Spring 2021 issue of THE HUB Magazine by THE HUB Magazine

SPRING 2021 | www.sacculturalhub.com

NATIONAL YOUTH POET LAUREATE AND AUTHOR

AMANDA GORMAN

SETTING THE STAGE FOR A NEW GENERATION

CURRENT STATE OF COVID–19 AFFAIRS

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Thursday, May 20, 2021 | 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Via FB live broadcast

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Contact (916) 234-3589 or contact@sacculturalhub.com

FOUNDER’S ROOM | LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WILL WE RECOVER FROM IT ALL? COVID, STRESS, AND UNCHECKED RACISM

ES, we will recover. Americans are resilient. This resilience is especially strong among people of color in America who continuously build this country’s systems and resources while fighting to participate in its wealth and freedoms. This is the best time in America. It’s not our past and we can only hope for the future. We live today, with more options than ever before, more knowledge, technology, employment choices, health and social services, ways to communicate, types of transportation, controlled environments, entertainment, and much more. In this issue, I encourage you to READ all of our articles which are meant to educate, inform and inspire you and your family on aspects of our recovery and survival during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been hard for our communities to rally and cope with the fear, sickness and loss of life from the COVID19 pandemic when wave after wave of trauma has hit us in the forms of injustice, social unrest, political battles, and economic decline. We have individuals and families suffering with PTSD, depression, anxiety and pure anger due to experiencing or witnessing police brutality, violence, unemployment, isolation, addiction, and poor physical and mental health. These are the stories that move us and cause the fight for racial and social equity, economic prosperity and justice reform to endure. COVID-19 has brought with it new opportunities in addition to the struggles and losses. There are people of color who are thriving and some that have maintained during this pandemic. We can learn about their success and find hope in forecasts that expect 2021 to show strong growth in California’s economy due to COVID-19 vaccinations and federal relief. I am doing my best to be positive about the future and plan for a safe road to recovery with finances, health, and day-to-day responsibilities. I am also planning several getaways this year with family and girlfriends to support my mental health.

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If you are able, you too should plan for some vacation or staycation to spend time relaxing and appreciating the good people and blessings in your life. I suggest a day trip or 2-3 days in beautiful scenic places such as Monterey, Napa, or Lake Tahoe to nurture your spirit and relationships. With Mother’s Day coming up in May, it just might be the way to celebrate. Stay encouraged everyone as even in the worst of days, the best is yet come. True Blessings!

Pleshette Robertson CEO and Founder Sac Cultural Hub Media Company and Foundation facebook.com/pleshettemarie

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CONTENTS

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CENTERSTAGE

LEANING HOUSE: CALIFORNIA BLACK BUSINESS 31 | CSPOTLIGHT

MEET INAUGURAL POET AMANDA GORMAN… 8 | BEFORE SHE MOVES INTO THE WHITE HOUSE

RUSTING YOUR CHILDREN IN THE HANDS OF 32 | TCREATING CHARACTERS PRESCHOOL ACADEMY

| BLAZING A TRAIL IN ARIZONA

12 | THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS: URBAN LILLI

ROLE OF NATOMAS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 34 | TINHECOVID-19 ERA

SURVIVING COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

WERE YOU THERE?

| NEW LAW BRINGS GOOD NEWS TO CALIFORNIANS!

20 | GETTING SMART ON COVID-19 THE WELL OR ILL-INFORMED AMERICAN WITH DR. 21 | PAMELA SIMMS-MACKEY AITH BEHIND THE FRONTLINES – A FIGHT AGAINST 22 | FCOVID-19 DREAM GIRLS HAIR SALON IS THRIVING THROUGH 28 | AND BEYOND THE PANDEMIC

30 | DERRICK J. DENNIS: THE TALENTED TRIPLE THREAT

EA-TIME WITH PLESHETTE – URBAN COVID 24 | TCONVERSATIONS WITH FRONTLINE WARRIORS EN TALK, REAL TALK ABOUT COVID-19 – 26 | M BARBERSHOP TOWNHALL 46 | Navigating Black California

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Founder’s Room

50 Things To Do, Places To Go

50 Advertiser Index

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BOOKMARK Sacculturalhub.com Inside every issue of THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine there are things to do, places to go and people to see, with a calendar of events, spotlight and feature articles on major event reviews, career profiles and business services. This magazine celebrates the urban lifestyle of African-Americans living in Northern California.

Northern California’s Most Popular Urban Entertainment Magazine ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 2006 Mailing Address 7902 Gerber Road, #367 • Sacramento, CA 95828 Ph 916.234.3589 | Fax 866.302.6429 E-mail contact@sacculturalhub.com CHIEF EDITOR, CEO & FOUNDER – SACCULTURALHUB.COM Pleshette Robertson | pleshette@sacculturalhub.com ADVERTISING AND MARKETING TEAM Twlia Laster | 916.662.3502 • twlia@sacculturalhub.com Lesley Leatherwood | 916.838.9267 • leatherwoodmarketing@yahoo.com Michael P. Coleman | 916.715.2996 • mcoleman@sacculturalhub.com NEWS REPORTERS Neketia Henry | Keadrian Belcher-Harris Donna Michele Ramos CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael P. Coleman | Lesley Leatherwood | Valarie Scruggs Donna Michele Ramos | Cheryl Howard ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Vicki Blakley PHOTOGRAPHY Rayford Johnson | 916.868.7048 Khiry Malik | Magiceyephotos.com 916.730.5405 Creative Touch Media Services (CT Media) Robert Briley | 916.579.4555

SUMMER 2020 | www.sacculturalhub.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Heather Niemann | Tingible Design • heather@tingible.com COVER PHOTO: Photo by Pat Benic/UPI Credit: UPI/Alamy Live News

CENTERSTAGE: BLACK MEN IN LEADERSHIP

MEET NEW YORK CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Connect with African American professionals and families! Share your services, products and events with Sacculturalhub. com and THE HUB Magazine ... your leading source of EXCITEMENT and Urban Entertainment News in Northern California. Contact us: contact@sacculturalhub.com or 916-234-3589

HAKEEM S. Circulation THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine has an estimated readership of more than 500,000 African American residents in Northern California. Copies are available at numerous storefront locations and distributed quarterly: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Advertising THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine offers affordable rates to meet your business needs and marketing budget. Ads are due 45 days prior to the next issue. Call (916) 234-3589 or e-mail contact@ sacculturalhub.com. Letters to the Editor Letters should include the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for space, clarity or style. Name and address may be withheld upon

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request. Mail to: THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine, 7902 Gerber Road, #367, Sacramento, CA 95828. THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine is printed quarterly in the United States. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustration without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine. THE HUB: The Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions in regard to content of ads in which events were cancelled or rescheduled, or phones that have changed abruptly.

JEFFRIES

facebook.com/Sacculturalhub1 instagram.com/thehublive twitter.com/sachub916

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MEET INAUGURAL POET

AMANDA GORMAN… BEFORE SHE MOVES INTO THE WHITE HOUSE By Freelance Writer, Michael P Coleman

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CENTERSTAGE

have never been more proud to see a young woman rise,” Oprah Winfrey recently said of Amanda Gorman, our nation’s youngest Inaugural Poet.

“I really wanted to use my words to be a point of unity and collaboration and togetherness,” Gorman told the BBC World Service. “I think it’s about a new chapter in the United States, about the future, and doing that through the elegance and beauty of words.”

Amen, O. The Queen of All Media was reportedly the one who convinced Gorman to take the gig that just may have changed the trajectory of her life. And we’re so much the better for it. I REALLY Gorman was 22 years old when she stole the show from the leader of the free world, delivering her stirring original poem, The Hill We Climb, at President Joe Biden’s inauguration earlier this year.

But as a grisly reminder of her reality as a young black woman in the United States of America, Gorman was followed by a security guard on her walk home WANTED TO USE — on the very first day after the MY WORDS TO BE A inauguration.

POINT OF UNITY AND COLLABORATION AND TOGETHERNESS

As she approached her building, she wrote on Twitter, the guard asked her whether she lived there. “You look suspicious,” he allegedly said.

The six minute poem wasn’t perfect, but it was heartfelt — just like Gorman. The powerful piece of art called for unity and togetherness.

“I showed my keys & buzzed myself into the building,” Gorman wrote. “He left, no apology. This is the reality of black girls: one day you’re called an icon, the next day, a threat.”

“When day comes,” Gorman preached, “we ask ourselves where can we find light in this neverending shade?” We found light in your poem, young lady. In The Hill We Climb, Gorman described herself as “a skinny black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother [who] can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one.” The young poet said that as she was preparing for the auspicious event, she researched the work of past inaugural poets, looking to those who had touched on the theme of a united republic, not just a divided one.

“In a sense, he was right,” Gorman continued. “I AM A THREAT: a threat to injustice, to inequality, to ignorance. Anyone who speaks the truth and walks with hope is an obvious and fatal danger to the powers that be.” Gorman promised The New York Times that she’s running for president in 2036. She’s on the road to earning my vote. n Michael P Coleman is a freelance content creator who has published on local, regional, national, and international platforms. He has his eye on the Pulitzer Prize. Connect with him at MichaelPColeman.com.

Gorman was born in Los Angeles and was raised by a single mother, a teacher. Gorman would go on to graduate from Harvard University, just last year. In 2017, she became the first National Youth Poet Laureate, and our youngest inaugural poet. She has described poetry as “my own type of pathology,” according to The Guardian.

