February/March Issue 2018
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Celebrating An Austin Icon
Returning To Work at 50!
Meet Mrs. Olyvia Green The First Black Teacher at Pease Elementary
I
met Mrs. Olyvia Green at an event last September. She instantly walked up and hugged me and introduced herself. During this same event, I learned that she was the first Black teacher at Pease Elementary. To celebrate Black History Month, Ujima wanted to introduce and celebrate this Austin icon.
but with each incident, she fought back with respect and dignity.
Mrs. Green moved to Austin, Texas in 1967 after being borned and raised in Magnolia Arkansas. In 1969, she began her teaching career at Pease Elementary School. She was the first Black teacher to walk the halls of the elementary and integrate the school. The principal at the time was Ms. Hunter. Mrs. Green recalled going to her home to interview for the teaching position. As the interview came to an end, Ms.Hunter offered the job to Mrs. Green. Accepting the job was the easy part, working with an all White staff was a different ball game. “I would get the fake smiles when passing teachers in the hallway.” stated Mrs. Green. She saw and felt the racism from staff and parents but continued her mission of teaching. Mrs. Green experienced racism, ignorance and nonacceptance
N EWS
AR T
It Doesn’t Have To Be A Hard Road
C U LT U R E
Mrs. Green taught for 26 years at Pease Elementary. She taught all subjects. She lead the way for future Black teachers and she is most proud about that. One of her fondest memories is her 75th Birthday Party. She wanted to invite her students from Pease alone with some of her friends. She called Dwight Piper, whom she taught in first and third grade, and asked him to to invite some of the students. They had about 30 or more students and parents at the party alone with her other guests.
There was a time when people worked for a company until they retired with a pension and collected their social security benefits. That is no longer the case for most people. You can work for a company and get laid off or you need to get back into the workforce and for older workers, it can be difficult. Looking for a job after 50 can be exhausting but there are programs to assist you in finding your next job while competing with millennials.
Mrs. Green has many accolades for her teaching and being the first Black teacher at Pease Elementary. Ujima celebrates the accomplishment and the paving the way for all teachers and professionals who educate and inspire our children every day.
To get started, you should attend one of the information sessions. The next session will be on February 27, 2018 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM Location: ACC Highland Campus Address: 6101 Highland Campus Drive Room Number: ACCelerator, Room 1101
Thanks for everything you have done for our community and children forging them ahead with knowledge.
For more information, please visit http://sites.austincc.edu/back-to-work-fiftyplus/.
EN T ER TAIN MEN T
H EALT H & W EL L N ESS
T R AVEL
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Damita’s Corner
Adults Living With Autism
Founder/Publisher Damita Miller-Shanklin
Practical Points For Helping Your Love One
January has ended! How are your new start and new focus going? How are your New Years resolutions going? My goals are on track so far. This year is starting out with a lot of promise. Ujima is on track for new ideas and growth. Ujima remembers Black History Month with a collage of people, quotes, and events happening around the area. We have so many reasons to be proud of our culture and accomplishments. On a recent radio show, callers were pointing out we celebrate Black History only one month but we should be celebrating every day. I think we do. We celebrate every day in some way watching and reading about Black people making strides in education, politics, being a mom and dad, owning our own businesses and being financially secure. Those are celebratory moments. Just because you may not hear of some big historymaking moment, does not mean Black people are not celebrating every single day. Try to celebrate every day no matter what you do. Make your own Black History moments during the month of February and every day going forward. Embrace Your Community
What is Autism? It is a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts. Marianne Sullivan is the mother of a 21-year-old adult with Autism. She spoke at a National Conference in Columbus and gave four key points to help a young adult with Autism find independence.
How To Prevent Catching The Flu
The Four Keys To Helping An Adult with Autism Find Independence 1. Have a safe and supportive place to live 2. Maintain access to needed services 2. Maintain access to needed services 3. Participate in meaningful activities 4. Develop friendships and relationships in the community that involves and values the input of the individual with complex communication needs. Safety, services, activities, and relationships are the basic foundation for independence and living a full life. For the full story, go to https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/07/29/fourkey-points-helping-young-adult-autism-find-independence.
The world will be celebrating Earth Day on April 22 Earth Day marks anniversary of the birth of the environmental movement which started in 1970. The purpose of Earth Day is to have different events demonstrate the support of environmental protection. If you are looking for a way to participate here are a few activities to consider. Huston-Tillotson University will have interactive events on their campus on April 21, 2018, from 12pm-7pm. Visit http://earthdayaustin.com/
Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. Visit online at Ujimamagazine.com. For Advertising Opportunities email us at UjimaMagazine@gmail.com
The Flu Has Hit, What Do You Do?
