FEMI Magazine January/February 2021 by FEMI Magazine

Contents BEAUTY + HAIR

GET THE GLAM LOOK!

MakeUp Artist Jessica Lynch shows us how to look fabulous on a budget!

FASHION Renee Bishop of Deity New York shares life in the fashion industry!

BLACK LOVE FEATURE Charles & La Tanya Austin show us how to make marriage work and keep the love alive!

SEX TRAFFICKING

10 Chong Kim speaks on surviving sex trafficking.

BLACK HISTORY

Anna Nyakana is motivation for educating yourself & knowing who you are!

SURVIVING COVID 19 2020 was a tough year, Dr. Sylette DeBois details how we can recover!

Black Business Highlight

16 Smonique Smith-Person shares

Pastor Kenneth B. Austin of The Mercy House Montgomery, Alabama

34 Dionne Coleman speaks on

LIFE + CULTURE

on discovering her true identity after being kidnapped.

the sex trafficking of black women and the truth behind it!

BLACK LIVES MATTER Pamela Smith speaks on healing the black community!

COVER STORY

Christina Johnson is unapologetically free!

Oli Prime on life in sports and fitness!

28 Rodney Toomer on outreach in the black community!

40 Actor/Comedian Brandon T.

Jackson shares about new business ventures and his spiritual journey!

43 Chadwick Boseman Tribute -Poem

TANISHA D. DAVIS Publisher EDITORIAL Victoria Moulterie Content Editor PUBLIC RELATIONS Shauna Lamore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Adezza DuBose Amanda Miller Dominique Williams Candace Green Kiwanna Harshaw Chaundra Scott Valerie Jones Sylvia Onyeiwu Camille Ali ART/ DESIGN Harold Knight Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Calvin Howard MGimages Studios Gregory Bettis

FOUNDER Tanisha D. Davis EMAIL Submissions.FEMIMagazine@gmail.com

ublisher’s Note

TANISHA DAVIS To stand on something you believe in is such a powerful thing! When you are faced with adversity, doubters, and those who do not have faith in your dreams, you must remember to stand anyway! In standing you will discover your true power and learn that you can live a life that is not based on the opinions and decisions of others. We are living in such a time where your voice matters and you no longer have to sit down and be quiet. You can rise up and speak your truth and be unapologetic about it. It is such a joy to be able to feature so many amazing individuals within the black community and share their stories! Our Cover Queen is Christina Johnson and she opens up her world to us to show why living a life unapologetically can be brave and beautiful. 2020 was a rough year and we found ourselves fighting a daily battle with the rising rates of Covid 19, and the shameless killings happening in our black communities behind police brutality. We faced isolation and we took some losses as many loved ones departed us. It was in 2020 that I lost my mother, Chyrell Myers so it became a year where I had to find my strength in God and stand like never before on what I believed in. Remember as you step into this new chapter and year of your life to be bold about what you believe in. Stand for something and dare to live unapologetically in front of all who dare to doubt the greatness inside of you! FEMI stands with you!

CREDIT: Calvin Howard

CONNECT WITH ME Tanisha D Davis

@TanishaDDavis

Tanisha D. Davis

Tanisha D. Davis, Publisher

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CREDIT: Makeup By Jessica Lynch Creative Direction By Tanisha Davis & Shay Shantell Designer/Stylist By Charles Andrew Photography By Calvin Howard

COVER STORY

CHRISTINA

Johnson

WRITTEN BY KIWANNA HARSHAW

“

As a mother of a young black man, it is heartbreaking to see what is happening in our community.

hristina Johnson has proven that losing is not an option. As a mother, mogul, and business woman; Christina beat the odds. Born and raised in Charlotte, NC Christina moved her and her two young daughters to Atlanta, GA in 1997 with hopes of a more fulfilling career. Becoming a mother at an early age, Christina talked about the obstacles she faced “Being a teen mom instantly made me the black sheep of the family. I was ostracized from some of my friends because of my choices”. Christina continued by saying, “I had to work twice as hard as my peers to graduate from high school and continue my education to college. Working a job, going to high school and staying up all night with a screaming baby was so challenging but I persevered. My children are my gifts from God and are some of my greatest teachers”. Christina opened up about her past dealings with domestic abuse and the steps she took leaving her abuser. “The first

thing I did to overcome domestic violence, was to develop an escape plan”. Christina added, “Next, I worked on myself, by healing my childhood pain in the aftermath of being abused. I learned through this experience that you can’t really move forward in your life until you heal”. Christina continued by saying, “I would tell a person facing abuse that you are valuable. You are enough! You are beautifully and uniquely made! You are worthy of God’s absolute best for you and you don’t have to settle.” Being a mentor to young adults, Christina expressed how much love she has for the younger generation. “I have always had a love for young people! I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Atlanta area schools and speak to them about dating and domestic violence, while also speaking with all of the young ladies that my children were friends with that are like my children. Christina continued by saying, “I was and am blessed to be able to steer them in the right direction in every area of their lives. I’m so grateful to have such a diverse demographic”.

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Police brutality in the black community has always been an issue. Unapologetically, we have to protect ourselves and our community. Christina replied, “As a mother of a young black man, it is heartbreaking to see what is happening in our community”. People all over the US have decided to make their voice heard by demonstrating protests over the killings of our unarmed and non violent black men and wom-

en. Some have even resorted to rioting. Christina added, “I think if the riots were working it would stop. The fact that people are still losing their lives senselessly because of racism lets us know that more steps should be taken to protect ourselves.” Christina also opened up about her struggle with Graves Disease and how it affected her personal life. “Graves’ disease slowed my

life down for a few years because it was so aggressive. I had surgery every year from 2011 to 2013. I got so sick that I almost lost my life; so for a while it completely stopped me professionally, and personally.” Christina added, “My advice for anyone battling thyroid disease would be to please see an endocrinologist. Be mindful of the things that you are eating, drinking and putting on your body.” Let’s talk about “The Quench Quest” and what it represents. “The Quench Quest is my group coaching program. This is a way for me to Life Coach women in groups. Christina added, “I also do personal one on one coaching; however, The Quench Quest is a way for women to not only be coached by me, but to also be supported by each other. We heal our past and learn to put ourselves first. “Christina continued by saying, “The expectation is for me to be a vessel and be a blessing with my life coaching. I offer a judgment free zone to ensure the healing process can begin and everyone can live life to their fullest potential. You will be empowered, and I will be there to walk with you through the work! It takes work to heal. “ Interior design is such an exciting field to explore. What inspired “Design My Investment”? “My business partner, Phylea Carter and I decided to combine our talents to create an interior design firm that focuses on creating some incredible spaces for an amazing clientele.” Christina added, “Learn all that you can because the market is always changing. Develop relationships with other great interior designers; and also, make sure that you satisfy every client because word-of-mouth is the biggest seller!” @christinajohnson_

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Street Workout Connects Everything from the body to Spirit: Former NFL/ CFL Player Oli Primé Talks Street workout and how to Stay Motivated WRITTEN BY ADEZZA DUBOSE

an we be honest for a second? Can you say that working out is a strong suit for you? If yes, then you are amongst the elite, and if no, then let’s get into it quickly. Honestly, working out is one of the most given up goals than any other New Year’s resolution. According to the International Health, Racquet & SportsClub Association, “4% of New Year’s resolutioners quit by the end of January, 50% of new gym members quit going within the first six months, and 46% of ex gym members said that it cost too much.” Maybe, the gym is not for everybody, and that is ok, and we all know that having motivation is a hit or miss. However, Oli Primé offers an alternative that is everywhere and free to use, STREET WORKOUT, and he provides some mindful aspects for maintaining that motivation! Femi Magazine interviewed Carl-Olivier Primé, aka Oli Prime, about his workout aesthetics, the transition from football retirement until now. Also, what mental, physical, and spiritual techniques he uses to keep going. 8

Since retiring from football, what has been your purpose in life? How has the transition been like for you? My purpose has been to discover myself as a man and teach other fellowmen how to tap into their manhood and know themselves as men. To grab their identity and own it. I have a blog about that. Also, the transition was fun. I was ready to move on because I was excited to meet the other me. The after, football, me. The me I was going to be with for the long run. How did you get into the street workout? What have been some challenges for you, and how did you overcome them? I got into a street workout while I was traveling. I went on a 2-month road trip from Montréal to Florida, and I ended up in the Bahamas. During that time, I didn’t always have access to a gym, so I had to train differently to stay in shape. The challenge that I had with calisthenics is the fact that I am a heavyweight. I fluctuated between 235 and 245 lbs. during the season, I had to train differently to move like a lightweight.

Describe your daily routine. What is the first thing you do when you wake up, and what about your eating habits? I fast 23 hours a day from Sunday to Friday. It strengthens my will, my spirit, and it’s great for my body composition. In the morning, I go for coffee; it helps me with my mood; then, I listen to podcasts while I go to work. Then after work, I train, then I sleep. Very mundane. I go out on weekends. I party a lot. I’m a social animal. Many people struggle with creating workout goals for themselves and usually end up quitting before a month. For those you train, what techniques do you use to keep them motivated? I teach them to use their mind to connect with their body and their muscles. I also teach them movements that they can learn fast; it gives them the patience to learn the harder ones.

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On Instagram, you speak heavily on understanding your limits and working harder each moment not to pass it, but to dominate it completely. Do you create goals for yourself, or is your workout lifestyle free and limitless? I have specific goals. This thing is like a video game where you get to the next level, the better you have to get. I believe that we can be anything we want to be. It’s my way to prove it.

