop plus personal intervention. On the other hand, however, Kendall paints white women with a mile-wide, ten-feet-tall brush of condemnation, that may or may not be fair. Yes, these are words that white women need to hear... and yes, they're also somewhat overgeneralized. Still, keep in mind that this is a book to help, not to censure, and even though it stings, you'll be glad you read it. Find "Hood Feminism." It offers an ocean of thoughts to ponder.

"Stop Telling Women to Smile: Stories of Street Harassment and How We're Taking Back Our Power" by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh

By Terri Schlichenmeyer Heeeeey, look over here! You look fine today, Mama, Sugar, Honey, Baby, fill-in-the-blank with names you're called by men you don't know. Just think, Sweetie, Pretty, you were minding your business before this monkey business started. And just know, by reading "Stop Telling Women to Smile" by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, that others deal with it, too. Like many women, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh spent her teen years in public "not wanting to be seen." Catcalls, creepy comments, unwanted compliments about her young body followed her from street to sidewalk, coming from men who made her feel afraid, ashamed, and definitely harassed. The "sheer quantity" of it struck her as she got older and in 2012, Fazlalaizadeh, a street artist, started a movement she calls Stop Telling Women to Smile. As part of her work, she invites women to her studio to tell their stories as she sketches their portraits. Some of her results are in this book – and they're powerful. The most common response to street harassment, she says, is anxiety, a lingering dread of what could happen – physical violence, stalking, emotional terror – whether one interacts with a harasser or not. For many women, harassment becomes a part of their daily lives. Says Fazlalizadeh, men who engage androgynous women in unwanted ways "are particularly likely to harass masculine women" out of a false sense of their own masculinity; they're also likely to harass trans women because they feel "tricked" by a trans body. Women of color receive "markedly different" harassment from white men than from men of their own races.

c.2020, Seal Press

Pregnant women receive unwelcome touches, as though they're good-luck charms; and Muslim women are verbally attacked for their clothing. And who can women "go to for protection" if the harasser is a police officer? What can be done? Fazlalizadeh says that she sees hope for today's children, who are raised learning not to harass – but beyond that, the solution "is a large question that can have many answers." Give yourself a minute to skim through "Stop Telling Women to Smile," and it may seem like the book is little more than same-but-different which, after awhile, is too homogeneous and overgeneralizing. Dig a little deeper, though, and this book opens like a flower with pages of emotion, outrageous tales, anger, unwarranted shame, and a chapter for feminist men that could spell welcome change. Dig a little deeper, though, and you might shudder. Author Tatyana Fazlalizadeh makes this book feel like a raw gallery performance, and it shouts with power but not a lot of caution. Some of the "What Women Want to Say to Street Harassers" sidebars come off as advice, and safety isn't stressed nearly enough there. There's strength in Fazlalizadeh's words and they're stand-up-and-scream inspiring, but they just need a hair more prudence. And yet: this is an invaluable book for any women's group, it's a great launching point for conversations with teens of any gender, and parents will absolutely want to read it. For that, for them, "Stop Telling Women to Smile" is worth a look-over.

$28.00 / $35.00 Canada

226 pages

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