Legends Magazine July/August 2020 Issue by legendsmag

L July/august 2020

CONTENTS shades / Black Lives Matter Black Love/ Jasmine Erves Black Education/ Honoring the Class of 2020 Support Black Businesses/ Black Business The Black Label Shop. LesLo Events Q. Robinson Creative RUDD. Label The Vine Cafe & Market The Fruitful Life

Legends, For the individuals (which includes all races, ages, genders, religions, and sexual orientations) that have made a commitment to justice and equality by protesting in the streets of their city or protesting at home by donating to organizations, signing petitions, calling politicians and sharing their knowledge to the public, you are a symbol of hope, a symbol of pride, and representation of the revolution. I, thank you for your hard work and dedication to the work of obtaining and securing true, genuine equality for all. Freedom is not conditional, it is our birth right. As the work continues, we must ensure that #BlackLivesMatter doesn’t become a trend or a moment to fade away in time. #BlackLivesMatter is a movement, a movement growing in power and strength. We’re not trying to create a race war, we’re trying to end one. We must also remember that when we say #BlackLivesMatter, all Black lives are included in the conversation especially Black trans lives who are being beaten and murdered daily without justice or any mainstream media attention. But we don’t need mainstream media to tell our stories because we have platforms like this magazine to share and express our triumphs and troubles to the world. In the following pages, Legends Magazine celebrates the Black community by highlighting and showcasing Black Love, Black Education, Black Businesses, Black Creatives, and the Legend of the Issue, Mr. Alfred Shivy Brooks. To my brothers and sisters, you are brilliant, you are beautiful, you are gifted, you are kind, you are magic, you are love, you are legendary. Love. -LENA

The Queendom Beauty Bus Poisen Cool Whip Esthetics Honorable Mention Businesses Beauty Editor’s Picks Black Creatives Giani Martin’s Photography Yomi Ojuolape’s Graphic Design It Ain’t You, Sis Podcast DBonTV’s Black Excellence

LEGEND: Alfred Shivy Brooks

BLACK

LIVES

MATTER BLACK

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BLACK LOVE

Photography by Samuel Madden

@maddenphotography

AN IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH FIRST TIME MOTHER,

JASMINE ERVES

Briefly describe your pregnancy experience

How did you celebrate your baby shower? We had

during COVID-19. The first word that comes to

an outdoor “drop by” baby shower, while

mind when describing my experience is

simultaneously celebrating virtually. For the “drop by”,

“ambiguous”. There have been highs and lows.

people pretty much popped in to say hi and drop

At times, it felt incredibly isolating and other

gifts from a safe distance, and then they’d leave. We

times it was refreshingly intimate. As a first time

sent out a few messages prior to the shower with a

mom, this wasn’t quite the

few guidelines, in order to maintain

experience I envisioned, but

safety. There was a mask and

the current climate of things gave me the opportunity to slow down, enjoy the process, and consume as much information as possible prior

Oakley Grand Mitchell was born on Juneteenth, June 19th at 11:41 p.m. Congratulations to Jasmine and Malcom from the Legends Family.

sanitizing station as soon as guests entered the yard. There was also a mimosa station, I’m sure the guests enjoyed. All of the snacks and drinks were individually packaged

to our little one’s arrival. I will

and self served to limit contact.

say that we definitely had to

Having the cute little decorations

get creative in how we kept

and briefly seeing faces I hadn’t

family and friends involved

seen in so long was so refreshing,

throughout the process.

and I actually loved my baby

How were you able to attend

shower despite stipulations due to

your doctor appointments?

COVID-19.

What precautions were

As a new mother, what's the

made to protect your health?

most important character trait

I was able to physically attend

you wish to instill in your child?

appointments, but I was

This is probably one of the

required to wear a mask and I could not bring

toughest questions I’ve had to answer. There’s so

visitors (yes, dad had to wait in the car the whole

many things I want to instill in my little boy, but it is

time). The providers wore masks as well. In order

very important to me that he grows to be a man of

to protect, the facility required everyone to be

integrity. I imagine that with integrity comes traits like

screened and received a temperature check

being compassionate, and often times hard working.

upon entry into the building. All waiting areas

I want my son to be someone who is honorable and

were arranged to maintain 6 feet of distance

maintains his morals no matter the situation. I believe

between individuals.

that as a man of integrity he will also make it a priority to stand up for what’s right- something that is so essential today.