Like the great gospel singer, Yolanda Adams said, “Nobody told me that the road would get easy.” However, there are ways to get through any resolution or goal. First, find the “Why” and use that as your motivation and second, channel your mental, physical, and spiritual side. Oli Primé found his “Why” by working in the call center. He started envisioning himself writing books and articles that depicted his personal experiences and how he shared advice about masculinity

leadership, relationships, dating, and sports. Through his “why” Oli says “It is my outlet and tension release when I can connect street workouts to my body and spirit, it synchronizes through natural movements and the act of being outside surrounded by nature.” To connect with this social animal and view some of his street workouts, you can find Oli Primé @_Knightvision

“

I have specific goals. This thing is like a video game where you get to the next level, the better you have to get.

CREDIT: Maxime La Valliere FEMI MAGAZINE

A Thousand Voices: A Journey From Human Trafficking Survivor to Human Rights Activist WRITTEN BY CAMILLE ALI

hong Kim is an author, activist, and world-renowned speaker, but she did not obtain these titles overnight. An infant migrant from Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Chong’s life in the United States began in Oklahoma City. Born with a disability, the onset of trauma began with childhood sexual abuse at the age of three, continued with school bullying, and escalated in foster care. By the age of nineteen, Chong was deceived and exploited into the sex trade by a man she had fallen in love with. On any given day Chong was forced to see ten to twenty-five men and sometimes women. Many times, against her will, narcotics were injected into her body. Drug abuse soon resulted in drug addiction. Not only was Chong continuously raped, abused, and tortured, she witnessed the beatings and rape of small children. Despite her defenseless confinement, Chong’s innate instincts aided her survival in the sex trade. Held in an

abandoned warehouse, she was able to escape while pregnant. Though she did not escape without mental and emotional scars. Chong has coped with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Borderline Personality Dissociation (BPD), Bipolar Disorder, and Manic Depression. Shortly after her escape, Chong gave birth to a daughter. Chong is now eighteen years clean from drug use. Chong’s ability to heal through her trauma allowed her to publicly share her story. Her story eventually caught the attention of law enforcement. Chong’s intelligence combined with her ground-level perspective in the sex trade assisted law enforcement in apprehending predators. Chong used her voice to speak at colleges, universities, symposiums, task forces, and rescue centers both locally and internationally. She has made guest appearances on several major talk

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shows and has received various honors throughout the United States. Empowered and liberated through her speaking engagements, Chong began to pen poems and articles on social injustice. Her artistry evolved into her first movie production titled, Eden, which was released in 2012. Eden is now streamed on platforms including YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. In 2017, Chong wrote and published her first memoir and book Broken Silence. Her latest project to date is a scripted TV series, Every 40 Seconds, and is soon to be released. Currently, Chong is developing her foundation Velvet Brick, and innovations to help end social injustice, systemic racism, and child abductions. In this interview with FEMI magazine, Chong Kim discusses her healing process, working with the F.B.I, human trafficking awareness, and rewarding moments from her advocacy. Having survived years of personal trauma, what did the healing process look like for you? How has sharing your story aided in that process? “To me, there’s no expiration date to healing. You continue to grow in your healing process, and you learn what needs to be changed to be a healthy person. Speaking can be both debilitating and healing. I do highly advise any victim and/or survivor looking to speak, to be sure to see a counselor in your first two years of speaking. How we share our story can also be triggering. Once you get past that point, then your demeanor changes from the victim telling her story to a confident overcomer giving feedback and insight of what’s to come.” Can you share how you got involved in collaborating with law enforcement and/or the F.B.I? “When I started speaking at conferences, which included law enforcement and/or F.B.I agents, they learned about my story. They approached me and asked me to be a consultant on several cases where my insight was needed. Since then I have continued to be a consultant for them and also to attorneys – both prosecutors and defense attorneys for victims being charged.” What are the common industries women are trafficked into? “Women and girls can be trafficked into anything from online porn, strip clubs, FEMI MAGAZINE

homemade porn, escorts and/or pimping, and legitimate dating sites. Pimped out by girlfriends, boyfriends, associates, bosses, teachers, or coaches. Other times it can be a legitimate job; a nanny, a house-sitter, or a house cleaner. The person who hires them can also turn them out. It doesn’t always have to be a sex industry.” What percentage of human trafficking victims are minority women? “According to the Human Trafficking Hotline in 2019; 48,326 calls have been made to the hotline. There have been 9,357 female victims that have been reported, 1,304 male victims, and 99 gender minority victims. Which doesn’t make sense to me. Does the female and male described in these charts identify as ‘white’ or ‘Caucasian’? What is a gender minority? “In my professional opinion, I do not believe there is a specific percentage that is accounted for when it comes to reporting missing children and/ or adults or when it comes to minority women, girls, or boys that could be victims of trafficking. Also, Amber Alert will not “alert” perceived runaways. So, what does that mean? Is this a discrimination of class, race, and gender? I believe there are far more minority victims of human trafficking then what is shown in these stats.” What types of women are targeted and what are common places and/ or major cities traffickers use to find these women? “There are no common places. Traffickers are like cancer, they will hunt anywhere and everywhere regardless of your age, race, creed, religion, or sexual orientation. Human trafficking is led by a profit motive. Any person from infancy to elders can still be kidnapped, sold, and reused again for the traffickers to make money.” What are the common signs to look for in a trafficker? “Do not profile or discriminate against anyone just because they “look” suspicious. ANYONE can be a trafficker – mothers, fathers, older siblings, pimps, doctors, politicians, your best friend, or a stranger. It does not matter. You want to look at behavioral detection; watch for activity not how they look.”

“

When I speak, I bring a thousand voices with me.” - Chong Kim

What is one thing we as a community can do to help prevent human trafficking? “Get involved with your local task force. Ask questions and challenge the status quo. Ask why minorities aren’t being viewed as victims? Contact your local Senate and your local elected officials. Ask them what their plans are to prevent human trafficking in your city. Also, get involved in outreach and awareness in your neighborhood. Be educated. Be informed.” What has been the most rewarding part of your advocacy for human trafficking awareness and prevention? “The first and foremost is when I traveled to Brussels, Belgium in 2005. The European Parliament wanted to legalize prostitution. When I shared my testimony, I was able to influence them not to legalize prostitution in that country. The second is having my name memorialized on the Wall of Tolerance in honor of Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama. And last, is having my story told in the Hollywood film, “Eden”. Each of these milestones forged a pathway for me to create ongoing changes and has allowed the voiceless (especially minority American women and girls) to speak.

@iamchongkim 11

Latinx. While on the other hand 27 percent animals and 50 percent White/ Caucasian.

CREATING OUR OWN STORIES The Importance of Representation in Literature WRITTEN BY VICTORIA MOULTERIE

Anna Nyakana is an author who is bringing magical stories to life with multicultural characters where children can see themselves. Nyakana was born in Berlin, Germany and immigrated with her family to the U.S in the early 90s. She saw the lack of brown or black people on the cover of the stories she would read at a young age. Nyakana created her own stories to fill in the gap. Her stories also focus on girl empowerment. The main character is a young girl, exploring and creating her own adventures. Not only is she an author. Nyakana is a philanthropist, motivational speaker and mother of two. She is like a lot of us out here trying to make change within our community. We got to ask Nyakana some questions about her vision and her book Niyah Zuri and the Pharaoh’s Throne. The Niyah Zuri Series is unique with the component of time travel and showing the stories of people of Color outside of what they are used to seeing. What was your creative process in bringing this to life?

Anna Nyakana Credit: Niyah Zuri Studios

epresentation in literature is crucial when it comes to celebrating our black culture and black legacy. We need to show the youth stories of people who look just like them. We need to show them that there is a world that they have not even imagined yet, but also know that that world is possible for someone like them. There has been a lot of progress within the media and literature, but we still have a long way to go. In 2018, an infographic was released by David Hucyk and Sarah Park Dahlen showing the diversity in children’s books. The numbers showed that only 10 percent depicted characters were African/African American, 1 percent American Indians/First Nations, and 5 percent

My childhood was filled with culturally-rich experiences including immigrating to the States, overcoming the language barrier, discovering the beautiful lessons within the struggles that come from living in the housing projects, and volunteer work internationally; specifically in third-world countries. Although I grew up in the States for the majority of my childhood, I maintained the immigrant-mentality of connection to my homeland and countries, to my family overseas, and the mission for a global progression. I realized that most of the kids in my neighborhood did not have this connection or knowledge of self-outside of what was being presented to them in school and within their households. This seed grew into a consciousness as I blossomed into the woman I am today. My desire for children to know of their own rich history FEMI MAGAZINE

in order to triumph over the subliminal and apparent battles faced daily as children of Color in this country became an overwhelming mission and hence the Niyah Zuri movement was born. I decided the first adventure in the book series would begin in Africa as it is the cradle of civilization and often not glorified as it should be. What a powerful opportunity to unchain the minds of the youth and instill in them a pride, a confidence, of hailing from Empires and Kingdoms versus plantations and concrete neighborhoods.

Were people initially receptive to your vision? No - In fact that was the word I encountered at every turn initially, whether it was from publishers, schools, or sponsors. What they did not realize is that this is my purpose, so I was going to be consistently persistent until I made my own YES. Once they saw the re-

The Niyah Zuri Series is more than just a book. What inspired you to take it to the next level with creating lesson plans and your virtual programming?

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Be committed to making an impact for a lifetime; empowering the youth will directly affect their trajectory. So have a clear vision and remember that your mission is fulfilled one child at a time. In an interview on FOX Soul’s “Out Loud with Claudia Jordan”, you spoke on not fitting in with certain groups when you were younger and getting bullied. What do you say to other young girls struggling with embracing themselves especially in a world where they are told their hair is not beautiful or their dark skin is ugly? Or even women who still struggle?

Nyakana not only took the time to create this magical series for children to read. She created a full curriculum around the series. The curriculum focuses on diversity in the classroom and reiterates the purpose of the Niyah Zuri series. She has been working directly with school administrators within the state to get this curriculum in the classroom.

