INSIGHT MAGAZINE

CONTENT

54 Level Up

How will you level up?

16 Hat Game

Meet Emerging Designer: Diana Elyse

62 Runway Trends

Fashion Wear for Any Occasion

FEATURES

36 Finance

Money and Marriage Tips for Financial Happily Ever After

40 Food

Level up recipes

44 Entertainment

The Epitome of Success Fused with #blackgirlmagic

54 Lifestyle

Level Up

56 Health and Beauty

Making Mental Health a priority

62 Fashion

Fashion Models shot by Curtis Lawrence

FUN STUFF

10 Beard Games

Taking your beard game to the next level

GOOD STUFF

8 Health Watch

COVID-19 And the African American Experience

CB

Fashion Stylist Donda B

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April 2021 Fashion | Beauty | Lifestyle | Food | Finance | Fitness

Bourbon Blow Cocktail

Tantilizing your Taste Buds With Sultry Spirits

Harvesting Habits

Managing the Fruits of Your Labor

EXCLUSIVE Maria

Howell

The Songstress, the Actress, the Advocate, the Artist Maria Tells How She Went from The Color Purple to Glistening Gold.

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FRUITY BENEFITS FOR NAP’TURAL HAIR

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INSIGHT Magazine is a print and digital publication that highlights insightful views on social events, fashion flares, healthy cuisine, and beauty tips to maintain a savvy and serene lifestyle for all. Editor -In-Chief

Curtis Lawrence Sr. Senior Editor

Marion Nathan Summers Editing Director

Krystal Carr Sancho West Coast Operations Director Kenneth Friday Creative Director Jewel Green Chief Financial Officer Shelton Brown Stylist Jewel Green Jozette Cooper Jozette Cooper MUA/Hairstylist Director of Photography Jeff Leonard Writers Lesley Logan Krystal Carr Sancho Devona Keel Joylette Hilliard Francesca Ellana Contributing Writer Tammie Tolbert Jozette Cooper Leslie Logan Marketing Director

Kenneth L. Nichols Sr. Graphic Design David Johnson Social Media Content Director Curtis A. Lawrence Jr. Public Relations Director Kenneth L. Nichols Sr. INSIGHT Magazine

Letters to the Editor: 3340 Robinwood Road STE. 100-517 Gastonia, NC 28054 Attn: Curtis Lawrence www.theinsightmag.com connect@theinsightmag.com

Curtis Lawrence Sr. is a native of Gainesville, Florida. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted into the United States Army. He served honorably for 24 years. He toured Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Panama. He retired as one of the top Recruiters in the Raleigh Battalion as On Campus Recruiter for University of North Carolina at Charlotte Army ROTC.

Curtis is married to his lovely wife Tonya, a native of Gastonia, North Carolina. Following the birth of his daughter, Curtonia, the realization that he would not be able to share precious memories of her grandmother with her impacted him. In addition to this he realized he only had a few photos of his mother, and the quality was not the best. Thus, his passion to provide quality photos for his family and others was birthed. He has since provided quality images for generations to come. His portfolio contains many celebrities, athletes, chefs, ministers, and authors. Yet, he cherishes photos of his daughter, and sons, Curtis Jr, and Marcus, finally his four grandchildren the most.

His first booked event was a family member’s wedding, using only a pocket camera The outcome inspired him to pursue and improve his craft. A special thank you to Tracey and Debra for believing in him.

Curtis realized he had an eye and natural talent to create beautiful memories. He developed his talent through mentoring and training with professional photographers.

Today, he is a highly sought-after photographer. Through the encouragement and support of family and friends, Curtis founded Insight Photography, Gastonia, N.C., where he provides an array of services such as family portraits, weddings, and private and corporate events.

Curtis inspires himself to focus and go forth, by reciting his favorite quote “Faith don’t fail me now.” His firm foundation and faith have allowed him to not only become the founder of Insight Photography, but to become editor and chief of INSIGHT Magazine.