CLASS OF 2020

Anthony Hardy, Jr. Lithia Springs High School Briefly explain your high school experience.

My high school experience at Lithia Springs High was amazing. It was the best four years of my life. As a STEM graduate and a four-year Varsity starter and Captain of a successful basketball program, I was able to build life long relationships with caring teachers, awesome friends, and great teammates. My high school experience helped strengthen my character and allowed many of my dreams to come true. It is true when they say it goes by fast.

Most memorable moment in high school?

When I think of my high school experience, I’ve had many memorable moments, from becoming Douglas County’s All-Time Leading Scorer for basketball, being awarded Superintendent Scholar, or winning Homecoming King. Although those are memorable, starting varsity basketball as a freshman has to be the most memorable. The nervousness before games, the excitement of my first points, and the uniform that was way too big. In that moment, I felt I started my high school journey.

How did you celebrate your graduation?

My 2020 graduation class has been challenged and tested, but we were able to meet the moment with flexibility and resilience. I was able to enjoy many graduation celebrations with family and friends. I enjoyed and participated in virtual graduations and community parades all summer. Although my graduation was unusual, I remain excited and prepared for my next journey.

If you had to tell COVID-19 one sentence, what would you say?

I’m not very fond of you, but because of you I was able to focus more on myself and get even closer to my family, so thank you.

What’s next for you?

After graduating from Lithia Springs High School as a STEM graduate, I will be continuing my next chapter as a student athlete. Fortunately, I was honored with the opportunity to attend University South Carolina- Aiken, where I will be majoring in Communication and Digital Arts. This is the next step in my journey and I look forward to being an outstanding communications student and building new relationships.

Briefly explain your experience as an undergraduate at the University of Alabama. I was a Journalism and Creative Media major with a focus in news media while I was an undergraduate at UA. I worked at WVUA FM, the college student run radio station, where I held many positions over my four years there. I began at WVUAFM as an on-air personality with my show the “College Struggle” I hosted throughout college. My senior year, I was the station manager. I also worked at Alabama Public Radio as a student reporter covering Alabama news on air and for the web. I had tons of fun at BAMA, even without being a huge football fan. It was a great college experience.

Christina Turner The University of Alabama

Can you recall your favorite college memory that you're willing to share? My favorite memory in college was being a freshmen on the 348-RIDE and getting the email that the show I pitched to the college station was approved. I called my mom, I tweeted about it, I told all the new friends I’d made on my floor as soon as I got off the bus. Such a memorable day for me. What's one quality you learned about yourself in college? I learned that I most definitely can do anything I set my mind to. I made goals for myself in college and I checked off every single one of them. It was hard work reaching those goals and it still wasn’t easy when I made it to those points but it was so rewarding what came after it all. What advice would you give a graduating high school senior? High school seniors attending college in the fall are in a much different world than I was only four years ago. But with all that’s going on, my best advice would be not to waste time on people that you do not feel are in your corner. Stay true to who you are, always, you will really get to know yourself like you never have before in this time. Allow yourself to learn and grow. That’s really what college showed me.

How were you able to celebrate your graduation? I haven’t had an actual celebration yet. My mom ordered me some take out on the original day of my commencement and I took graduation pictures a few weeks later. For me that sort of felt like a celebration. What's next for you? Next, I’m moving to DC to work for PBS Newshour as a Jim Lehrer Fellow. I’ll be a news production assistant. I’m super excited to finally take everything I’ve learned over the years and make a career out of it.

