JusBu Magazine 2022 Fall Issue

Painting by Jennifer Massenat

Alex PoeticSoul

Invisible

Can you see me?

I wonder…

I wonder all the time, does anyone see me?

Can you see that I don’t fit in?

I wear the right clothes.

I hang out with the right crowd. I’m in the in-crowd.

And yet, I’m outside of it. When you talk to me, do you listen?

I mean really, really, listen. When you ask if there’s anything wrong and I say no..

Do you hear that everything is wrong.

Do you see that although…

I’m the only person in the room. I’m in the center of a crowd…. No one sees the one in the crowd… No one notices her… She’s alone…. She’s scared… She doesn’t know why or how she got there…

No one gets it…

No one tries to…

No one sees me…I’m invisible. Until, one day…

One day I found out that there is someone who gets it.

HE has always gotten it. And HE has always seen me… Heard me…

Cared for me…

I just didn’t know it.

HE told me that I’m not invisible because that implies nothingness. And that’s impossible, because through HIM ev erything was created.

Out of nothingness, HE created everything. So, nothingness no longer exists.

I’m no longer invisible…I am transparent.

HE sees right through me. And NOW through HIM, I see myself… And you see me too…

by Bridgit White

Overcoming obstacles, KJ shines

“Everything I’m doing, I do it because of my mom,” the singer-guitarist said in a recent interview. “She inspired me a lot more than anybody else.”

Kerry Junior, the artist, has had to pursue his pas sion while dealing with obstacles.

“He has an emotional disability,” said his mother, Wendy Maria Sanders-Johnson of Gary.

Kerry, as it turns out, has suffered neurological problems.

Born premature and underweight, he endured seizures, stroke and respiratory failure very early in life.

Kerry also had problems verbally communicating. He was born as part of triplets, but one of the sib lings -- a brother -- did not survive.

His mother’s pregnancy and childbirth were diffi cult.

But despite his health complications and insecuri ties, Kerry James Rogers Jr. has persevered with his musical journey.

“I’m very inspired; he’s very dedicated,” Sand ers-Johnson said. “His father and I wanted him to be a football player. Kerry wasn’t into sports. When he asked me can he have a guitar for Christmas, it was kind of shocking.”

The performer wants to be a role model: “My goal is to inspire other people who have, like, the same disability.”

Kerry graduated in 2012 from Lew Wallace Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Academy in Gary.

He has been industrious in learning his craft. In regard to learning the guitar, his mother said a popular video tool was used: “He taught himself off of YouTube.”

The region that is home to Kerry James Rogers Jr. has gotten to hear him strum guitar chords over the airwaves at Gary’s WLTH-AM (1370).

“A very giving and loving young man” is how Rogers is described by station manager Natalie Ammons. “I think he’s great; I think he’s very dedicated to what he wants to do,” she said. “He steps up and pro motes himself very well -- he’s not shy about that.”

PHOTO CREDIT KJ

PHOTO CREDIT KJ

The musical artist known as Kerry Junior has built a sizable following with his heartfelt songs -- and his dogged determi nation.

“I’m a self-taught singer, musician and songwriter,” he said. “My fans -- I call them my kjayers.”

A resident of Gary, Ind., he is otherwise known as -- more formally -- Kerry James Rogers Jr.

Only 21, Rogers has deftly used outdoor public property, on line outlets and appearances at radio stations to display his intimate, acoustic sounds.

He used to sing the songs of Justin Bieber and Chris Brown, but self-generated material is the direction now.

Roger’s compositions are an infectious acoustical mix of folk, soul and pop.

His voice and guitar are all he relies on. “I’m Drowning” is reminiscent of the stylings of Tracy Chap man (“Fast Car”).

Regarding his influences, Rogers cites the inspiration of Jus tin Timberlake and pop icon Michael Jackson.

Jackson’s boyhood home in Gary still stands at 23rd Avenue and Jackson Street.

Although a long way from the fame enjoyed by Timberlake and the “King of Pop,” Rogers has been tireless in his desire for public exposure.

A municipal building in Gary provided an early stage for the melodies that needed to get out.

“Basically, I got started at the City Hall where I used to sit on their steps and just play for, like, spare change -- for every body to hear me,” Rogers recalled. “Everybody at City Hall, like, knows me.”

He has performed on Indiana radio stations WJOB-AM (1230) in Hammond and Lakeshore Public Radio (89.1 FM) in Merrillville. Another notable appearance took place on “The Gentleman Grochowski Show,” a Chicago TV program and internet radio outlet/podcast.