Learn about the environment and how you can help to protect it. For more information about Earth Day or how to become involved, visit https://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Earth-Day
We probably all know someone who has been taken down by the flu. It usually takes 3-5 days to get over it. This year seems to be really bad. Several deaths have been caused as a result of the flu. There is a report of a mother who recently died from taking care of her family who was sick with the flu. It is on record that more children have died this year from the flu. It is very clear, you have to take precautions to get through this flu season in order to be the least affected. How To Prevent The Flu? 1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 2. Stay home when you are sick. 3. Cover your mouth and nose. 4. Clean your hands. 5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 6. Practice other good health habits. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ protect/habits.htm
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C OM M UN IT Y
Emancipet Has A New Facility Providing Low Cost Care for All Pets Emancipet has opened a new facility that provides low-cost veterinary care. The non-profit organization celebrated the grand opening on January 11, 2018. The facility has six exam rooms with state of the art technology. It has a surgical suite, digital and dental x-ray machines and a blood analysis machine and they still offer services at a low cost. The wellness exams average about $5, vaccines cost $15 and specialized surgeries are set at fixed prices with no surprise charges. “The goal is to make sure all pet owners have access to affordable care.” Emancipet CEO, Amy Mills says pet owners will walk out with the best care that they can get anywhere. There are no income qualifications for services at Emancipet. The organization served nearly a 100,000 pet owners.
UNABLE TO WORK? • DENIED BENEFITS? • WE CAN HELP!
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
There is also a mobile clinic that provides Spay and Neuter services, vaccinations, test, microchip, flea, tick and heartworm test for dogs and cats, heartworm treatment and add on services. For more information about Emancipet, visit https://emancipet.org
Psychiatric Emergency (PES) Has Moved The new Psychiatric Emergency building, Richard E. Hopkins Behavioral Health building, has moved to 1165 Airport, Austin, Texas 78702. It opened to the public on January 14th. The new location has separate waiting rooms for adults and children. The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Saturday, Sunday and Holidays from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. PES is a walk-in urgent care clinic that supports adults, children and families experiencing a mental health crisis. If you find that you have a psychiatric emergency, or you need assistance, please call 472-HELP (4357).
Fighting for Your Social Security Disability Benefits for Over 20 Years!
“ The 18th Annual Central Texas African American Family Support Conference will be held on February 27-28, 2018 at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas. The Central Texas African American Family Support Conference provides opportunities to learn about mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance use disorder, co-occurring disorders and much more. The mission of the conference is to strengthen family and individual awareness of available behavioral and physical health care services through culturally sensitive education, supports and partnerships. Empowering Consumers, Youth, Families & Providers to Improve Health
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HEALT H AN D W ELLN ES S
Get Your Body Right! Spotlight on HyperTrain Athletics
H
yperTrain Athletics is owned and operated by Ramont Mittchell. He has been a trainer for eight years. He recently did a relaunch of his company and their services.
The core services provided Athletic Performance Training, H.I.I.T (High Intensity Interval Training) Group Classes, Competition Fitness, Prep Coaching and Meal Planning. There are five things you should know about HyperTrain Athletics: * A locally developed small business in Round Rock * Family owned business * Offering private to semi private training
“The fastest way to become better at something is through applied earning.”
* Home to the Physique Pro Academy, the only facility specifically dedicated to competition fitness prep * Where high school prospects transition to D1 athletes. The HyperTrain Athletics re-launch features a newly added custom app for mobile access to class and training, scheduling and meal planning. Also,
app subscribers will be have updates, specials and new offerings before the general public. The app is the easiest way to stay in touch with your fitness resource.In addition to the app, Hypertrain Athletics has added HIIT group classes and we will be featuring our outdoor field for athletic training, as a unique indoor/outdoor training facility in Round Rock. If you are looking for support or a way to reach your health goal, with accountability, reach out to Ramont at HyperTrain Athletics. They are located at 3200 Sunrise Road, Round Rock, Texas 78665. You can reach him at 512-820-6928.
Mental Illness and the Effect on Families Where does the conversation start? and she hopes to form a support group.