Jennifer Hendricks Morehouse School of Medicine Initially, why did you want to go to medical school? Has the reason changed? Being born, raised, and currently residing in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia in an area where earning a high school diploma is not as common as in other communities has greatly impacted my life. My community is plagued by low educational attainment and poor family planning. It is infested with high crime rates and low-quality housing. After earning a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Public Health and learning more about systemic injustices and its correlation to generations of unplanned pregnancy, I had a moment of self-realization. It is not about where from which you come, nor where you are going, but who you can help along the way. I knew that one day I would be a doctor. As a child I had no idea how much hard work and sacrifice it would take, but I knew. I was aware that there was a calling on my life to help others and to serve communities like mine. Due to the cancellation of graduation because of COVID-19, how were you able to celebrate your graduation? I have been blessed to have an amazing family and friends who made sure that I still celebrated my accomplishment. I had a parade/drive-by celebration where family and friends decorated their cars and congratulated me. My aunt also threw me an intimate, socially distanced "Auntie's Tea" where my village gave me words of wisdom and advice. How have you been spending your time in quarantine? This quarantine has truly allowed me to relax and recharge before starting residency in July. I have done everything from starting knitting projects and trying new recipes to binge watching 90s sitcoms and reading. What advice would you give to someone thinking about going to medical school? (1) I would advise anyone truly interested in medicine not to give up. My journey to medical school was "untraditional." I did not matriculate after completing my undergraduate degree. I took the MCAT 3 times and was denied medical school acceptance twice. There will be times that you will feel as if it is easier to give up, but if it is your purpose, keep trying. (2) I would advise anyone considering medical school to find a mentor. It is important to have a person in the medical field that encourages and challenges you. I never had an official mentor, but as I reflect I acknowledge that it would have made my journey to medical school and through the process go a lot smoother. The person does not have to be in the specialty you are interested in, but just someone who you feel comfortable asking questions without fear of judgement. I am a firm believer in reaching back to help others along the way and hope to serve as a mentor for black women interested in medicine. What's next for you? On July 1st, I will officially start my 4 year residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Navicent Health Medical Center/Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. I am very excited to be educating women about their bodies and delivering babies. It is truly a privilege to be able to be a part of such an intimate aspect of the lives of women and their families.

BLACK EDUCATION

SUPPORT

BLACK-OWNED

BUSINESSES

BLACK BUSINESS

THE BLACK LABEL .

STAY COZY

The Black Label, designed and curated by Brittney Bonner, was created to release capsules of art archives and concepts through streetwear. The brand includes a minimalistic aesthetic featuring â&#x20AC;&#x153;cozy merchâ&#x20AC;? and classic black and white colorways with pops of color. The Black Label Shop launched on July 6th and is currently sold out. Follow their instagram for future up- Instagram : @theblacklabelshop_ dates and a new release soon. Website : www.theblacklabelshop.com

THE BLACK LABEL .

STAY COZY

Instagram : @theblacklabelshop_ Website : www.theblacklabelshop.com

Photography by LaJoy Photography

info@lajoyphotography.com

lajoyphotography.com

LESLO EVENTS Why did you want to become entrepreneurs?

What kind of services does your business provide?

Entrepreneurship was pretty organic for us. We grew up in a family of business owners and change makers. Our dad, specifically, set a great example and instilled the values of ownership into us from childhood. With his foundation, we’ve always moved through the world with an entrepreneurial mindset. That said, I don’t think we expected to end up in business together! Now that we are, it was important to create something to further our family legacy. Something that would contribute positively to our community, represent our cultures and values, and allow us to leave something/generate wealth for our future children.

LesLo is a luxury event studio that offers full-service event management, consulting, and design for corporate and private clients. We are proud to be featured in numerous wedding publications for our work with celebrity clientele. Our mission is to elevate the event experience by offering luxury event services that exceed our client’s vision and ensure an unforgettable experience.

What has been your favorite event thus far?

Do you think it’s important for Black women to own businesses?

Honestly, it’s so hard to choose a favorite! Each of our events is so personal to the client and the occasion, that we’ve enjoyed the uniqueness that comes with pulling all of them together! One that was really exciting in 2020 was a surprise 80th birthday party for a beautiful family. Most rewarding (cough, challenging) was pulling it together with just 48 hours notice!