One of the most potent songs for Rogers to showcase is the moving “Mother and I” -- a very personal paean to matriar chal might.

The subject of the tribute is clear.

“ His voice and guitar are all he relies on ”.

Tarsha Jackson - T.O.P

HIPTONIC LOVE AFFAIR WHAT HAPPNED TO HIP-HOP DAVID COLEMAN

I remember her

I remember the way you made me feel………

I remember falling and not caring where I landed

I remember the words of sweet rhythm with meaningful truth

I remember the strum of your heart beating causing my soul to relax

I remember feeling complete

I remember your presence

It was you who kept me strong when life crumbled

It was you who help me express my emotions

What happened to us

I miss you

Years passed, and times change but what if I can’t change with the times

What if I told you that I can’t live without you

I can sill hear you with each rhythm of new found lust

My ears can still grasp the real you

Please come back to me please remember our love

I yearn for her when everyone else says forget her she’s changed

When they all neglect her actions

I welcomed her into my universe of desire

Her heart shines light on a darken soul

A voided space let her love float against my galaxy

Let my words walk upon her delicate skin and may it feel like the first time

Let our passion be innocent with hidden chaos filled with joy of ruckus

Oooooooooohhhhhhh!

How I love to dance to the noise

Let us rejoice for the discovery of new planets When I’m with her I leave earth We have conversations with god That’s how close we are to the stars

Love I remember do you?

The pleasure of instruments joining forces My mind surfs the sound waves of persuasive syllables In search of authentic knowledge I remember the quiet storm Which helped the growth of beautiful spirts Shower me with your love once more So that I may be nourished with forgotten trust I remember you Do you remember me Do you remember us The culture

A way of life

Am I just not hip enough anymore Or is it so dead light-full That an overdose of you will benefit my soul HIP-TONIC LOVE AFFAIR

HIPTONIC LOVE AFFAIR WHAT HAPPNED TO HIP-HOP DAVID COLEMAN

Photography Lamar T

Black On Black Crime (Causes and Cures)

Sitting in class one day at Albert Thomas Middle School in Houston Texas, this had to be in the early 80’s due to me graduating in 1983. We had a substitute teacher he had a Ebony Magazine and on the cover was Black on Black Crime. He showed it to the class and stated the crisis were in as a race of people. I felt the sorrow in his voice.

Coming from the ghetto, as my teacher stated that South Park was becoming a ghetto and if we don’t get involved now it would be a horrible place to live. Liv ing down the street from South Park Village playing outside as a little girl we would always see the ambu lance pass down South Park Blvd which is now Martin Luther King. As children we would say “going to the Village” with no clue of the crisis us as the black race were and still face till this day.

One day sitting at home listening to the radio I heard Deric Mohammed talking about going to an apartment complex with the “No More Blood Shed Movement” to end the violence and to raise awareness.

I was so eager to get out in the community since it’s been a while so I decided to go. I was so excited to get out to raise awareness for love, unity and peace, I took a two hour ride on the bus. However there was a little disappointment due to me wanting to knock on doors and them marching. We shut down a Texaco gas station for 10 minutes that refuse to cooperate with us, and we were told to leave by police. The ten minutes shutdown was useless.

Who’s to blame for this? Can we point the finger at any one? At one time I felt Hip Hop was to blame, however this crisis been long before Hip Hop came along. Don’t get me wrong sometimes I feel some Hip Hop now takes more than what it gives, however it’s only what’s happening in the lives of many.

I might get some criticism for this article however the uneducated mother has to make sure her children are educated. Everybody can’t be a sports professional however he can be a doctor, lawyer or just a worker. Children are fragle sponges and they absorb to their en vironment, very few make it out of the ghetto without experiencing jail, juvenile detention, or even death or death of a loved one.

Don’t get me wrong we’ve come a long way with a lon ger way to go. I would also encourage mom’s to begin eating dinner with their children and discussing what’s going on in their lives and to put high demands on making good grades, instilling morals and values in they lives and get in thiers as well.

Model: Venus

If we truly want a cure for this crisis it’s going to take dedication and hard work. Education is one of the things we have to do. Working in the community us as poor blacks have become so comfortable with hand outs. Of course we take care of our own, however where do we draw the line. There’s a line that have to drawn for the next generation.

Photo by: Kareem Thompson

Dr.

