FEB19
Premier Digital Black Lifestyle Magazine
How to Make the Right Personal Decisions Inaugural San Diego Writer’s Festival
Celebrating Our BLACK & BEAUTIFUL Quotes from Notable African Americans
INDIA.ARIE Releases new album
FAMILIAR AT THE OLD GLOBE
content.
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Quotes from Notable African Americans
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India.Arie’s - WORTHY
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Familiar at The Old Globe
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Book Review
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Women of Color 2nd Annual Breakfast Black & Missing But Not Forgotten
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Welcoming Immigrants and New Citizens to San Diego How to Make the Right Personal Decisions
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Zandra Beauty
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Must Haves for your Hygiene Needs
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Alephonsion Deng
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Principles of Design
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ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? Did you know a teenager can pre-register to vote at 16 years old? Courtesy of the Secretary of the State of California Online pre-registration is now available for eligible 16 and 17 year olds by visiting www.registertovote.ca.gov. California youth who pre-register to vote will have their registration become active once they turn 18 years old. Pre-registration does not change the voting age, which is 18. Instead, it allows eligible Californians ages 16 or 17 to complete the online voter registration form providing sufficient time and opportunity to get ready to vote. The new online pre-registration applies to California youth who are 16 or 17 and meet the following criteria: • A United States citizen and a resident of California, • Not currently in state or federal prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony (for more information on the rights of people who have been incarcerated, please see the Secretary of State’s Voting Rights: Persons with a Criminal History), and • Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court
Visit: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/pre-register-16-vote-18/
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EDITOR & CHIEF Chida Rebecca
LEAD MAKE-UP ARTIST & STYLIST Ashli Taylor
PUBLISHER Rebecca & Co.
www.downtomakeup.com
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Derrick Chambers www.urbanhorizn.com
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Brandon Johnson
www.brandonsjohnsonphoto.com
CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR Dean Hall www.deanhallstyle.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Terri Schlichenmeyer
Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat
Jennifer Coburn
Nikki N. Klugh
2019 BLACK & MAGAZINE PUBLISHED BY REBECCA & CO. SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO: PUBLISHER@BLACKANDMAGAZINE.COM WWW.BLACKANDMAGAZINE.COM INSTAGRAM: @BLACKANDMAGAZINE TWITTER: @BLACKANDMAG FACEBOOK: @BLACKANDMAGAZINE
CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN Rebecca & Company
publisher’s letter This month I am reminded of just how resilient we are... of how far we’ve come. We’re so used to fighting to prove, fighting to overcome, fighting to be, and fighting to live, that we are rarely afforded the opportunity to simply marvel at how far we’ve come - yet loathe in how far we still have to go. I am also reminded of how there is so much talk of us, but not enough talking to us or even enough invitiations to be included in conversations about how to fix within us that which has been battered and bruised over and over again. When February 28th has come and gone, and the celebrations of Blackness have subsided, I am hopeful that every time you look in the mirror Black man...Black woman, that you are reminded of the greatness that flows within you. Within us. Keep pressing. Keep loving. Keep forgiving. Keep living. Chida Rebecca Editor-in-Chief
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BLACK AND SOCIAL
your Black is beautiful 7
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” Booker T. Washington
“Racism is not an excuse to not do the best you can.” Arthur Ashe
“I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” Muhammad Ali 8
i’m Black
every month
but this month i’m Black Black 9
“Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It’s beyond me.” Zora Neale Hurston
“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” Lena Horne
”Once we recognize what it is we are feeling, once we recognize we can feel deeply, love deeply, can feel joy, then we will demand that all parts of our lives produce that kind of joy.” Audre Lorde 10
India.Arie's New Album WORTHY Out Now! PR Newswire Four-time GRAMMY® winning artist/ songwriter India.Arie releases her eighth studio album WORTHY (SoulBird/BMG) today, her first full-length in five years. An epic opportunity for fans to get reacquainted with the influential superstar and her new collection of uplifting songs, WORTHY resonates as a work of overlapping purpose, soaring as the iconic star's most textured and lively offering to date; an intuitive, multi-layered effort from a mature artist at the top of her creative powers. India.Arie’s New Album Worthy Available now. Along with the inspiring "What If " honoring iconic trailblazers including Dr. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, is the Caribbean-tinged "That Magic," a current Top Ten R&B hit with video featuring award-winning actor Lyriq Bent and cameo from Reggae Superstar Gramps Morgan. Other songs on the album drawing praise include "Hour Of Love," "Steady Love," "We Are," "Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda" and the title track "Worthy." India has gathered previous acclaimed producers/collaborators for the new effort; among them are the album's executive producer Aaron Lindsey, longtime collaborators Shannon Sanders and Branden Burch, as well as new collaborator Chuck Butler. Says India about the new album: "My favorite definition of the word 'worthy' is deserving of regard and respect. The songs on this album implicitly or explicitly carry the message and the energy of the word. I set out with the title even before I had the song, which is unusual for me, but I wanted to remind people that even though the world ordains that you have to 'do' or 'be' something to be 'worthy,' that's not true. There is nothing special we have to do or be, we all are worthy once we arrive at that realization. A person who feels empowered in that way is a much more powerful force in this world." Her upcoming North American WOR-
THY TOUR kicks off April 30 at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, with marquee cities announced so far including Atlanta, New Orleans, Austin, Detroit, Boston and New York City. After more than 10 million albums sold and 10 world tours, including with icon Stevie Wonder, India.Arie is recognized as a global difference maker. She has been embraced by a new generation of artists such as Janelle Monáe and Ariana Grande, amplifying the resilient singer/ songwriter's signature themes of personal and spiritual growth, and self-knowledge. Her willingness early on to challenge preconceived notions of beauty and sexuality coupled with her courage to defy broad racial and gender categorizations have helped empower current culturally-conscious movements. Among her accomplishments; five Top Ten albums, 22 GRAMMY nominations, numerous NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, MTV Awards, and command performances for three US Presidents. She has met with the Dalai Lama, touring the National Civil Rights Museum with him in Memphis. Inducted into the 2009 Georgia Music Hall of Fame, India has joined Oprah Winfrey on multiple projects, a featured 'Change Makers and Wisdom Teachers' on Winfrey's OWN Network and shared with Oprah her trademark blend of performance/spiritual teaching via SongVersation.