DEFINITELY! And it’s demonstrated in the statistics around minority-owned business growth over the past few years! Black women are at the forefront of business, of culture, of thought leadership. It’s so important for us to carve out space so that our innovative, and culturally inclusive ideas are represented across industries and that other young, black women see the incredible potential that exists within them - no matter the dream.

continued…

LESLO EVENTS What is the first step to planning an event? For our team, the first step is research. We take time to inventory our client’s needs, progress, existing contracts, and each of the vendor-partners that we recommend partnering with to help us to exceed their expectations. We use our research period to develop a deeper relationship with the client - to set a foundation of trust and ensure that we have a holistic understanding of the landscape so that we’re best equipped to serve their unique needs.

As a business, you made a statement in support of #BlackLivesMatter and celebrated Pride Month, why was it important to you to take a stance and use your voices? I’d connect this back to our ‘why’. It was important for us to create a business, and brand, that is reflective of us - as black women. Inclusive of our culture and our values. Lo is also LGBTQ+. So, not only is it important that we show up as our full selves within our brand, but that we are vocal advocates for the communities and causes that we represent.

What adjustments have you made for your business due to COVID-19?

How do you see your business evolving in the future?

The biggest adjustment we’ve made to our business due to COVID is restructuring the language within our contracts so that it provides more protection for us and our clients. Additionally, we modified our process for vendor contract review to better serve our clients as we navigate contract negotiations. COVID presented a unique opportunity to develop new, creative solutions for social and special events. Moving forward, we hope to continue to carry that spirit of creativity into new events -large or small.

One of our BIG GOALS is to own a (or some) venue(s). Shorter-term, we’d like to continue to build our brand and our team so that we can serve more people in more places! LesLo is truly striving to be at the forefront of the modern events industry.

CONNECT WITH LESLO EVENTS: @lesloevents @lesliemorgan_ @lodeykno www.lesloevents.com

Q. Why did you want to become an entrepreneur? A. To be honest, I didn't. I'm still very apprehensive. I'm a creative person, but I like stability and order....so starting my own business where everything relied on me is nerve-wrecking. But, my family and friends have preached the idea for me to freelance for years. Those same family and friends have brought so many clients my way, I'll forever be grateful. I'm also a spiritual person and believe that whatever God has destined for you will come into fruition whether you're in agreement or not, so I lean on His understanding throughout this entire process! Q.Would you consider yourself to be a storyteller? If so, how? A. I’m a graphic designer so my sole purpose is to be a visual storyteller. They beat that into my head while I attended SCAD. "What story are you telling that will grasp the audience's attention? Will it resonate for years to come?" So, I strive to utilize the aspect of storytelling as I design for each client and do my best to tell their story. I also make it my mission to educate the importance of storytelling with clients who are beginning their entrepreneur journey. You can't just want any logo or just any color, what’s the meaning behind it? What's your why? After answering those questions, we go from there to build a brand voice and tone that will bridge their story with the imagery we create.

Q. What services does your business provide? A. Q. Robinson Creative provides graphic design services as well as branding, marketing & advertising, UX/UI design, and custom inquiries! The sky’s the limit...I'm always up for a challenge. Q. What has been your favorite project thus far? A. Ooooo…this is a tough one. I love all my projects! But, my favorite would have to be a branding project I did in SCAD partnering with Cohiba Cigars. It definitely challenged my way of thinking and approaching things in all aspects, not just design. I was constantly learning new things including how to eﬀectively communicate and collaborate with another individual who wasn’t as like-minded. The project was so much fun because there was no strict creative brief to follow; therefore, the creativity and ideas just flowed. Q. What's your design aesthetic? A.Very clean and minimal with a twist. I love to incorporate color and unusual characteristics. Keep up with Q.Robinson Creative: https:// www.qrobinsoncreative. com/ @_q_rob @_q_robcreative

LAQUOYA ROBINSON

Q.ROB CREATIVE

lack voices are being amplified and with that we are seeing an outpour of support for Black-owned businesses around the country. We all know the many benefits social media can provide for businesses, especially small businesses, so it has been especially heartwarming to see not only the black community support each other but huge brands and big names shift their attention and their dollars towards lifting up the Black communities, organizations, businesses, creators, and more. In the May/June issue we highlighted RUDD. The Label, a Black woman-owned streetwear brand on the rise. We understand support is only effective when it is continuous therefore, we wanted to, again, feature RUDD. The Label and the Black woman behind the brand- honors college graduate, micro influencer, entrepreneur, and our very own Beauty Editor Zoe Ruddock. She had always dreamed of having a brand of her own since she was a little girl,

and for the last couple of years she carefully planned and laid down the foundation for turning that dream into a reality. Today the brand is growing gradually after its successful launch back in early April despite launching at the height of a pandemic.