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BLAZING A TRAIL IN ARIZONA by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard

ur family, a circle of strength, founded on faith, joined in love...kept by God.” (Pinterest)

The Stanton family stepped out on faith when they uprooted themselves from their all-familiar world in California and relocated to Arizona. Moses Stanton, age 47, Latechia “Techia” Stanton, age 51, and Jayden Stanton, age 20, all sat with infectious smiles on their faces as they retold their journey from the Golden State. The Stantons are, in actuality, a blended family with six children, seven when you add “Mercy.” Mercy is their multipoo breed puppy. He ran across Techia’s feet as we were talking. The other five children Myke, Mesh, Moses Jr., Lavadis, and Cozzie, are all grown and have left the nest. For twenty-two years, Moses and Techia raised their family and lived in subsidized housing in Sunnyvale, California. Although it was not always easy to relocate, it has been a godsend for the couple to transition from being renters to owning their own home. The Stantons had visited friends in Arizona often. On one of their last visits, they decided to explore open homes, and that was when the bug bit. Close friend, Lupé, encouraged them to move there. Lupé shared with them that they would never know the possibility of homeownership if they never tried. Moses said that he misses California, but he especially misses the oceanside. They spent a lot of time at the beach. Often they would go to the beach just to sit, relax, and enjoy family time. It was there they prayed and became on one accord with the decision to move. “It was all God,” Moses said. The unbelievable housing market was also a beautiful incentive for the couple. Arizona’s homes had tremendous appeal to Moses and Techia, and they were able to get in at the right time to purchase a home. They settled in Queen Creek, Arizona. Their home was built from the ground up. Because it was customized, they were privileged to choose | 1 0 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

the flooring, tile, appliance fixtures, etc. When the couple pre-qualified for the home, they found their home in a matter of months, and by December 2019, they had moved. By March 2020, they had not fully settled in before the pandemic hit. COVID-19 halted any plans for a housewarming or for any of their family to gather to congratulate them. “Adjusting (for the move) was strange because of COVID19. We literally have not shared our home with anybody,” said Techia. As an African American family living Southeast of Phoenix, Arizona, they have rarely seen others who look like them. They moved into a predominantly white community. “You see an American flag hanging up in the front of somebody’s house, and you don’t know if they are racist or not. I don’t look at the flag the same anymore since the 2020 election,” said Techia. Fortunately, they have not been met with bigotry or racist behavior. Queen Creek, according to the Stantons, is seemingly an oasis in the desert state of Arizona. Arizona is vastly different from California. I asked Jayden Stanton how he felt about the move. He said at first, he was uncomfortable because he did not want to leave his friends and family. Then, after the move, he had a change of heart. “It’s been a great experience so far minus the virus,” said Jayden.

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Jayden is a bright young man, and just like most young people his age, he is still trying to figure out who he is and what he wants to do. Both of his parents were encouraging him to enter the healthcare industry in some capacity. There is always work in the medical field. Moses works in a local hospital as a sterile processor for several departments. It has been a daunting task for him to be in that environment and not be exposed to the COVID virus. He took every precaution; entering through the garage upon arriving home, removing his clothing, tossing them in the wash, and showering before encountering his family. Yet, somehow, he was infected and contracted the virus, thus infecting Techia and Jayden. They all tested positive except for Techia. She experienced all the symptoms and was quite ill. All of them lost their sense of taste and smell, and they had severe body aches among other prevailing symptoms. Techia said it was the worst she had ever felt. Moses had to be treated with steroids for scar tissue on his lungs. For two weeks, the Stantons had to be quarantined. Nonetheless, none of them had to be hospitalized or placed on a ventilator. “It was nothing but the Holy Spirit wrapped around us,” said Techia with conviction. Moses has since been vaccinated and the rest of the family is soon to follow. The Stantons would, without a doubt, testify that it was the best decision they could have made to move to Queen Creek, Arizona. Techia said, in all honesty, they didn’t consider any other city. Techia commented that Arizona appears to lack culture because of an apparent absence of African American-owned businesses. Yet there’s lots of culture in the city. However, the city’s landscape is still growing. Techia believes that if you want to move to Arizona, Queen Creek is the place to be. For the value of their brand-new home, the new surroundings, the potential for new friends, and a promising prosperous future, they were blessed above and beyond what they could have ever prayed for. n Visit www.queencreek.org

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CENTERSTAGE

THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS: URBAN LILLI by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard

ur family, a circle of strength, founded on faith, joined in love...kept by God.” (Pinterest)

In 1979, Stevie Wonder musically took a “Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants.” Mr. Wonder may have discovered the secrets then, but today, Kim Hollingsworth, and her two daughters, Teylor and Clarke, have rediscovered the secret life of plants. Their plant business, “Urban Lilli,” is surrounded by the beauty and the resplendent life of plants. Kim was inspired by her mother, Vernie, to start this business in 2016. Part of her mother’s therapy while dealing with the trials of Alzheimer’s involved caring for plants. Kim found during this time that cultivating plants with her mother ushered a calmness that counteracted the ravages of the disease. She has always loved plants, and it was advantageous for her to make a business out of it. Raised as an only child in Marysville, CA, Kim has an easy-going, laid back but driven personality. Her daughters contribute their individual talents to this lucrative business. Teylor is the imaginative one and acts as the creative director, while Clarke lends her desktop technical skills.

“My role is just to keep it all together,” Kim laughs. “We all own the business equally together, but I am still always going to be the mom.” Kim and her daughters have an absolutely great relationship. They create the harmony that has made this business a success. All of them together have a unique love for plants, and they display the joy of caring for them. “If you find something you love, you will never work a day in your life!” Teylor quotes the late Maya Angelou when reflecting on what inspires her about working at Urban Lilli. Kim literally speaks to the plants. She genuinely believes her love transfers over to the plants. She shares how they care for the plants like they are babies. “We take care of them, but then we have to give the baby away and hope that they (the client) will continue to take care of it,” says Kim. The plants are beautiful, and Urban Lilli carries many exotic species that are not typically seen. Kim and her daughters frequently travel as far as Canada and Los Angeles to purchase them wholesale. Teylor said that once they bring the plants home, they allow the plants to settle before putting them out to be sold and then transported again. She said too much travel can put the plant into shock. Plant installation is a service of Urban Lilli. The sale of plants sometimes becomes more than just a simple sale. Kim and her daughters make sure that the client is thoroughly educated about their specific plant. The client is also cautioned about the safety of their pets around the plant. It is not unusual for Kim or her daughters to follow through with the care of the plant until the client is confident enough to care for it themselves. A free

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consultation accompanies a plant installation. After assessing the plant(s) new home, one of the ladies sits down with the client to determine where best to locate the plant(s) so that it thrives. Urban Lilli intends to host more outdoor pop-up shops for plant sales in the near future. In the wake of COVID, one of their goals is to purchase a van for these pop-up shops since it would be the safest way to conduct them. Other services they offer include plants for all occasions such as birthdays, baby showers, and weddings as well as “plant & sip” activities, which are events where a client invites 6 to 10 friends into their home and Urban Lilli provides hors d’oeuvres and wine and provides a brief presentation on how to care for plants and may instruct on how to make a terrarium.

COMING SOON FALL 2021!

Pleshette’s STORY, My Business Guide/ Tips for women of color!

The pandemic has had a debilitating effect on our communities. Before COVID- 19, Urban Lilli regularly visited skilled nursing facilities, senior homes, and assisted living locations to sell and/or give away plants. The risks of the pandemic have brought these visits to a halt. However, since the onset of COVID19, plant installations and the online community for the plant business have been booming. People are at home, and some of those working from home have taken up the pastime of caring for plants. They are desperately reaching out for help with their plants.

Women with Ambition

“People don’t realize, especially some of those in the Black community, plants are big! If you look at pictures of your grandparents, you will more often than not see large plants (in the background). I really wanted to bring this back into the ‘urban community’ and especially get the Black community back into loving and growing plants because we grew our own vegetables, and we had our own farms. I feel like we as a community have lost that, but we (Urban Lilli) can help bring that back,” Teylor says.

THE HUB’s Toolkit for Women of Color Launching and Managing Your Business

are Trendsetters in Business:

by Pleshette Marie Robertson

Urban Lilli is constantly in demand in the Greater Sacramento area and has had a huge impact on the community. “We are committed to watching love grow, one plant at a time. Don’t have a green thumb? Borrow ours!” says Urban Lilli’s mission statement. n For more information about “Urban Lilli,” reach out to them at Tel: 916-993-9965 or via Email: theurbanlilli@gmail.com.

And receive the e-book at a discount for 1.99 and/ or the paperback for $10.99 at sacculturalhub.com/order-pleshette-my-story T H E H UB M A GAZI NE | 1 3 |

BLACK WOMAN OWNED. LOCALLY PRODUCED. NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED. Subscribe Today - 4 Fabulous Issues | Collectors Issues to Archive Forever SUMMER 2020 | www.sacculturalhub.com

CENTERSTAGE: BLACK MEN IN LEADERSHIP

MEET NEW YORK CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

HAKEEM S.

JEFFRIES

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RESOLUTION by Contributing Writer, Dr. Monica Crooks

don’t know about you, but I haven’t been glued to the news since Biden and Harris rescued our Democracy from the grips of absolute lunacy! I’m no longer as paranoid of the sky collapsing upon us! Neither Biden nor Harris is crazy, insecure, nor narcissistic, so I feel a tremendous sense of relief and calm. Perhaps I’m just taking a much-needed break! The insurrection was privilege on world display. Anyone who is honest with himself knows that had that mass of hysteria been brown-skinned and even attempted such nonsense, they would have been mowed down in their tracks with instantaneous justification. And there would have been no hand-wringing over it after the fact. All that established, where does that leave us? It leaves us with the very obvious need to get involved and stay involved with what is going on in politics. We cannot afford to sit back and allow the political process to just play itself out. We will lose every time. We must not disgrace those who fought, suffered and died to give us the right to vote by failing to use that hard won basic right. We must not waste our vote by failing to be informed, nor render our vote impotent by voting for some nonsensical option out of protest. We must lend a hand in any way we can, to those who are fighting on our behalf. Gaining respect, acceptance and universal justice is an age-old, monumental task that no one person can achieve alone. We must all contribute to the positive image building needed to collectively change how we are viewed and valued as people of African heritage. No one must be more motivated to fix this problem than we ourselves are.

know what that person is dealing with, or what the state of his or her mental and emotional being might be when you encounter them. It costs nothing to be polite, kind, cooperative; compliant. Stay alive to fight another day. And if being respectful and kind is the cost of staying alive, pay it gladly. Teach your children how to increase their safety in interacting with police. Remember, thankfully, the vast majority of police are good people just trying to get through their day as well. Demanding respect in a situation where you don’t hold the Ace cards is not worth risking your life. Statistics report that black men have a 2.5 times higher risk of being killed by police than any other race of man. This is horrific, and needs to be rectified, but it is reality that we cannot turn a blind eye to. We lose too many beautiful lives of potential. If Biden and Harris are successful at fostering quality improvements in the lives of a majority of our fellow citizens, including a percentage of Trump supporters, then hopefully Trumpism may be a thing of the past. But we can never forget that 75 million people wanted 4 more years of that insanity. We can never ignore or make light of what that says and means about this country. n

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Dr. Monica Crooks, DDS drmonicacrooks@gmail.com 916) 922-2027 www.facebook.com/drmonicacrooks www.drmonicacrooks.com

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COVID–19 | 1 8 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

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NEW LAW BRINGS GOOD NEWS TO CALIFORNIANS! by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard

ood news for three million Californians and for 25 million Americans across the nation.