Playwright Danai Gurira | Directed by Edward Torres
(from left) Ramona Keller as Margaret Munyewa and Zakiya Young as Tendikayi in Familiar, running January 26 – March 3, 2019 at The Old Globe. Photo by J.T. MacMillan.
The cast of Familiar, running January 26 – March 3, 2019 at The Old Globe. Photo by Jim Cox.
BLACK & SOCIAL
Courtesy of The Old Globe Donald and his wife Marvelous have been living the American Dream since emigrating from Zimbabwe nearly three decades ago. They have a beautiful house and impressive careers, and now one of their daughters is getting married! But when the bride insists on a traditional African wedding ceremony, tensions start to rise. Throw in an eccentric aunt from the old country and a bewildered bridegroom, and soon it’s not certain the couple will ever make it down the aisle. Familiar, from Tony Award nominee Danai Gurira (Black Panther, “The Walking Dead”), takes a funny, warmhearted look at tradition, marriage, and what it means to be an American family. The New York Times calls it “an engrossing, fiercely funny comedy–drama that probes with subtlety and smarts.” Contains strong language. Running time: Two hours and 25 minutes. There is one intermission. The show runs thru March 3rd. For tickets visit www.theoldglobe.org.
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BLACK AND LIVING
B R
Reviews
Book
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
T
he movie you’ve been waiting for is finally available. Sure, you saw it in the theatre, but you’re happy to watch it again. It has adventure, a little romance, and plenty of action – plus, it features your favorite actor, so what’s not to love? Better question, asks author Maryann Erigha in her book “The Hollywood Jim Crow”: what color is the cast? The movie industry’s awards will be given out soon, and there’s something about it that you may notice again: the faces you’ll see at the awards show could be predominately white. This issue is old but it came to a head in 2015 with the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite, and it still hasn’t changed much. Racism in Hollywood started when Hollywood itself began: from the outset, Black directors were “barred” from directing studio films. That led to a twofold issue: so-called “race movies” had to be made without studio money; and because there was no one to advocate for them, few African Americans landed roles in major movies. In those early years, producers did manage to make limited-run films with Black casts and crew, and audiences saw the occasional Black performer here or there, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s that a Black director landed a job in a mainstream film. As many actors, actresses, directors, and movie-goers have seen, today’s Black movie-makers still struggle to land jobs. Like their predecessors, they fight Jim Crow laws within the industry, and the same old reasons have a few twists: the assumption that white audiences won’t pay to see a
movie with a Black cast means that fewer “Black” films are given big budgets or green lights. Fewer “Black” films mean fewer jobs are offered to African Americans, from behind-the-camera crew to the director’s chair to the cast. Hollywood insiders further believe that all-Black casts will not make any money in overseas theaters, which limits African American movie-makers even more. This leads Black films and directors to receive the label of “unbankable,” despite that there are obvious exceptions to that dubious belief. And it’s all happening through “completely legal practices….” Movies make us happy. They put us in another mood, another country, or another planet. After reading “The Hollywood Jim Crow,” they may make you angry. Though there’s a good bit of repetition inside here, even occasional movie-goers will be clear on (and shocked by) how deep the racism goes in Hollywood and how it affects what we see at the cinema. That makes for a meaningful and solution-driven read in this book. Still, there are times when it’s about as easy to follow as a foreign-language film without subtitles: author Maryann Erigha presents some information in ways that could fluster fans who go to the movies to be entertained, not to keep records. Still, like most movies, the book is better. This book, specifically, especially if you’ve noticed #OscarsSoWhite and it bugs you. For cinema fans who want to see what they want to see, “The Hollywood Jim Crow” is a reel good read.
