MONEY MOVES
ARE YOU MAKING MONEY WHILE YOU SLEEP?
PLUS Sexual Health · Personal Fitness · Money Matters · Eating Healthy
FASHION
78 MONEY MATTERS Are you buying products from companies that invest in the rise (or dimise) of your family? Here are a few brands and businesses that value our community, respect our unique life experiences and are driven to elevate our children.
2
THETREMAG.COM
FASHION
FEATURES 20 THE LOVE OF MONEY
11 RIGHT TO VOTE
The U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787 offered dialogue, most centrally were debates to determine if Blacks are equal or greater than common livestock. The intent is still subject to debate and the results may surprise you.
13 CRADLE OF HUMANITY Scientist have noticed what most textbooks deny, Africa is where life began.
14 ALABAMA VOTERS For the first time in 25 years, Alabama elected a Democrat. NBC News exit polls show 96 percent of black voters supported Sen. Doug Jones, with 98 percent of black women and 93 percent of black men backing him.
17 BLACK POWER Presidential policies have epic impact which transcends their term. Explore how the current POTUS’ Civil Rights efforts compare to his predecessors.
A new report from Nielsen on the current buying power of consumers of color offers retailers a fascinating look at spending trends and strategies for engagement and profit.
28 SARAH RECTOR
Her land was part of the famed Cushing-Drumright Field in Oklahoma which produced spectacular wealth and by the end of 1919 the field produced 17 percent of all the oil produced in the nation.
66 ARE YOU STRESSED? Life is not easy. Learn how to self-assess and reflect if you may be in need of a reboot.
68 HOW MUCH IS TOO
MUCH FOR A CHILD? Be it navigating social injustice, police brutality, gun violence, academic bias or systematic racism, our kids are expected to handle a lot, while the village sits idle. Navigating sustained trauma requires help. But, when is it too much and are you able to notice the red flags before it is too late?
THETREMAG.COM
3
HEALTH + BUSINESS ISSUE
CONTENTS 31 BABA M. SHANGO Ignihit quibus, niento eat quidel min coribusamus rest amustium sinis
Mwalimu Baba
Shango
22 MONEY LESSONS Part of investing in yourself should be learning more about managing money
Letterhead
16 BLACK POWER
In the 50+ years since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law, it is clear, we still have a long way to go.
25 MANSA MUSA Worth over $400 billion, King Musa transformed nations, elevated cultures and provided the world’s salt and gold.
TRÉ MEDIA GROUP No. 8.01 · PUBLISHER/DISRUPTOR Stephanie Coleman · GRAPHIC DESIGN No Plan B, LLC · neutralgrey.org · PHOTO JOURNALIST Roy Harvey III (rainedrophoto.com) · PROOFREADER Elevation· DISTRIBUTION 360 Magnetic Solutions · TEAM LEADS Valerie Anderson-Wallace · J. Goodwille Pierre · Kat (Kathleen) McDonald · Jovan Fountain · Basel Simon Duane Bradley HMStv.org Inclusion in this Directory does not constitute an endorsement of the groups listed, nor does this list indicate that these groups have performed, or are presently performing, work for the Houston Health Department. This Directory and Resource Guide has been compiled from information submitted and/or gathered. The Houston Health Department can not guarantee the accuracy of this list nor assume any responsibility for transactions that may result from the use of the information contained herein. In no way does the list guarantee the quality, competence or fair dealing of any particular service provided by the resources listed.
4
Our Father, Brother, Teacher, and Comrade in the Struggle for THETREMAG.COM African Liberation
POLITICS
Jacob Sanchez Diagnosed with autism
Sensory sensitivity is a sign of autism. Learn the others at autismspeaks.org/signs. THETREMAG.COM
7
POLITICS
LETTERS TO EDITOR
CONTRIBUT
its not fair, thats why we vote. not viewd as equal. electoral college , policestate. for the greater good,
q
uam doluptur? Ucipsap edignam, unt ut officiet earum, soluptios apelis aut occaecesent fugia di nis conseque ped et inissentusae volut erum qui nobit latur, consequia voluptatis dus.
essum Iquis ut et parchil erum.
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essum.
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essis ut et parchil erum escid everati orentiate voloribus exped.
1
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essum.
2
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as
3
8
THETREMAG.COM
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essum Iquis ut et parchil erum.
4
5
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essis ut et parchil erum escid everati orentiate voloribus exped.
5
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essum Iquis ut et parchil erum.
3
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essum Iquis ut et parchil erum.
4
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essis ut et parchil erum escid everati orentiate voloribus exped.
5
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essis ut et parchil erum escid everati orentiate voloribus exped.
5
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essis ut et parchil erum escid everati orentiate voloribus exped.
5
Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur
5
POLITICS
CONTR
THETREMAG.COM
9
POLITICS THE NEW TAX BILL (2018) In essence, it lowers taxes on the earnings of capitalists and raises taxes on earnings of workers.
TAXES & RACE Class legislation that feeds the wealthy. PAID OR PLAYED? In 2011, Black activists Cornel West and Tavis Smiley were heavily funded to lead a 15-city “Poverty Tour” highlighting what they felt were the failings of then,
POTUS Barack Obama. Ironically, they are silent as Trump makes racial slurs and passes a tax bill that undermines social programs for the poorest Americans. #whoisyourmaster
THE GREAT COMPROMISE Who controls the historical narrative shapes the truth. Population determines voting power, and legislative influence. During the 1787 U.S. Constitutional Convention, Northern states argued that since enslaved Africans were strictly property in Southern states and had no rights, they could not be counted to determine congressional representation unless the North could
include their property: horses, cattle, homes, furniture, pets, etc. in their population tallies. The right to vote was given strictly to leverage blacks as pawns and as a tool to secure and expand “the power of” the pro-slavery Southern states.
CONTROVERSY OF THE MONTH
AMERICAN NOT AFRICAN. In response to Joy-Ann Reid attempt to discuss Trump calling Africa and Haiti “s***hole” countries, Pastor Burns defends Trump and tweets, “#AMJoy should move to #Haiti since she cares more for Haitians than Black Americans here in Poverty…” #africaisnotacountry #itsacontinent #selfhating #stockholmsyndrome #miseducation
VOTER + ENGAGEMENT + STRATEGY JewDonBoney.com
THETREMAG.COM
11
POLITICS
ELECTED & OFFICIAL Migrating from Republicans to Proud Southern Dixicrat
A
ll of the first blacks to serve in the U.S. Congress were Republicans elected during the Reconstruction Era (Abraham Lincoln). Freedmen gained political representation in the South for the first time after slaves fought for liberty and won citizenship rights.
PERSPECTIVE In 1866, the Military Reconstruction Acts passed and racist violence and lynchings skyrocketed. After congressman George Henry White (1896 -1901), no blacks served in Congress for the next 28 years, and
12
THETREMAG.COM
BELOW In 1866 four Reconstruction Acts were passed which divided the South into five military districts.
none represented any Southern state for the next 72 years.
POLICY VERSUS PARTY The election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1932) shifted black voting loyalties to Democrat, as his New Deal programs promised economic relief from the Great Depression. Although, it was not until passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, that legal segregation ended and blacks within Southern states recovered their rights to vote, virtually all black voters were Democrats, by the 1960s, and most were voting in states outside the former Confederacy.