The uninsured will have a great advantage. They will be eligible to receive lower premium costs for health plans. What may previously cost consumers $140.00 a month, will now be as low as $30 a month!

After just two months since the installment of the new president, Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan (ARP) as submitted by the House. The ARP will create the biggest expansion of financial help for current healthcare policyholders with Covered California and uninsured applicants. The new program will lower health care costs for those who are already enrolled in programs created under the Affordable Care Act, such as Covered California.

Californians who are already enrolled will receive larger subsidies beginning May 2021.

The ARP will increase the amount of financial help to individuals who earn less than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The focus will also be on communities that have been hit the hardest by the COVID pandemic, including communities of color, frontline workers who have lost their jobs and low-income individuals and families. They all will be eligible for the new plan.

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At that time, Californians will be able to shop plans but will find the premiums are now significantly lowered. However, for the benefit of every eligible California, a special enrollment period will be extended to the end of this year, 2021. It has been said that it is a life changing program. For those Californians who are looking to amend coverage or don’t have but do need healthcare coverage, this is good news! n

For more information about Covered California, please visit www.coveredCA.com

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

GETTING SMART ON COVID-19 by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard

n March 8th, 2021, Regina Brown-Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media, moderated the first of a four-part series beginning with “Getting Smart on

COVID-19.” It is the goal of this discussion to educate and inform Californians, particularly those in the African American community, about the COVID-19 vaccine. African American communities have been the most vulnerable and hardest hit for the infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Black Americans are shown to die at a rate 1.4 times that of White Americans. Since the vaccine has been offered, African Americans are not showing up in expected numbers to receive the vaccine. During the first several months of the pandemic, there was mass confusion and uncertainty surrounding the COVID19 disease. Unfortunately, the confusion stemmed from the highest source the nation had to depend on. So, it is unsurprising that the nation at large could not trust anything connected to COVID-19. In recent months, since the release of the vaccine, it has been an uphill battle to get citizens across the nation to trust the vaccine. It has been particularly challenging to get African Americans to receive the vaccination. This is especially true for African Americans when it comes to any medical innovations. Joining the discussion were two young African American. They were glad to share their experience before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. They both made the decision to have the shot, and neither of the women experienced any major side effects. At first, both were quite apprehensive about taking the shot. And their reasons have been shared with among Black Americans. For one, “because the vaccine is relatively new.” Another, wanting to wait to see what happens to others, and finally, probably most popular, can’t trust it because it was released too fast. There are sure to be more reasons that cause such trepidation among African Americans; however, it is the expressed goal of briefings like this to inform the public and disperse the facts and dispel myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Yolanda Richardson, Secretary of Government Operations Agency was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to head the campaign to distribute the vaccine. Since January of this year, California has been aggressively getting the vaccine distributed nationwide. As of March 5, 2021, California has surpassed a 10 million mark for the distribution and inoculation of the vaccine. That tally has placed California 7th in the world for vaccinations.

vaccines distributed that included Pfizer and Moderna. He also discussed some possible side effects such as redness or soreness in the injection site, headaches, fever, or nausea. He acknowledged that people may have some concerns or complaints about side effects. “You may have some pain or redness in the injection site—that is the immune response; however, you’re really not going to like being in the hospital on a ventilator with COVID,” he exclaimed. The options are very few, either you get the shot, experience some minor side effects, or as Dr. Brooks explained, contract the disease and risk lying ill in the hospital. A frequent question is often asked of Dr. Brooks, “What vaccine should I get?” His answer was simple. “The one that was available to me that day. Each is safe and effective,” he answers. Dr. Jerry Abraham with Kedren Health representing the Black and Brown communities of South Los Angeles, spoke adamantly about the critical need to get the vaccine distributed to those communities. They have been largely successful in doing so. Kimberley Goode, Senior Vice-President of External Affairs for Blue Shield, is one of the three African American women at the forefront of this cause and has been instrumental in achieving this goal. “California’s commitment to equity is a paramount consideration,” she said. Blue Shield has partnered with the major healthcare organizations and has been on the frontline in the distribution of the vaccine in this state. It is a prime objective of everyone represented in this panel discussion today to educate and eliminate the anxiety felt by the African American community. All three have had the vaccine and are confident that the COVID-19 disease can be eradicated, and the pandemic will cease, if every American makes the informed decision to be vaccinated. n

Dr. Oliver Brooks, Chief Medical Officer for the Watt Healthcare Corporation spoke about the safety and effectiveness of the | 2 0 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

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Visit cablackmedia.org

Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

THE WELL OR ILL-INFORMED AMERICAN WITH DR. PAMELA SIMMS-MACKEY by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard

ccording to a CNN Health report dated February 4th, 2021, “More than half of Black adults in the US remain hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine and experts say new data underscores the need to prioritize equitable access and redouble efforts to build trust within communities.” Since February, it has been a continuous uphill battle for health care professionals to build trust in medical innovations and in the COVID-19 vaccine. I recently had the privilege of speaking with one of those healthcare professionals, Dr. Pamela Simms-Mackey, Chair of Pediatrics with Alameda Health Systems in Oakland, California. Among a society of other Black physicians, Dr. Mackey is waging war against the disease (COVID-19) that is killing Black American adults at a higher rate than their White American counterparts. There are many complex reasons for those statistics; notwithstanding, saving lives is the bottom line. Dr. Mackey and Alameda Health Systems have been promoting COVID-19 vaccination services for hospitals within the System’s community. Access has been extended to the elderly and homeless adult populations as well. As a career pediatrician, she is also knowledgeable of the CDC guidelines for administering the vaccine to children. Pfizer and Moderna were the first companies to gain FDA approval for emergency use. Pfizer is the only one available to those under the age of 18. Johnson and Johnson and Moderna are not releasing a vaccine for pediatrics as of yet. Last month, on March 15th, Pfizer recommended the COVID-19 vaccination for children as young as age 16 with certain eligible conditions. The Moderna vaccine, on the other hand, has been approved for young adults beginning at the age of 19. More recently, following a successful clinical trial, Pfizer requested FDA approval of their vaccine for the children 12 and up. Dr. Mackey is adamant about the CDC guidelines for masks and social distancing continuing to be followed even if someone has been fully vaccinated. According to the American Board of Pediatrics, masks are not required of children ages 2 and under. Dr.

coronavirus. According to the following article, children are not transmitters to a greater extent than adults (Rajmil, L accessed April 1st 2020). On March 8, 2021, Dr. Simms-Mackey appeared as a guest panelist in a CNN anchor video with Journalist W. Kamau Bell. In the 4 minutes 57-second segment, the panel gave sound and intellectual answers to staggering questions surrounding the development and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Mackey added a brilliant and knowledgeable perspective to the discussion. Misconceptions and misinformation about the vaccine, explicitly targeting a section of the African American adult community, were the main topics within the segment. “I think specific to the African American community, there is a level of distrust for physicians because of the experiments and studies that have been done on African Americans without their consent,” said Dr. Mackey. All these reasons, and many more, have elicited significant resistance in receiving the vaccine. In having my ears planted in the community, a certain degree of validity for some resistances is found. There are misunderstandings about what has been done in the past. Past offenses where treatment for certain diseases or illnesses were withheld from “us,” whereas now, treatment is being aggressively offered. The census of the panel was to give correct and positive education about the vaccine. “This is why I said yes to the project because we were giving people correct information so that hopefully, they could make a decision in their best interest once they had the correct information on which to base it off of,” said Dr. Mackey. Dr. Pamela Simms-Mackey is a valued and respected leader in the Bay Area. The COVID-19 vaccination is a decision to be made by any American, and it will be just that, their decision. There is a wealth of education available through Dr. Mackey and other members of the scientific community, and it will be a well-informed decision. Nonetheless, any ill-informed American further warrants indecisiveness. n

To view the CNN segment featuring Dr. Simms-Mackey, go to link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWJWOu1ejWYd1KeHNeg8LA Rajmil, Luis. “Role of children in the transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic: a rapid scoping review.” BMJ pediatrics open vol. 4,1 e000722. 21 Jun. 2020, doi:10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000722

Mackey added that she is confident that babies and young children cannot generate large enough cough particles to be effective transmitters of an airborne disease, such as the S PRI NG 2 0 2 1

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY WERE YOU THERE?

FAITH BEHIND THE FRONTLINES – A FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard

FAITH–BASED TOWNHALL

Black Covid Culture : Let’s Talk About It! TUNE IN VIA FACEBOOK LIVE: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SACCULTURALHUB1

Lady Charmaine Bassett, Moderator Host of the Lady Charmaine Live Show

Reverend Dr. Alice BaberBanks Pastor of Christian Fellowship Ministry Church

Dr. Tamara Bennett Sr. Pastor of This Is Pentecost International Fellowship Ministries (TIP)

Pastor Penelope Larry Dr. Janine Bera Co-pastor of The Potter’s House Chief Medical Officer for Church WellSpace Health

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7TH | 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM PST

Dr. Olivia Kasirye County Health Officer Sacramento County Public Health

PRESENTED BY:

SUPPORTED IN PARTNERSHIP BY:

n the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” (1 Timothy 3:11)

Lady Charmaine Bassett, host of KDEE 97.5 FM “Lady Charmaine Live,” moderated a panel of Sacramento’s community Pastors and Doctors in a Faith-based Town Hall discussion on “Black COVID Culture: Let’s Talk About It!” The discussion set in motion how these prominent pastors and physicians in the community are dealing with COVID-19. The pastors made decisions to keep their congregations safe by either reopening their churches or holding worship services via social media. Pastor Penelope Larry is the Co-Pastor of the Potter’s House Church. For Easter Sunday, she recommended that people stay home if they had not been vaccinated or been tested to ensure that everyone is safe. Service was streamed on Zoom and Facebook live. She had approximately 25 people in the building and they followed the CDC guidelines. Nevertheless, the pandemic created a significant change for the most sacred day of worship for Pastor Larry. | 2 2 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

“It was just different, it was different,” said Pastor Larry Lady Charmaine asked the pastors how they educated their members when it came to COVID-19. Pastor Larry answered, “We are leading by example; we’re not asking anyone to do anything that we’re not doing.” The Reverend Dr. Alice Baber-Banks, Pastor of Christian Fellowship Ministry Church, stated that for her to keep her congregation safe, she needed to opt to conduct services via a conference phone line. She said it was an excellent gateway. Pastor Baber-Banks stated that the church had more in attendance on the conference line than they have ever had in the building. “I don’t plan to go back into the church house until it is approved by the Governor or whoever is responsible,” said Pastor Baber-Banks. Pastor Dr. Tamera Bennett of This is Pentecost International Fellowship Ministries opened the floodgates for people out there suffering. The pandemic has caused Pastor Bennett to reflect on what her calling is in it all.