Rather than book sales, my number one focus from day 1 has been to implement the Niyah Zuri series into the curriculums of schools in order to ensure there is diversity in the classroom and children of Color have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the books they read. So when COVID and quarantine “shut things down” in the Spring, I created my own way to remain connected with my young readers and Niyah Zuri Tribe. There’s too much at stake, so I changed the platform.

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors hoping to also take the same route and spread their vision to the youth?

sponse from my young readers and saw my inextinguishable passion in action - the yes came more frequently. So be encouraged, regardless of the no’s you may receive, no one can stop you from your own destiny - not every door is locked, so PUSH!

You are uniquely and perfectly created from the hue of your skin to the kink and curl of your head! Your melanin is a precious honor that radiates your history of being the first to walk this earth, we literally created this world - everything and everyone in it! Some may attempt to trick you, convince you that you are beneath them or not of value. Don’t believe their tricks, they want to take your anointed qualities for themselves because they pale in comparison to you and it burns them so deep - it’s easier to break you down and steal your worth to build themselves up. So don’t conform to their views - rock that glorious crown for it shields and protects your most precious treasure - your mind! Although COVID 19 has hit some industries hard. Nyakana is still going strong. The author was recently hon13

ored at Connecticut’s 100 Women of Color Gala and Awards. The event recognizes the contributions that women in business, education, entrepreneurship, entertainment, sports, and public service have made to impact the lives of those throughout communities in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. With everything going on with the world right now with COVID, how are you staying motivated? COVID has inspired me to be more still, to connect deeper with my loved ones, and become super-focused on my Niyah Zuri mission of elevating the youth. With that said, I have not allowed it to rob me of my passion, in fact I’m thriving more than ever before. I have created out-of-the box methods for staying connected with my readers, teachers, and projects and safely throw on a facemask to lend my voice to missions in our communities or to light a fire within the youth in person. So for anyone feeling their motivation has been stolen, let me light that fire - go beyond surviving and start thriving during this time. Too many of us have been taken against our will, do not let these lives and voices be in vain - keep your firing burning and blaze up this world!

the vision clear for the current month. My little guys are on a standard eatschool-play schedule at home but when the tantrums start - we head to the park to let out some steam. Virtual meetings and mommy-duties can be heavy at times and this is why it’s important to also maintain self-care, especially during this period of quarantine. Some of my techniques include meditating and being still in nature, working out, going for a drive to find some adventure, and when all else fails - my Afrobeat playlist!

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You are a mother of two, Author and Entrepreneur? How do you balance it all? Thankfully women, especially mothers, are the best multi-takers! We are literally built to succeed! I take this understanding when the deliverables begin to pile up or things come at me all at once and I apply the pressure! I maintain a weekly outcomes list to keep me on track with my day-to-day business along with a whiteboard to keep 14

Black History is only 28 days but our history is 365, we created all history and carry on it’s progression each day through our excellence.

This issue of FEMI is really focusing on Black Culture, Black history, Black Love and Black Lives. How do you encourage those to really keep celebrating our culture outside of Black history month? Black History is only 28 days but our history is 365, we created all history and carry on it’s progression each day through our excellence. So continue leading in your field, expertise, or business to contribute to the advancement

of our People. Remain active in your communities, supporting those that are creating initiatives or leading projects, to invoke positive change for the culture. Remember that you are your ancestor’s wildest dreams and what we do for our culture NOW our children will inherit - so let’s make it worthy of them!

Where would the world be without Black Culture. We have created staples that have framed this country and the everyday way of life. Also, the backbone of this country is Black Women. We are hardworking, resilient, and nurturing. The list goes on and on. Seeing that this is a problem that affects our youth and their future, she sprung into action. Not only has she created a series to open up kids’ imagination, she has gone above and beyond to get this into the classrooms. As I learn more about her and her vision Nyakana exemplifies the word black girl magic. I wanted to see what exactly that means to her. Black Girl Magic is the essence of which all Black girls and women contain within them. It’s what sparked the world and inspired every form of creation including music, dance, language, astronomy, spirituality, sports, cuisine, fashion, technology and mathematics - the list is endless. Our essence is what makes us strive for success even in the face of adversity, what fuels our passions that radiate from our beings when we enter a room - never downplay or dim this light - embrace your essence!

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KELSIE Moss CREDIT: MGimages Studios, Calvin Howard Model: Kelsie Thomas Makeup by: Kiana Selise FEMI MAGAZINE

20 Years as Jane Doe:

“All Missing Children Aren’t Dead.” WRITTEN BY ADEZZA DUBOSE

n October 2019, a shocking story revealed itself as the longest living Jane Doe surfaced when she realized that her life was a lie while applying for a business license. SMonique Smith shares her pain to gain a story with FEMI Magazine, as she unfolds her thought process and what she is doing now. Most can agree that having your child abducted can be a devastating and numbing moment. Various thoughts cross the parents’ minds, such as what to do and even how to save the child. According to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), a child is missing or abducted every 40 seconds in the United States. In 2019, there were over 421,394 confirmed reports of missing or unidentified children; find more information at https:// www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ncic. But what do you do when you find out that you are the child that has been abducted? 16

What was your thought process when you found out that not only was your name not indeed yours, but the person who raised you wasn’t your mother? Initially, my mind, spirit, and soul spiraled out of control. I was completely shocked even with having some sense that my identity, my entire life was lived as a lie. I’m GRATEFUL that my motherhood instincts took over, reminding me that four children depended on my ability to maintain a mindset creating a legacy worth passing on. Did you ever ask your “alleged mother “why? What was the reason? I questioned the woman who raised me and the family members when hints and rumors populated over the years, only to be met with abrasive and sometimes physically abusive responses. There was no need to address this once I became an adult.

I intentionally focused my attention on my family, career goals, and real estate investments. Before learning about the mysterious news of the family, how was your childhood? I never knew what a “Good Life” was due to the amount of abuse I endured. I saw classmates and neighbors spend quality time with family who taught them childhood activities like jump-rope and bike riding. As a child, I used crayons, coloring books, and my creative imitations to create the Good Life I hoped for. That seed bloomed as I became a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and author experiencing the “Good FEMI MAGAZINE

Life” for and with my children. After 20 years of being raised by her kidnapper and moving on to have her own family, SMonique finally found her biological family, and indeed was it a family reunion to remember. Despite finding out the passing of her birth mother years prior, SMonique persisted in getting the closure she needed SMonique discusses how it was not an easy road to readjust her life, but she knew sacrifices had to be made. What was the process like in rebuilding your life? It’s cold at ground zero, and I knew that wasn’t for me. Once I realized that I had depleted my bank accounts, lost relationships, and was about to lose assets due to the number of times and expenses I exhausted, rebuilding was imperative to move forward. Here’s where you must have that deep straight talk with your children, allowing them to select the Ramon Noodles of their choice for a year. Good grades and completed chores got you Shrimp Flavor. Yes, the sacrifices were difficult but yielded another property to the family’s portfolio. You’ve taken negative obstacles and turned them into a positive, especially into a career. Explain your journey in working to find missing individuals like yourself

The closing of the last question is a perfect introduction to this one. Being an advocate for myself as no other could ever be, it was clear and beyond necessary for me to be the voice of the silenced. Milk Carton Kids are being remembered; Missing Person Days have been created, Cold Cases are being reopened in hopes of resolution. The closure is a big deal!! What a way to come back after many losses; SMonique never dreamt of her life like this before, but she believes that it was “An assignment and now helping others is simply the movement.” What steps can parents, children, and advocates take to protect themselves? We are so far beyond “See Something Say Something’. We are now armed with new Educational Procedures to Protect and Prevent harm beyond being just vigilant. We want to “See Something and SAVE Someone.” We do this by having ongoing conversations with our children,

working in our communities, and staying up to date with activities as they change. They change just as much as predators prey on our most vulnerable with new techniques. The White Vans are now the Cellular devices. Also, keeping your children safe online and off varies by each household and child, so identify and apply what works. For additional ideas, order “Straight Talk, The New Norm” on Amazon, full of Tips, Tools, and Techniques with Bonding, Sexual Abuse, Abduction, Bullying, and other topics. Child abduction has become more creative than ever, and while being vigilant is ideal, helping to save someone is of the essence. SMonique had her childhood taken from her, forcing her to live in unimaginable conditions. Afterward, SMonique could no longer engage in the past and negativity that haunted her into adulthood; she took those and turned them into a mission. “Never stop searching, hope lives.”

Image of SMonique Smith- Person Credit: Antonio Hunt, Jr. of The Hunt Media Solutions

To help SMonique in her fight for child abduction awareness and prevention, follow her on @Known as Monique

@knownasmonique

Knownasmonique1

Website: www.knownasmonique.com FEMI MAGAZINE

BLACK LOVE FEATURE

Charles and LaTanya Austin:

Defining Black Love—A Love Story Through Four Decades WRITTEN BY ADEZZA DUBOSE

ove is something we all need as human beings. We desire to be wanted, needed, and cared for. We desire that one special person to walk through life with for a lifetime. A partner, a soulmate, a twin flame, but more than often we desire a husband or a wife. We seek to be married. In today’s society and dating culture—dating in itself is easily coined to be just as difficult as a marriage. Some men and women who are dating right now, don’t even make it past the first few years or to marriage at all. There is bound to be a breakup or two; or a marriage that ends in divorce within the first year.

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Charles Austin on knowing LaTanya was the one, working through disagreements, and separating work from home.