“The Hollywood Jim Crow: The Racial Politics of the Movie Industry” by Maryann Erigha c.2019, New York University Press| $25.00 / higher in Canada | 224 pages
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Oh, how you love opening presents! You love the surprise, first of all. What did you get? You won’t find out until you rip off the paper and just the sound of that is exciting. Maybe there’s a box next, or plastic to open, or there’s simply a gift for you to enjoy. Getting presents is awesome but in the new book “What is Given from the Heart” by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison, its doubly special when you have nothing to give in return. Mama always seemed so sad. James Otis did what he could, but it was “a rough few months.” Nearly a year ago, Daddy fell asleep one day and didn’t wake up; after that, the farm was repossessed and Mama had to move herself and James Otis to a tumbledown shack and there never seemed to be enough money. The final blow came when James Otis’s dog ran off. Mama liked to point out that they had each other. They had God, and they had small holidays and such, but James Otis knew it had been a struggle. Then one day near Valentine’s Day, he and Mama were in church when Reverend Dennis made a special announcement. As always, the church was giving to the needy that spring but Mrs. Temple and her seven-year-old daughter, Sarah, had been victims of a fire and they needed a special “love box.” The Temples had lost everything, and on the way home that day, Mama said she wanted
to help. She wanted to find something nice to give to the Temples but James Otis had no idea what that might be. Mama reminded him of Reverend Dennis’s words: “Remember, what is given from the heart touches the heart.” And so James Otis began to think. His crayons were broken. Sarah probably wouldn’t appreciate an old toy truck. His whistle had spit all over it. His favorite old puzzle was missing two pieces. What would a little girl like? Better question: how can you give anything when you have nothing yourself? “What is Given from the Heart” is a book that seriously needs to come with its own choir, one that would softly sing, just when you get about halfway through reading it. Yes, this story is just that wonderful. It’s okay if you don’t have access to tenors and sopranos, though. Your child will get the message all the same because author Patricia C. McKissack tells a tale that shows loud and clear how giving has its own rewards and riches. Even kids who turn into Gimme Monsters will see it – in part, because of McKissack’s quiet, loving text and in part, because of the collage-like illustrations by April Harrison. Rounding it off, the uplifting ending couldn’t be more heartwarming. This is a book that’s perfect for soft-hearted kids ages 4-to-8, but materialistic older kids might need to hear it once or twice, too. For them, or any generous child, “What is Given from the Heart” could make a great present.
“What is Given from the Heart” by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison c.2019, Schwartz & Wade Books| $17.99 / $23.99 Canada|40 pages
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DESIGN 101
Principles of Design Nikki N. Klugh
I
am often asked by design enthusiast to explain some of the jargon that designers use as they describe the vision they have for a room. So, I decided to write this column as an informal education to interior design. However, I've added a little twist. Since I design spaces holistically, I go beyond the traditional considerations when I design. Therefore, I'll have a few additions now and then to what normal interior design textbooks will teach -- more on that in future editions. If you want to accomplish great interior design, you must have a good foundation about what makes design work. That foundation consists of the elements and principles of design, upon which every aspect of a well-designed space is measured against. The elements are simple; there are space, line, forms, light, color, texture and pattern. How you properly use those elements are informed by the design principles.
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What are design principles? They concepts used to organize or arrange the structural elements of design. Design principles are unchanging rules about interior design that when followed create a pleasing space. The principles of art and design are balance, proportion and scale, rhythm, emphasis, contrast, and unity or harmony. Balance is the even distribution of the visual weights of the elements of design in a space. Balance causes the design to have stability. Some refer to this as being "grounded". There is symmetrical balance, asymmetrical balance, and radial balance. Symmetrical balance is when two separate but identical groups of items, objects, or elements on either side of an object have equal and identical visual weight. Asymmetrical balance is when two separate and un-identical groups of items, objects, or elements on
either side of an object have equal but not identical visual weight. Radial balance is when the weight of items is visually balanced around a central point. Balance is the most important design principle in holistic design because without balance a space can not feel grounded and generally feel amiss. All other principles can be used to achieve a well balanced space. The design for this room started with the homeowners’ original Chagall art pieces. Considering the shape of the room, the view, and the art, I decided to make this a modernization of a traditional and classical space. It was achieved through a perfectly balanced room with one side that was a literal mirror image of the other. Look closely to the frame on the right...those are mirrors custom sized and framed as closely as I could to
the Chagall art directly opposite of it. Balance is definitely achieved this way, but can be achieved many ways as seen in some other spaces created by the NKDG team. The grand space of the Stahl Living Room had incredible potential, but needed many design elements to transform it from a very bland space to the showpiece that the homeowners wanted. I can actually show all of the other design principles in this space alone, so let’s get to it.