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY “I couldn’t comprehend how they could have guidelines to still shop in a store, but there were no guidelines for me as to how I could still have worship, so it was personal,” said Pastor Bennett. She has spoken about not being able to be at the bedside of the sick or dying loved ones; this is a heavy burden for Pastor Bennett to bear. “But people that need Jesus, and the burden of people dying, and you couldn’t be there, was too heavy for me.” This is a faith-based discussion, and the women of faith could all agree that faith has waned amid the people in their communities. However, with each decision made by these pastors, they have unlocked portals of hope to break every fetter that COVID-19 has wrought. The two doctors have stood on the frontlines as directors and leaders in the community.

What are our best defenses against COVID-19? The panel approached this question with perspectives coming from the pulpit and from the aspect of science. One conclusive answer came from one of our panelists. “Education is the key to all of this stuff,” said Dr. Baber-Banks.

The misconceptions and misinformation circulating throughout the Black community have clouded people’s understanding of the disease and the possibility of a vaccine. It is hopeful that with the wealth of information here, the observers and listeners will be able to LADY CHARMAINE ASKED make an informed decision. n THE PASTORS HOW THEY

EDUCATED THEIR MEMBERS WHEN IT CAME TO COVID-19. PASTOR LARRY ANSWERED, “WE ARE LEADING BY EXAMPLE; WE’RE NOT ASKING ANYONE TO DO ANYTHING THAT WE’RE NOT DOING.”

Dr. Olivia Kasirye, County of Sacramento Public Health Officer, has fought closely against the reign of the coronavirus in public health. People, for the most part, were unaware of the significance of public health. COVID-19 brought them to the forefront when it hit. Public health had something very different on its hands.

You can revisit and view the video at: www.facebook.com/Sacculturalhub1 This was a special virtual event presented by the Sacramento Black Media Coalition. Supported in Partnership by Sacramento County, Sacramento County COVID-19 Collab, and The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. For more info and resources, go to: www.saccovid19collab.org.

“We’ve always been dealing with outbreaks, but we have been able to manage them pretty easily,” said Dr. Kasirye. Public health, in the past, had successfully managed H1N1 and Ebola. At the onset of COVID-19, it was total chaos. Hundreds and thousands of people were being infected and/or dying, and there were not enough ventilators anywhere, or personal protective wear for essential workers. Since the vaccine, the number of people being infected has decreased. “We want to do what we can to protect as many lives as we can,” Dr. Kasirye says as she promotes the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Janine Bera, Chief Medical Officer of WellSpace Health, has been an outspoken in the war against the coronavirus. Going into the pandemic, Dr. Bera considered the oppositions they were already facing in the underserved communities. “We work with a population that already has a challenge getting access to care,” said Dr.Bera. Of the most critical services, behavioral health is paramount during this time. She has seen a dramatic increase in phone calls to the suicide hotline (available in 53 of 58 counties in California). “It is a very stressful time; it is a scary time,” lamented Dr. Bera.

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY WERE YOU THERE?

TEA-TIME WITH PLESHETTE – URBAN COVID CONVERSATIONS WITH FRONTLINE WARRIORS by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard

here has been an urgent push to reach underserved communities with the hope of raising awareness and educating people of color about COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Unfortunately, there have been some challenges surrounding the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to the most at-risk communities. Many have questions about equitable access to the vaccine, while others express deep-seated mistrust in receiving the injection. In order to overcome the disparities that currently exist, these issues need to be surmounted. The nation’s goal is to get as many Americans vaccinated against the disease as possible within the next few months. In Sacramento County, approximately 15,000 doses have been given to the county to be dispersed to multi-health organizations. Regrettably, supplies are limited, and the demand exceeds the supplies on hand. Dr. Kasirye oversees the Public Health Agency in Sacramento county. The county has been working tirelessly to reach the underserved to get them vaccinated. These communities have been hardest hit and have the highest number of COVID cases. According to a Sacramento County Public Health dashboard, there have well over 1500 deaths reported due to COVID-19. In an effort to drastically reduce those numbers, the county is offering testing and vaccinations. In March Pleshette Robertson, Chief Editor of THE HUB Magazine and Founder of Sacculturalhub.com held a special Tea Time virtual session with Dr. Kasirye and Pastor Les Simmons of South Sacramento Christian Center to discuss updating individuals on what’s here in the community and what’s coming regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. “The thing about public health is that it is only effective if we are able to make a connection with the communities because we are depending on the community to listen to us and be able to follow our guidance,” said Dr. Kasirye. Dr. Kasirye recommends that you contact the public information portal, 211, to get information on COVID-19 testing sites and where you can schedule your second appointment for the vaccine. The phone access line is now set up to give information. She also recommends you contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about contraindications. It is imperative to reach the underserved, mainly the African American community. | 2 4 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

Unfortunately, this is because a large census of African Americans has been decidedly apprehensive about getting the vaccination. Pastor Simmons and the South Sacramento Christian Center family have been tremendous advocates for the 95823 community and the surrounding areas. His love for his community is obvious. Recently, Pastor Simmons and his wife received the vaccination. He said his wife is naturally analytical, and she had some reservations prior to getting the shot. Pastor Simmons pointed out the negative history surrounding the Tuskegee Syphilis study, the story of which is still reeling in the minds of Black people. Many Black men and women are asking, “Am I being experimented on?” Pastor Simmons wants to set the record straight, the main objective in getting people vaccinated is to save their lives, not to experiment on them. We can rebuild our trust by starting to believe in the people who are on the frontlines for us and in people who look like us. Dr. Kasirye also lends her endorsement to the vaccines that are being offered. She said all of those being distributed are safe and effective. Another concern for people has been side effects. Dr. Kasirye stated that the risks of severe illness and

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY possible death from getting COVID far outweigh the brief side effects from getting the shot. She reminds us that side effects are just an indication of the body’s response to the anti-viral components in the vaccine. After being vaccinated, our bodies begin to produce antibodies to fight against the virus. That is what we want to see happen. “We want to lift up our precious communities,” said Pastor Simmons. Dr. Kasirye has a vested concern for the Black community as well. She pointed out that a number of unfortunate disparities still exist. Because of those disparities, our people are being slighted. “We have already been seeing disparities in the vaccination roll-out, so we are trying to catch up with the underserved communities to make sure we get the vaccine to them,” said Dr. Kasirye. Pastor Simmons chimed in with his observation about the same dilemma.

“I think there has to be a consistent effort of advocacy and awareness. We cannot be left behind when it comes to an equitable way vaccinations are being rolled out,” said Pastor Simmons. Our host, Pleshette Robertson, facilitated an extraordinarily rich and informative discussion. She closed it by saying, “It’s about safety, security, and saving lives.” There are resources available for everyone, and it is recommended that we get tested and get the vaccine. After all that has been said and done, Pleshette and the panel agree that the bottom line is “saving lives.” n

You can revisit and view the video at: http://www.facebook.com/Sacculturalhub1 This was a special Tea Time with Pleshette was presented by the Sacramento Black Media Coalition. Supported in Partnership by Sacramento County, Sacramento County COVID-19 Collab, and The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. For more info and resources, go to: www.saccovid19collab.org.

#SBMC

One Pulse | One Voice

Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY WERE YOU THERE?

MEN TALK, REAL TALK ABOUT COVID-19 – BARBERSHOP TOWNHALL by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard

he Black Barbershop has historically been a neighborhood spot where souls of the male persuasion gather and often just to shoot the breeze. This is a gathering that becomes more than just a haircut experience. On March 29th, a group of men sat down in “Another Look Barbershop” to have a real discussion about the topic, “Black COVID Culture, Let’s Talk About It!” Dr. Thomas Hopkins, a Board-Certified Internist and an avid community supporter moderated the powerful oration. The guest speakers were six prominent men from the Sacramento community. After huddling, the conversation promptly became a session of transparency, and it transitioned to a “Just us Guys” exchange. So, what is Black COVID Culture? As it pertains to some Black people, it is an accumulation of skepticism, mistrust, fear, and trepidation about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine. Gospel artist and community advocate James Jackson opened with his story. Jackson talked about how at the onset of the pandemic he continued music rehearsals. He followed the guidelines, masks, gloves, etc. but there was still a lack of communication about the virus. He contracted the virus, and it was literally, for him, a near-death experience. Jackson felt for the first time in his life that his faith began to wane. While in the ICU, patients were expiring at a rate that had him worried. “Somebody was dying on the left of me, somebody was dying on the right of me. Hell, am I next?” he thought. Fast forward, he made a full recovery after a 4-week hospital stay. Mr. Robert Brown, owner and operator of “Another Look Barbershop,” chimed in on the discussion. After the initial two weeks of the pandemic shut down all patronized businesses, reality set in. “We didn’t know when our barbershops and nail shops were going to reopen, and that’s when it got real! It got real!” Brown exclaimed.

small businesses. PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans were allocated to large businesses. This further uncovered the inequities that exist for small Black-owned businesses. The panel members all agreed that it is imperative to keep a line of communication open within underserved communities. Michael Blair is the Chief Innovator with the Neighborhood Innovation Project. He immediately connected with St. Paul Baptist Church in Oak Park. Blair found himself kicking against the pricks because of the “hood” or “tough guy” personas in many of the adult males in that community. These men tend to disregard the personal protective wear because masks and gloves may be looked upon as a sign of weakness. Blair would agree that this could potentially be a dangerous posture to be in. Blair is a leader, and he has not faltered in leading by example. Daniel Dugar is a beloved comedian from the Sacramento area. He is a frequent traveler as he tours for his shows. By some mishap, he contracted the virus. He said he has had the flu before, and COVID was definitely “something else,” and he meant it was so much worse. Dugar was very vocal about his distaste for medical professionals who further exacerbate indecisiveness among Black people with unfounded conspiracy theories. “A lack of education is our greatest downfall,” said Dugar.