We lack patience, and we want instant gratification without effort. Love is a universal language. Across cultures, there is no true definition of love. Love comes in many different words, actions, feelings, and forms. When it comes to love in Black communities, it is exclusive and magical. Black men and women desire the type of love that symbolizes compassion, strength, support, and longevity. This type of love is often referred to as “Black Love”. To some, black love is defined as home or comfort. It’s a mutual understanding. It is having a partner that can relate to the struggles of everyday life as a person of color based on our given history, stereotypes, and prejudices. And—knowing when and how to meet those needs because you face the same struggles too. It’s an unspoken silence yet authentic. When speaking about a lifetime, Pastor Charles Austin and first Lady LaTanya Austin of Atlanta, Georgia exemplify the longevity of love in having been married for forty-one years. In a recent interview, they share what love means to them, how they make their marriage last, and the importance of keeping God in the center of your relationship and/or marriage.

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How have you managed to make the marriage last forty-one years? “A happy marriage is to respect each other and give each other space. Give each other high respect as you would do your own self.” How do you and your wife communicate when you have a disagreement? “Once we have a disagreement, we don’t force the issue, and we don’t try to force the answer. We have the patience to wait because every time you have an issue, you can’t solve it right then – so you have to have patience. The Bible says long-suffering, so sometimes you have to wait until a person comfortable enough to open up. Sometimes, she has to wait for me, and sometimes I have to wait on her to open up. Then we can give the best answer for the situation.”

With today, there is a large increase in divorces and people separating over the littlest of things. Have you ever had a situation where you all were very upset? How did you handle that issue and prevent something like a divorce from happening? “Well, once you know a person, and she knows you, we understand that in a marriage you’re going to have difficulties, different issues, and different problems. When a serious situation comes up, you don’t jump up and make a split decision. You look at it, pray about it, and wait on God for the answer. Then, you still respect each other and give each other space until you get the right answer, or you make a wrong move.” Having been married for forty-one years, what was marriage like for that first year? “The first year was like a honeymoon. It was good, very good, but also in the first year, you are learning from each other. Learning how to respect each other and learning what each other likes and what each other don’t. It’s not all about the honeymoon. I would say the first-year experience is like a kid going to school in kindergarten. In the first year, you are a little afraid of the teacher and the other students. Then you are learning your “dos” and your “don’ts”. I would think the first year was great, but it’s also a learning process, learning what she likes, doesn’t like, and she’s learning what I like and don’t like to get along.” How did you know she was the one? “Well, when you allow the Lord to operate in your life, and you trust God, you ask God after you found this person if she is the one. Then you wait for your answer. You don’t just do it because she looks good on you or she might be what you think you want. You always want to acknowledge God because everything that shines is not gold. Everything that looks good is not good. They may be good for someone else, but not for you. Once you wait on God for an answer, you won’t make a mistake.” There is a scripture that every woman follows, which is Proverbs 31, says that “he that finds a wife, finds a good thing.” How did you know when you first saw her, she was your good thing?

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“Well, I didn’t know she was my good thing. I knew that I would like to get to know her mind— know how she thinks, what she wants out of life, her goals, and to know if I even qualify. I’m pretty sure she did me the same way—that I was a man looking for a long-time relationship, not just a short-time relationship. So, once you look at a person, you look at their standard to see if they are a person who is in and out of all kinds of relationships. With men and women, make sure the person they are looking for will have a relationship that will last. A love that will last forever.” Prior to marriage, when you were just dating each other, did you ever have a breakup? “Yes. We were going pretty strong and I was getting pretty serious about her. She was getting pretty serious about me, but I hadn’t heard from the Lord. So, I told her let’s pull back and wait until God gives us an answer because I was going head over heels. I didn’t want to get too far in love, go so far down the road, and not want to turn around. I know a lot of people fall in love before they get an answer, and when they get the answer, it’s not the answer they were looking for. They try to make it work on their own. We did break up and we did pull back, to see if we were the right one for each other. After God spoke, we were able to come back together and go forward.” How long did you date before you decided to propose to her? “I would say around two years.” Today, a lot of young people are getting married and the marriage is not surviving past a year. What do you think the issue is? “One thing is I think they don’t know each other. Two, I believe I don’t think they don’t fully respect each other. When you know a person, and what I mean but know a person, you know what mood a person is in. A person is going to have good days and bad days. Every day she’s not going to look the same. She is not going to act the same, but deep down in her heart, her heart should be the same every day. Once you know that person, you know her heart. You know her meaning. You’re not looking at how she is all dressed up and smelling good, but you look at her heart. You know she has a good heart and she means well.” 19

Both of you are in ministry, you are a Pastor for a church, and she is the First lady. How do you all manage your personal time to keep the romance alive? “Well as you say, you give each other your space. I let the church be the church and I let home be home. I don’t bring church home and I don’t take home to the church. Church, I’m on the job and when I am at home it’s her time. It’s our time to spend together with each other. I don’t bring church there and turn the church into home.” What advice would you give to that single young woman or single young man who wants to get married? “I would say to any person who wants to get married that when you’re looking to get married, marriage is a lifelong commitment. Marriage Is not something like when you are buying a car, when it gets out of style, you trade it in and get a new car. In a relationship, you have to look for a lifetime relationship. What I mean by that is when I first got married, I had all black hair on my head, I was a lot younger, and I was a little stronger. Once I have gotten older, my hair is not black all over and I am not as strong as I used to be. But because it’s a lifetime commitment and if you are looking for a lifetime commitment, looking for marriage, you need to look for a person that is willing to get in it for a lifetime. It’s not a part-time love. It’s not a love where you jump in, get married, and jump out. That’s not a marriage. The Bible says until death do us part, for good or for worse, for sickness, for good health, for rich or for poor. So, you have to make sure, you are willing to go through these vows that you are making before this woman, before God, the presence of all the witnesses, and the family that is there. That is what you look for in a marriage.” What does love look like to you? “Love looks to me as understanding and support. Happiness, it means togetherness, and getting along with each other. I would like to add, I know you didn’t ask me if we ever had a fight, but not one time have I ever put my hands on her out of anger. We have arguments, I might have been upset, and I might have slept on the couch until we cool down. I never left home. She never left home and had to go stay with her parents until I cool myself down. I never got mad enough where I had to go stay with my parents 20

LaTanya Austin on the first year of marriage, keeping the love alive, and her advice to newlyweds. until I felt like coming back. We always worked it out and stayed in the same house. When I first married her, I told her these words, I was young, but I meant it. If we ever argue and you have to go home to your mother, as long as you were back before midnight like Cinderella, before the clock strikes twelve. If it goes past midnight, then that means you’re not willing to work out our marriage. If you get mad and upset, I understand that, but I’m not going to hit you, I’m not going to misuse you. I’m not going to put my hands on you or threaten you in any kind of way. So, we need to come back and workout it out. That is what love looks like; understanding and togetherness.” What is your response to the infamous saying, “What’s mine is yours and what’s mine is mine”. Often women say, “What’s mine is mine, what’s yours is also mine.” “That’s a true statement because she is mine. What I have is hers, and what she has is hers because she is mine. If she

took my last name, and everything I have I give it to her, it’s still ours. It’s a true statement. Some people will take it as a selfish statement. The Bible says once you get married you become one flesh. Whatever she got is mine and whatever I got is hers. So, whatever I got is definitely hers, what she got is hers, but it’s mine too because she is mine.” How did you know that he was the one? “The way that I knew that he was the one, of course, you always want to seek God in everything. I prayed unto the Lord and asked God if this was the right person for me and he gave me my answer. And the way I knew he was the right person I was looking for is I watched the way he reacted with his relatives – his dad, his sisters, and that’s how I knew he was the correct person for me. Because of his personality – he treated me like a lady, and he was the perfect gentleman. So that’s how I knew he was the right person for me.” FEMI MAGAZINE

What was the first year of marriage like?

How do you keep the love alive with your schedule in ministry and his?

“The first year of marriage was good. In the first year of marriage, we were just beginning to learn about each other. “Learn more about each other, because when you first get married you don’t know everything entirely about the person. So, it’s a learning process and getting to know that person – what they like and what they dislike. You do things to try to please your mate. So that was what the first year of marriage was like.”

“The way you keep the love alive is that you are creative. You do things to make your marriage happy. You do things together to keep the love alive so to speak. You can go on a date and keep yourself up the same way before you get married. Always look nice – women keep your complexion up, keep your hair up, your hygiene, just keep everything up, and continue to beautify yourself for your husband. There are so many ways that women can beautify themselves. It’s no reason to look like you’re thrown away or you don’t care about yourself. When you care about you, it’s also caring for your husband. If you look good, you’re going to feel good. When you look good, you know he is going to feel good about you. It’s all in keeping yourself up and being motivated. Being able to continue to do things even if you’re going through something. You still need to be able to maintain a marriage.”

What qualities were you looking for in him before you said I do? “The qualities that I was looking for in him before I said I do was strength, wisdom, love, and patience. I saw all of this in him as a person and most of all what I liked about him too was his great love for God. And so, this is how I knew.” What do you believe makes a marriage work? “What I believe makes marriage work is that you have love and patience for one another. You’re going to have ups and downs; to me, there is no such thing as a perfect marriage, but you can have a good marriage. So, I think that it’s a work in progress. A marriage is what you put into it. You have to continuously work for the things that you want for your marriage and for your mate. It’s being able to put up with one another and have empathy for each other. To treat each other the way you want to be treated. And you know you always want to be treated with love and respect, so you treat your mate in that same manner. Treat him with love and respect.” Today, you will hear a lot of young couples saying about giving fifty-fifty in a relationship or one hundred-one hundred. How do you feel that should be balanced so you never feel like you’re giving too much of yourself away? “I feel like in a marriage you can’t ever give too much of yourself away because you make that vow to each other. You say to love and honor until death do you part. You put everything, you put your all into the marriage. So, to me, it’s no limit to all, there should not be a limit to all, but you should continue to love, honor, cherish, and respect each other on a daily basis.” FEMI MAGAZINE

Define love, what does love mean to you? “To me, love is togetherness, its patience, its harmony, its gentleness, its kindness, and its peace. It’s the fruits of the spirit so to speak in the Bible. If you have love, you have to have the patience for your husband or wife. You find ways to have joy with each other and joy in your home. Be in harmony and be at peace with each other. That is the way I define love. It’s being there for each other and continuing to care for each other. When you make that vow unto to each other you also made that vow to the Lord. Love is having understanding, peace, and joy.” What advice would give newlyweds or those that want to get married? “The advice I would give to the newlywed is to continue to love each other and support each other even if you’re having ups and downs. Work through your situation, don’t give up. A lot of times, people give up too easily. You saw something in that person that you liked or love about that person, and that should still be there. So, if you are having a problem or having difficulty -work on it. Work your situation through, don’t throw in the towel so easily. A lot of times, people just throw in the towel too easily. But don’t give up, your marriage is worth it, your marriage is worth working on.”