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Proportion is the feeling of unity created when all visual attributes such as size, weight, quantity, color, texture, etc. relate well to each other. Proper proportions were used this space by selecting tall back chairs to mimic the 16’ ceilings. Although light in color, the weight of the chairs is conveyed through the wood base and nail head trim. Scale is the size of a pattern or object relative to other patterns, objects, or design elements and their surroundings. Unusual, exaggerated, or unexpected scale can help to gain the viewer’s attention. Wainscoting was used to divide the walls into
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a more palatable scale. The woodwork visually cuts the space down without actually making the room any smaller. Here is a drawing provided to the contractor to specify exactly what the design team wanted to created. Emphasis is the part of the design that stands out and attracts the attention of the viewer. A focal point is an example of emphasis. The parts of the design that are emphasized gives contrast to the rest of the design. Emphasis can be small or large, but the emphasized area is different in terms of design, style, color, shape, form, texture, or another aspect of design. In this space the floor to ceiling charcoal draperies provided a huge punch and an undeniable emphasis on the dramatic.
Of all of the design elements in this space, the scale of the ottomans are the least expected item to show the distinction between a well designed space and an expertly designed space. The custom teal ottomans are 20% larger than ones that you would normally find. This was done to balance the dramatic draperies and is a perfect example of how the elements and principles of design are intermingled in both simple and complex ways. Rhythm in design is very similar to rhythm in music. You want to create patterns of repetition while at the same time highlight the contrast of a space so there is something interesting. A very simple rhythm was created with the teal pillows, ottoman and echoes in the area rug. A more complex one with the elements of gold that appear throughout in lighting, accessories, curtain hardware and art frames all in varying intensities that keep your eyes moving around
this grande room. Unity (Harmony) happens when all of the elements and principles of design used in a space form a cohesive whole and give a feeling of completeness. It is when all of the parts work together for a visually pleasing result. Now, it’s your turn… What are your favorite elements and/or principles that you see at work here that help to make this space harmonious? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Nikki is an award winning interior designer and mentor based in San Diego, CA. Fueled by 17 years of interior design experience and—even more importantly—a passion for creating spaces that support and improve your overall well-being, Nikki will design a home that makes you feel like a better you, so you can experience Everyday Luxurious LivingTM. www.nikkiklughdesign.com
How to Make the
Right Personal
Decisions
O
Over the years I have seen many women who are plagued with emotional and physical symptoms. Many of them had been taking care of everyone else except themselves. And many were in stressful relationships with intimate partners, children, relatives, their finances, and work. These women knew something had to change, but they could not take the first step because they did not trust that they could to do the right thing. They worried about making waves, making others unhappy, didn’t know enough, or had too much confusing information. But most of the time just the thought of changing the status quo gave them greater pain than the discomfort they were living with. There was a strong attachment to what they would have to leave behind and, of course, a fear of the unknown. Every day we come to some fork in the road of our lives. What do we do? Do we stay the course? Do we go to the left, or the right? It happens to all of us: we know that it can’t stay the same, but we hesitate, stagnate, and our mental, emotional, and physical health suffers. Do you hold onto something that no longer serves you while your health deteriorates? How and when do you leave your comfort zone and make changes for your survival? If you waited for the ‘perfect time’ to make a hard decision, you’d
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p
Having ample time to make a life-changing decision gives us more control, such as when we have to decide to stay in or leave a relationship, move to another state or country, buy a new home or remodel, quit a job, take on a new career, have surgery, etc. We can ponder, analyze, rethink, seek counsel. Does having time make it easier to make a radical change? You’ll never know until you do it.
probably never make the deci sion. There is no perfect time— you just have to go for it. But bear in mind that some of us have unresolved childhood issues that need to be confronted before we can travel down a new road. We may lose some friends, acquaintances; have people beg us to reconsider, since our decision may not suit them.
I’ve done it—but it’s rarely ‘easy.’ I have made many life-changing decisions where I had ample time to think things through. In spite of that, I made some mistakes that I had to learn to live with. With more personal experience, plus observational experience with the midlife-challenged clients I counsel, I developed a decision-making aide that I hope can be of help to you…
There are two types of decisions. The first is quick when you only have a split second, and the other is when you have time to sort things out and create a plan.
First, choose an area in which you need to make a critical decision but have been procrastinating. Let’s say that you’re not satisfied with your present job and know you should look for another one.
We need to make a quick decision, for example, when we are driving on the freeway and run into an unexpected problem. In an instant, we must react, sometimes literally for survival. One split second later we will be ok … or maybe not. We trust our survival instinct to make a good decision, and hopefully, life goes on.
Use your journal, a sheet of paper, or a word document on your computer. Divide the page into three columns, A, B, and C. (I find it helps to put the paper sideways – landscape style.)
BLACK & LIVING
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I
n column A write ‘Must Have’, in column B write ‘Will Compromise’, and in column C the heading should be ‘Will Not Accept’. Here is what I would write in these columns if I were looking for a new job:
Column A: Must Have •Adequate pay •Has to be full time •Adequate benefits: health insurance, sick leave, vacation time, retirement plan •Short commute •Doing something related to my skills •Fulfilling work •Possibility for advancement
cOLUMN B: will compromise •Longer commute •Lesser pay •Learning new skills
COLUMN C: will not accept •Part time job •Inadequate benefits •Unhealthy environment •Not using my skills •Doing something that would be harmful to mankind or the environment. 32
Evaluating and writing down desirable and unacceptable criteria will give you more clarity and control, and will reduce stress over making an important decision to change any area of your life. Give it a try.
Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat, MD, FACOG is a board-certified Ob-Gyn, fertility specialist, and a gifted medical intuitive, energy and spiritual healer. She intuitively knows the underlying reasons of any issues her patients are dealing with including why they are not getting pregnant. Using her laser-focus three steps approach, they are able to quickly understand what is going on, and by using the specific tools given to them get the results they are yearning for. You can use her services via telephone or you can spend time with her in her sacred garden in the Mount Helix area of San Diego, CA if you want to experience her healing in person. Contact: www.drcarolle.com drcarolle@cox.net
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“I am loyal to the throne. What are you loyal to?” —Okoye, to Nakia Black Panther
SOUFFLÉ BALM LIPS Zandra Beauty
SKINCARE
A Skincare Company Doing Social Good
BLACK
BLACK & HAUTE
BEAUTY
Teen Entrepreneur Signs Major Deal With Target Stores with Plant-Based Skincare Giftbox! Courtesy of BlackNews.com Zandra, a leading plant-based social good company that educates and empowers girls and women across the globe via STEAM & Entrepreneurial education, partners with Target. To mark the first time that Zandra products will be available in Target Stores, Zandra A. Cunningham the Teen-Founder, and CEO has curated a target exclusive Gift Box that will introduce Target shoppers to the brand. “I am so excited to offer my unique brand of American made yuck free products in an exclusive gift box designed specifically for Target. This is yet another dream come true for me. I am working hard to pave the way for other indie brands with teen CEO’s. My journey hasn’t been easy but it will forever be worth it. I am on a mission to shatter the status quo, and with partners like Target, I am making that happen,” said Zandra the 18-year old entrepreneur. To start, Target will stock an exclusive gift box which will include Zandra Hand & Body Lotion – a moisturizing, nour-
ishing and repairing formula made with skin-loving whipped butters and oils;an Exfoliating Sugar Scrub – designed to exfoliate the body for a natural glow; and the famous Lip & Body Balm – handcrafted in small batches from a blend of Zandra’s favorite oils and fair trade Shea butter to create the ultimate moisturizer for on the go. All are free of chemicals. From its Buffalo-based lab, Zandra combines the art of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) to create 50 nutrient-rich skin care products; each naturally proven to
nourish, heal and improve sensitive skin. Natural ingredients are the bedrock of Zandra skin care and a lasting alternative to commercial products with yucky unhealthy ingredients. The award-winning brand continues to expand with a full range of facial care. Zandra offers DIY STEAM beauty & entrepreneurial programming and has national distribution reaching over 900 locations across the country. As CEO and Founder, Zandra is an accomplished girl’s education advocate, business mentor, international speaker, and philanthropist. She leads a number of philanthropy initiatives that support the Zandra philosophy to educate and empower girls on the move through advocacy, community-building, and inspired leadership. Zandra Azariah Cunningham is an
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18-year old entrepreneur from Buffalo, NY. Her fascination with entrepreneurship began when she was 9-years old, as a result of her dad’s refusal to buy her beloved lip balm. His “NO” forced her to do the work and make her own. With the assistance of her family, her newfound appreciation for entrepreneurship, and focus, she started her business, Azariah’s Innocence, a few days shy of her 10th birthday. Her first products, lip balms, and whipped shea body butter were sold at local farmer markets in the summer of 2010. She started with lip balms and body butter because those were products that she frequently used. However, she discovered that most of the products she purchased at the mall would leave her skin dry, itchy and unhappy. Zandra made it her mission to make products that smelled good and kept her skin soft without irritating it. She wanted to give girls a natural alternative to commercial products with yucky unhealthy ingredients. Today, Zandra offers natural bath and body for the educated and empowered girl on the move! For more information, visit www. ZandraBeauty.com, or follow her on social media: Instagram – @ZandraBeauty, Facebook – @ZandraBeauty
Must Haves for Your Hygiene Needs
Check out these Black-owned companies who are producing qualities products to use at home
Coral Oral is the first Black owned toothbursh company available on www.coraloral. com, created by Shareef Abdul-Malik.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia-based, this company is owned by Abdur Rahim Shaheed, Malik Saleem, and Ali B. Muhammad.Their unique, eco-friendly laundry detergent can be purchased online or through distributors located across Georgia and several other states. www.thetrueproducts.com
Freedom Paper Company - headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, this Black-owned manufacturer and distributor produces economical bathroom tissue for both residential and commercial use. Privately owned and founded by CEO Kamose Muhammad, they also produce economical paper towels, paper products and dispensers. www.freedompapercompany.com
Based in Fort Washington, MD, this company created and owned by Philip Garner, makes 100 percent all natural body care products, including mouthwash and lip balm, organic hand soap and body wash, hand and foot creams, hair care products, and facial cleansers and oils. Their extensive product line can be ordered online. www.garnersgarden.com
BLACK AND INFORMED
Alephonsion Deng Alephonsion Deng to Speak at Inaugural San Diego Writers Festival author of Disturbed in Their Nests: A Journey From Sudan’s Dinkaland to San Diego’s City Heights
Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Downtown Central Library. The event is free to the public.