THE PANDEMIC HAS GIVEN US TIME TO THINK, TO BE INNOVATIVE, TO SLOW DOWN AND TO HEAR FROM THE COMMUNITY AND BE IN THE COMMUNITY. WE NEED TO BE TRANSPARENT, AND WE NEED TO BE REAL AND ALLOW THAT SAFE SPACE FOR PEOPLE TO EXPRESS WHAT THEY FEEL

With 24 years in business, he has been grateful for his community. The community rallied around him and his wife, Tracy, in full support. He has worked diligently to maintain his small business despite the fact that the large banks were not in support of | 2 6 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

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As the discussion continued, Dugar shared that the conversation should have been addressed on a broader spectrum. He thought Black people must be met at their level of distrust in the government, before they can be convinced of the importance of being vaccinated. “We really need to educate ourselves and do the research and quit grabbing out of thin air without the knowledge to back up our actions,” said Dugar.

Pastor Stefon DuBose of Future Community Church, in closing, said he led by example for his congregation and community by getting fully vaccinated. He truly believes the pandemic has been an opportunity for all to really trust God.

Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY BARBERSHOP TOWNHALL

Black Covid Culture : Let’s Talk About It! TUNE IN VIA FACEBOOK LIVE: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SACCULTURALHUB1

Dr. Thomas Hopkins, Moderator Robert (Rob) Brown Internal Medicine, Former Chief Barber/Co-Owner of Another Medical Correspondent for KCRA-3 Look Beauty & BarberShop

James Jackson Gospel Artist & Worship Music Director at South Sacramento Christian Center

Daniel Catrell Dugar Comedian

Michael Blair Neighborhood Innovation/ TheGospelVine

Pastor Stefon Dubose Future Community Church

MONDAY, MARCH 29TH | 5:30 – 7:00 PM

PRESENTED BY:

SUPPORTED IN PARTNERSHIP BY:

“The pandemic has given us time to think, to be innovative, to slow down and to hear from the community and be in the community. We need to be transparent, and we need to be real and allow that safe space for people to express what they feel,” Pastor DuBose said in all humility. The communities that have been hit the hardest with the coronavirus are the most hesitant in receiving the vaccine. There is a fear within the Black community that has been crippling. There is a prevailing belief that Black people are being singled out in the push for the COVID-19 vaccine. In reality, that simply is not true. “COVID-19 does not discriminate, it is an opportunistic killer,” said Dr. Hopkins. n

You can revisit and view the video at: http://www.facebook.com/Sacculturalhub1 This was a special virtual event presented by the Sacramento Black Media Coalition. Supported in Partnership by Sacramento County, Sacramento County COVID-19 Collab, and The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. For more info and resources, go to: www.saccovid19collab.org.

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

DREAM GIRLS HAIR SALON IS THRIVING THROUGH AND BEYOND THE PANDEMIC by Contributing Writer, Donna Michele Ramos

ehind the scenes of hard work and success are two sisters from Los Angeles who have built a hair care empire. In 2006 Sharie Wilson and her sister Tonya Thompson opened DreamGirls Fine Hair Imports and Salon. Sharie Wilson runs DreamGirls Hair Salon here in Elk Grove and her sister Tonya runs DreamGirls Hair Salon in Culver City in Southern California. THE HUB spoke with Sharie Wilson and also Sharie’s business partner - son, Isaiah Lewis to learn more about the salon’s success and plans for the future. Isaiah Lewis is the oldest son of Sharie Wilson. He is a student at Cal State Northridge in Southern California. He is also very involved in the family business, DreamGirls Fine Hair and Imports Salon. THE HUB: Sharie you have been interviewed and featured by Black Enterprise, Forbes, American Salon, Buzz Feed, Hype Hair, Hello Beautiful and many other news outlets. Which article made you feel like you’ve made it? WILSON: The first one was Black Enterprise; I was like wow. And then when Forbes did an article on us, I was like okay something is going on here. THE HUB: When the pandemic hit and you had to close your shops, what thoughts went through your mind? How did you come up with virtual consultations? I never would have thought you could do that. Can you walk us through a virtual consultation? WILSON: I am good with money and savings, so my main concern was for my girls, I had to get us back to work safely. Owning a cosmetology school, I know what to do to be safe. We understand everything is about to change. I had a calm and peace about it. We didn’t know what was going to happen. We started the Healthy Hair Care program and product line for our out-of-state clients in New York, Atlanta, and Tennessee. Now with the pandemic, our regular clients can use our products to continue achieving their hair care goals at home. And we want to help new customers care for their hair too. At the virtual consultation we make sure to see the hair, open to the scalp. We talk to the client about their medical history, ask questions about iron and Vitamin D. We come up with a plan: go to the doctor, recommend hair vitamins, show them how to take pictures and recommend what protective styles to wear. Some | 2 8 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

customers follow up 3 months later and we direct them. They do all the work at home. THE HUB: How long have you and your sister Tonya worked on your hair care line? WILSON: We started in 2012, it was a start and stop thing. One of my BFF’s since high school, Brian Smith and his wife Seak, came up in November 2019 and pushed me to focus. He asked why I hadn’t started my product line? He held me accountable and helped me with the legwork. We went to Whole Foods. My kitchen looked like a lab. We experimented with rosemary and peppermint and that is now included in our hair care products. My son Isaiah who is 19 years old wears several hats for our business. He talks to the vendors and also the attorneys. My nieces, the twins, do all the marketing for our business. THE HUB: How were you able to pivot during the pandemic in terms of your business? WILSON: I think outside the box and thought of started doing virtual consultations. We focus and market our hair care line like we are supposed to, for maximum exposure. THE HUB: What’s the first thing you felt when you reached $1 million in sales? WILSON: Isaiah saw it and sent us a text message. When we saw the numbers we were like wow! The Thanksgiving sale reached $100,000 in 4 hours. Tonya said we’d do $300,000 that weekend. We went live and the phones went crazy. Tonya brought that to fruition. I was there, but Tonya spoke it into existence. THE HUB: With all of the success behind you, what plans for the future can you share with us? WILSON: We are expanding our product line this year and coming out with a moisture line, leave-in moisturizing conditioner and a product for curly hair is in the works. When my mom and dad passed away, my sons and nieces were close to them and our business helps them refocus and regroup. Working in this family business with us makes them feel close to their grandparents.

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY THE HUB: Isaiah what is your official title? Has it been difficult to fit this in with your college schedule?

responsible for photoshoots and influencers. We all collaborate together, like hey this is coming up. I also make sure our site is running and I am responsible for the back end.

LEWIS: My title is Director of Operations. I cultivate the image and I am involved with the daily operations of business, fulfillment, and finance. I’m training a new customer service agent now. There are lots of micro-managing, time management and coordination with my mom, my aunt Tonya and cousins Hailey and Cydney. We come together when we need to.

THE HUB: What platforms are DreamGirls on? LEWIS: Instagram, Facebook, DreamGirls website and Google ads, etc. THE HUB: Anything that you would like to point out about your boss? LEWIS: I report to my mother Sharie and my aunt, Tonya. I’d like to point out their strong work ethic, how creative and business savvy they are. All they have accomplished is from their own will. My mom has been an entrepreneur my whole life. They’ve taken the opportunity they were provided and provided an opportunity for our family too. n

THE HUB: What’s the biggest challenge of running this platform so far? LEWIS: Our family dynamic makes it comfortable but also difficult. But it is most rewarding and challenging at the same time.

For more information contact: DreamGirls Hair Salon at one of their two locations:

THE HUB: How do you come up with the specials and sales? LEWIS: Lots of people are involved. We have 2 marketing directors. Hailey does digital marketing, analytical and Facebook, etc. Cydney is a creative director as she is

www.dghair.com 9090 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624, 916-686-5030 5441 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230, 310-313-2000

C O - W O R K I N G S PA C E

at Cap 21 & Capsity Oak Park LOCATIONS: Cap21: 2572 21st Street, Sacramento, CA 95818 Capsity Oak Park: 3810 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95817

Call to book a tour (916) 426-6008

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

DERRICK J. DENNIS: THE TALENTED TRIPLE THREAT by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D. Howard

ith just a few strokes, a painter can create a masterpiece and he or she is deemed an artist. Entrepreneur, Hairstylist, and by his own declaration, millionaire hopeful, Mr. Derrick J. Dennis is an artist for hair. What started out with him cutting his mother’s hair at around the age of 18, led him to go to Cosmetology school. “When I wasn’t able to be creative as I could be on a woman’s hair, I wanted to be a little more creative”, he said. So, he went back to school. He completed 1600 cosmetology hours and earned a new license. Women at his mother’s job started to request him to style their hair. Before long, his mother’s duplex turned into an unofficial salon. Dennis soon realized his skills were beyond the barber’s chair. He began to invest time and money into learning more about hair, the hair industry, and women. He learned about what styles would best fit a women’s lifestyle. “Being able to read different women and their professions and what they would wear, after a while I could see the woman sitting in my chair, what styles she would do or would not do. I think that’s a respect level that you should have as a stylist. You can’t force a hairstyle, or a look on a woman that she is not willing to wear.” Dennis said. Over the years Dennis had been a platform artist and an educator at hair shows. He has promoted and sold other stylist’s haircare products. His thoughts were, of all those products, none had any natural or organic ingredients but were inundated with chemicals. “I had to do something for my clients, for my community that is going to keep them healthy,” Dennis said as he spent long days and nights researching and developing combinations of natural oils and ingredients. He finally had success. He has produced four natural products. He has two beard oils that represent air and earth. | 3 0 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

The air oil is a fresh scent that hydrates the skin underneath the beard. The earth is for men that have patches of growth, this oil promotes better full beard growth. Then, he has developed a healthy skin product which, surprisingly, has been reported by clients to have healed their eczema. Finally, he is most proud of his premier hair growth product. It has eleven key natural ingredients. This product is unparalleled to any product out there in the marketplace. Dennis is the consummate entrepreneur. He created the formula while he bottles, packages, labels, and does all the shipping and handling for his products. He has an ultimate dream goal of promoting and selling his brand on the famous showroom floor at a Bronner Brothers hair show in Atlanta, Georgia.