In Zoe’s own words she says, “Even in the midst of a pandemic and revolution small businesses have the opportunity to thrive, especially Black owned small businesses. I’ve personally taken this time to strategize, research, and utilize all resources available to me in addition to supporting my Black community.”

A whole new set of opportunities, resources, and tools have emerged within the Black community as a result of the Black Lives Matter Movement. So many black owned businesses have received support from people all over the world including celebrities, top influencers, and CEO’s of powerhouse brands, and it doesn’t stop there; now more than ever people are demanding transparency from brands on where they stand in regards to diversity within their own businesses, social issues, justice, and equality. As a Black woman owned business RUDD. The Label is proud to be fully transparent about standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement, advocating all call-to-action for the LGBTQIA community, defunding the police, and any actions necessary for the fight for justice and equality. Zoe says, “For me these are not political issues, it is wrong versus right and I, as well as my brand, will always be an advocate for what is right.”

pieces and accessories. Since the brand is described as being a minimal streetwear label, we can expect to see simple yet cool designs that can fit into anyone’s wardrobe. We don’t have any details on when, but we know a second drop is likely on the horizon. Until then we cannot wait to see what is next for Zoe and her brand as well as witness the inevitable success she will achieve.

We encourage everyone to support RUDD. The Label and keep an eye out for what’s in store. Here is a list of ways you can support right now: Place an order on ruddthelabel.com The “humble.” t-shirts have amazing quality and there is a color for everyone! Follow @ruddthelabel on Instagram repost, like, and comment. Spread the word!

We know from our last look into the brand that RUDD. The Label will be expanding from t-shirts into other clothing

Donate! RUDD. The Label has a crowd-funding campaign open with ifundwomen. Every single dollar helps! You can find the link to the crowdfunding campaign on Zoe’s Instagram bio @zoerudd

D FOO

THE VINE

CAFE &MARKET Located at 12375 E Veterans Memorial Highway, Douglasville, GA 30134/ thevinecafemarket.com Why did you decide to name the restaurant, The Vine? We decided to name our restaurant The Vine partly because it tied in with the concept of health and wellness. Not only did it have biblical reference, but we wanted a name that was representative of our brand, and the lifestyle we were trying to promote. A portion of our vegetables are grown on a local farm so it made sense to call it The Vine. We also had the vision to have a small market to sell local items, hence why the name is The Vine Cafe & Market.

What are your top 3 favorite items on the menu right now? One of our new items called the Quinoa Stir-fry Bowl is a personal favorite. Our Thai Curry bowl is probably our best seller, and Ragin Cajun is also a top contender.

What items are available in the market side of your business? Most of the items that we have in the Market side of our business are hand creams, soaps, shea butters, and teas. We currently in the process of revamping our Marketplace to start selling wine and coffee.

What type of experience do you want to provide to your guests? In terms of an experience, we want our guests to eat food that not only tastes good, but is good for you. Our belief system is to promote fresh tasting home grown food that enhances wellness.

There’s a variety of artwork on the walls in the restaurant, how important is art to The Vine? Artwork is what we love at The Vine. Our family is made up of Artists so it made sense to showcase artwork in the restaurant. Prior to Covid-19, every month we would have an artist of the month. We would have them put out of their artwork for display, and every third Saturday would host an exhibition for the artist. It was a good way of bringing relevance to the local art scene, and a good way of giving back.

What adjustments did you make due to COVID-19? With the impact of Covid-19, we ended up having to change our hours around. We initially were only doing delivery and take-out. We have now recently opened our dining area, but we're still adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Do you have any advice for aspiring business owners? My advice to aspiring business owners would be to write your goals down, and do something every day to get closer to those goals.