POLITICS
FIRST PEOPLE ATLANTA MAYOR
A compassionate and dedicated public servant. KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS is an American politician and lawyer who is the 60th and current mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. Committed to improving
community, she welcomes your input as she strives to “Keep Atlanta moving forward.� Participate and join her efforts at
Yes, life began in Africa, the cradle of humanity and civilization. AFRICA Scientist confirm the first Homo sapiens evolved in Africa between 56,000 and 200,000 years ago and then steadily migrated over the entire world for tens of thousands of years. Referred to by anthropolgist as the Out Of Africa II theory, the research-backed discovery involves a previous African exodus by tribes of Homo erectus, followed by the scattering of H. sapiens that eventually became human civilization.
keishalancebottoms.com
#POLITICS EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD HAS A
Naturehood
DiscoverTheForest.org THETREMAG.COM
13
POLITICS
DANA GRESHAM Moving Ole’ Alabama Forward... maybe
ALABAMA Sen. Doug Jones (left), the Democrat who beat Republican Roy Moore in recent special Senate election, has tapped former Department of Transportation staffer Dana Gresham as his chief of staff, making him the ONLY African-American chief of staff for a Senate Democrat in the entire country. Although, Doug Jones’ win over Republican Roy Moore was a stunning upset and a direct result of high voter turnout of African-Americans (specifically women), Gresham’s appointment required external pressure from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies who orchestrated the effort by prodding seventeen organizations, including the NAACP, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the National Urban League to action to write a letter to Jones encouraging he hire at least one person of color to a senior-level position in light of the lack of diversity among Senate staff. #staywoke #25yearslater #themorethingschange... 14
THETREMAG.COM
AMERICA, LET’S DO LUNCH
TM
Phyllis Keppler, SINCE 1927. She’s driven across continents because, well, why not? Now she and 1 in 6 seniors face the threat of hunger and millions more live in isolation. So pop by, drop off a hot meal and say a warm hello. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels at AmericaLetsDoLunch.org
TRUTH
POLITICS
DO IT FOR THE
LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON MONEY
Often referred to as LBJ, he was a Democrat from Texas and an American politician who served as the 36th President of the United States from 1963 to 1969.
These Negroes, they’re getting pretty uppity these days and that’s a problem for us since they’ve got something now they never had before, the political pull to back up their uppityness. Now we’ve got to do something about this, we’ve got to give them a little something, just enough to quiet them down, not enough to make a difference. For if we don’t move at all, then their allies will line up against us and there’ll be no way of stopping them, we’ll lose the filibuster and there’ll be no way of putting a brake on all sorts of wild legislation. It’ll be Reconstruction all over again.” 16
THETREMAG.COM
MONEY PRESIDENTIAL INFLUENCE LBJ was sworn in as the 36th U.S. President, with a vision to build “A Great Society� for the American people.
BLACK POWER
T
he end of the Civil War in 1865 brought three constitutional amendments which abolished slavery, made former slaves citizens of the United States, and gave all men the right to vote, regardless of race. However, measures such as literacy tests and poll taxes were used by many states to continue the disenfranchisement of African-Americans and Jim Crow laws helped those same states to enforce segregation and condone race-based violence from groups like the Ku Klux Klan.
ABOVE On June 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, which was considered the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction.
Rights Act, which was the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction. The Act prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, in public places, provided for the integration of schools and other public facilities, and made employment discrimination illegal.
A WORK IN PROGRESS Congress expanded the act
Many years passed with minimal action taken to enforce civil rights. In 1963, Pres. John F. Kennedy decided it was time to act, proposing the most sweeping civil rights legislation to date. On June 2, 1964, Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil THETREMAG.COM
17
MONEY
BELOW Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th President, with a vision to “Make American Great Again.” for the American People.
Together, we are rebuilding our nation On November 8, 2016, the American People delivered a historic victory and took our country back. Join Our Movement! Help fulfill our promise to Make America Great Again!” — www.donaldjtrump.com
in subsequent years, passing additional legislation in order to move toward more equality for African-Americans, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
WHOSE ZOOMING WHO? From President Woodrow Wilson’s 1915 endorsement of film ‘The Birth of a Nation’ to bias news reporting techniques of today, manipulation and leverage fake media have long been a strategy to undermine unity. Pres. Johnson is noted to state ”If you can convince the lowest white man that he’s better than the best colored man, he won’t notice you’re picking his pocket.”. 18
THETREMAG.COM
LEFT Ranked as one of the nation’s greatest POTUS. Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924), was the 28th U.S. president, served in office from 1913 to 1921
In the 50+ years since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law, significant progress toward guaranteeing the equality of all Americans regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, has been made. Yet, it is clear, we still have a long way to go. #policy #pawnsandpolitics #oldplaybook
MONEY
THETREMAG.COM
19
MONEY DEFINITION OF SUCCESS Rule No.1: Never lose money. Rule No.2: Never forget rule No.1.
WARREN BUFFET SPEAKS ASSOCIATION It’s better to hang out with people better than you. Pick out associates whose behaviour is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.
LESSONS LEARNT Honesty is a very expensive gift, don’t expect it from cheap people.
ALWAYS KEEP CASH RESERVES ON HAND “We always maintain at least $20 billion — and usually far more — in cash equivalents” Buffett (2014 Berkshire Hathaway annual report.)
B
uffett is the chairman, CEO and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, and he was ranked as the world’s wealthiest person in 2008 and as the third wealthiest in 2011. 22
THETREMAG.COM
ABOVE “Anything you invest in yourself, you get back tenfold,” Buffett said to CNN. And unlike other assets and investments, “nobody can tax it away; they can’t steal it from you.”
Buffet advises people to learn about money and educate yourself about personal finance. His success is often credited to the fact that he reads a lot. Be it annual reports, books or online, “The more you know about personal finance, the more security you’ll have as you minimize
MONEY
Warren Edward Buffett was born August 30, 1930 he is an American business magnate, investor and philanthropist. He was the most successful investor of the 20th century.
MOTIVATION The fact that It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.
LIFE PRINCIPALS Pay attention to money habits and work to strengthen those that help your finances, and break those that hurt your finances.
ADVICE ON WEALTH Why not invest your assets in the companies you really like? As Mae West said, ‘Too much of a good thing can be wonderful’.
MONEY TIPS TO BUILD WEALTH
TRUST A LOW-COST INDEX FUND FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO For years, Buffet has advised that the average investor, “put 10% of the cash in short-term government bonds and 90% in a very low-cost S&P 500 index fund. (2013 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders.) “If you invested in a very low-cost index fund -where you average in over 10 years -- you’ll do better than 90% of people who start investing at the same time.”
FORM HEALTHY MONEY HABITS “I think the biggest mistake is not learning the habits of saving properly early, because saving is a habit”
AVOID DEBT, ESPECIALLY CREDIT CARD DEBT
LEARN YOURSELR. ENJOY YOUR LIFE.
“Interest rates are very high on
There comes a time when you ought to start doing what you want. Take a job that you love. You will jump out of bed in the morning. I think you are out of your mind if you keep taking jobs that you don’t like because you think it will look THETREMAG.COM 23 good on your resume.
credit cards,” Buffett stated “If I borrowed money at 18% or 20%, I’d be broke.” Buffett built his wealth by getting interest to work for him instead of working to pay interest.
MONEY
24
THETREMAG.COM
MONEY
MANSA MUSA
14th Century African king is the worlds richest man of his time and of all time!
M
Undeniably, one of the richest people in history, Musa Keita I (c. 1280— c. 1337) was the tenth Mansa of the wealthy West African Mali Empire. Musa Keita, commonly referred to as Mansa Musa in Western manuscripts and literature, held many titles such as Emire of Melle, Lord of the Mines of Wangara, Conqueror of Ghanata, Lion of Mali and at least a dozen more.