Curtis continues to believe in the power of the team and uplifting his community. He is excited and proud to present this issue, against all odds as it focuses on your total well-being, mind, body, and soul.

COVID-19 AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

By Kenneth L. Nichols, Sr.

Across the nation we hear echoes of individuals from government officials to the local storekeeper screaming “it is safe now, we are OK.” “Don’t worry about wearing your mask.” “Did you get the vaccine? If you do not, it is ok, the herd immunity will protect you.” These words, for a community of people who have felt the stinging whiplash of questionable information and distorted messages for so long, are hard to swallow. COVID-19 has affected every socioeconomic class. However, it has disproportionately affected the African American community. COVID-19 deaths continue to affect our personal lives. We almost feel as if we are gaslighted with respect to what is truth and what is reality when we look at what has been said and what we have experienced.

Question: But where does all this doubt and skepticism come from and why has the African American experience with COVID-19 been such a torturous ride?

Response: Well, we must go back to the numbers. Let us take the time in the next few paragraphs to look at the reasons why our experience has been in contrast with others.

Let us start with infection rates and mortality. The fact is that African Americans make up 12 to 13% of the population of the United States. However, in some analysis early in the pandemic, we saw up to 33% infections in some areas. The mortality numbers at that time were more damaging as it hovered in the same 30% range. In some states, the death rate soared in the African American community to as high as 50%. This contrasted with our non-Hispanic white counterparts whose mortality rates were at the same time 12 to 13%. Now as of June 2021, we have total infection rates in the neighborhood of approximately 34 million people and 600,000 deaths. This drops the total mortality rate to just under 2%. But the trauma to the black community has clearly been done. high. Unfortunately, the mortality rate in the African American community was deeply related to what we in the medical field called “comorbidities”. These include common diseases like hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity, and even sickle cell. Due to the nature of COVID-19 and its inflammatory effect on the vascular system, these diseases were exacerbated causing the pro-inflammatory effects to accelerate disease processes. Therefore, we saw higher incidences of strokes, heart attacks, and respiratory failure which, in many cases, led to death. For those who survived COVID-19, multiple long-term effects have also been seen. These now include chronic respiratory problems, chronic pain, arthritic illnesses, kidney disease, and even blindness.

Question: Why did African Americans encounter COVID-19 at a higher rate in the first place?

Response: Unfortunately, that is steeped in the socioeconomic status of which many of us find ourselves in. According to the 2018 census, we found that up to 20% of African Americans live below the poverty line which at that time was under $25,000 for a family of four. However, for those of us who are employed, employment is more likely to be in the form of service.

Question: Could you clarify the types of service?

Response: These include the fast-food industry, cafeteria and dining, housekeeping, cashiers, personal/nurses aids, and other areas of employment which require interpersonal engagement with individuals to perform their duties. In addition, traveling to and from these areas of employment in many cases required public transportation. It was not a simple task to just “work from home”. In many instances that meant no income at all.

Question: Are there any other areas that we as African Americans should be concerned with?

social structure to which many black families in our country find their civic composition. Even today the black family is still structured around social foundations like the church and other clubs and organizations where they can find strong guidance and connection. All these constructs were broken in some form or fashion during 2020. This left so many voids of characteristic empathy that would normally support a shattered community.

Question: Now that we have a vaccine to combat the virus, why do you think African Americans are hesitant to take the shot?

Response: Many African Americans have significant skepticism due to their personal/family experience with the American medical community. With the Tuskegee syphilis experiment (1933-1972) still in the memory of many currently alive, the use of a “rushed” vaccine, breeds seeds of distrust and thoughts of manipulation. As of now it is reported that approximately 69% of all Americans in the United States have been vaccinated and thus, we are approaching “herd immunity.”

Question: Can you explain exactly what “herd immunity” means, for our readers?

Response: Herd immunity is when approximately 70% of the total population has been vaccinated, causing the potency and virility of the virus to decrease which will result in a decrease in its incidence. However, thousands in the African American community continue to stay away from vaccination.

Question: Where do we go from here now that we are at this stage of our experience with COVID-19, how do we move forward?