What is the mission of "The FruitfuLife"? Our mission with FruitfuLife is to show the fullness of Life you can have everyday. There are many ways to be fruitful and we’re here to show you that it starts within, with what you eat. Based on your opinion and experience, what are the benefits of vegan foods? The benefits of vegan foods are beyond losing weight or following a trend. It’s feeling youthful, being energized and staying healthy. The body naturally slows down as you get older so to physically feel and look good on the inside and outside are the best benefits. From my experience, I can tell you that this has changed my life for the better. I went vegan August 1st 2016. Up until that day I would have insufferable seasonal allergies and get a cold once a year. Today is July 10th, 2020, I haven’t been sick once in the last 4 years. Do you think more people should follow a vegan lifestyle? If so, why? Absolutely! A vegan lifestyle doesn’t just benefit you, it benefits the world. It is preservation of life, animals and the environment. You’re preserving life and saving the planet. Animals do not have to suffer for us all to live. It’s important to know you don’t have to kill or eat animals to live. When and how did you learn to cook? I didn’t have much experience with cooking until I got to college. Although I was always very observant in the kitchen when my mom and dad would cook, I’m pretty much self taught. Since college and becoming vegan, my interest in cooking and knowing what’s in my food have become the best hobby. I started buying cook books, finding recipes and just experimenting in the kitchen. What's your favorite meal to cook? Fried Oyster Mushrooms are my favorite go to meal. At this point I feel like I can make them with my eyes closed. I like to just eat them plain or pair them with Kale greens and plantains or tostones for a simple meal.

FOLLOW @fruitfulife for weekly plant based catering, meal prep, and meal plan prepared by Owner and Chef Denario Martinez @indigoflexico

Can you explain the concept for the Queendom Beauty Bus? The Queendom Beauty Bus is a luxury, mobile, multifunctional beauty atmosphere that provides hair care, nail care, facials, and massages. The Queendom gives “women on the go” an easy way to experience self care by providing all beauty services in one and the ability to come to them! We do individual services to events and parties to ensure women can have glam at their easiest convenience. Who is your targeted clientele? The Queendom strives to serve minority community of women aged 24-50 who serve as female head of household. What was the inspiration behind the idea? My co-founder and best friend, Valese Jones, and I wanted to create an easier way to enjoy self pampering, but also feel welcomed in a lavish atmosphere. In minority communities, businesses are not able to get the capital to create a luxury and lavish experience. In order to indulge in such atmosphere, minority women have to travel to predominately white spaces where we do not always feel welcomed. We inspire for The Queendom to be a safe haven and an uplifting experience. Why did you want to start your own business? Starting your own business is an opportunity to showcase your creativity in how you can best serve an underserved community. By starting this business, we will be able to help up and coming minority professionals get a career start and being more value to our community. Do you think it's important for Black people to own their business? I believe it is very important for black people to own businesses; however, you do not have to be a business owner to make a diﬀerence in your community. I believe society pushes for people to be entrepreneurs, but it is just as important to be a worker as well. It takes a village and all positions to help move the black community economically forward. When can people start to expect the beauty bus in their city? The Queendom Beauty Bus is set to open Winter 2020 in Dallas, TX. We plan to expand more buses into other cities by 2022!

BEAUTY

Shanria Price Poisen Cool Whip Esthetics Why did you want to become an entrepreneur? I didn’t realize until recently that I’ve have admired the idea of becoming a business women since I was 6 years old. I remember my mom bought me a lot of finger nail polish and I would set up shop and place a sign on my back deck for 10¢ nails. Then, I just wanted to be successful at making my own money by myself. Now I do it for the ability to use my talents in a creative free space.

What services do you provide at your business and how can people make an appointment? My business is a facial spa that focuses on all skincare conditions, facial waxing and makeup artistry.

You can make an appointment by calling (678) 892-0363 or booking online at www.poisencoolwhip.com

What safety guidelines are you following to ensure the health of your clientele? As a beauty professional and skincare therapist a lot of the suggested PPE and safety guidelines are already in place. My location is also beneficial because it is located in a individual suite. As an extra precaution I have a temperature reader to record myself and clients state of health before treatment.