BELOW Natgeotv.com https://www. youtube.com/ watch?v=O3KEL3I98vE
and became Mansa (which translates to “sultan”, “conqueror” or “emperor”) after Abubakari Keita II, the king before him, embarked on an expedition to explore the limits of the Atlantic Ocean, and never returned. Musa a devout Muslim made his pilgrimage to Mecca between 1324–1325. Musa gave gold to the poor he met along his route and traded gold for souvenirs. His generosity transformed the economies of the regions through which he passed. In the cities of
ACCESSION TO THE THRONE Musa Keita was appointed deputy THETREMAG.COM
25
FASHION of art and architecture, wrote of this period: “Thus was laid the foundation of an urban civilization. At the height of its power, Mali had at least 400 cities, and the interior of the Niger Delta was very densely populated.”
ECONOMY + EDUCATION He brought architects from Andalusia, a region in Spain, and Cairo to build his grand palace in Timbuktu and the great Djinguereber Mosque that still stands today. Timbuktu soon became a center of trade, culture, and Islam; markets brought in merchants from Hausaland, Egypt, and other African kingdoms, a university was founded in the city (as well as in the Malian cities of Djenné and Ségou), and Islam was spread through the markets and university, making Timbuktu a new area for Islamic scholarship. News of the Malian empire’s city of wealth even traveled across the Mediterranean to southern Europe, where traders from Venice, Granada, and Genoa soon added Timbuktu to their maps to trade manufactured goods for gold.
Cairo, Medina, and Mecca, the sudden influx of gold devalued the metal for the next decade. This is the only time recorded in history that one man directly controlled the price of gold in the Mediterranean. When Mansa Musa returned from Mecca, he brought back many Arabian scholars and architects and embarked on a large building program, raising mosques and madrasas in Timbuktu and Gao. Most notably, the ancient center of learning Sankore Madrasah (or University of Sankore) was constructed during his reign.
THE REAL GOLDEN AGE During this period, there was an advanced level of urban living in the major centers of the Mali. Sergio Domian, an Italian scholar 26
THETREMAG.COM
CREDIT
Under Musa’s reign, the University of Sankore in Timbuktu was restaffed with jurists, astronomers, and mathematicians and staffed with the largest collections of books in Africa since the Library of Alexandria. The Sankoré University was capable of housing 25,000 students and
FASHION
When life throws you a financial challenge, you’ve proven you have what it takes to ace it. Now it’s time to tackle your retirement savings at AceYourRetirement.org
THETREMAG.COM
27
MONEY LEARN MORE http://atlantablackstar. com/2014/01/03/10-richest-black-communities-america/10/
VIEW PARK The Richest Black Community in America VIEW PARKWINDSOR HILLS is an affluent Black community with an average family income of $159,168. View Park-Windsor Hills are part of a band of districts, from Culver City’s
Fox Hills district on the west to the Los Angeles district of Leimert Park. The area is the single largest geographically middle- and upper-class Black community in the United States.
LAYERS “For everyone of us that succeeds, it’s because there’s someone there to show you the way out. The light doesn’t always necessarily have to be your family; for me, it was teachers and school.” -Oprah Winfrey
28
THETREMAG.COM
(As of March 2012)
SARAH RECTOR
12 year old and the richest black girl in America
Sarah Rector was born in Indian Territory on March 3, 1902. Like thousands of former black slaves with Creek ancestry, she received land prior to Oklahoma statehood. Rocky and poor for farming, her lot was useless until oil was discovered. She became the wealthiest black girl in the U.S. Her wealth caused immediate alarm, she was forced to switch guardianship
from her parents to a white man named T.J. Porter. He took control of her estate which was xxx acquired by the famed Cushing-Drumright Field.
OPRAH WINFREY
NET WORTH: $2.7 BILLION Self-made multi-billionaire, Oprah Winfrey is the richest African-American and one of the most lucrative brands in the world.
HAITIAN WEALTH
agricultural research to help poor farmers grow alternative
MONEY
Is it time to stop Global Sanctions against Haiti?
HAITI The Western world has never made peace with their loss in the Haitian Revolution of 1791 and have created sanctions, hurtful policies and false news of a “cursed people.” But, God grants Favor and according
to reports, recent exploratory drilling by Canadian and U.S. companies have unearthed valuable metals including gold, silver and copper, which may be worth nearly $20 billion. #redemption #watchforlandgrabs
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER
A botonist, humanitarian, mentor and innovator.
A PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty
ALIKO
DANGOTE NIGERIA Aliko Dangote is a cement and commodities tycoon of Nigeria. He is ranked ($12.2 billion) the richest person in Africa for the seventh year in a row by Forbes. Dangote is looking ahead and has been investing in a fertilizer production company and a large oil refinery.
BORN A SLAVE on a Missouri farm in 1865, Carver became the first black student and the first black faculty member at what is now Iowa State University. At the urging of Booker T. Washington, the well-respected botanist moved to Tuskegee Institute in Alabama as the director of agriculture. During World War I, there
were shortages of crops and food and Carver began developing products and processes. His innovations have been credited with the South’s economic survival in the early part of the 20th century. Carver generously gifted his agricultural research to help black farmers become more selfsufficient and less reliant on cotton (and slave labor).
THETREMAG.COM
29
MONEY
Mwalimu visited oyd Parker, and g turned into a hood that was full e on behalf of e most brothers ements arose. ngo and Deloyd ose friends, r nearly 40 years. h SHAPE, Baba counseling e taught selfh the martial self-pride, lf-determination. dents traveled to ticipate in karate group traveled nd study. They seriously, hoping e in the Junior ango even wrote ort film that arts students character, Joe a Codrington), part, from Baba onal story. Joe t the crossroad of HAPE Community om the streets se of purpose.
I GAVE MY STUDENTS A COMBAT MATH GAME.
“THE
ONLY WAY TO BEAT THE ENEMY IS TO OUTFRACTION THEM ”
A MAN OF ACTION based organization dedicated to In 1994, Mwalimu Baba Shango strengthening the community was able to secure property at through culture, counseling, THE AFRICAN PLEDGE 5110 Martin Luther King Boulevard. fitness, health, academics, and • We will remember Eventually, the one-story home martial arts. With the support of the humanity, glory and suffering of our was transformed into a modern, Cleo Glenn Johnson and the Black Ancestors, and honor the United Fund of Houston, they two-level facility that includes a struggle of our elders; full parking lot, open floor gym, established their headquarters we will strive to bring kitchen, community garden, within a separate section of the new values and new life computer room, and three offices. to our people. building occupied by the Black • We will have peace and SEHAH continues to operate an United Fund of Houston. SEHAH harmony among us. 8-week summer program for youth Inc. could now boast of having an SION • We will be loving, and offers martial arts instruction official business office and several of work at sharing and creative. to youth, adults, and seniors. classrooms. SEHAH, which stands Baba Shango We will work study and listen so we may learn, SEHAH has hosted 23 annual for Survival, Education, Health, and off on his own. so we may teach. martial arts tournaments and African History, began to attract g local schools • We will cultivate self supports other martial arts schools neighborhood families. Their ching African – reliance. We will and programs. In recent years, arts. He also struggle to resurrect and programs included a full range of SEHAH has gone global, traveling unify our homeland. afterschool and weekend activities, services. Many of • We will raise many to Brazil, Belize, Egypt, Ghana, including academics, counseling, uested additional children for our nation. Tanzania, and Ethiopia. In keeping martial arts, swimming, chess, lly martial arts • We will have discipline, with the mission of SEHAH, the and camping, all tied to African t a building of his patience, devotion and trips were principally designed to liberation in one form or another. began teaching courage. • We will live as models, build self-confidence and to equip During the summer months, at home, in to provide new direction youth with the ability to travel SEHAH offered 8 weeks of all day herever else for our people. is a job that’s creative and collaborative, and there’s independently, from purchasing activities. 991, the Black Teaching • We will be free and self – a dull moment. Teachers have better work theirstories. own tickets, packing their uston opened neverdetermining. bags, and navigating the airports RISE AND GRIND • We are African People… Shango, and he will Win!!! and the world on their own. SEHAH continued to grow, and ses in a small LearnWemore about teaching at TEACH.org. Baba Shango often said that eventually outgrew the available mises on Martin “practice is higher than theory.” space at the Black United Fund. In levard. Cramped He was a man of action, teaching 1994, as Mwalimu Baba Shango ws, martial arts and leading by example. As we and Cileita M. Wells searched d old, crowded CREDIT celebrate his life, we should reflect for a new home for SEHAH, they classes on Memorial Biography on his positive deeds, for they received assistance from several and Saturday Written By far outweigh his shortcomings. organizations and institutions, became obvious Brother J. Shango Though small in stature, Mwalimu including Good Hope Baptist as necessary. TEACHERS Based Primarily on Baba Shango was a big man. He Church and Southside Community Interviews with HAVE M. Baba Shango was our chief. He was our king. Center; SEHAH’s afterschool and ONE BETTER (2017) King Shango. Enjoy your place summer programs were housed Baba Shango WORK among our most noble African on the premises of Good Hope and founded STORIES. warrior ancestors. Southside during the early 1990s. d, a nonommunity
WANT WORK STORIES THAT START LIKE THIS?