Alephonsion Deng to Speak at Inaugural San Diego Writers Festival author of Disturbed in Their Nests: A Journey From Sudan’s Dinkaland to San Diego’s City Heights This memoir by a refugee from Sudan tells of the wonder—and disappointment—that he faced as he began to experience life in the strange place called America. Nineteen-year-old refugee Alephonsion Deng, from war-ravaged Sudan, had great expectations when he arrived in America three weeks before two airlines crashed into the World Trade Towers. Money, he’d been told, was given to you in pillows. Machines did all the work. Education was free. Suburban mom Judy Bernstein had her own assumptions. The teenaged “Lost Boys of Sudan”—who’d traveled barefoot and starving for a thousand miles— needed a little mothering and a change of scenery: a trip to the zoo, perhaps, or maybe the beach. Partnered through a mentoring program in San Diego, these two individuals from opposite sides of the world began an eye-opening journey that radically altered each other’s vision and life. Disturbed in Their Nests recounts the first year of this heartwarming partnership; the initial misunderstandings, the growing trust, and, ultimately, their lasting friendship. Their contrasting points of view provide of-the-moment insight into what refugees face when torn from their own cultures and thrust into entirely foreign ones. Alepho struggles to understand the fast-paced, super-sized way of life in America. He lands a job, but later is viciously beaten. Will he ever escape violence and hatred? Judy faces her own struggles: Alepho and his fellow refugees need jobs, education, housing, and healthcare. Why does she feel so compelled and how much support should she provide? The migrant crises in the Middle East, Central America, Europe, and Africa, have put refugees in the headlines. Countless human tragedies are reduced to mere numbers. Personal stories such as Alepho’s add a face to the news and lead to greater understanding of the strangers among us. Readers experience Alepho’s discomfort, fears, and triumphs in a way that a newscast can’t convey. This timely and inspiring personal account will make readers laugh, cry, and examine their own place in the world.
By Jennifer Coburn
BLACK & iNFORMED
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Women of Color Roar 2nd Annual Breakfast Made History
WOC Roar Breakfast Committee
gomery who were candid and commanding in answering questions posed by Mistress of Ceremonies, de Joseph.
A
ngela de Joseph, founder of Indivisible Watu and producer of the Women of Color Roar Breakfast welcomed four hundred attendees to this year’s sold out event including over 100 students, dubbed, “Future Leaders,” who received sponsorships to attend the breakfast. The purpose of the Black History Month event, presented by Indivisible WATU, is to celebrate the election victories and milestones of African American female office holders and to encourage young women of color to run for office and seek careers in public service. A prestigious panel of elected officials included: Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber, City Council President Georgette Gomez, and City Councilmember Monica L. Mont-
An unprecedented four Democratic Congressional Representatives from San Diego County participated in the 2nd annual power-house gathering, themed Women of Color: Running and Winning, which was held on Saturday, Feb. 2, 8-11 a.m., at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, in Southeast San Diego. Congresswoman Susan Davis of the 53rd gave the opening greeting followed by remarks from Congressman Mike Levin of the 49th district. Scott Peters, Congressman of the 52nd and Congressman Juan Vargas of the 51st districts were sponsors of the event who donated their tables to the students allowing those on a waiting list to attend.
Event Producer Angela de Joseph
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dditionally, Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, City Council President Pro Tem Barbara Bry and Assemblymember Todd Gloria, along with dozens of local elected officials and candidates for office were in attendance. The panel addressed topics including the challenges and opportunities facing women of color running for office, shed light on the turmoil in the recent 2018 elections and give their perspective on the opportunities and challenges for Women of Color in the coming 2020 campaign season and beyond. Like last year’s inaugural Breakfast, the 2019 breakfast not only instilled a sense of mission and encouraged young women to run for office, it provided opportunities for mentorships and internships. Congresswoman Maxine Waters was the recipient of the WOC Roar “Woman of Distinction” Award. Although she was unable to attend the event, she sent a personalized greeting to the event chairs, Angela de Joseph and Kathleen Harmon and a message to the members of Indivisible and attendees to continue with activism and run for office. Wendy Shurelds of Susan G. Komen’s Circle of Promise and Sonja Robinson of the Community Choice Alliance both received “Woman Warrior” Awards for their fierce commitment to community service.