King once said “ How shall we turn the ghetto into a vast school? How shall we make every street corner a forum, not a lounging place for trivial gossip and petty gambling, where life is wasted and human experience withers to trivial sensations? How shall we make every house worker and every laborer a demon stratior, a voter, a canvasser and a student.

Let’s teach them to become first class citizens, we can’t have our young men shooting up the block, we have to show them they value in this world. We can’t have our young women walking in the store talking loud and be ing rude and idle.

Dr. King also says, some that have the power don’t have compassion, some that have might have no morality, some posses strength without sight. Blacks are still being exploited and oppressed. It’s going to take us to become the solution to this issue.

We have to take the time and sit down and speak with peo ple, a March can’t do that. We can’t talk about the white man when we’re killing each other. In reality we should and could careless about rebellious white America. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about entire white America, I’m talking about the rebellious white America who op press the mordern way.

However we are very much aware of the world being against us if we’re not an American puppet. Texaco had the biggest law suit for descrimination in 1996, Chuck Rosenthal withdrew his position from disctrict at torney position due to some racial emails and so much more. We have to stand through all obstacles and teach our young people as well. We know racism exist however we have to analyze ourselves.

Let’s get out there, serve our community, educate, be there for that single mom, be there for that young man, be there for that teenage daughter. When we have these events get phone numbers to follow up, we must take care of our own. We still tearing each other down and we need to stop. It saddens me when I’m working with people and the mindset we have towards our own people. We are truly crabs in a bucket, we hate constructive criticism, being a woman if I don’t gossip I get hated, however talking about your own sister don’t spark the flame for me.

My own people look down on me because they think I’m not good enough, I have a scar on my face that I got at 6 yrs old from a car wreck, the ones on the mountain some are the worst and if we don’t change with the ignorance we all gone be in the bread line. I work for a place where we give assistance on utility bills. The workers are just as ignorant as the clients due to them talking down on their own peo ple instead of being a beacon to show them. Black people we’re in a crisis. If we don’t learn to love one another we will stay last.

Yes we had a black president, yes we have some black rep resentatives that is giving what we don’t need and that’s a hand out, it’s crucial for us to go back with the hymn “we shall overcome”

There’s a new world out there, it’s really not about black and white no more, however we are truly still faced with oppres sion. The kneeling of Kaepernick should have been taught to our young people as to why he kneeled during the national anthem, and being taught how to talk to the police. We need a court support system, be in court with these mothers.

Coming from a poverty stricken apartment complex I know for fact our mothers there need to be educated. One day I was going to a visual for Trayvon Martin, my neighbor asked me where I was going. I told her the visual for Trayvon Martin, her reply, who’s that. She has a son the same age that wasn’t nothing for me to gossip about which I found myself doing it and I had to stop myself and see we really need help.

Some of our people lack empathy, we can say rip as if it’s become a part of the crisis means nothing. Life isn’t valued at all. You die you die, life goes on. We have to show the parents to value so they can teach the children, a relationship in the ghetto some are a revolving door. Pastors have to get out and the people that shows up for these marches, I feel is as much as the person who is leading it. We need a covenant, we don’t need a March.

Pamela Renee

You are out of Wack

Written by: Dr.Paul W Spirit Running Bear Dyer.Gm Director of The School of Holistc Intersection.

The practice of whole life training I teach falls under The 3 D System. It provides a simple and immediately ef fective method which allows the body to return to its nat ural state of balance and freedom from stress. Through the application of The 3 D System , old habits of postural mis alignment and physical misuse are replaced by the body’s own innate balancing processes. The uninhibited function ing of these processes make possible the effortless move ment and natural stress free use of the body.

The body and stress as an effect and its damange. Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed your re action time, and enhance your focus preparing you to either fight or flee from the danger at hand.

If you don’t know how to train these effects to be positive it has these effects. It causes acute and chronic stress and effects the brain, researchers have now pinpointed one receptor that plays a key role in that harmful cycle. Uncontrollable stress is a major contrib uting factor for neuropsychiatric disorders such as major depression and post-traumatic stress disorders, which have been linked to cellular changes in the hippocampus.

Learning about the physical effects of our environment on our bodies has been easy to understand. Nutrients in the form of food and drink clearly have an effect on our health as well. But what has been most intriguing to me is the ef fect that our emotions play in our lives and which states of emotion might lead to a healthier life or looming disaster. These are addressed in the 3 D syetem because nothing de void from effects and causes. Its about living in this world to defend against harmful acts. It can be physical and or mental ,and spiritual. To develop balance there is a practice thst must be PRACTICED! !!!.