30
THETREMAG.COM
LEGACY MONEY
Mwalimu Baba
Shango
Letterhead
Our Father, Brother, Teacher, and Comrade in the Struggle for African Liberation July 2, 1948 - June 21, 2017 THETREMAG.COM
31
e he iving o ath Baba cade
self-determination and liberation. He and his comrades prepared for a life after incarceration, a life
LEGACY
Pleased is my soul with it Regardless of what is told of it, Thanks God for giving it Great Flag of Mine.
in Houston. Founded in 1969, SHAPE has been at the center of community activism in Houston
nt ring s n ld He can udied iore
nto
M. BABA SHANGO Like Malcolm X and countless others, Baba Shango underwent a revolutionary conversion during his decade of incarceration.
H
is conversion included a rejection of the European-centered world view that shaped his early life. He read, studied and never wavered in his personal promise to a life of revolutionary struggle and nation-building. Baba Shango was born in Galveston, Texas on July 2, 1948. His father, Holland Jones, Sr., retired as 32
THETREMAG.COM
a postal worker, and his mother, Dellie Mae Jones, was a nurturing mother, house wife, and beautician. She was also known for her activism on behalf of children. Baba Shango spent his childhood and adolescent years in Galveston, graduating from Central High School in 1966. After high school, he lived a fast-paced life that included auto racing. When he left the race track, he drifted towards the street life. That life included most of the
LEGACY
Fatherhood is not always biological� -M. Baba Shango
vices of the underworld. As one of his surviving brothers recalled, Baba Shango entered a world that led to death or incarceration. For Mwalimu Baba Shango, that world led to a decade of incarceration. KNOW THYSELF Like Malcolm X and countless others, Baba Shango underwent a revolutionary conversion
during his decade of incarceration. His conversion included a rejection of the European-centered world view that shaped his early life. He read books and essays on African history and culture. He also studied African languages, including Swahili (also written Kiswahili), and he began to explore traditional African religious systems, incorporating them THETREMAG.COM
33
LEGACY
into his evolving spiritual thought and practices. His conversion also included a focus on healthy living and exercise. He changed his diet, exercised regularly, and studied martial arts with his comrades. Although he began with Asian fighting systems, he never wavered in his effort to infuse African culture in the martial arts he studied and later taught. A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Baba Shango also immersed himself in readings and discussions about worldwide struggles for self-determination and liberation. He and his comrades prepared for a life after incarceration, a life of revolutionary 34
THETREMAG.COM
ABOVE Baba Shango was father to the village and also immersed himself in readings and discussions about worldwide struggles for self-determination and liberation.
struggle and nation-building. “We planned while we walked the yard,” he explained. “I was gonna get out and open up a community center for the youth,” he recalled, “take them straight off the streets and turn them into soldiers.” Baba Shango prepared well during his period of incarceration; he eventually earned three degrees while still in prison. LOVE THYSELF When Mwalimu Baba Shango was released from prison, he was a new man. “I went in with Negro tendencies and came out a straight up African,” he candidly explained. Upon his release, he immersed himself into the Black
LEGACY self-determination. His martial arts students traveled to various cities to participate in karate tournaments. One group traveled to Mexico to train and study. They took their training seriously, hoping to one day compete in the Junior Olympics. Baba Shango even wrote and produced a short film that featured his martial arts students at SHAPE. The main character, Joe (played by Olugbala Codrington), was developed, in part, from Baba Shango’s own personal story. Joe was a young man at the crossroad of right and wrong. SHAPE Community Center saved him from the streets and gave him a sense of purpose. Freedom Struggle, working with organizations such as the Council of Independent Black Institutions (CIBI), an educational wing of the Black liberation struggle. He returned to Texas and met Deloyd Parker, head of SHAPE Community Center in Houston. Founded in 1969, SHAPE has been at the center of community activism in Houston for nearly 50 years. Mwalimu visited SHAPE to meet Deloyd Parker, and their initial meeting turned into a lifetime of brotherhood that was full of constant struggle on behalf of African people. Like most brothers in struggle, disagreements arose. However, Baba Shango and Deloyd Parker remained close friends, indeed brothers, for nearly 40 years. While working with SHAPE, Baba Shango focused on counseling and martial arts. He taught self- confidence through the martial arts. He also taught self-pride, self-respect, and
BELOW Swahili, also known as Kiswahili (translation: coast language), is a Bantu language and the first language of the Swahili people. ... Swahili is also one of the working languages of the African Union and officially recognized as a lingua franca of the East African Community.
A MAN WITH A VISION After several years of work at the SHAPE Center, Baba Shango decided to venture off on his own. He began by visiting local schools in Houston and teaching African history and martial arts. He also offered counseling services. Many of these students requested additional instruction, especially martial arts instruction. Without a building of his own, Baba Shango began teaching martial arts classes at home, in public parks, and wherever else he could teach. In 1991, the Black United Fund of Houston opened its facilities to Baba Shango, and he began offering classes in a small garage on their premises on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Cramped and with no windows, martial arts students, young and old, crowded into the garage for classes on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Soon, it THETREMAG.COM
35
SPRING INVI UAL TAT N AN
IC
E
RTI
AL AR
TS TOURN
AM
EN
-M. BABA SHA
TH N A “A HARM DONE T IS HIGHER TH HARM DONE T E
C
T
T
MA
RY
“IF YOU CAN S YOU CAN TOUCH IT TOUCH IT, YOU CA IF YOU CAN GRAB IT IT’S YOUR
O
May 5th
AL ION
24t h
H
2018 A PR
EACH ONE TEACH ONE In 1991, Mwalimu Baba Shango and Cileita M. Wells founded SEHAH Incorporated, a nonprofit, tax exempt community based organization dedicated to strengthening the community through culture, counseling, fitness, health, academics, and martial arts. With the support of Cleo Glenn Johnson and the Black United Fund of Houston, they established their headquarters within a separate section of the building occupied by the Black United Fund of Houston. SEHAH Inc. could now boast of having an official business office and several classrooms. SEHAH, which stands for Survival, Educa-
uth & F yo i ess tn
became obvious that more space was necessary.