How did you all communicate when upset or when you had a disagreement? “The communication part is very important. If you have a disagreement, maybe there are sometimes where you don’t have the answer right then, maybe you need to step aside and get your thoughts together, if you’re upset, wait until your moment is over and then come back and talk about the situation and work it out. Most of all pray unto the Lord and ask him to give you the answers you need to work through your situation.” What advice would give you to single women? What should they be doing right now while they are preparing to be married? “If you’re in the process of preparing to be married, get all the knowledge that you need about marriage, don’t just jump into it. Find out what is required of you in a marriage. Get training if necessary; from your mother or aunts or someone who has a strong marriage. Then pray to the Lord. Pray to the Lord about the situation and get the right answers that you need concerning marriage. Don’t just jump into it and be blindsided. Read books and most of all seek the Lord to get the answers you need about marriage.” “Being a wife entails a lot, especially if you have a career outside the home. If you have a career, then you have home to take care of. You have yourself to take care of, you have to look at the whole picture. You have to be versatile; you have to be willing to change; you have to be willing to work hard; you have to be willing to move forward. There are a lot of things that are put into the marriage and yourself in order to make it work.” In sum, Black love is patience, understanding, togetherness, and kindness. It is knowing each other at the core and consciousness of effort. Cheers to ten more years and lifetime of love for Charles and LaTanya Austin.

CREDIT: Calvin Howard

SAKIDRA

Moss

CREDIT: Photography :MGimages Studios, Calvin Howard Makeup By: FANCI Model: Sakidra Moss 22

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Facebook: www.facebook.com/candilash | Instagram: candilash | Website: www.candilash.com FEMI MAGAZINE

TUTORIAL

JESSICA LYNCH

Get The Glam Look, Beauty Hacks on a Budget MODELS NAME: BIYUNKA ROBERTS Image Credit: Calvin Howard

ince about 2009 Jess “It’s Jess Makeup” has been enhancing people’s beauty. From weddings, to fashion shows; photoshoots to classes, Jessica is your go to for your makeup needs.

As a child She always loved makeup and artsy things.

“I always enjoyed drawing and painting! I used to pray to God that I would be an artist when I grew up.” Though not with paper, canvas or paint; her prayers were surly answered!

Jessica has a bachelors in Communications; radio television from Alabama State University where she also aced theatrical makeup classes, which has helped her versatility and success as a MUA. Jess describes her style as multifaceted with the ability to enhance one’s beauty but also able to create and deliver a complete change. When she is not applying clients makeup she enjoys teaching others how to master the skill and taking care of her two beautiful children!

Jessica truly enjoys being able to connect with people from all different walks of life and elevate their confidence with the stroke of a brush. 24

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1. SO FIRST WE HAVE TO PREP THE SKIN! ONE OF MY FAVE PRIMERS IS THE “PRETTY FRESH” PRIMER FROM “COLORPOP” IT’S ABOUT $12 AT ULTA. ANOTHER THAT I REALLY LIKE ARE THE E.L.F PRIMERS $6-$8 2. OFTENTIMES, I USE PRODUCTS FOR MULTIPLE USES. SO, FOR THE BROWS I’M ACTUALLY USING A “WET AND WILD LIP PENCIL” ($.99) TO FILL THEM IN. WE WILL REVISIT THAT LATER! 3. CONCEAL & BLEND OUT THOSE BROWS! “L.A. GIRL PRO CONCEALERS’’ ARE THE G.O.A.T. $3.99 AT YOUR LOCAL BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE! OR ULTA! SOMETIMES THEY EVEN HAVE A SALE! CHOOSE A SHADE 1-2 SHADES LIGHTER THAN YOUR SKIN TONE FOR A NATURAL HIGHLIGHT. I USE A THIN FLAT BRUSH TO CONCEAL & A SMALL FLUFFY BRUSH TO BLEND IT OUT. I LIKE REAL TECHNIQUES, MORPHE OR E.L.F. FOR INEXPENSIVE QUALITY MAKEUP BRUSHES. THESE CAN BE FOUND IN MANY PLACES INCLUDING ONLINE, WALMART, TARGET, OR ULTA. 4. FOR EYESHADOW I USED “MAYBELLINE “THE CITY MINI” PALETTE”. (WALMART $5.22) USING A SMALL FLUFFY BRUSH I PUT THE DARKEST BROWN IN HER CREASE. USING MY FINGER I APPLIED THE GOLD TO HER LID. “JUVIA’S PLACE” ALSO HAS QUALITY, PIGMENTED EYESHADOW PALETTES FOR A DECENT PRICE. (ULTA)

5. GOTTA HAVE LINER BABY! I USED THIS “NIKAK LIQUID LINER”! $1.99 FROM MY LOCAL BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE! BEAUTY & BEYOND IS MY FAVORITE BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE.

7. FOR THIS BEAUTY I USED “L’ORÉAL TRUE MATCH” LIQUID FOUNDATION IN THE SHADE “MILK CHOCOLATE”. A SPONGE OR BRUSH FROM REAL TECHNIQUES OR A DISPOSABLE TRIANGLE SPONGE (WALMART $2) WILL APPLY THIS NICELY. 8. THEN WE WANT TO CONCEAL AND HIGHLIGHT! SO UNDER YOUR EYES, BRIDGE THE NOSE, FOREHEAD AND CHIN. USE WHATEVER SHADE CONCEALER USED TO HIGHLIGHT AND CONCEAL YOUR BROWS TO CONCEAL THESE AREAS AS WELL! IN A TAPPING MOTION; YOU CAN BLEND THIS WITH THE SAME REAL TECHNIQUES: SPONGE OR BRUSH. 9. TO SET YOUR CONCEALER I LIKE TO USE “BLACK OPAL TRUE COLOR SOFT VELVET FINISHING POWDER”. (WALMART $9.23) THERE ARE 4 SHADES TO CHOOSE FROM. I USED THE SHADE “MEDIUM” ON THIS MODEL. TO APPLY IT, I USED A DISPOSABLE TRIANGLE SPONGE. 10. LET’S REINFORCE AND SET THAT CONTOUR! I LOVE THE “BLACK RADIANCE TRUE COMPLEXION CONTOUR PALETTE” WALMART ONLY $6.87 LIKE IT’S A STAPLE IN MY KIT NOT JUST FOR THIS BUDGET

FRIENDLY TUTORIAL! WITH THE DARKEST SHADE; I USED A EYESHADOW BRUSH AND WENT OVER HER NOSE CONTOUR AND USED A “REAL TECHNIQUES” BLUSH BRUSH FOR THE OTHER AREAS OF HER FACE. BASICALLY THE AREAS THAT ARE ALREADY DARKER; BELOW HER CHEEKS HAIRLINE TEMPLE AREA. THIS PALETTE HAS A PERFECT GUIDE RIGHT INSIDE IT!

11. APPLY A LITTLE OF THE SHIMMER HIGHLIGHT IN THE “BLACK RADIANCE TRUE COMPLEXION CONTOUR PALETTE”S OWN THE BRIDGE OF THE NOSE AND ON THOSE CHEEKBONES AND IT’S A DONE DEAL! (YOU COULD ALSO USE THIS PALETTE FOR AN EYESHADOW LOOK!) 12. LINER & GLOSS IS A BEAUTIFUL GO TO! SO, GRAB THAT “WET & WILD” LIP LINER WE USED FOR THE BROWS EARLIER AND LINE THOSE LIPS! (LOVE A 2 FOR 1!) GET YOU SOME GLOSS FROM “BLACK RADIANCE” (URBAN NUDE IS A PERSONAL FAVE) WALMART $3.49 OR A GLOSS FROM YOUR LOCAL BEAUTY SUPPLY! $1 I LIKE “S.HE” 13. USE YOUR FAVORITE SETTING SPRAY TO SET THE LOOK & YOU ARE DONE! E.L.F WILL GET THE JOB DONE FOR $5 AT WALMART! THIS FACE WAS CREATED AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE AND SLAYED JUST THE SAME!

6. LASHES! ONCE AGAIN YOUR LOCAL BEAUTY SUPPLY WILL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND. THESE LASHES WERE $1! I APPLIED THEM USING “SASSI EYELASH GLUE.” $3.99 ALSO FROM BEAUTY AND BEYOND. It’s Jess Makeup

JESSICA LYNCH CREDIT: CALVIN HOWARD

itsjessmakeup FEMI MAGAZINE

ARTICLE After working in insurance for over 20 years, Pamela Smith was inspired by her mentor, DeNette Vital, who is also a licensed professional Counselor-Supervisor, to become a licensed professional counselor herself. She prides herself in being able to create a safe space of black women and couples. She is also very interested in neuroscience, and is now a trained neuro coach, which means she is “trained to identify and treat highly sensitive persons, and soon to be trained on hypnotherapy and brain spotting.” Depression in the Black Community and How to Spot it With all that is happening with police brutality and the racial climate in the country, it is especially important that we as a Black community take mental health more seriously. It can be difficult to continually see those that look like you oppressed, and it can take a toll on your mental health. In the Black community, it can be hard to discuss our feelings, partially because we tend to have a culture of keeping secrets, and partially because of the negative stigma that mental illnesses carry. Church culture plays a huge role as well; all you need is prayer right? While prayer is definitely a strategy for overcoming depression, it’s not the only way, and it’s important to seek professional help as well.