Mental Illness is an issue that goes without discussion in most families until something goes bad and you have no choice but to seek help. In the Black community, it is a hushhush topic. We all know someone who has a family member that was different and the family would say “oh he is just being crazy.” Well, that person was not being crazy they more than likely needed help. When people are affected by Mental Illness most look for someone to speak with, possibly even get treatment with medications, that is not always the case with Black families. They are more prone to speak with their minister, participate in drugs and alcohol or simply allow
their symptoms to go untreated. This mother wanted to receive help and get the community involved. She wants help and by telling her story, the hope is she can find other people in the community that are going through a similar situation
The mother first noticed her son was having difficulty around age 16. He was always in trouble, he would say nobody cares about him. From there, he began threatening people and hallucinating. She says he hid it well for a while. He got married and then turned to Opioids. He and his wife became homeless and moved in with her. With the drug use and the hallucinations, he became worse. He broke into homes and when he demolished her car, and after hurting her and his wife, he was arrested.
The mother has reached out to many organizations and agencies for help. She feels her son should receive treatment for his mental illness, not jail. He has been in jail since August 17, 2017. She doesn’t know how to get him the support he needs at this point. She would like to join a support group to help her deal with all the challenges with her son. If you have any ideas or comments for this mother, please email Damita@Ujimamagazine.com and we will get her the information to follow up.
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EN T REP REN EURS / B US IN ES S T IP S Favorite Book Of The Month
Listful Thinking Using Lists To Be More Productive, Highly Successful and Less Stressed By Paula Rizzo
If you are into productivity and time management tools, you want to read this book. You can read Listful Thinking in one sitting. It is a fun read but also a very informational read. Many of you use post-its, a notebook or your phone to make list to keep you organized. Rizzo gives you practical ways to start using list or if you already use them, enhance what you are already doing. “If you’re part of the 37 percent and feel like you’re chasing your own tail, author Paula Rizzo, a top national TV producer, delivers the solution” Rizzo takes you through List 101 to how to use it digitally. Grab your copy today. For more information visit www.listproducer.com
Write to Heal By Dr. Karen Maxfield-Lunkin
Dr. Karen Maxfield-Lunkin released her book on January 26, 2018. She is a visionary author and educational entrepreneur with years of experience as an educational leader, motivational speaker and advocate for social justice.
W
rite to Heal is an extended journal writing process whereby the clarity that “all things work together” comes. Write to Heal is not meant to follow the happily-ever-after storyline prominent in pop culture; but rather, it is a process whereby a writer grapples with and makes sense of the painful circumstances that shape who we are. The writers in this work are at varying stages of the process of healing and forgiveness. SEVEN WOMEN, SEVEN TRIUMPHS” is a book dedicated to all women that need to heal. It describes how writing can be used as “a peacekeeping anti-
oxidant, which when released in the body demolishes the free radicals that cause painful emotions and memories, thereby boosting the body’s immune system to heal.” The seven-chapter book is written by the seven co-authors, each writer using the Write2Heal process of critical self-reflection; sharing seven different life issues with painful memories and emotional trauma. The writers tell the stories at varying levels in the Write2Heal process – each one finding triumph in the trials and gaining personal growth – whether unfolding or complete.
“WRITE TO HEAL” is an intimate and interactive book that will not only activate the reader’s faith but also heal the body by boosting the immune system. For more information about the book, send mail to writetoheal2017@gmail.com or Bridgeucation88@gmail.com And we know that all things work together for the good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
Mindmapping The Way To Put Your Thoughts and Ideas Into Perspective Mind mapping has been recognized by companies as an effective communication tool that improves brainstorming and collaboration sessions. By visualizing concepts and connections in a , people can follow conversations better and contribute more during meetings. Mind mapping is often seen as an alternative to traditional linear presentations such as PowerPoint or flip charts. There are six ways Mindmapping has been used in business: * Increase productivity * Enhance meetings * Simplify request for proposals (RFP)
Overview knowledge management * Optimize project management * Improve collaboration and communication
and see if it enhances your meeting. You can use mindmapping for any brainstorming of ideas and more.
In your next meeting, for engagement and participation, try Mindmapping
Visit mindmapping.com for more information.