SEH A
LEGACY
-M. BABA SHA
ABOVE In 1991, Mwalimu Baba Shango and Cileita M. Wells founded SEHAH Incorporated
“PRACTICE tion, Health, and African History, IS HIG THEORY began to attract neighborhood -M. BABA SHA families. Their programs included a full range of afterschool and weekend activities, including ac- IT. IT’S “WE ARE ademics, counseling, martial arts, -M. BABA SHA swimming, chess, and camping, all tied to African liberation in one form or another. During theTEN YEA “I GAVE summer months, SEHAH offered 8 WH LIFE TO THE I CAN GIVE THE RES weeks of all day activities.
TO MY PEOP
-M. BABA SHA RISE AND GRIND SEHAH continued to grow, and eventually outgrew the available “BUILDING space at the Black United Fund. In SELF FOR SURVIV 1994, as Mwalimu Baba Shango -M. BABA SHA and Cileita M. Wells searched for a new home for SEHAH, they received assistance“FATHERHOOD from several IS N organizations and institutions, BIOLOGICA including Good Hope Baptist-M. BABA SHA Church and Southside Community
36
THETREMAG.COM
LEGACY Center; SEHAH’s afterschool and summer programs were housed on the premises of Good Hope and Southside during the early 1990s. A MAN OF ACTION In 1994, Mwalimu Baba Shango was able to secure property at 5110 Martin Luther King Boulevard. Eventually, the one-story home was transformed into a modern, two-level facility that includes a full parking lot, open floor gym, kitchen, community garden, computer room, and three offices. SEHAH continues to operate an 8-week summer program for youth and offers martial arts instruction to youth, adults, and seniors. SEHAH has hosted 23 annual martial arts tournaments and supports other martial arts schools and programs. In recent years, SEHAH has gone global, traveling to Brazil, Belize, Egypt, Ghana, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. In keeping with the mission of SEHAH, the trips were principally designed to build self-confidence and to equip youth with the ability to travel independently, from purchasing their own tickets, packing their bags, and navigating the airports and the world on their own. Baba Shango often said that “practice is higher than theory.” He was a man of action, teaching and leading by example. As we celebrate his life, we should reflect on his positive deeds, for they far outweigh his shortcomings. Though small in stature, Mwalimu Baba Shango was a big man. He was our chief. He was our king. King Shango. Enjoy your place among our most noble African warrior ancestors. MWALIMU SHANGO Our Father, Brother, Teacher, and Comrade in the Struggle for African Liberation July 2, 1948 - June 21, 2017
THIS FLAG OF MINE by Amy Jacques Garvey Here’s to this flag of mine The Red, Black and Green Hopes in its future bright Africa has seen. Here’s to the Red of it, Great nations shall know of it In time to come. Red blood shall flow of it, Historians shall write of it, Great flag of mine. Here’s to the Black of it Four hundred millions back of it, Whose destiny depends on it The RED, BLACK and GREEN of it, Oh, Flag of Mine. Here’s to the Green of it Young men shall dream of it, Face shot and shells of it Waving so high. Here’s to the whole of it Colors grought and pole of it Pleased is my soul with it Regardless of what is told of it, Thanks God for giving it Great Flag of Mine.
THETREMAG.COM
37
HEALTH
OPEN AIR MAJOR
The Most Formidable Racer In The World MARSHALL WALTER “MAJOR” TAYLOR (Nov 26, 1878 – June 21, 1932) was a cyclist who turned pro at 18, and soon emerged as “one of the dominant athletes of his era.” During the peak of his cycling career (also the decade that saw the highest number of recorded lynchings in the U.S.), Taylor stood strong, competed globally, broke world records and in 1903 he earned prize money totaling $35,000 (est. $923,352USD today)
FRUIT
40
THETREMAG.COM
A symbol for America’s diversity and tolerance BORN DEC 4, 1985, Ibtihaj Muhammad joined the school fencing team at age 13. She is a 5-time Senior World medalist and a member of the U.S. National Fencing Team since 2010. As of 2016, she ranks No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 8 in the world. During a tense Presidential election where U.S.-born Muslims were being hunted and their assimilation questioned, she stood in protest and leveraged twitter to become the first woman to wear a hijab and earn a medal while competing for the U.S. in the Olympics. #religiousfreedom
HEALTH
STARR ANDREWS When Passion Meets Destiny
https://www.facebook. com/AFROPUNK/videos/10155250624776623/
STARR ANDREWS (born June 23, 2001) is a dynamic American figure skater. She is the 2017 U.S. National Junior Silver Medalist and placed 12th at the 2017 World Junior Championships. The 2010 video of her performing to Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair” went viral. and boasts more than 50
million views to date. A home-schooled student, and singer, she aspires to become the first African American to win gold at a Winter Olympics #BlackExcellence
BOOK
THE FASTEST BICYCLE RIDER IN THE WORLD: The Story of a Colored Boy’s Indomitable Courage and Success Against Great Odds: An Autobiography by Major Taylor (1928). THETREMAG.COM
41
HEALTH
A MINDFUL APPROACH Get Motivated! Studies show that people who work out with a buddy have more fun and work out 200% longer than those doing it alone.
NGO OKAFOR
44
Fitness Trainer FitMatch App.
THETREMAG.COM
HEALTH BELOW “I believe that the body is a slave to our minds and will do anything we tell it to do”.
TEXT CHARLES DOE PHOTO RHIANA JAMES
MENTAL STRENGTH
F
ind a workout buddy FOR FREE on FitMatch and take your workouts to the next level. Using geolocation technology, the FitMatch app provides a platform where fitness enthusiasts can connect with like-minded people, worldwide. Once connected, users can motivate and inspire each other, keeping each other accountable to a workout routine and helping each other reach their fitness goals. TRUTH AND MOTIVATION Ngo Okafor found that even his most dedicated clients would not adhere to their workout routine when they were traveling, due to lack of motivation. So, he created a platform for his clients to connect with like-minded fitness enthusiasts and find the motivation they need to maintain their fitness routines.
He’s earned this loyal following by espousing a fitness belief that the mind is the most important muscle a person needs to develop. However, the country of his heritage never left his heart. When he’s not in the gym, Ngo works with the non-profit he founded, Champion Spirit Foundation, which provides facilities in Nigeria where children can exercise and learn to box, free of charge, in an effort to raise their self-esteem. As if all that weren’t enough, Ngo’s stature and physique has made him a sought after model and actor, appearing in moview and alongside the likes of Gisele Bundchen, Mary J. Blige, and in magazines such as Vogue, W, V, and WSJ. Most importantly, he also makes time to get to the local park with his wife and young son.
WWW. WEFITMATCH. COM
THETREMAG.COM
45
HEALTH
WHAT IS A SEXUALLY HEALTHY NATION? If you choose to have sex, do you know how to protect yourself against STDs? 46
THETREMAG.COM
HEALTH
THETREMAG.COM
47
HEALTH
10 STD FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW If you are sexually active, getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.
M
ake sure you have an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and STD testing with your doctor and ask whether you should be tested for STDs. If you are not comfortable talking with your regular health care provider about STDs, there are many clinics that provide confidential and free or low-cost testing. 48
THETREMAG.COM
DID YOU KNOW? There are many clinics that provide confidential and free or low-cost testing.