PAMELA SMITH Discusses Depression in Relationships and the Black Community at Large WRITTEN BY CANDACE GREEN

uring this time of COVID, racial injustice, and election stress, it’s especially important that we take care of our mental health. What do you do if your partner is also suffering mentally? If you’ve discovered that maybe you need to take some time to yourself, how long should you wait before jumping back into a relationship? Pamela Smith, a licensed, professional counselor who specializes in working with Black women, girls, and couples, gives us some tips on how to spot depression in ourselves or our partners, how to communicate, educational materials for depression, and what’s next for her. 26

It’s important for us to be able to identify the signs of depression in others (and possibly ourselves), so that we can make sure we are getting the help that we need. According to Pamela, her are the signs of depression: “fatigue, poor memory, loss of interest, hopelessness, insomnia, excessive sleeping, lack of appetite, excessive eating, irritability, or isolation.” It’s also important to note that there are different types of depression: situational depression, high functioning depression, prenatal and postpartum depression and clinical depression. You shouldn’t diagnose yourself; only a license professional can do that, but if you notice any of these signs and symptoms, Pamela says it’s important to seek professional help. Relationships and Depression Relationships can be challenging enough, but add mental illness into the mix and it can make for some rocky seas. If you happen to recognize signs of depression in yourself or your partner, professional help is the best way to go. Be patient with yourself and your partner, allow yourself to be vulnerable with each other and most of all, communicate. Pamela recommends the following books for couples that may have some trouble in this area: The Five Love Languages, The Seven Principles for Making Marriages Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert, Improving FEMI MAGAZINE

PAMELA SMITH, LPC CREDIT: RENEÉ WILLIAMS

Communication in Your Marriage, and Touch & Tell- Conversation and Connection for Couples Card Game. Sometimes you may realize that you need to take a break from relationships altogether and focus on yourself, and that’s ok too! Take your time; there is no set time for healing. In today’s world, mental health is beginning to get the attention it deserves, but we still have quite a way to go. It’s more important than ever to take care of your whole self, which includes the mind. In addition to counseling, Pamela Smith hosts a top-rated, international podcast for Black women on how to maintain their mental health called itsALLMental, which is now in its third season. She also has a non-profit, GlassSeats, where she encourages young girls to break glass ceilings, while exposing young them to careers in STEM. She is working on launching courses for highly sensitive persons, webinars, and an apparel line. You can listen to itsALLMental on Apple Podcasts, and visit her nonprofit on their IG: @GlassSeats. Her professional website is: https:// www.pamelasmithlpc.com/ What upcoming projects or events do you have? The future looks very exciting for my company. I host a top-rated, international podcast for Black & Brown females on maintaining good mental health with real life experiences called, itsALLMental. We are going into our second year, third season!

“ FEMI MAGAZINE

RELATIONSHIPS CAN BE CHALLENGING ENOUGH, BUT ADD MENTAL ILLNESS INTO THE MIX AND IT CAN MAKE FOR SOME ROCKY SEAS. IF YOU HAPPEN TO RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION IN YOURSELF OR YOUR PARTNER, PROFESSIONAL HELP IS THE BEST WAY TO GO.

I have also founded a non-profit, GlassSeats where we train Black & Brown girls in unique careers offered in STEM, finance, arts, sports & politics preparing them to break glass ceilings & take seats at tables of their choosing. There will also be a full product line including but not limited to courses for couples and highly sensitive persons of color, webinars, apparel, and more.

ARTICLE

Rodney Toomer Talks Black Lives Matter, Justice in America and the Importance of Supporting Black Businesses

WRITTEN BY CANDACE GREEN

f you’ve been paying any attention to the media lately, then you are aware of the palpable racial tension in this country. It’s exhausting. It’s stressful. It’s 2020, and we still have to worry about being treated equally in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” One organization that has been the subject of controversy and scrutiny is Black Lives Matter (BLM). Rodney Toomer has been in radio for over 17 years, and has used his platform to mentor young men and women who are interested in the industry. He has also taught students in the Mobile County school system. In addition to mentoring, he uses his platform to educate the public about current social issues. According to Toomer, the common denominator in the BLM movement is “our goal for freedom, justice and equality.” JUSTICE IN AMERICA

We can all agree that the justice system is rigged. It’s always been that way, but now more than ever we are seeing the effects on all generations. One question that always arises is: What about Black on Black crime?”, and while this is a factor, the system is indeed broken. Teaching our children about exactly where we come from, and the importance of community is one thing that we can do to improve our perception of ourselves. Rodney recommends the Hidden Color series as a means to educate our youth on our past, present, and give a picture of our future. For Rodney, justice in America means reparations for our people. 28

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SUPPORTING BLACK BUSINESSES AND OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

Rodney is very passionate about supporting black businesses, as we all should be. We are quick to criticize minor inconveniences with black business, all while patronizing white business that have done far worse. “In 1968 the Black dollar would have circulated in the Black community 6 weeks…” Rodney says. One avenue to improve both the circulation of the black dollar, as well as improve our communities is to stress the value of entrepreneurship. Yes, college should be stressed as an option, but having a business not only leaves a legacy, but also creates jobs just for us. Rodney is now retired from the radio station, but has opened up a live music venue called Room 158, which will push music genres such as jazz and blues. In addition, he runs a talk show called “The Truth Show”, where he discusses many controversial issues such as domestic violence, sexual abuse and violence in the black community. He is also running for City Council; District 5 in Mobile, Al. Rodney plans to go into 2021 taking nothing for granted. He has learned that if you just sit back and observe, you’ll learn everything you need to know about a person, and they won’t even need to say a word.

RODNEY TOOMER CREDIT: DWIGHT LADD

YOU CAN FOLLOW HIM ON HIS @DjrodskiOfficialpage

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@djrodski

ARTICLE Image of Renee Bishop Credit: Lynn Yati Photography.

Designer Renee Bishop of Deity New York Talks Mental Health and Stepping away from Traditional Fashion WRITTEN BY ADEZZA DUBOSE

ill Cunningham once stated, “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” No one wants to look like what they have been through, and fashion statements and trends are usually the go-to methods for spicing up life and feeling overall beautiful. Designer Renee Bishop says no more trends or traditional fashion. She has created a brand that brings timeless and bold looks that gives women no choice but to feel empowered, unapologetic, and bold. So, least to say, Designer Renee prepares her customers for everyday life, especially with her new Fall/Winter 2020 collection and future collections.

How are your fashion trends allowing women to “Be Unapologetically Yourself”? By designing aesthetically bold designs that highlight our curves to stand out in the crowd, the unapologetic woman is comfortable within herself and balanced. Breaking away from trends and always looking for timeless and unique pieces. What is the inspiration behind your brand of Deity New York? I feel so inspired to design and create by the feminine warrior archetype of a woman or (Those who embodied the divine feminine archetype during their time.) Women like Cleopatra, Zora Neal Hurston, Princess Dianna of Wales oozed power, divinity and (stirred mass desire) sex appeal at the same. To me, that is the perfect woman. This

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woman understands her masculine side and her feminine side to the point they both marry each other beautifully, creating the new archetypal woman, the DEITY woman. What are some trendy pairings that the everyday woman can add to enhance their look using your upcoming Fall/ Winter collection ensembles? Styling is one of my fortes, and I always say to invest in unique and beautiful outerwear, shoes, and accessories to look stylish and hide the fact that you’re wearing the same black leggings two days in a row. O ur Lapel Corset Belted Jacketwill look stunning paired with a choker necklace, ditch the pants and puton thigh-high boots to go for a 70s look with big hair. For a lazy fashionista running 20 minutes, late throw on our d ouble layered wrap Belted Jacketwith leggings and loafers for an effortless polish look. What impact is your new partnership with the Loveland Foundation having on women and their mental wellness? With the current changes happening in our world right now, I think it’s more important than ever to address and bring to the forefront the battles people are secretly fighting with mental health. We have partnered with the Loveland Foundation to donate therapy sessions (a portion of proceeds from our Fall/ Winter 2020 jacket sales) for black women in need who don’t have access to health insurance or funds to cover those costs. We want to give back in a time of need and where so many suffer from mental issues. We especially want black women (the most unappreciated and unprotected group in our country) to get the help they need to take care of themselves and their families to live productive lives. Follow us on social media @DeityNewYork and subscribe to our newsletter on our website www.deitynewyork.com/ to stay updated and experience the Deity Woman Lifestyle.

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Why is mental health a desired outreach goal? We can all agree that 2020 has been a challenging year for us all mentally. We are venturing into unknown territory daily, and more people are experiencing feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. We all just sometimes need someone to talk to, and often we find the answers we need by just talking through situations with someone. It’s sad to say, but therapy and mental health are still taboo topics in our communities. We want help to eliminate that stigma, and I believe everyone should have access to mental care without judgment. I feel very strongly about that. Do you have any upcoming projects that we can expect to see in the future? You’re going to see a lot more from Deity New York in the near future. We are really pulling away from the traditional fashion calendar and going to drop collections at the same time customers desire each season. We are working on a new spring collection as well as collaborating with some celebrity stylists.

ARTICLE

Dr.