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ounding out the stellar breakfast was a spoken word performance from Starla Lewis and her daughter Ishe. Buki Domingos brought the room to their feet to sing and dance to her powerful rendition of Tina Turner’s “You’re Simply the Best.” In closing, Angela de Joseph, a marketing consultant and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, gave credit for the overwhelmingly successful event to her team of volunteers. “Women of Color Roar has a multi-cultural steering committee and supporters who are determined to diversify the pipeline and provide opportunities for Black women to break through what Dr. Shirley Weber calls, ‘The steel ceiling,’” de Joseph emphasized. Solidifying the tradition, the WOC Roar 2019 Breakfast ended with an audience sing-along. The committee paid homage to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin as Angela reminded the women as especially the young women to always expect and demand, R-E-S-P-E-C-T. In looking towards 2020, a campaign and presidential election year, de Joseph says, “We are still celebrating the historic elections of women of color in 2018, “Although we have made gains, there is much work to do. Our Women of Color Roar 2020 Breakfast will lay the ground work for not only a blue wave, but a Black and Brown tsunami.” Photos & Article Courtesy of Indivisible WATU
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vent Table sponsors included; ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties, Senate President Pro Tempore Toni Atkins, President Pro Tem San Diego City Council Barbara Bry, Democratic Woman’s Club of San Diego, Indivisible Project, Sara Jacobs, Kumeyaay Nation, Congressman Mike Levin, Dave Meyers, Pacific Beach Democratic Club, Congressman Scott Peters, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of the Pacific Southwest, Run Women Run, Kenya L. Taylor, Together We Will (TWW), and Congressman Juan Vargas; Program Book Sponsors: ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties, Women’s March San Diego, Activist San Diego.; Fresh Flowers were provided by: Desmond Fields, Greenwood Mortuary; Table Decorating: Ms. Kathleen Harmon and Donnetta Moore; Deep appreciation for everyone who made a donation and to everyone who bought an Ambassador Ticket. Women of Color Roar Steering Committee: Chair: Angela de Joseph, Chair Emeritus: Ms. Kathleen Harmon; WATU: Watu = My Peeps; Chandra Clady, Cynthia Ajani, Oletha Wade-Matthews, Carl Evans, Spshelle F Rutledge, Robert Vryheid, Leonard Robidoux, Deborah Fitch, Camille Appling, Carlton Jones, Brittany McCline; Operations: Tama Becker-Varano; Student Outreach Coordinator: Yvonne Elkin; Community Awards Coordinator: Leslee Morris; Program Book Project Manager: Wendy Gerlenter Program Book Designer: Chida Rebecca, Rebecca & Company; Signage and Awesome Step and Repeat Designer: Jean-huy Tran; Power Point: Wendy Gelernter, Jodie Lorea Press Liaison - Dawniel Stewart; Amazing Volunteers: Robin Sales, Andi MacLeod, Oletha Wade-Matthews, Robert Vryheid, Sara Kennedy, Camille Appling, Rickie Brown, Margaret Baker, Brittany McCline, Marcus Bush, Marcela Wash, Pamela Wood, Lori Thiel, Juan Villa, David Wright, Danny Raul. 44
SAN DIEGO CHAPTER, JACK
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ND JILL OF
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MERICA, INC.
PRESENTS A
FREE BLACK HISTORY MONTH FORUM.
BL A CK EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE: SERVING A ND PROTECTING OUR To register via Eventbrite, click below: CHILDREN "Black Excellence in Public Service." Saturday, February 23, 2019 12 noon - 1:30 p.m.
Questions? Email, JJSDPres@gmail.com
Skyline Hills Branch Library 7900 Paradise Valley Road San Diego, CA 92114
Welcome by: Dr. Shirley Weber, California State Assemblymember
Panelists:
Dwayne Crenshaw, Co-Founder, RISE San Diego
Genevieve Jones-Wright, Deputy Public Defender, City of San Diego
Omar Passons, County of San Diego, Director of Integrative Health
Monica Montgomery, Councilmember, City of San Diego
Dr. Akilah Weber, Councilmember, City of La Mesa
A Baker, Louisiana woman is missing after she was last seen dropping off her two children at her mother’s home, according to the Baker Police Department. Nahendra Faye Davis, 35, of Baker, was last seen on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at about 4:45 p.m. Police say she dropped off her children at her mother’s home in the Glen Oaks area of Baton Rouge. Davis left the home in her white Dodge Challenger. Her family does not know where she was heading after she left. Davis’ unoccupied vehicle was found around Scenic Hwy. and 72nd Ave. The Baker woman is about 5 feet 3 to 5 feet 5 inches and weighs around 150 pounds. The Baker Police Department urges anyone with information on Davis’ whereabouts to call detectives at 225-775-6000 ext. 1.
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Case Type: Missing Name / Location Name: Hattie Burton Age Now: 43 Missing From: Boynton Florida
Case Type: Missing Name / Location Name: Isaac Robin Age Now: 22 Missing From: St. Croix Virginia
Description Height: 5'0" Weight: 165 Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Sex: Female Notes Hattie was last seen on February 9, 1988. She may be in need of medical attention.
Description Height: 5'0" Weight: 200 Eye Color: Brown Hair Color: Black Sex: Male Notes Isaac was last seen on January 29, 2010. He has a tattoo on his right forearm.