WHAT ARE (STDs) SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES? STDs are diseases that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral). These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and HIV. Many STDs do not show symptoms for a long time. Even without symptoms, they can still be harmful and passed on during sex. HOW ARE STDs SPREAD? Anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. You can get an STD by having sex with someone who has an STD. You don’t even have to “go all the way” to get an STD. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.
HEALTH HOW COMMON ARE STDS? STDs are common, especially among young people. There are about 20 million new cases of STDs each year in the U.S. About half of these infections are in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Young people are at greater risk of getting an STD for several reasons: • Young women’s bodies are biologically more prone to STDs. • Some young people do not get the recommended STD tests. • Many young people are hesitant to talk openly and honestly with a doctor/nurse about their sex lives. • Not having insurance or transportation can make it more difficult for young people to access STD testing. • Some young people have more than one sex partner. IF I GET AN STD, HOW WILL I KNOW? WHAT DO I DO NOW? Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms that you would notice. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested. You can get an STD from having sex with someone who has no symptoms. Just like you, that person might not even know he or she has an STD.
FACTS: Some curable STDs can be dangerous if they aren’t treated.
BELOW You can get an STD from having sex with someone who has no symptoms.
CAN STDS BE TREATED? Your doctor can prescribe medicine to cure some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other STDs, like herpes, can’t be cured, but you can take medicine to help with the symptoms. If you are ever treated for an STD, be sure to finish all of your medicine, even if you feel better before you finish it all. Ask the doctor or nurse about testing and treatment for your partner, too. You and your partner should avoid having sex until you’ve both been treated. Otherwise, you may continue to pass the STD back and forth. It is possible to get an STD again (after you’ve been treated), if you have sex with someone who has an STD. WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T TREAT AN STD? Some curable STDs can be dangerous if they aren’t treated.
WHERE CAN I GET TESTED? There are places that offer teenfriendly, confidential, and free STD tests. This means that no one has to find out you’ve been tested. Visit GetTested to find an STD testing location near you. THETREMAG.COM
49
HEALTH CDC FACT SHEET: Information for Teens and Young Adults: Staying Healthy and Preventing STDs For example, if left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can make it difficult—or even impossible—for a woman to get pregnant. You also in-crease your chances of getting HIV if you have an untreated STD. Some STDs, like HIV, can be fatal if left untreated. WHAT IF MY PARTNER OR I HAVE AN INCURABLE STD? Some STDs, like herpes and HIV, aren’t curable, but a doctor can prescribe medicine to treat the symp-toms. If you are living with an STD, it’s important to tell your partner before you have sex. Although it may be uncomfortable to talk about your STD, open and honest conversation can help your
BELOW It’s also important to talk honestly with a doctor or nurse.
partner make in-formed decisions to protect his or her health. IF I HAVE QUESTIONS, WHO CAN ANSWER THEM? If you have questions, talk to a parent or other trusted adult. Don’t be afraid to be open and honest with them about your concerns. If you’re ever confused or need advice, they’re the first place to start. After all, they were young once, too. Talking about sex with a parent or another adult doesn’t need to be a one-time conversation. It’s best to leave the door open for conversations in the future.
50
THETREMAG.COM
It’s also important to talk honestly with a doctor or nurse. Ask which STD tests and vaccines they recommend for you.
HEALTH
ABOVE If you are living with an STD, it’s important to tell your partner before you have sex.
Where can I get more information? CDC How You Can Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases STD Infomation and referrals to STD Clinics CDC-INFO 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 1-888-232-6348 In English, en Español GirlsHealth.gov Straight talk about sexually transmitted infections
HealthFinder.gov STD Testing: Conversation Starters American Sexual Health Association Sexual Health and You Teens and Young Adults References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Incidence, Prevalence, and Cost of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States. Accessed April 2, 2013.
THETREMAG.COM
51
HEALTH
HOUSTON HEALTH d e pa rt m e n t
HEALTH CENTERS
Health Centers provide STD testing, maternity care, family planning, immunizations, wellchild examinations, tuberculosis diagnosis, dental care, and care for sexually transmitted diseases. 52
THETREMAG.COM
HEALTH
WELLNESS LOCATIONS Sunnyside_Health_ Center.html HIV/STD AND VIRAL HEPATITIS PREVENTION MOBILE CLINIC 713-859-0853 http://www.houstontx. gov/health/HIV-STD/ mobile_clinic.html
SHARPSTOWN HEALTH CENTER (STD Testing, Dental, Family Planning, WIC, Immunizations) 832-395-9800 6201 Bonhomme Rd. South Tower, 3rd floor Houston, Texas 77036 http://www. houstontx.gov/health/ HealthCenters/ Sharpstown_Health_ Services.html PrEP Clinic Tuesdays 7:30am-4pm Call for Appointment NORTHSIDE HEALTH CENTER (STD Testing, Dental, TB, Family Planning, Immunizations, WIC)
832-395-9100 8504 Schuller Rd. Houston, Texas 77093 http://www. houstontx.gov/health/ HealthCenters/ Northside_Health_ Center.html PrEP Clinic Thursdays 7:30am-4:30pm Call for Appointment
LA NUEVA CASA DE AMIGOS HEALTH CENTER (Dental, Family Planning, Immunizations, WIC) 832-395-0570 1809 North Main St. Houston, Texas 77009 http://www. houstontx.gov/health/ HealthCenters/La_ Nueva_Casa_de_Amigos_ Health_Center.html
SUNNYSIDE HEALTH CENTER (STD Testing, Dental, TB, Family Planning, Immunizations, WIC) 832-395-0206 4605 Wilmington St. Houston, Texas 77051 http://www. houstontx.gov/health/ HealthCenters/
MAGNOLIA HEALTH CENTER (Dental Services and WIC only) 832-395-3380 7037 Capitol St. Houston, Texas 77011 http://www.houstontx. gov/health/MSC/ Magnolia_Multi_Service_ Center.html THETREMAG.COM
53
HEALTH
54
THETREMAG.COM
HEALTH
THETREMAG.COM
55
HEALTH LIVING ON WATER Before you have sex, talk with your partner about how you will prevent STDs and pregnancy. You should also talk to your partner ahead of time about what you will and will not do sexually.
GROWN AND SEXY! 56
THETREMAG.COM
HEALTH
What can I do to protect myself against STDs The surest way to protect yourself against STDs is to not have sex. That means not having any vaginal, anal, or oral sex..
I
f you do decide to have sex, you and your partner should get tested for STDs beforehand. Make sure that you and your partner use a condom from start to finish every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Know where to get condoms and how to use them correctly. It is not safe to stop using condoms unless you’ve both been tested for STDs, know your results, and are in a mutually monogamous relationship (meaning you and your partner both agree to only have sexual contact with each other).
ARE YOU READY?
GET TESTED!
If you’re ready to have sex, you need to be ready to protect your body. Your partner should always respect your right to say no.
Make sure you get the health care you need. Ask a doctor or nurse about STD testing and about vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B.
GIRLS HEALTH
REMAIN SOBER
Talk to your doctor or nurse about unintended pregnancy and birth control, regular cervical cancer screening, as well as chlamydia, gonorrhea testing.
If you mix alcohol and/or drugs with sex, you are more likely to take risks, like not using a condom or having sex with someone you normally wouldn’t have sex with. THETREMAG.COM
57
HEALTH
#44 60
THETREMAG.COM
HEALTH
THANK YOU ”Our city has experienced historic devastation with Hurricane Harvey, but it has also shown us the best in humanity. Throughout Houston’s history, we have faced challenges, and built a city that is even better, and more resilient. This time is no different. Working together, neighbor helping neighbor, Houston will emerge better than it was before.” SYLVESTER TURNER MAYOR, CITY OF HOUSTON
THETREMAG.COM
61
HEALTH
CARE FOR SELF
You have a right to grieve. Stay connected, monitor your health and learn when your stress level is becoming harmful.