Sylette DeBois

WRITTEN BY VICTORIA MOULTERIE

The COVID-19 has taken many lives and jobs. How does proceeding with opening large-scale businesses and dealing with the Coronavirus impede on the less talked about mental health issues that is considered the second wave of the Coronavirus. The country is slowly opening back up and, in some states, life has moved on despite the Coronavirus. This becomes an issue when we are carrying on with business as usual, and we have not really dealt with the fallout of this deadly virus. Mental health issues have been a growing concern in our country and now with this pandemic we are dealing with these issues on a larger scale. The mind controls the body. So, we have to be able to work through our mental health issues in order to remain healthy during these uncertain times. Dr. Sylette DeBois Credit: Steve Ledell

OVID 19 has had an

effect on our businesses, finances, and our daily life. 2020 has been a year full of ups and downs. The concerns of mental health have been on the rise since the start of the pandemic. People are isolated from loved ones; they are still working while trying to remain healthy, and the normal stress relievers that we were once able to turn to are not available. 32

Some companies have conducted business as usual, with employees working through the pandemic. Others have been working from home balancing parenting and getting your work done. This all can lead to more issues such as anxiety when you have to be in an environment where you are more susceptible to catching the virus. We spoke to healthcare expert, Dr. Sylette DeBois DNP, MSN-Ed, RN. We asked the question about businesses supporting the mental health of their employees, and the virus’s effect on the black community.

What physical and mental steps are being taken within major businesses that you have worked with, to ensure that employees and their health are a priority during the coronavirus pandemic? To be honest, I have not seen any steps towards mental health. I have seen the physical changes in businesses. Such as, social distancing, disinfecting areas within the facility, hand sanitizer in all public and private areas, and masks on employees and visitors. The mental health issue is what needs to be a focus. The CDC has put out information that black people and people of color are more at risk for the Coronavirus compared to other races. What advice FEMI MAGAZINE

and precautions would you give to those that fear returning to work? I don’t think fear should be a driving force in anything we do. I truly believe it’s the reason our black community is leading in everything negative when it comes to health issues. Education is key!! We must educate ourselves on how to protect our bodies. Our mental health, physical health, and financial health are the things that should drive us as we begin to return to work. Make sure you are actually going on the CDC website and find out the things you should be doing to protect yourself and your family. Make sure you have a primary care provider that you can call when you’re not feeling well so that you can get real-time medical advice. What type of behavioral patterns have you seen in politicians, CEOs, and employees during this pandemic that differs from pre-COVID-19 patterns and behaviors? What has been a common advice that you have given to prevent the spread of The Coronavirus within these businesses and homes? Chaos! If I had to sum it up in one word, that would be the word. Politicians should not be meddling in the health talk of this pandemic. We should have continued our health briefings and made this pandemic about public safety. Life and death are not about being a Democrat or Republican. As a nurse, I’ve advised the public to continue to wear your mask when out and for businesses to continue requiring a mask. Social distancing is crucial and so is the elimination of large crowds. Make sure we are consistently washing our hands and keeping our homes, businesses, and vehicles clean with antibacterial products. With the advice that you have shared with others, what is your predicted time frame of a positive impact regaining in businesses and communities, after a major loss of employment and financial depression? I personally think this should be a new way of life. I’m sure within a year we will have the pandemic under control, this will only happen if the public comFEMI MAGAZINE

plies with CDC guidelines. Flu season has always claimed lives and I truly believe if we were practicing some of these things pre-COVID, some of the deaths could have been prevented. Opening up our businesses to full capacity will take some time. However, wearing a mask and washing our hands should be a way of life. What ways do you suggest people learn to positively cope during the pandemic? Or are there any positive ways to cope with this virus? In order for our country to make it through this pandemic we must be resilient in the things we can control. We should protect our mental health by finding ways to unwind. Our health care heroes are dealing with a huge burden and mental health services should be onsite at all healthcare facilities. Anyone who contracts the virus, has a family member who contracts the virus, or has a loved one who has died should be referred to a mental health professional. As far as what we need to do to unwind, exercise at least 3-5 times a week and removing sugar from your diet is a start for boosting your mood. The best exercise for all ages is walking. So, take a walk whenever you are feeling down. COVID revealed that working from home is possible for so many industries, what is your advice to business leaders to help their employees keep a healthy work/life balance? Working from home can be a gift and a curse. While the thought of not getting up at 5 am and fighting the morning traffic is great, trying to stay focused when working from home can also be a daunting task. The main thing to remember when you are working from home is it is not healthy to sit all day. Take breaks often, schedule time to do things on your to do list including playtime with the kids. Take a lunch break like you would if you were on the job. Stay away from foods that slow you down and make you sleepy. You must get out of the home and take a walk and as my grandmother used to say “put a little sunshine on your face.” Education is a high profile topic as children return to school. Communi-

cation from leadership is crucial as COVID standards change daily. How would you advise superintendents and principals communicate with their staff and parents without creating confusion and distrust? One of my favorite quotes from the movie “Remember the Titans’’ is “Attitude reflects leadership.” So with that being said, the best advice I will give any leader in a business including education is follow CDC guidelines and create a standard message that is carefully crafted and voted on by leadership then disseminated to your staff and family. If you are able to ensure the safety of your staff and students, I say go for it. If you cannot protect the public from further spread, then let’s’ stay home and keep our country safe. This will not last forever. We will beat this! Tell us your opinion about racial inequality in the workplace while being a healthcare provider for Covid patients. Racial disparities have existed in our healthcare system since I can remember. I’ve been a nurse for over 20 years, and I have seen it all. I’ve personally experienced racism in my nursing career. I’ve seen how people of color are discriminated against and yet here we are again. Health disparities will continue to be an issue for the black community unless we increase the number of black nurses and doctors. Until then, as a nurse entrepreneur I will continue to use my platform to improve health care education and the overall education of the black community. Even though there is a life-threatening virus affecting the entire country, we are expected to go on with business as usual. Along with everything else going on in life such as pregnancies and bills coming on, you are also dealing with this. Imagine how that can affect someone’s mental health. We need more people like Dr. DeBois to spread awareness and to create more resources available to people. @drsylette

ARTICLE

When Black Women Are Trafficked

The Truth You Are Not Ready To Hear WRITTEN BY CAMILLE ALI

Human trafficking is a $150 billion industry, and when it comes to the trafficking of minority women, Black women are no longer safe.

lack women are not protected, and we never were. In America, the trafficking of Black women has increased over the last few years. We are trafficked more than Caucasian, Asian, and Latina women. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the average entry age into the sex trade is only twelve years old. What is it about Black women that is more valuable to a trafficker than other minority women? Why are Black women more vulnerable to becoming a victim of this industry? FEMI magazine sat down with Dionne “Dee” Coleman to further understand the rise in the trafficking of Black women. Dionne is the Executive Director of Samaritan Village, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting victims of human trafficking. Before joining Samaritan Village, Dee spent the last twelve years of her career working within the nonprofit sector in both state and local levels. This included various project management, marketing, and development roles. In the early 2000s, after learning about the horrific realities of human trafficking, Dee set out to find ways to help build awareness through personal research and volunteering at local agencies in Southern California. She is the Co-Chair of the Orlando Human Trafficking Faith Alliance and a member of the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force. Dee finds a passion for her work in educating her community about the realities of human trafficking. Dionne gives her insight into the trafficking of Black women as well as the systematic prejudices and disparities in the system. 34

DIONNE COLEMAN IMAGES CREDIT: PHOTOGRAPHER IS MARCIA BRADLEY

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your personal experience with the subject of trafficking? “I am the executive director of a long-term trauma-informed safe house for adult females of sex trafficking. All the women who come to Samaritan village are U.S. born citizens. My introduction to trafficking was on a personal level. Many years ago, I heard about human trafficking in college and I wanted to one day get involved in fighting to save these women. When I moved to Orlando, I worked for an organization that was giving grants FEMI MAGAZINE

to Samaritan Village. I realized human trafficking was happening here in Orlando. I landed a job as Executive Director at Samaritan Village. The victims of the human trafficking trade are forced, coerced, or victims of fraud. Most people don’t correlate prostitution to human trafficking, but most people are trafficked by people they trust – boyfriends, husbands, or family members.”

Do you feel there is a target on Black women and minorities when it comes to this matter? “Yes, there is a target for Black women and minorities when it comes to human trafficking. When we talk about what makes someone susceptible to being trafficked its vulnerabilities that can range from socioeconomic factors to emotional factors. If I come from lower economic means, I’m going to be attracted to somebody who presents a world of affluence and easily groomed. If it’s my emotional needs, we know Black and brown communities have parents that work more. Often, in a single-parent household, that child might need more attention and affirmation. It is predominantly socioeconomic factors and emotional factors of impoverished women versus affluent women and children that make Black women vulnerable to human trafficking. Black women are trafficked at a disproportionately higher rate because the court gives lower sentences to people who traffic Black women. The system is not set up to protect Black women; 62% of trafficking suspects are African-American, 52% are African-American juvenile prostitution arrests, and 40% of reported cases are African-American victims. In 2019 there were 22,000 cases reported.”

What resources are out there to help Black women become more aware of what is going on and how they can protect themselves? “There are few if any resources specifically set for Black women or any minorities for that matter. The resources that exist for Black women are the same resources that exist for everyone. Unfortunately, we are no represented, so it doesn’t appeal to us. There is a human trafficking hotline and there are agencies in every single state across the United States that are working with domestic victims of trafficking. Whether that is in the form of strip club outreaches or agencies like Samaritan Village where we provide rehabilitative care and therapy. Black women are not branded as the face of human trafficking and that is the problem. We are forty percent of the faces of human trafficking. We don’t see ourselves in human trafficking materials that are distributed. Any agency found within local communities can be a resource to Black women. FEMI MAGAZINE

“Black women can protect themselves by knowing who they are and not compromising. A trafficker will get to know what your vulnerabilities are. When we start to compromise on our standards or because we feel desperate, it gives the trafficker a “one-up”. Also, if women feel compromised, reach out to people that you can trust.”