Mission of Black & Missing But Not Forgotten Black And Missing But Not Forgotten’s mission is to draw more attention to missing African Americans and to help bring them home. BAMBNF offers support to the families and loved ones of missing African Americans by providing an outlet for spreading the word through technology and print. Furthermore, we aim to raise awareness of the racial disparities in mainstream media’s reporting of the missing and seek equal coverage of missing African Americans. CONTACT: www.blackandmissing.org | info@blackandmissing.org
Group Releases New Blueprint for Welcoming Immigrants and New Citizens to San Diego Region Mayor Faulconer to Create City’s First Immigrant Affairs Position Following Release of Report Developed by Civic, Business, Educational and Non-Profit Organizations
Courtesy of The City of San Diego This month community leaders joined Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer and City Council President Georgette Gómez to release the Welcoming San Diego Strategic Plan on Immigrant & Refugee Integration – a community-written blueprint for the San Diego region to welcome immigrants and new citizens as they transition to life in America’s Finest City. With more than 800,000 individuals throughout the region, one in four San Diego County residents is an immigrant. “Immigrants from around the globe help define our city. San Diego has long been a destination for people in search of opportunity, refugees looking to rebuild their lives, and new citizens who are proud to call America home,” Mayor Faulconer said. “San Diego’s economy, workforce and future growth are connected to our ability to welcome new Americans into our community. This has been a community-driven process, and I want to thank the civic, business, educational and non-profit organizations for preparing this document and presenting it to the public.” At the news conference at the New
Americans Museum in Liberty Station, Mayor Faulconer also announced that his mid-year budget proposal includes the City of San Diego’s first Immigrant Affairs Manager. The position will review the plan’s proposals, guide new policies forward and facilitate the successful integration of immigrants, refugees and new citizens in San Diego. “I’m proud to stand along with many community leaders and organizations of our region to release a blueprint for Welcoming San Diego Strategic Plan on Immigrant & Refugee Integration,” Council President Gómez said. “It’s important our communities here in San Diego know they don’t stand alone. Our policies and actions must reflect a city that is welcoming. I look forward to working with the Mayor and my colleagues to help implement the plan.” In 2016 San Diego County immigrant households contributed $7.5 billion in federal taxes, $2.1 billion in state and local taxes, and leveraged $16.3 billion in spending power. Immigrant entrepreneurs generated $1.4 billion in business income for the region. The top five countries of origin for immigrants in San Diego County are Mexico, Philippines, Vietnam, China and Iraq. 51
The committee and partner organizations collaborated on the project with a vision of ensuring new Americans can participate in civic life, access public resources and contribute their skills in a meaningful way. With a recognition that immigrants are key to San Diego’s regional economy, the strategic plan presents ideas on how regional institutions can encourage a more connected community. The long-term plan was created with input from hundreds of residents, dozens of organizations and businesses, and a cross-sector steering committee covering five topic areas: economic opportunity, education, inclusive access, civic engagement and safe communities. The committee studied strategic plans, immigrant affairs offices and best practices in peer cities across the nation. “Immigrants play an important role in the strength, diversity and resiliency of our local workforce,” said Jerry Sanders, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. “By putting this new plan into action, we can stabilize the workforce, increase employee retention and improve employee performance which will raise our region’s profile and help attract more foreign direct investment, innovation and entrepreneurship. And that benefits all San Diegans.” “This report is a great example of our city working with affected community members to find ways to better integrate immigrant and refugees so that we can continue to be a region that embraces all people, regardless of where they come
from,” said Lilian Serrano, Chair of the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium. “We look forward to the city’s continued commitment to fully implement this plan.” The Welcoming San Diego effort, launched at a kickoff summit in February 2018, was supported by the Gateways for Growth grant from New American Economy and Welcoming America and matched by the California Endowment. The City of San Diego will keep working collaboratively with relevant nonprofits, businesses and organizations throughout the region, and the steering committee will continue to serve in an advisory capacity. “Immigrants are and should be seen as a resource. The Welcoming San Diego plan will allow San Diego to tap into the important asset that immigrants and refugees are for the entire region,” said Juan Pablo Sanchez, local business owner and board member of Business for Good. “This report presents key recommendations that our city can begin to enact. One bullet that should not be overlooked in the report and that the New Americans Museum strives to achieve every day is the question of ‘narrative change’ – of counteracting divisive immigrant rhetoric with the positive and significant contributions of immigrants,” said Linda Caballero Sotelo, Executive Director of the New Americans Museum. “To understand our shared values as Americans, we are no longer in the business of trying to change people’s minds – but their hearts.”
Guiding Empowering Women Entrepreneur Leaders 4 Success (GEWELS) program is to provide an understanding of common practices and the administrative needs of a business by offering training in essential workplace skills that are highly valued by entrepreneurs and employers. Â
Quick Facts The Program is Free Food will be
Who can attend? The GEWELS program is designed for at risk women who are striving to improve their overall quality of life.
When are the classes?
This 10 week program runs on Thursday nights from 6pm9pm. The first session will be on March 7th. There will be 5 additional Saturday sessions. Dates will be provided
How can I register?
Registration can be completed by following this link: http://ow.ly/Z0jv30nA6y1
provided Sessions will be held at Bayview Church This program is only open to women Space is limited for this program
You can also find the link on the Paving Great Futures Facebook page.
Still have questions? Send us an email to info@pavinggreatfutures.org
GEWEL is a program of Paving Great Futures a 501c3 non profit organization www.PavingGreatFutures.org
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