I asked Mr. Dennis to tell me who he was, and he did not hesitate to identify himself BEING ABLE TO as a man of God, first and foremost. READ DIFFERENT Second, he is a father to a 20-year-old WOMEN AND THEIR daughter and a 26-year-old son. Third, PROFESSIONS AND WHAT THEY an entrepreneur. He is a single man WOULD WEAR... I THINK THAT’S now, but he said he is not closed to A RESPECT LEVEL THAT YOU the idea of doing it (marriage) again SHOULD HAVE AS A STYLIST. YOU one day, but, DZ Affect, his career, CAN’T FORCE A HAIRSTYLE, OR and his children are all the world he A LOOK ON A WOMAN THAT wants to be in right now.

SHE IS NOT WILLING TO WEAR

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Dennis is a man of many talents. He recalls acting in a couple of stage plays in 2016. A gospel play named “Faith”,

Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY and another one “The Bond That Binds.” He acted and sang in the plays. Dennis enjoys acting and he has a new upcoming project that he is very proud of. Director Tene Hall-Parker was in the audience of one of those plays. She looked him up last year and offered him a role in an upcoming movie entitled “The Curse is Broken.” Another rising star will be emerging from Sacramento, California. Dennis will be portraying the role of a character named Mr. Baptiste. Without giving too much away about the film or about the character he is going to portray, he explained that Mr. Baptiste is a no holds barred character, usually without filter as he speaks his mind. Production will begin within the next couple of months. It is hopeful that the film will be released in 2022. Dennis is confident that he will transform into Mr. Baptiste and he will prove to be, as I called him, a talented triple threat. An actor, a hairstylist, and an entrepreneur. Oh, to add one more, a millionaire! He laughed and said, “I receive that!” n

To connect with Derrick Dennis, go to: https://www.facebook.com/derrick.dennis.37

CLEANING HOUSE: CALIFORNIA BLACK BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Contributed by California Black Media

innea Willis-Smith, a small, woman-owned-minority proprietor, is a prime example of how some businesses have thrived under the COVID-19 pandemic. Willis-Smith, a licensed attorney by trade, is the owner of Quality Cleaning Professionals (QCP). QCP specializes in cleaning, janitorial services, day porters, and other services for businesses. The California Department of General Services (DGS) small business certification has been vital in facilitating Willis-Smith’s ability to obtain contracts with various state departments and other government municipalities. “I have responded to a lot of invitations for bids (IFBs) in the state of California,” Willis-Smith said in a video produced by the California Department of General Services. “My advice to small businesses is to go to local small development centers and procure technical assistance centers. Those different agencies will help you get started, give you resources on how to have the right foundation, financial support, and everything else you need to have a successful business.” QCP is a certified small business with the state of California and has a lot of contracts with various government agencies and departments in the State of California. It continues to be awarded contracts because of its stellar reputation for providing quality services and being responsive and communicative. Willis-Smith learned about DGS’s certification program by using local small business development centers and procurement technical assistance centers to assist her with establishing her business. DGS’s Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services (OSDS) administers the state’s Small Business, Small Business for the Purpose of Public Works, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), Nonprofit Veteran Service Agency certifications, and Nonprofit recognition programs. The purpose of the certification program is to promote and increase participation in state contracting for small and DVBE businesses. The DGS OSDS supports the state of California’s goal to spend 25 percent of contract dollars with small businesses and 3 percent of contract dollars with DVBEs through targeted outreach events, workshops, webinars, instructional videos, personal assistance, and working groups. n For more information on DGS’s California State Government Marketplace – Cal eProcure, where businesses can register and get certified, visit https://caleprocure.ca.gov For further assistance, interested parties can email BusinessOutreach@dgs.ca.gov.

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

TRUSTING YOUR CHILDREN IN THE HANDS OF CREATING CHARACTERS PRESCHOOL ACADEMY by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D. Howard

here are very few people or institutions in whom or that we would fully entrust with our children. This is especially true during this time of the pandemic. Jozalynne ByrdShakur is one with whom I would trust with my children. Many other families would agree who have children enrolled at Creating Characters Preschool Academy located in Natomas where Byrd-Shakur is the Founder and Executive Director. During a national pandemic, those who still work and need childcare must be able to find a place for their young children to be. It is especially hard during this time. In 2012 ByrdShakur started a daycare in her home. She has always had a love and affinity for children. She personally finds them witty, funny, and entertaining. As I asked her to tell me who she was, Byrd-Shakur stated: “I am a child of God and can humbly and proudly give him thanks for designing me to be warm hearted, authentic and goal driven woman who always tries to find the light in every person and circumstance,” she answered. After high school she attended higher education and earned a degree in early childhood education. She then began to work for Fortune 500 companies. While only making $10.00 an hour for million-dollar companies she came to realize she was helping them to build their legacies. So, Byrd-Shakur knew it was time to start her own business. She recalls a very disheartening and discouraging time when her child was ill, and her boss was very unsympathetic and attempted to force her to choose her job over her son. Around the same time, she recalls one of her family members called her and was WHILE distraught about childcare woes. “Those two incidents kind of pushed me into an uncomfortable space and being real with myself in saying that you need to pursue your own dreams (she thought). I decided to build my own legacy for my two boys (Jah’Morris, 13 and Jah’Sani 6),” she said.

Jozalynne Shakur-Byrd

Business Owner of Creating Characters Preschool Academy

According to the school’s mission statement on its website, Creating Characters is, “A place to embrace your true character! With our holistic early childhood education philosophy, we understand that all children have ONLY MAKING unique personalities, needs and interests that will be $10.00 AN HOUR met in many different ways and will develop at their FOR MILLION-DOLLAR own pace.”

COMPANIES SHE CAME TO REALIZE SHE WAS HELPING THEM TO BUILD THEIR LEGACIES. SO, BYRDSHAKUR KNEW IT WAS TIME TO START HER OWN BUSINESS.

Byrd-Shakur ran her in-home daycare for approximately 8 1/2 years. In 2020, with the loving support of her husband, Asani Shakur and her parents, she brought the dream | 3 2 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

of expanding her preschool to a commercial building to fruition. In the early part of 2020 during the onset of the pandemic, ByrdShakur was negotiating for the commercial building. With much prayer and drive she signed a lease in August of 2020 and she recently opened a 3400 square foot brand new preschool for Creating Characters Academy on January 4th, 2021!

Byrd-Shakur is a true visionary. She sees beyond just a preschool for children. “We thrive to eventually become a community center for all of our enrolled families. A place where workshops are held to help our families grow in multiple areas such as financial literacy, homeownership, parenting guidance, health and nutrition, effective communication, etc.”, she said.

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY that we should instill positive characteristics to adolescents. We should take the time to implement characteristics such as love, humility, self-control, perseverance, confidence and compassion. It is important to begin to impart such characteristics now while they are young and impressionable. It has been somewhat of a daunting task to operate the preschool because she understands the risks that are involved with COVID-19. But Byrd-Shakur, and her staff have implemented extreme caution with a COVID-19 protocol. Each morning they conduct a wellness visual check on every child and a couple of times throughout today. They do frequent hand washing, and frequent sanitation of the classrooms, equipment and toys. Parents are only allowed in lobby with masks and shoes are not allowed inside the center. If a child displays any symptoms of a runny nose or a fever 99 degrees or above, the child is sent home or not allowed to attend until they have recovered.

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It is mandatory for the staff and the children to wear masks throughout the day. However, she stated that it is somewhat difficult to get a four-year-old to keep their mask on. “They would remove the mask to sneeze,” she laughed. Byrd-Shakur is incredibly grateful and thankful that there have been absolutely no cases of COVID-19 with any of the staff, the children or their families since she has opened her doors. Byrd-Shakur is licensed for 45 kids but only 14 are enrolled now. Slowly, but surely, the kids are coming in. Jozalynne Byrd-Shakur is confident that as the pandemic dissipates, she will have a full house, full of happy, healthy, and educated children. n

Creating Characters Preschool Academy is currently accepting applications and they do accept the Child Action and participants of Stage One County Childcare subsidy programs. For information about enrollment, you can call the school at (916) 710-4037 or visit the website at www.creatingcharactersacademy.com

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

THE ROLE OF NATOMAS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT IN COVID-19 ERA

by Contributing Writer, Cheryl D Howard

eidra Powell, Director of Communications for Natomas Unified School District (NUSD) is the spokesperson of the entire district. What she has to say benefits 14 schools, approximately 11,248 students and their families and the surrounding communities. As the Director of Communications for NUSD, she has the additional opportunity to partner with the African American community so that their students can be successful. She sees herself as a passionate individual who is an encourager of people.

African American students represent 20.5% of the district’s population. Hispanic students make up 32.9%, and Asian and White students each closely represent 14%. Powell believes it is her personal mission to lend an extra hand to the African American community; however, she also acknowledges the great diversity that is weaved throughout the district. It is Powell’s and the district’s mantra and core belief that: “Our diversity is our strength.” Powell said that she often thinks about how she wants to bring everyone together to ensure that no one is left behind.

She believes that this is why she gravitated to education and communications. It is natural for her to help people emerge from their comfort zones to build onto their own capacities. Deirdre Powell attended San Francisco State University right out of high school and earned a degree in communications. Initially, she began a career as a news reporter and producer for approximately 8 years. She then decided to do something different, so she was hired as a Director of Communications for the San Juan Unified School District. That job launched her journey into communications. Beyond this article, her resume is quite exquisite and impressive, to say the least. In 2018, she moved to higher learning in education and was hired as the Senior Director of Media Relations for the University of Pacific in Stockton, CA. Today, the NUSD is privileged to have her as a voice for the district. Since beginning her career in communications nearly two decades ago, her position as director of communications has evolved. What began with publicity, website work, and event planning now entails strategic planning and coordinating of social media. She is a liaison with the community, which puts her in direct contact with people, finding out what people are saying and how the district can improve. One of her personal missions in this role, which she deems important and impactful, is for her to help that parent who may not understand how to help their child with his/her education. Powell is dedicated and driven to bridge the gaps that often exist between a parent and a child. “It is my responsibility as a communicator to break it down in plain language so that they (the parent) understand and that they know the tools available to support the student because that’s what we are ultimately here for—to serve students, and to make sure they graduate well equipped and ready for life,” she explained.