Since balance is paramount to efficient movement in gen eral and efficient The 3 D Syetem technique in particular, it follows that postures and patterns of movement which interfere with the continued dynamic balance of the body should be avoided. Improper skeletal alignment and ex cess muscular tension are the causes of loss of true balance . This loss of balance changes the balance of our breath which effects our bodies and spirituality.

It’s important to learn how to recognize when your stress levels are out of control. The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it. It starts to feel familiar, even normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll. Knowing oneself takes a steady action of consciousness action.

At one time I was lost. I was as confused and scared in my own fears.I went into the darkness because I thought it was the only option; there was good and there was evil. I had not yet moved on from my black shawdows and white ideology. I only saw the idealized version of every thing because there where sadness and fear. I’m not saying that anyone else should go through what I did, because it is destructive and deadly, but the only way I can redeem that time is to learn from it. I learned how to live and not just survive life. In my 3 D System there are many lessons that brings you to the light. It doesn’t bring you to my light thats just wrong, it brings you to your true light. It takes an infinite amount of resources and understanding to create a continuous reality of love and hope, but a finite amount to create a ghost reality of false shadows.

Take you time. Take your action. Take your practice. Make it a living art and live.

MODEL: DEJA PEREZ

PHOTO BY: DAVID PRICE

How blueberries help to kill cancer cells

By Honor Whiteman

Blueberries are sometimes branded a “superfood,” and for good reason; they are packed full of antioxidants that offer a wealth of health benefits. Now, a new study has uncovered another use for these little berries: helping to treat cancer. blueberries

Blueberry extract could help in the fight against cancer, say researchers.

By studying human cervical cancer cell lines, a team of researchers discovered that adding blueberry extract to radiation therapy can significantly improve treatment efficacy.

Lead study author Dr. Yujiang Fang, who works in the School of Medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and colleagues recently reported their results in Pathology and Oncology Research.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), around 12,820 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, and more than 4,200 women are expected to die from the disease.

Radiation therapy remains a primary treatment for cervical cancer. It involves using high-energy radiation to de stroy cancer cells.

“For some cancers, such as late stage cervical cancer, radiation is a good treatment option,” says Dr. Fang. “How ever, collateral damage to healthy cells always occurs.”

For their study, the researchers set out to determine whether or not blueberry extract could be used as a radiosen sitizer, which is a compound that makes cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation therapy.

Blueberry extract

‘tricks’

cancer cells

In previous research, Dr. Fang and colleagues revealed that resveratrol — a compound present in grapes and red wine — helped to sensitize prostate cancer cells to radiation therapy.

The researchers note that blueberries also contain resveratrol, as well as flavonoids. “Flavonoids,” notes Dr. Fang, “are chemicals that may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.”

Live your Best life in a Natural Way

The team tested blueberry extract on human cancer cell lines for their latest study. The extract was tested both alone and in combination with radiation therapy. These effects were compared with those of radiation therapy alone.

While radiation therapy alone reduced the number of cancer cells by 20 percent, the blueberry extract alone led to a 25 percent reduction in cancer cells.

However, when the blueberry extract and radiation therapy were combined, the number of human cervical cancer cells fell by around 70 percent.

The researchers explain that the blueberry extract does not only make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, but it also reduces the abnormal cell growth that fuels cancer development.

“Cancer cells avoid death by remodeling themselves,” continues Dr. Fang. “Along with reducing cell proliferation, the extract also ‘tricks’ cancer cells into dying. So it inhibits the birth and promotes the death of cancer cells.”

While further studies are needed, the researchers say that their findings indicate that blueberries may be a promising treatment strategy for cervical cancer and other cancer types.

“Blueberries are very common and found all over the world. They are readily accessible and inexpensive. As a natural treatment option for boosting the effectiveness of existing therapies, I feel they would be enthusiastically accepted.”

Dr. Yujiang Fang

Unicorn Coconut Breakfast Recipe

Ingredients

Pink “Nice” Cream: 2 frozen bananas, chopped 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, or raspberries

2 Tbsps coconut milk or water

Blue “Nice” Cream: 2 frozen bananas, chopped 1/4 tsp butterfly pea powder (organic food dye, available on Amazon)

2 Tbsps coconut milk or water

Chia Seed Pudding: 1.5 cups coconut water 1/3 cup chia seeds

Magical Topping Ideas: frozen berries unsweetened, dried coconut

Instructions

Make the chia pudding base by mixing co conut water and chia seeds in a jar.