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HAP P EN IN GS AN D M ORE
Dog Flu Prevention It’s not just for Humans How to Protect Your Dog From The Flu By Janine Puhak We know the Flu is more prevalent this year. Many people are losing their lives. Pet parents need to make sure their fur babies are protected as well. Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has reported an uptick in cased of the canine influenza virus H3N2, mainly in California, Kentucky and Ohio. Dog owners should be wary of letting their pets have close contact with other dogs at kennels, dog parks and daycares. Like the human flu, dog flu is spread from canine to canine when they bark, sneeze or cough at one another. Dog flu is easily mistaken for kennel cough. Collins says that a fever, lingering cough, decreased appetite, lethargy and green discharge from the nose and eyes are likely surefire signs that your
Black History Happenings In Austin Community Night Spotlight: Black Heritage On February 28, join us for a playful evening in celebration of Black history, culture, art and scientific contributions, featuring hands-on activities and community presenters from the George Washington Carver Museum, Six Square and Mo’ Math Mo’ Money
“Black Art Matters”-February 17 “Black Art Matters” aims to be an art show that highlights criminal justice, social justice and the Black Lives Matters movement. Event hosted by Austin Justice Coalition. Rio Rita, 1203 Chicon This is just a few events around town that will be happening during Black History Month.
four-legged family member has the flu. Dogs and cats can get the human flu, so when a human is ill, stay a safe distance from your pets to ensure they don’t come down sick and you can have a speedy recovery. For the full article, visit http://www.foxnews.com/lifestyl e/2018/01/27/how-to-protectyour-dog-from-flu.html
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ART / C ULT URE/ LI FEST Y LE
Gift Ideas For Mom Tea Party- https://us-en.kusmitea.com Subscription Boxeshttp://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/2016/05/m om-subscription-boxes.html Flavor Infuser Water Bottlehttps://www.uncommongoods.com/product/flavorinfuser-water-bottle
Manos de Cristo: 30th Anniversary Gala Since 1988, Central Texans needing assistance have found a source of relief in Manos de Cristo’s essential life-changing programs. A group of local churches banded together thirty years ago to fill a significant gap in providing basic needs services to underserved, mostly minority Austinites. Over the years, Manos grew from serving hundreds of individuals annually to over 25,000 annually. In order to continue to serve thousands of community members, Manos de Cristo holds an annual fundraising gala. Saturday, April 7, 2018, 5:30 p.m. Where: ACL Live at the Moody Theater, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin, TX 78701 Proceeds will benefit Manos de Cristo’s important programs that serve your neighbors in need. For tickets visit http://www.manosdecristo.org/30thanniversarygala
Salvage Vanguard Theatre Walk Across Austin
Celebration of Diverse Literary Voices of TX
March 1st -March 2nd, 2018 Austin will host the annual Amplify Austin Day, a community-wide day of online giving. In celebration of this annual day of local love, Salvage Vanguard Theater (SVT) is taking a Walk Across Austin. Join us on March 1st as we Walk Across Austin. We walk for women making art, we walk for mothers making art, we walk for new voices and accessible practices. Come walk with us! Take pride in our city, its beauty, and the community that supports the arts. https://amplifyatx.ilivehereigivehere.org/ salvagevangua
Saturday, February 24, 1-5 PM, Austin Central Library, 710 W. César Chávez St., 6th Floor (Living Room Area) Join the Austin Public Library and KAZI Book Review for the second annual Celebration of Diverse Literary Voices of Texas. There will be author readings as well as panel discussions on cultural diversity, African American education, Mexican American literature and social justice in literature. For more information, contact Hopeton Hay, KAZI Book Review Producer and Host, at hopeton@kazifm.org.
WON DERFUL WORLD OF FOOD AN D DRI N K S
Oven Crispy Chicken Wings
Cardinal Punch
This should make any celebration very exciting!
A Sweet Little Tart Mocktail
WHAT YOU NEED: 1/3 cup of flour 1 tablespoon of paprika 1 teaspoon of garlic salt 1 teaspoon of black pepper 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper 3 tablespoon of butter 10 chicken wings, tips removed
Cardinal Punch is an easy, fruit-filled punch that is great when hosting any type of party, especially outdoor family-friendly events.
DIRECTIONS •Cut wings at point •Preheat ovent o 425 degrees •Be sure the wings are thawed and dryed well with paper towels •Combine flour, paprika, garlic salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper, in a plastic bag •Shake to mix ingredients and add wings
•Line a large baking sheet with •Release foil and melt the butter on it •Add wings and turn to coat •Bake for 30 minutes •Turn wings over and bake for another 15 minutes or until crispy and done. • Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce. Courtesy of geniusKitchen.com
INgREDIENTS: 2 ounces cranberry juice 2 ounces ginger ale 1/2 ounce lemon juice garnish: Lemon and orange slices Pour the juices into a glass half filled with ice cubes, top with ginger ale and garnish with orange and lemon slices. Relax and Enjoy!