Stress affects us all, but we can decrease the negative outcomes with personal and professional support. 62
THETREMAG.COM
HEALTH
THETREMAG.COM
63
HEALTH
ARE YOU STRESSED?
Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event
S
tress isn’t always bad, in small doses, it can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best. Although being #HoustonStrong is important, on the road to recovery, it is also important to monitor your physical and emotional health.
TAKE A MOMENT It is common to show signs of stress after exposure to a disaster (flood) or other traumatic event (car crash). You can be affected just by witnessing a disaster or other traumatic event and you 64
THETREMAG.COM
may be affected regardless of whether you were hurt or lost a loved one (survivors’ guilt).
WHAT IS STRESS? Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you sense danger—whether it’s real or imagined—the body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction or the “stress response.”
HEALTH
Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. Stress can also help you rise to meet challenges. It’s what keeps you on your toes during a presentation at work, drives you to study for an exam when you’d rather be watching TV, or sharpens your concentration as you look to find clarity after the storm. But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health and your quality of life.
THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC STRESS AND RECOVERY Your nervous system isn’t very
ABOVE What are common signs that you may be experiencing stress?
CREDIT Segal, J., Smith, M., Segal, R., & Robinson, L. (2017). Stress Symptoms, Signs, and Causes: Improving Your Ability to Handle Stress. Helpguide.org. Retrieved from https:// www.helpguide.org/ articles/stress/stresssymptoms-signs-andcauses.htm
good at distinguishing between emotional and physical threats. If you’re super stressed over an argument with a friend, a work deadline, or a mountain of bills, your body can react just as strongly as if you’re facing a true life-or-death situation. And the more your emergency stress system is activated, the easier it becomes to trigger and the harder it becomes to shut off. If you tend to get stressed out frequently—as many of us do in today’s demanding world—your body many be in a heightened state of stress most of the time. And that can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
POSSIBLE REACTIONS TO A FLOOD’S DISASTER OR OTHER TRAUMATIC EVENT The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it. It starts to feel familiar — even normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll. Be it a day or a year afterwards, try to identify your early warning signs of stress and be aware of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress overload. THETREMAG.COM
65
HEALTH 2
EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
Anxiety, fear, and agitation Moodiness, irritability, or anger Depression, sadness, or general unhappiness Feeling overwhelmed Other mental or emotional health problems Heroic, feeling invincible Feel too much energy or no energy at all Numb, unable to feel either joy or sadness Guilty, even when you had no control over the traumatic event
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Tips for taking care of yourself and key signs of stress Stress usually shows up in the four areas shown below, but everyone should check for ANY unusual stress responses after a disaster or other traumatic event. Below are some of the most common reactions.
1
COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS
Having trouble remembering Concentration problems Poor judgment Seeing only the negative Anxious or racing thoughts Constant worrying Feeling confused Worrying a lot Difficulty making decisions Difficulty talking about what happened or listening to others
ABOVE Self-evaluate, often. You may be able to “see� these stress signs better in your family, friends and teammates than in yourself.
THETREMAG.COM
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Aches, headaches, and pains for no clear reason Diarrhea or constipation Nausea, dizziness Chest pain, rapid heart rate Loss of sex drive Frequent colds or flu Sweating or having chills Tremors (shaking) or muscle twitches Being jumpy or easily startled
4
CREDIT U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Managing Stress. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA13-4776/SMA13-4776.pdf
66
3
BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS
Eating too much or too little Sleeping too much or too little Withdrawing from others Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs or perscription medication to relax Nervous habits (e.g., nail biting, pacing) Blaming others for everything Difficulty accepting help or helping others
CULTURE HEALTH
YO U DON T H AV E T O BE SO STRONG BUT IF I’M NOT, WHO WILL?
Being a caregiver takes a special kind of commitment. We know your strength is super, but you’re still human.
F I N D S U P P O R T F O R Y O U R S T R E N G T H.
A A R P. O R G / C A R E G I V I N G 1 - 8 7 7 - 3 3 3 - 5 8 8 5
THETREMAG.COM
67
HEALTH
HOW WELL IS YOUR STUDENT?
Helping children recover from the trauma of a disaster.
C
hildren who experience a disaster are more likely than adults to be emotionally traumatized. But parents, teachers, and caregivers can help prevent serious psychological consequences by observing, listening, and talking to children.
LOOK FOR SIGNS OF DISTRESS: YOUNG CHILDREN. Children who are preschool-age and younger may not have words to describe their experiences, 68
THETREMAG.COM
but that does not mean they are unaware of the circumstances around them. Common signs of distress include: crying more than usual increased irritability changes in eating habits stomachaches and headaches fear of the dark bad dreams regressing to immature behaviors like bed-wetting and thumb-sucking Some children may become noisy and hyperactive whereas others may become shy and cling to parents.
HEALTH
TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS
Following a disaster, teens may feel overwhelmed but be unable to talk about their feelings.
It is common for adolescents to experience intense emotions. Following a disaster, they may feel overwhelmed but be unable to talk about their feelings. The adolescent years are normally a time when teenagers are interested in moving out into the world. Disasters can change that natural inclination, making the world seem dangerous and frightening. Instead of wanting to socialize, some adolescents may become afraid to leave home. Others who feel they have lost control over their lives may begin to experiment with high-risk behaviors like: drinking drug abuse sexual activity reckless driving
SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN. Children from about age 6 to 11 are better able to understand the consequences of a disaster. Because of this they are likely to feel sadness, anger, and grief over losses. Some may fear that another disaster will occur or become so preoccupied by thoughts of the disaster that they have difficulty concentrating on schoolwork. A sudden drop in grades could indicate distress. Like younger children, schoolage children might experience physical symptoms, nightmares, and childish behaviors.
CREDIT Houston Health Department. (2017). Factsheet: Helping children recover from the emotional aftermath of a disaster. Retrieved from http:// www.houstontx.gov/ health/Epidemiology/ Informatics/documents/ Helping_children_ recover_Factsheet.pdf
If you, or your child, are experiencing trauma or high levels of distress, seek crisis counseling. Early intervention can help prevent worse problems in the future.
THETREMAG.COM
69
HEALTH talking about their experiences, encourage them to draw pictures, tell stories, or play make-believe games. It will help them express their feelings and give adults an understanding of what they are experiencing.
TALK TO CHILDREN DURING DISASTERS:
HELP AND SOLUTIONS Tips for taking care of your student and key resources. MAKE TIME TO LISTEN TO CHILDREN: Give children opportunities to talk. It will help relieve their stress. Some children, particularly teenagers, may be reluctant to talk. Try getting them to open up while you are engaged in activities like chores, driving, or recreation. Give children permission to feel and express their emotions. There is no such thing as a bad emotion. During times of disaster, it’s normal to feel sad, angry, and afraid. If children have difficulty 70
THETREMAG.COM
BELOW Self evaluate often. You may be able to “see” these stress signs better in your family, friends, and teammates than in yourself.
Tell children the truth, but make sure the amount and kind of information is age-appropriate. Reassure children that adults are doing everything possible to keep families safe. Explain what emergency responders are doing to help. Putting the focus on good deeds rather than the disaster will help create positive outlooks. Talk to children about your family’s faith traditions. Spiritual beliefs and practices can increase well-being during times of crisis.