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“One of the things that I definitely want to make sure that we are doing in Natomas, is really connecting with our African American families and making sure that we provide the resources and the support that our children need,” Powell said. When the pandemic shut down every school district across the state, Powell said NUSD made a successful transition to the virtual classroom. Every child in the Natomas NUSD, particularly those in the African American community, received sanitized Chromebook computers. The district also issued internet hotspots to those who did not have or could not afford Internet service. The district had enough money set aside and was able to meet all the needs for virtual learning. The district has reopened all schools following state guidelines for the safety of staff and students. For parents who are not quite ready for their student to return to in-person learning, NUSD is providing additional opportunities for them to return throughout the spring. NUSD has recently announced that effective July 1st, 2021, Deidra Powell will be leading a new department; she will be the Executive Director of Communications and Family Engagement. The department will focus on making deeper connections with families that influence positive outcomes for students. Also, the NUSD is partnering with Sacramento County Public Health, the City of Sacramento, and Dr. Rusty Oshita with the Urgent Care Now clinic, a COVID-19 clinic for testing and vaccinations. The district is offering free COVID-19 testing on Tuesdays and free COVID-19 drive-thru vaccinations on Thursdays. You do not have to live in Natomas to receive these services. “We’re doing this for a healthy Natomas. We must concentrate on getting the community well. We want to get our kids back in school,” Powell said. n Register for COVID-19 testing or vaccinations here: https://natomasunified. org/covid-19- general-information. Alternatively, if you need assistance with registering or have questions, please call (916) 561-5253.

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Surviving COVID-19 RESOURCE DIRECTORY

REGIONAL—ACROSS CALIFORNIA covid19.ca.gov The State of California’s comprehensive, consumer-friendly website and public service announcements to boost COVID-19 awareness. Sign up for FREE empowerment and how-to webinars for entrepreneurs and business owners being conducted by the following organizations: •

California Black Chamber of Commerce: calbcc.org

•

California Capital: cacapital.org

•

Small Business Majority: smallbusinessmajority.com

The Sacramento County COVID-19 Collaborative supports community members and business owners with up-to-date information, guidelines and resources to stay informed and to stay healthy. Our trained Business Navigators and Resource Coordinators work in neighborhoods that are experiencing the worst impacts of COVID-19. The COLLAB is a community partnership supported by the Sacramento County Division of Public Health, The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, and multiethnic community-based organizations located in Sacramento County. www.saccovid19collab.org

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

SACRAMENTO REGION The new City of Sacramento 311 Customer Service Help Center website and mobile app make asking questions and getting service simple. Making government more accessible and life a little easier for our residents, businesses and visitors. www. cityofsacramento.org/Information-Technology/311 Mental Health Services in Sacramento County 24/7 for Mental Health Crisis Calls (916) 875-1055 or toll free (888) 881-4881

Free COVID-19 Testing Available In partnership with the City of Los Angeles and LA County, free testing is now available to ANY LA County resident with COVID-19 symptoms. To learn more about eligibility see the flyers below or to set up an appointment visit: Coronavirus. LACITY.org/Testing Protections for Renters Against Evictions COVID-19 eviction protections are in place for all Angelenos. Below is valuable information with answers to many of your questions. HCID LA also developed a template letter that tenants can use to communicate their inability to pay rent to their landlords. https://hcidla2.lacity.org/COVID-19-renterprotections

dhs.saccounty.net/BHS/Pages/Mental-Health-Services.aspx

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES Round 6 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program: careliefgrant.com Restaurants Care Resilience Fund: restaurantscare.org/resilience COVID-19 Loan Relief Options with SBA-Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-reliefoptions California Grants Portal: www.grants.ca.gov Ifundwomen Entrepreneurs Grants: fundwomen.com/grants/apply-for-grants The Impact Foundry for Nonprofit Funding opportunities: www.impactfoundry.org

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Sweet Potato Grits From CUISINE NOIR Recipe courtesy of Chef Jernard Wells, host of New Soul Kitchen on CLEO TV. Connect with Chef Jernard Wells @ Chefjernard

INGREDIENTS 1 cup mashed sweet potato 4 cups vegetable broth 2 cups old-fashioned grits 5 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup coconut milk 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 2-4 tablespoons green onion, chopped for garnish PREPARATION 1. Pierce the sweet potato a few times with a fork and bake or microwave until soft. 2. Remove the skin and mash. Set aside. 3. Bring a quart of vegetable broth and 2 cups of grits to a boil in a medium-sized pot. 4. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often. 5. Once the grits start to soak up the broth, add in the coconut milk and garlic powder then stir. 6. Fold in the sweet potato and butter. Lastly, season with salt and pepper. 7. Garnish with chopped green onion. © 2020 The Global Food and Drink Initiative d/b/a Cuisine Noir Magazine. | 3 6 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

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WHAT IS YOUR WHY?

I do it because she needs me to stay healthy GET COMMUNITY-BASED COVID-19 RESOURCES AT SACCOVID19COLLAB.ORG

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HOW TO PLAN FOR A FUTURE VACATION

fter a long year stuck at home, many people are dreaming about when they can travel once again. While counting down the days may feel like torture, planning and booking a vacation for later this year can give you something to look forward to. Now may be the perfect time to start thinking about your next adventure. Consider these tips for planning a future trip – even if you’re not certain exactly when you’ll take it. Research Travel Restrictions For any kind of travel, it’s important to make sure you’re up to date on any restrictions your potential destinations may have in place. Though the vaccine may help lessen restrictions in some places, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain updated guidance and travel warnings based on the risk level of certain areas, which can help you make decisions. Once you’ve booked travel plans, it is prudent to check in frequently as your trip approaches and prepare a backup plan. Account for High Demand Many hotels, vacation rentals and resorts may already be booked for summer in popular locations due to optimism around the vaccine, increased demand for domestic travel and families planning multiple trips this year. In fact, travelers are locking in private Vrbo vacation homes at top summer destinations earlier in 2021. Less than half of vacation homes in some locations are still available for July, which is a more than 25% increase in demand yearover-year. To better your odds of securing your desired travel dates, accommodations and activities, booking earlier can help off-set the increased demand. “In years past, we’ve recommended families book their summer vacations by late April to stay ahead of the curve, but this year there are several reasons why families are eager and ready to book,” Vrbo President Jeff Hurst said. “These signs are telling us families should start looking for the perfect vacation home now before options become | 3 8 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

more limited.” Take Advantage of Deals with Longer Stays Many sectors of the travel industry offer special deals for reserving trips in advance, and some of the best deals can be found by bundling airfare and lodging or booking extended week- or month-long stays. These longer vacations can lead to fewer available dates to choose from, but some travel companies offer search filters that help travelers find discounts for staying longer periods of time. Opt for Flexible Booking If you’re eager to plan a vacation right away, be sure to review and understand cancellation policies for your preferred accommodations, airline and activities. Many have changed their policies due to the pandemic, so be sure to know how long you have to cancel or change dates without incurring additional fees or penalties. For example, when booking a vacation rental through Vrbo, where hosts set their cancellation terms, you can use the “free cancellation” filter to search for properties with flexible policies, some of which allow cancellations up to 14 days before check-in for a full refund. Start Saving Now While it may not be practical for everyone to save money amid uncertain times, setting even a small amount aside for your vacation can be worthwhile. Consider setting up a dedicated travel savings account or directing the change from each transaction made with your debit card to a separate account. Being able to periodically check the balance of the account can also help increase excitement for your upcoming adventure. n Find more tips and start planning your next getaway at Vrbo.com

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

WINTER IS FINALLY OVER, WELCOME SPRING AND SUMMER. The cold winter weather is finally a little thing of the past. The sun can damage your hair just as it can damage your skin. Protecting your hair from the sun minimize the sun’s effects, especially on color-treated hair. Limit your time in the sun, especially in the middle of the day. Humidity, heat and pool water all damage your hair in different ways. Don’t delay, and start treating your hair to a little TLC. It definitely needs it. A few dips in the pool and your hair can be vulnerable to severe breakage. Chlorine builds up on the hair and leaves a discoloring green film. And this isn’t a blonde-only problem, although the buildup is more obvious on light-colored locks. Be sure to prep hair pre-swim. Your hair is like a sponge, dry hair absorbs the first liquid to which it’s exposed. Wet hair with tap water before you take the plunge and it won’t absorb much chlorinated water, For extra summer hair care protection, coat wet or dry hair with leave-in conditioner, like HAIR-Smoothie and then reapply to protect hair as it dries in the sun. Also be sure to rinse well. You can prevent chlorine buildup by washing your hair within a few hours of swimming. Try a clarifying shampoo which has residue-removing properties.

Tracy Brown Professional Hair Stylist and Co-Owner of Another Look Hair Salon 7826 Alta Valley Dr Sacramento, CA 95823 (916) 688-7704

Avoid elastic bands with metal seams, opt for softer scrunchies, and make sure your hair isn’t pulled too tight–that can cause breakage.

Following these easy tips will ensure that your hair is ready for all of the fun in the sun that spring and summer have to offer. S PRI NG 2 0 2 1

www.anotherlookhairsalon.com Book your appointment now 916-688-7704

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WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE EXPOSED TO DANGEROUS SECONDHAND SMOKE 1 Visit TobaccoFreeCA.com to learn about California smokefree laws.

2 Learn about your community’s smokefree policies.

Quick tips for a smokefree life.

3 Contact your local health department to report being exposed or to get assistance on an issue you’re experiencing.

SecondhandDangers.org

CIGARETTES, HOOKAHS, MARIJUANA, VAPES, CIGARILLOS

4 Contact your mayor to let them know you want a completely smokefree community.

More ways to smoke = more smoke

Secondhand smoke is more common than you might think. In 2017 only 10% of Californians smoked cigarettes, but over half were exposed to the secondhand harm. And cigarette smoke is just the beginning. Californians face increasing levels of secondhand smoke from vape and marijuana. None of it is harmless.

ALL SECONDHAND SMOKE IS HARMFUL

Just because it doesn’t smell like a cigarette doesn’t mean it’s not a health risk. There’s no such thing as safe secondhand smoke. Here are dangers specific to various smoking products. Vape

Cigarettes

At least 10 chemicals identified in vape aerosol are on California’s Proposition 65 list of cancer-causing and reproductive toxic chemicals.

Secondhand cigarette smoke Secondhand smoke from cigarillos causes approximately 7,330 deaths contain the same toxic chemicals from lung cancer and 33,950 as cigarette smoke. deaths from heart disease each year in the US.

Cigarillos

Hookah Secondhand hookah smoke contains carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals which can cause lung, bladder, and oral cancer.

PROTECTING YOUR LOVED ONES IN PLACES & SPACES

Know Your Rights & How to Stand Up

Secondhand smoke exposure is rapidly increasing, and it’s up to you to educate yourself on the policies in your community that protect your family. Cities, counties, and tribes enact their own smokefree policies. Local policies can build on statewide smokefree laws, and expand to more places and spaces to protect you and your family.