In your opinion, how important are Black businesses to the community? I think every culture has a community of business that are tailored to a specific group of people.

The Black community has for years invested into other communities; therefore, I think it’s amazing to see Black people build a stronger community of business and wealth for ourselves too.

Poisen Cool Whip Esthetics is located at 1000 Northside Drive Northwest Suite 101, Atlanta, Georgia 30318. Hours of Operation, could potentially change due to COVID-19: Monday: Closed Tuesday:10:00 am – 05:00 pm Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm Friday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am – 07:00 pm Sunday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm

Follow on Instagram @poisencoolwhip @poisencoolwhipesthetics Spend your next Self-Care Sunday with Poisen Cool Whip Esthetics! Book an appointment today!

HONORABLE MENTION BLACK WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES IN THE ATLANTA AREA

@the.elementcompany -specializes in candles

@li"ysshea -specializes in skin care/ shea butter

@brattybabecosmetics -specializes in makeup/ cosmetics

By Beauty Editor, Zoe Ruddock

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BLACK CREATIVES

GIANI MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY. @gianimartin

Yomi Ojuolape (@yomisalami) Graphic Designer Based in Mableton, Georgia

Q&A with Morgan Smith Explain the title. If it ain't just you, then who is it? - One day as my best friend Bri and I were riding, we were just casually talking about our lives and all of the things we were going through at the time. I don't recall what she said but I remember responding with, "It ain’t just you sis." and in that moment I literally felt it. I paused and looked at her and said, "Bria, thats it. Thats the title of my podcast." The meaning of the title is a simple reminder that no matter what you are going through, I promise there is another good sis going through the same or similar situation with the same feelings, thoughts, and emotions as you. You're not alone and your feelings are valid. Like I always say, "Feel How You Feel.” What's the overall goal/mission for your podcast? -The overall goal/mission for my podcast is for my listeners or as I call them, "my good sis” is to feel seen, heard and most importantly...Understood. For a long time, I struggled with discussing my true feelings, emotions, and thoughts. I always ended up putting them on the back burner until eventually I was about to explode. Even while I had my own village, I still fought with the idea of true transparency and if my "problems", were really even important or valid. Through this podcast, I am able to be open and transparent and hopefully encourage other women to do the same. I know its hard in this world, especially as a millennial black woman. But sis, YOU Matter. Who's your desired audience? Why should people listen? -My desired audience is our millennial black queens. I would love for people to listen because we go through enough day in and day out, and I pray that my podcast will be their safe space to be unapologetically themselves…and, besides, you are always sure to walk away with a nugget of advice. Which episode is your favorite thus far? -I would say Episode 3: Protecting Your Peace. It features two of my best friends, DeNarius and Bria. We were able to be very transparent about why it is important to protect your peace and ways it can be done. We received so much love about how it resonated with people and to be honest, it resonated with me as well. There are times now where I am having a conversation and realize how that episode still sticks with me. Who do you consider to be legendary and why? -Ooooo, I would honestly have to say Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter. Her work ethic is out of this world. That black queen never quits and only gets better with time. She owns her craft and does what needs to be DONE. Period. If you could have anyone (dead or alive) on your podcast, who would it be? -Jill Scott...her voice, her wisdom, her knowledge. Whewwww Love HERRRRR. Pick one word to describe who you are right now in your life. -Chhiii, it honestly depends on the day. lol But if I had to pick...Passionate.