Response: We know that this disease process has rocked our communities. It has left us bare, numb, and aching inside. I, as a trauma surgeon, have seen a significant rise in physical assault and deadly injuries in our communities. The emotional pain boils over into vicious anger with no positive outlet. The only way I see us moving towards the positive relief from this tremendous weight that has been laid upon our communities is to work together to reconstruct our organizations, our churches, and to empower community social workers and mental health providers. We are sitting at the crossroads of change. Reinvigorating our community centers and our churches to bring us back to civility is a foundational part of our healing.

Alexander Evans MD, MBA FACS, Current title: Trauma Medical Director, Central Florida Regional Associate Professor of Surgery, University of South Florida

BEARD GAME

Taking your beard game to the next level

by Jozette Cooper

No matter what level you are on with your beard growth, just remember it is not how you start in the game, it is how you get to the finish line or win the game. For some men, growing a beard comes with ease but for other men it is a true task. But do not get discouraged whatever level you are on here are some tips to help you get started or get you to that next level.

Level 1

This level will see how bad you really want to grow your beard. You are in the mirror, and you are giving yourself the pep talk “we are going to do this." You must stop shaving! Omg! Your face will be itchy! And it may not look its best. It may be patchy and uneven. At this level, which is your 0-2 weeks, is the stubble and at 2-8 weeks the itch from hell.

This is where a good beard oil will come into play and a good boar brush to calm down the itchiness. Remember the hair that comes out your face is different from the hair that comes out your scalp. Before you wash your face, brush your beard area for 5 minutes; not hard or rough but to remove the dead skin, exfoliate and stimulate blood flow to the beard area. Make sure you wash your beard with a good beard wash. Sulfate free will be your best choice. This will leave your skin well hydrated. A beard oil after will lock in the moisture for your skin and your beard making them both soft and less irritated as it grows in.

In about 4 weeks you should be ready for the next level.

As your beard grows you must make sure you are giving your body the correct nutrients that it needs. Eating fruit and vegetables with a balanced diet will give your beard a great start at maintaining a great beard.

Oranges, Brazil-nuts, raisins, potatoes, kale, and spinach are the best for your beard. Vitamin b5, vitamin e, biotin, inositol, and niacin can also help promote hair growth.

At this level,your patches should start to fill in. You can now trim it and give it shape. Now remember you are still growing it and it is still in the newcomer level. You only have been in the game for 8-16 weeks. Wash and use your beard oil on a regular basis. Try to be mindful of pulling the hairs on your beard. At 16-30 weeks you are off the beard bench, and you are getting some beard time in. It is taking its shape and you are getting the looks. Receiving compliments from friends, partners, and fellow beard gamers. Now would be a suitable time to use a beard balm which nourishes and protects your beard but do not use a lot as it could be a little heavy depending on your beard texture.

Now remember living a healthy lifestyle is beneficial not only to your mind, body, and soul, but also beneficial to your beard game. So get plenty of exercise, reduce stress, and get plenty of sleep.

Level 3

The beard! This is 30 weeks plus. You have a full beard that has formed into this impressive masterpiece. Your challenging work and dedication has paid off now and people in the street are really stopping and commenting on the shape and the length and how distinguished you look.

At this pro beard game level your routine of how you take care of your beard is important. Make sure you keep your beard hydrated as much as possible. Using a beard brush or comb once a day to assist with your cleaning, detangling and styling of your beard. Apply beard oil or balm.

For the gray, silver, and white beard gamers you need to really be mindful of what products you put on your beards. Your beards can have a mind of its own. You want to make sure to use beard conditioner to keep your beard soft and shiny. If you use a product with color, make sure it does not stain or dull the beard.

Choosing the right color clothing will do wonders for your beard game too. Make sure your clothing compliments your beard when you step out for work or play. Contributing Barber/Stylist Gloria Banks

Models Mr. Leslie Lindsey Mr. Tyler Carder Mr. Rhamel Rich Mr. Myan Clayton-Bey