What current programs are you involved in to help Black or minority women in the communities around you? “There are little if any programs specifically geared towards minority groups. My goal and mission are to bring awareness to this issue. We [Samaritan Village] are a part of multiple local and statewide task forces. We are asking, “What are you doing to protect Black and minority females?” In the last three years, in my organization, I have brought in people of color. So, when we do go into jails, and we are meeting with victims, they see someone who looks like them and they are represented.”

What caused the increase in the trafficking of Black women? “I think its socioeconomic issues and putting ourselves in vulnerable situations when our music in itself glorifies areas that are high trafficking areas like strip clubs. I am not condoning sex work or anything like that, but we have to be sensitive to the fact there are a lot of women who don’t want to be there. There are aspects of Black culture—hip hop culture and strip club culture where it is very acceptable. It’s a double edge sword because women can be hidden in plain sight. Women in general desire love; it is easy for a man to fill that emotional void. Men want power, and men in lower-class communities are drawn to easy ways to make money. So, if they are told to pimp out their girlfriend, what makes you think they won’t?” “The question is how are we raising children to be aware of the lures that come from desiring love and power.” Around what time did this increase occur and is it getting worse? “I think we are now seeing prostitution for what it is, and no little girl grows up wanting to be a prostitute. I don’t think it’s getting worse. I think it’s getting better in the sense people are recognizing these women are victims too. When it comes to the numbers rising in human trafficking reports, it’s because people are seeing it. Before, we were just ignoring it and not recognizing it, so not everything was being reported. The more women who 35

come forward and identify themselves as been exploited, the better the Black community would be.”

Why are sex traffickers targeting Black women more than other minority women? “One reason Black women are trafficked more is that there is a lower sentence in the criminal justice system for traffickers when the victim is a Black woman. Black women are never seen as victims in general and, often, we don’t see ourselves as victims but as complicit. When we talk about human trafficking, we have to look at supply and demand. There is high reward and low risk for traffickers who traffic anyone. When it comes to Black women, you begin to look at what is the risk legislatively or what is the risk from a judicial system. If any trafficker knows they are going to get a much lower sentence in trafficking Black women, it’s much easier to turn them over. So, what is the risk of trafficking in Black women?”

Are Black women being targeted by traffickers in the same place and/or cities compared to other minority women? “Traffickers are target women anywhere women are—malls, clubs, schools, neighborhoods, and certainly online.” Are Black women being trafficked into different industries compared to other minority women who are trafficked? “The vast majority is sex trafficking. Traffickers look at women as a commodity, and a business tool. Traffickers are thinking if I traffic a woman for sex at night, how do I make money off of her during the day? Traffickers want the most bang for their buck and because Black women are labeled as oversexualized is a huge component of it.”

Why are Black women that are trafficked less likely to report to law enforcement? 36

“All women are less likely to report law enforcement. It’s a brainwashing tactic used by traffickers; in that, you can only trust the trafficker. Black communities have a natural aversion to law enforcement because of racial injustices. We don’t trust law enforcement. The other layer to this is that we know sometimes law enforcement is the very buyers of these people. When we talk about who is buying these women, it is the protected class. They are doctors, lawyers, politicians, and police officers. Women know that they are not going to trust the same man they sold their body to two days ago.”

Are there any disparities in resources for Black women who are trafficked compared to other women that are trafficked? “There are no resources. Across the United States, there are not enough beds, safe houses, and rehabilitative services for anyone who has been trafficked. So, when we talk about who gets access to these resources, the face right now of representation is white women in the media. White women are seen as victims of trafficking, and the vast majority of resources go to them based on how the fight against human trafficking is branded and structured. Organizations and services are not culturally competent to understand that a Black woman being trafficked is not going to easily self-identify as a white woman or an Asian woman. And – if that’s the determining factor a Black woman to receive resources, then that is going to leave out an entire set of the population.”

How can the system better support Black women who are trafficked? What needs to improve and/or change? “Our community needs to do a better job in understanding and recognizing what human trafficking is as a whole and who the victims are. We need to able to identify victims in certain industries and what is portrayed in the media. We need to rethink representation and not promote sensationalism.

We need to shift the narrative to have an accurate representation of the whole picture.” Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and a multi-billion dollar industry that is not going to be dismantled overnight. Black women are the victims hidden in plain sight. These women could be our daughters, sisters, cousins, grandchildren, or friends. But– because of systemic racism, cultural stereotypes, and systematic disparities we are not seen nor heard. It’s time for this to change; to evoke change means to be educated, aware, and active in the solution.

If you suspect human trafficking activity in your community, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1 (888) 373-7888 or report it to your local police department.

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PASTOR KENNETH B. AUSTIN OF THE MERCY HOUSE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA This month, FEMI is shining the light on Pastor Kenneth B. Austin, who is the Founder behind a business that is helping to change lives for those within the city of Montgomery, Alabama! We know that it’s not easy raising a family and making sure that you always have the necessary items to provide such as food, clothing, water, or even educational resources. Pastor Ken of New Walk of Life Church has taken the steps to make sure that those families in need or even the homeless have somewhere to come to for help! The Mercy House is located on the west side of Montgomery, Alabama and provides showers for the homeless and warm meals. The stocked pantries offer food to those families in need, and are made available through community donations.

The idea for the Mercy House came behind a family tragedy that happened more than 40 years ago. Pastor Ken Austin’s mother passed away at a church on March 6, 1972 when he was about 13. He is the ninth child of 13 siblings. This experience was devastating for him, but he remembers the community stepping in to assist. This led him to develop a strong love for community and he wanted to create that same experience for The Mercy House others in need. 2412 Council Street Montgomery, Alabama 36108 PH: 334-676-3040 The Mercy House home was bought and renovated through donated funds. It serves as a daytime shelter for the homeless, not a spend-the-night program. It offers a variety of programs to assist each individual based upon their needs, from clothing to food, and even programs for children when they are out of school.

“We provide daily hot lunches, Monday through Friday at 12:00pm.”

WEBSITE: WWW.MERCYHOUSEMGM.ORG

Kenneth Austin Credit: Thomas Austin

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AMBREIA

Turner

MODEL: AMBREIA TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: GREGORY BETTIS II FEMI MAGAZINE

ARTICLE

Brandon T. Jackson

Is Helping the BLACK COMMUNITY Elevate & Unite WRITTEN BY ADEZZA DUBOSE

randon T. Jackson is best known as an actor, comedian and now film producer! He has played in many roles that created a prosperous future for him and with no doubt led to a powerful fan base that would last forever. After Jackson’s last acclaimed role in the Percy Jackson films, we started to see less of the star.

BRANDON T. JACKSON CREDIT: RENAE WOOTSON

So, what has Brandon T. Jackson been up to lately? Well he has taken time away from mostly acting to raise his children and focus on his spiritual journey. Brandon T. Jackson spoke with Femi Magazine on his new movement that helps bring black people together so they can learn how to love one another through the highest knowledge. FEMI MAGAZINE

How can the black community rise and take a stand against what has been happening behind police brutality?

As a black man in America who is now raising sons, how will you prepare them for the things they will have to face?

Through fighting back using our mind and spirit in the power of knowledge of the Father, who has given us the ability to find creative ways to hold police accountable for their actions. Technology has been a help to the black community by utilizing the Pro Police Body Cam, which improves our people’s situations by having live video evidence.

I have two sons, and I try to be an example of things that they hopefully do not have to face in the world. They have to know their history, their people, who they are, and their identity as men in their nationality. They have to know to stay obedient to the highest, and there will be nothing that the highest will not do for them, period.

Brandon T. Jackson has blessed many people with his jokes and charming roles in movies over the years. Now, Jackson who is a happily married family man is blessing the black community with faith, love, and more importantly, working on businesses that will put money back into the communities.

What new projects are you working on? Any movies we can expect to see you in this year?

@BrandonTJackson

In what ways have you been able to use your platform to help educate the black community? I use my platform every day. I started a movement called, Kingdom of Everything, where we can bring people into the internal creator’s kingdom. I use social media to help restore love into people and put images out there that we are Nobles. What led to you taking your relationship with God of Israel so seriously over the past years? Did something happen to lead to that? It was already inside of me; it’s a code of life that I used in acting. It was an awakening in my soul; nothing traumatic happened. That light and fire that is inside of me is from the highest, and to help serve my people, it was destiny and divine order.

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I just worked and produced Trap City; it is in post-production; hopefully, it comes out with the COVID situation and all. I may have a movie called, “What the Funk” come out, it is a Netflix cartoon that I worked on previously. What advice do you have for any young aspiring actor that wants to have the success you have experienced in your years on film? I would say play a righteous character. Stay away from things that make your spirit feel bad and bring you to your lower self.

AUNALY

Moore

MODEL: AUNALY MOORE PHOTOGRAPHER: BRITTANY BOOTH 42

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TRIBUTE FOR ACTOR

CHADWICK BOSEMAN

Black King Chadwick Boseman Dedication Written By: Morgan B. Houston @itsmo2u

WHAT IS A BLACK KING? A Black King is he with the strength of Black Panther He reigned supreme Showing us all what Black Power truly means Movie to Movie Scene to scene Pushing to bring pleasure and awakening to our movie screens Humbled hearted with a soul so free Captivating the minds of our youth Delivering truth of how great a Black Man can be His selflessness, His will and integrity Created a longevity of ambitious minds Who now view time differently Live without regret

A BLACK KING IS A Brother A Son A Husband A Friend But what truly defines him is the power within His weakest days is where his strength derives No excuses Just pride As he concealed the pain inside Head held high during troubled times What a Man What a mighty Black Man Hear your name Reign Free Chadwick Boseman A Black King is He

No longer fearing of what’s to come next

REST IN POWER CHADWICK BOSEMAN NOVEMBER 29, 1976 - AUGUST 28, 2020

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FEMI Magazine January/February 2021

Articles inside

FEMI Magazine January/February 2021