FOLLOW: @iam_mjay3 @itaintjustyousis

BLACK EXCELLENCE DANIEL BARNES @dbontv

To say 2020 has been a whirlwind would be an understatement. Beyond the pandemic and all of the results of it (quarantine, isolation, etc.), we are also in the middle of a revolution. I’ve seen countless murders of black people at the hand of the police my entire life (#SaytheirName), but the back-to-back murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery seem to have been the tipping point that triggered a revolution worldwide. As a black man, I have felt every range of emotion during these past few months- Grief, Loneliness, Anger, Fear, Rage and Hopelessness. But the biggest question I have always had is- “What is my role? What am I supposed to do?” I called my representatives, I signed every petition, and shared every social media post I could, but somehow it still didn’t feel like enough. After praying about it and having some serious conversations with my Black friends on how they were processing everything, it became clear what I needed to do. Celebrate my fellow kings and queens. I knew I needed to celebrate Black Excellence. We are fighting in the world to prove our worth, and I wanted to be a voice that would be encouraging to my fellow brothers and sisters in the fight. We are the definition of excellent. We are literally trained from birth that we have to work HARDER just to be on the same playing field as some of our peers with paler skin tones. We excel in athletics, we excel in academia, we excel in music, we excel in fashion, we excel in art…You name it, we EXCEL. Whilst in the fight of social injustice, remember that you are ROYALTY. Remember you ARE EXCELLENT. Remain hopeful that change will come! Remember to uplift each other. Remember to check on your fellow brother and sister. We are better together and together, WE WILL RISE.

“YOU CAN’T SEPARATE PEACE FROM FREEDOM BECAUSE NO ONE CAN BE AT PEACE UNLESS HE HAS HIS FREEDOM.” -MALCOLM X

1. WHO ARE YOU?  1. I am an educator, BIPOC Youth Advocate, BET Freestyle Friday 106 & Park Freestyle Friday Hall of Famer, and Education Influencer.  2. WHY DID YOU BECOME A TEACHER?  1. Teaching is a family business. My father and many of my aunts are educators. Teaching gives me an opportunity to foster hope for young people and to create safe places for them to be their authentic selves while learning.   3. AS AN EDUCATOR, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE ULTIMATE DUTY TO YOUR STUDENTS?

LEGEND ALFRED SHIVY BROOKS

1. My ultimate duty is to aﬃrm that they are already enough when they walk through the door and to make the evidence of this plain to see for the world.

2. 4. AS A BLACK EDUCATOR, DO YOU FEEL IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO TEACH AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY FURTHER THAN THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN A TYPICAL HISTORY TEXTBOOK?  1. The easy answer is yes. The answer that is needed, is that all educators should be sharing the contributions of all relevant people intentionally comprehensively and without exclusion.

1. If students have to continue digital learning due to COVID-19, what advice would you give to other teachers to eﬀectively keep students engaged?  1. Use platforms that are native to students. Be interesting. Be engaging. Cater to what the students need, not to what teachers want them to have. If your students are on IG, use it! If your students use TikTok, use it! Be where the students are!  2. What was the initial goal for your “Teacher Talk Tuesday”?  1. TTT is like a customer review platform. Students and teachers share what works best for them in schools. One of the issues that many students and teachers have in education, is that we feel as if our voices are not heard or appreciated. TTT amplifies the voices and perspectives of teachers and students by sharing our ideas beyond the confines of the school building.  3. Who’s a Legend to you and why?  1. For me, Nipsey is a legend…so is Master P, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Eric Thomas (ET, the Hip-Hop Preacher), T.I., Killer Mike, Michelle and Barack Obama, and LeBron James! All of these Black people have reached beyond the perceived limitations of their respective endeavors. They have all championed Black ownership and strong Black financial prowess. Black entrepreneurialism is key to Our collective upward mobility.  4. As a Black father, how have you explained this moment to your sons?  1. I have a 14 year old and 4 year old son. For my older son, I have explained to him that history is being made in our present days, and that he has a responsibility because of our privileges as a “middleclass” educated household to serve our people. My 4 year old son is being made aware of why his father is in the streets marching and engaging in political work. I make sure that he knows that his daddy is fighting for the freedom of his people.  5. What kind of change would you like to see for the State of Georgia?  1. We need to see a few things change for education in the State of Georgia. All schools across the state must be funded equally. To do this with integrity, we need to separate our local property taxes from school tax revenues. Additionally, we must be intentional about infusing culturally responsive pedagogy in every school and classroom. Black and brown students must have safe spaces to be their entire person while learning.

CONTINUE FOLLOWING THIS LEGEND @callmeshivy @alfredslaundry and www.alfredslaundry.com