Marijuana Secondhand marijuana smoke contains many of the same cancer-causing substances and toxic chemicals as secondhand tobacco smoke. In one study, 3 out of 4 kids whose parents smoked marijuana in the house had tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their bloodstream.

CA clean indoor air laws prohibit indoor smoking of:

You can be exposed to secondhand smoke:

Vape Marijuana Cigarillos Cigars Hookah Cigarettes

Indoors - your home, apartment, condo or some workplaces. Outdoors - sidewalks, entryways, parks, trails, restaurant dining patios, festivals, concerts, or other organized events and outdoor worksites.

This message paid for in partnership with SOL by the Yolo County Tobacco Prevention Program. The SOL Project is funded by the California Department of Public Health Tobacco Control Program, under contract #17-10978. (c) 2020

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Children, Elderly People, and Pets

Secondhand smoke endangers the health of everyone in its reach, especially kids and pets who lack the ability to change their environments. Kids face greater risk of: Middle ear infections

Respiratory infections Asthma Babies exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher rate of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

When you know what policies are in place, you can stand up and protect yourself and your loved ones.

THESOLPROJECT. COM

PROTECT THE VULNERABLE

Elderly people (as well as all adults) are at risk of: Chronic respiratory symptoms Asthma Heart attacks Weakened health Pets are affected in the following ways: Dogs show more instances of lung and nasal cancer. Cats living in homes with smokers have about 3x the risk of developing lymphoma, a cancer with a poor prognosis for survival. Birds develop respiratory problems, such as pneumonia and lung cancer.

SELLERS ... MARKET IS HOT! Call for free home evaluation! At Goree & Thompson Real Estate we take the stress out of the buying and selling process. We specialize in homebuyer education, helping and empowering our clients every step of the way.

Schedule a complimentary appointment with the Goree & Thompson team today!

DRE LIC# 01077927

WWW.GOREEANDTHOMPSON.COM

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You can’t see the scars of my soul, but my pain runs deep and it’s real. StopStigmaSacramento.org

Be seen. Be Heard. Ask for Help. For local mental health counseling and support, call 2-1-1. This program is funded by the Division of Behavioral Health Services through the voter approved Proposition 63, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

Amid Ongoing Pandemic, Sacramento County Project Encourages Mental Health and Wellness Through Connection and Understanding Sacramento County, like many others, has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of Mental Health Month this May, the “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project is helping to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and inspire hope and positivity for our community, particularly for individuals and families living with mental illness. In Sacramento County, it’s estimated that over 300,000 residents are living with mental illness. After being more than a year into the pandemic, many may be experiencing increased levels of stress, anxiety, worry and heightened symptoms, and for others, this may be the first time they have struggled with their mental health. In fact, a statewide survey from the Data Foundation showed that over 25 percent of Californians experience anxiety and depression at least 1-2 days a week. While education, support and treatment are available, stigma prevents many within the African American/Black community from seeking treatment or support for mental health concerns. Research shows that African Americans believe mild depression or anxiety would be considered “crazy” in their social circles, and many believe that discussions about mental illness would not be acceptable—even among family. “A lot of individuals in our community are hesitant to ask questions about their mental health. They may wonder, ‘How do I share this with my friend—will they think I’m crazy?’ This | 4 2 | T H E HU B MA G A Z I N E

is exactly the type of stigma that prevents many from seeking support when they have a mental health condition,” said La Viola Ward, a member of the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau who lives with depression. “Sharing fears can sometimes be our greatest strength.” It is just as important as ever to support mental health and well-being by reaching out and maintaining connections with those who may be struggling—not only to support them, but also for your own mental health. Sending a thoughtful text, making a phone call, or setting up a video chat could make all the difference. “If you think someone you know is struggling, reach out to let them know they are not alone and you are there for them,” Ward said. “Mental health is achievable and reaching out can help continue the legacy of resilience within our community.” For more information on the “Mental Illness: it’s not always what you think” project or mental health resources, such as conversation starters, please visit StopStigmaSacramento.org or search “Stop Stigma Sacramento” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. This program is funded by the Sacramento County, Division of Behavioral Health Services, through the voter approved Proposition 63, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

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DID YOU KNOW?

GET FINANCIALLY CONNECTED

reater Sacramento Financial Literacy Group (GSFLG) was created to educate, support and empower each other for the economic wealth and growth of our community and to help shape the future generation of wealth. Financial literacy is the possession of the set of skills and knowledge that lets a person make informed and efficient choices with their financial resources. All people touch money and the manner in which an individual uses it is up to him or her but not being properly informed on how to make, save and invest can spell disaster. For the Black community, it is necessary to change the habits of being consumers to becoming investors and entrepreneurs. Learning financial skills such as investing, stock trading, saving and what it takes to start a business, you are better preparing for the future and securing a financial legacy for your family. Learn more about virtual meetings held via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. www.facebook.com/GSFLG18 www.gsflg.org

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National Annual Health Days to Remember MAY Mental Health Awareness Month www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/MentalHealth-Awareness-Month MAY 31 World No Tobacco Day www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day MAY 9-15 National Women’s Health Week www.speakersfornurses.com/national-womens-healthweek.html JUNE 27 National HIV Testing Awareness Day www.hiv.gov/events/awareness-days/hiv-testing-day JUNE National Safety Month www.nsc.org/work-safety/get-involved/nationalsafety-month JUNE Men’s Health Month www.menshealthmonth.org/

Happy Mother’s Day!

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SAVE THE DATE! Big Day of Giving

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021 Building a strong community of leaders by EDUCATING, PROMOTING, and INSPIRING individuals to pursue their personal, academic, and business goals.

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Wherever you go, goes with you.

Visit issuu.com/thehubmag to browse our current and past digital issues today! Digital issues of THE HUB Magazine available anywhere, anytime on all platforms for your i-phone, android, tablets, laptops, and desktops. Easy to flip thru, easy to read, easy to share.

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SURVIVING COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE

NAVIGATING BLACK CALIFORNIA Directory of Black MEDIA News Groups in California Black Voice News blackvoicenews.com California Black Media cablackmedia.org The Gospel Vine www.thegospelvine.com Inland Valley News inlandvalleynews.com LA Focus ourweekly.com West Side Story Newspaper westsidestorynewspaper.com Bakersfield News Group facebook.com/bakersfieldnewsobserver Inglewood News Today inglewoodtoday.com L.A. Sentinel lasentinel.net L.A. Watts Times lawattstimes.com The Oakland Post oaklandpostonline.com

Compton Herald comptonherald.org

Sacramento Observer sacobserver.com

OnMe News onmenews.com

San Bernardino American sbamerican.com

Pace Newspaper pacenewsonline.com

San Francisco Bay View sfbayview.com

Pasadena Journal pasadenajournal.com

Sun Reporter sunreporter.com

Precinct Reporter precinctreporter.com

Tri County Sentry tricountysentry.com

BLACK RADIO STATIONS • Los Angeles - KJLH 102.3 FM

kjlhradio.com • Bay Area - KBLX 102.9 FM kblx.com • Sacramento - KDEE 97.5 FM kdeefm.org • Central Valley - 1001.FM Mega 100 mega100fm.iheart.com

THE HUB’s Favorite Nationwide Black News Groups • • • •

Essence.com TheGrio.com BlackDoctor.org HelloBeautiful.com

• Huffpost.com/Voices/Black-Voices • Sisters from AARP - sistersletter.com • The African History Network

facebook.com/TheAfricanHistoryNetworkFanpage

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SURVIVING COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE

NAVIGATING BLACK CALIFORNIA Directory of BLACK ASSOCIATION GROUPS in the Greater Sacramento Valley Region and Beyond 100 Black Men of Sacramento 100bmsac.org

National Council of Negro Women, Sacramento Chapter svsncnw.org

African-Americans for Balanced Health aabh.net

Neighborhood Innovation https://www.neighborhoodinnovation.com

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. norcal-alphas1906.com Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) bapacsd.org

Roberts Family Development Center robertsfdc.org Sacramento ACT sacact.org

Black Sistahs Making Friends facebook.com/groups/1091392134541999

Sacramento Area Black Caucus facebook.com/sacramentoarea.blackcaucus

Black Small Business Association of California facebook.com/BSBACA

Sacramento Area Black Golf Club sabgc.org

Black Women for Wellness bwwla.org

Sacramento Area Black Caucus facebook.com/sacramentoarea.blackcaucus

Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) bwopatileleads.org

Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce sacblackchamber.org Sacramento Chapter of The Links sacramentolinksinc.org

California Black Chamber of Commerce calbcc.org

Sacramento Chapter of the NAACP facebook.com/SacNAACP

California Legisative Black Caucus blackcaucus.legislature.ca.gov

Sacramento Kappa Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sacramentozetas.org

Centers for Fathers & Families cffsacramento.org Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Sacramento Alumnae Chapter sacramentoalumnaedst.org

Sacramento Realtist Association sacramentorealtist.com

Elk Grove Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. dstegac.org Eta Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sacramento Chapter etagammaomega.org Greater Sacramento Urban League gsul.org

Sacramento Sister Circle facebook.com/groups/TheSisterCircle Sojourner Truth African American Heritage Museum sojoartsmuseum.org Voices of Youth voiceoftheyouth.com

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Sacramento Chapter sacramentoncbw.org S PRI NG 2 0 2 1

T H E H UB M A GAZI NE | 4 7 |

Spring 2021 issue of THE HUB Magazine

Articles inside

TRUSTING YOUR CHILDREN IN THE HANDS OF CREATING CHARACTERS PRESCHOOL ACADEMY

DERRICK J. DENNIS: THE TALENTED TRIPLE THREAT

32

DREAM GIRLS HAIR SALON IS THRIVING THROUGH AND BEYOND THE PANDEMIC

THE WELL OR ILL-INFORMED AMERICAN WITH DR. PAMELA SIMMS-MACKEY

MEN TALK, REAL TALK ABOUT COVID-19 – BARBERSHOP TOWNHALL

TEA-TIME WITH PLESHETTE – URBAN COVID CONVERSATIONS WITH FRONTLINE WARRIORS

GETTING SMART ON COVID-19

FAITH BEHIND THE FRONTLINES – A FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

BLAZING A TRAIL IN ARIZONA

NEW LAW BRINGS GOOD NEWS TO CALIFORNIANS