Stir very well until everything blends per fectly.

Refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Blend all the ingredients for the Pink nice cream in a high speed blender, or food pro cessor.

Place the mixture in a container and keep it in the freezer while you blend the Blue nice cream, the same way.

Add spoonfuls of the blue and pink nice cream on top op your chia pudding base and gently swirl.

Top with frozen berries and sprinkle with coconut.

By Rachel cleanfoodcrush.com

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats (gluten-free if necessary)

1 cup almond meal

⅓ cup dried shredded coconut

½ cup coconut sugar

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp sea salt

¼ cup raw honey

⅓ cup coconut oil, melted

1/2 cup coconut milk

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 Tbsp chia seeds

3 Tbsp water

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions:

By Rachel

Preheat the oven to 350F, and line a small pan (8×8 or 9x9 or 10x8) with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, combine chia seeds with water and set aside until gel forms (about 3-5 minutes).

In medium bowl combine oats, almond meal, shredded coconut, baking soda, chocolate chips and salt. Stir to combine.

In large bowl, whisk the softened coconut oil and coconut sugar, about 1-2 minutes. Add in honey, vanilla, coconut milk, chia seed/water, and mix until well combined.

Add dry ingredients to the large bowl of wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Press mixture into prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until edges have slightly browned.

Let it cool in the pan for about 1 hour before removing.

Carefully remove with parchment paper from pan. Using a large, sharp knife cut into squares.

Avocado + Black Bean Salad Recipe

Ingredients

3 medium-large avocados, diced

4 roma tomatoes, diced

2 yellow, or orange tomatoes, diced

1 English cucumber, seeded and sliced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced 15-ounces black beans, rinsed and drained of using canned

2 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil

1 fresh lemon, juiced

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to your taste

Hello! I’m Rachel and I’m a mother of 4. My passion is sharing real food ideas that are fun, simple and delicious.

Instructions

In a large glass bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and beans.

In a small glass jar or bowl, whisk the olive oil and lemon juice together.

Drizzle this evenly over your salad, then season with sea salt and pepper to your taste.

Toss the salad very gently, then sprinkle with sun flower seeds.

Instructions

In a blender or food processor, pulse all Salad Dressing ingredients until creamy. Taste, adjust seasonings to your liking. Cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in a large skillet over med-high heat; Add in shrimp and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until pink and just cooked through.

Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper then set aside.

Arrange all salad ingredients on a platter or a large salad bowl nicely as shown, and when ready to serve, drizzle with dressing and gently toss to combine.

DONYALE RENEE

Donyale Renee (a Houston, TX na tive) who has lived in Atlanta, GA since 1995 where she performed for count less corporate events including several fundraisers and private events for former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell while being signed to Platinum Atlanta Records (1995-1997). Donyale was a co writer of the campaign song for the former May or of Atlanta Shirley Franklin (2002) which was used throughout her cam paign. Donyale has sung background vocals for Pop Diva Mariah Carey, R&B singers Monifa and Michael Henderson, as well as Reggae artists Maxi Priest. Donyale has also been the opening act for several major R&B artists including Smokie Robinson, The Manhattans, Betty Wright, Twelve Gauge, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Adina Howard, Cal vin Richardson and Blues artist Theodus Ealey, Marvin Cease and Omar Cun ningham, and from 2008-2011 she had the opportunity to to also sing back up throughout mainland China with one of China’s biggest Pop stars Jane Zhang also know as Zhāng Liàngyǐng .

Donyale is also known to be a hu manitarian by volunteering the gift of her voice to local and national orga nizations events such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Senior Citizen’s Christmas parties (Atlanta), and the Re-recording of the R & B hit “Love Train” by the Mighty O’Jays on a Charity CD forThe Christian Action Outreach for Refugees (Hong Kong, 2011) and in 2013 she volunteered on a project which was one of the most inspiring projects  of her life for Nick Vujicic and the Life Without Limbs organization. When she is off the road and at home in At lanta she loves to volunteer with Hosea Feed the Hungry and when Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston, Tx and surrounding areas, Donyale was there to lend a helping hand by participat ed in several charity events to help raise money for the Harvey Relief Fund.

Alijah The Barber

from the Clippers to the Microphone.........

of

of

With a spark the several