OTHER HELP FOR CHILDREN: Keep daily routines intact as much as possible. Routines will offer a sense of stability in times of uncertainty. Practice your Family Disaster Plan. If you do not have one, now is a good time to start one. Talk with all members of the family about a plan and give each member a responsibility. Limit children’s exposure to violent media such as video games, TV programs and even news reports about the disaster. Take care of yourself. It will help you take good care of your children.Be conscious of how you react because children will be looking to you for clues on how they should react and cope. To find crisis counseling services in your area, visit local Mental Health Authority for Disease Control and Prevention web site, www.cdc.gov.
HEALTH
LACK OF EYE CONTACT IS A SIGN OF AUTISM. Learn the others at autismspeaks.org/signs
THETREMAG.COM
71
HEALTH
SELF LOVE IS GOOD To Care For Others, You Cannot Forget to Care For Yourself
M
more than 40 million caregivers in the United States provided unpaid care to older relatives and friends. Almost 3 in 10 people who are caring for someone say their life has changed, often negatively. More than 1 in 5 says their weight, exercise habits, and/or social life have suffered. And emotionally, one in five say they generally unhappier – with 1 in 3 saying they feel sad or depressed.
VITI NONSEQUO It may start with a simple errand or scheduling a doctor’s appoint72
THETREMAG.COM
BELOW 1 of 5 caregivers reports a decline in the quality of their physical, emotional and social well-being.
ment, but over time caregiving can expand to a significant responsibility. Often sandwiched between the needs of their parents and their own kids, many caregivers want to provide the best possible care, but feel overwhelmed and isolated when they can’t meet their own high expectations.
VITI NONSEQUO AARP’s online Caregiving Resource Center is a source of valuable information, tips and tools to help you not only care for older loved ones but also care for yourself. Learn more at www.aarp. org/caregiving/
ABFF
HEALTH
Founded by Jeff Friday, ABFF supports emerging artists to foster a wider range of images, stories and storytellers represented in the entertainment industry.
S
ince its inception in 1997, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is an annual event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. The ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their
mainstream counterparts, and is recognized as a vital pipeline for Black talent in front of and behind the camera. Annually held during the month of June, the festival is comprised of five action-packed days of films, engaging panels, networking events and more‌from the star-studded opening night screening to the inspirational closing filmmaker ceremony.
THETREMAG.COM
73
CULTURE
AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL
To Care For Others, You Cannot Forget to Care For Yourself
B
efore Wakonda Nation, visionary leader nurturuing environment ore The ABFF encourages and rewards artistic excellence, providing a platform for more than 1,000 narrative feature films, documentaries, shorts and Web originals. Alumni success stories range from veteran producer Will Packer (Ride Along, Think Like A Man) to young auteur Ryan Coogler (Creed, Fruitvale Station) – testimony to the festival’s mission to introduce and connect talented newcomers to the industry at large. 74
THETREMAG.COM
BELOW 1 of 5 caregivers reports a decline in the quality of their physical, emotional and social well-being.
CREATIVE MINDS, TASTEMAKERS & GAME CHANGERS The ABFF supports artists in unprecedented ways, and has fostered a tremendous amount of goodwill in the Hollywood community. The festival annually attracts a core audience of artists, entertainment executives and upscale film enthusiasts from around the world.
UNMATCHED INNOVATION Partners are essential to the longterm success of the ABFF and its endeavor to contribute to the growth of a more diverse America.
CULTURE
REGISTER The 22nd annual ABFF will take place in Miami Beach, June 13-17, 2018
JOIN US at the 22nd annual American Black Film Festival, June 13-17, in Miami Beach! Films, celebrity conversations, master classes, parties and more are available through three package options. There is something for everyone.
The ABFF is a property of ABFF Ventures, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live events, television and digital content targeted to upscale African American audiences. http:// www.abff.com
TRACI CLOYD
Based in Miami, Traci Cloyd is a radio personality with personality to spare. She’s an energetic, resourceful, people-loving Amazon of a woman.and at the cutting edge of news and events impacting the African American community. @TRACICLOYD http://tracicloud.com/about THETREMAG.COM
75
LIFESTYLE
HOUSTONHEALTH.ORG
tré
+
destiny
tm
LEGACY, STORIES & DREAMS
INTELLIGENCE
ENERGY
STRENGTH
UNITY
FREEDOM
SUMMER 2018
proceeds support h
.
kumi foundation
,
ghana
HOUSTONHEALTH.ORG
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
HOUSTONHEALTH.ORG
tré
+
destiny
tm
LEGACY, STORIES & DREAMS
INTELLIGENCE
ENERGY
STRENGTH
UNITY
FREEDOM
SUMMER 2018
proceeds support h
.
kumi foundation
,
ghana
HOUSTONHEALTH.ORG
LIFESTYLE
HOUSTONHEALTH.ORG
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
HOUSTONHEALTH.ORG
HOUSTONHEALTH.ORG
IN THE MIX Houston Airports Aviation Club with Sterling High School
H
uptiatio offictiis am quam doluptur? Ucipsap edignam, unt ut officiet earum, soluptios apelis aut occaecesent fugia di nis conseque ped et inissentusae volut erum qui nobit latur, consequia voluptatis dus. Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaeuga. Dolum aliquature mi, volorrovit quam qui officimint.
ANDUNT QUIS EA Tiis adis am, apellendis as sunt est, ut ex eaqui ni con plibus ium sitenih illantis et verro cuptae
BELOW Tiur sitatur, simincte lacessin eos adi quae quam faccaturi iducienisi
LIFESTYLE
que essi tem. Iduciet voles aboreheni voluptas volupta ecabor repuda quis quatio te um venducillaut omnitasped ent ut as et ut odisquam invelendi sus nis explige ndiatur aut et, tem non rem eossedi orepers pernati opta.
VITI NONSEQUO maximo conse nis event quaes as doles sae. Et pora cullore in renis pro verumquisto qui aut invelest, tem siminve litatur, officid uciatur, quiatessi sapid mi, imetum rem entur as mos dolo ea quiantis aperum autatatibus, soluptatibus
LIFESTYLE
HOUSTONHEALTH.ORG
WHOS Intro text goes here. Eniet latatiis solorep HUPTIATIO offictiis am quam doluptur? Ucipsap edignam, unt ut officiet earum, soluptios apelis aut occaecesent fugia di nis conseque ped et inissentusae volut erum qui nobit latur, consequia voluptatis dus. Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essum, sam fugitae verrovi deritat uribus aboreped ut autem-
ature cimint. Tiis adis am, apellendis Te minti rae nis dolorro vidigendi delibus alistio. Nem fugit que vidus velent.
FRUIT
HUPTIATIO offictiis am quam doluptur? Ucipsap edignam, unt ut officiet earum, soluptios apelis aut occaecesent fugia di nis conseuptatis dus.
HOUSTONHEALTH.ORG PHILLIP STARK Tiur sitatur, simincte lacessin eos adi quae quam faccaturi.
WHAT TO SAY
the language words to know and thoughts HUPTIATIO offictiis am quam doluptur? Ucipsap edignam, unt ut officiet earum, soluptios apelis aut occaecesent fugia di nis conseque ped et
inissentusae volut erum qui nobit latur, consequia voluptatis dus. Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essum, sam fugitae
LIFESTYLE
TRAVEL PLACE
Intro text goes here. Eniet latatiis solorep tatem-
HUPTIATIO offictiis am quam doluptur? Ucipsap edignam, unt ut officiet earum, soluptios apelis aut occaecesent fugia di nis conseque ped et inissentusae volut erum qui nobit latur, consequia voluptatis dus. Alitiis simoles maiorio millendel
et mi, corepellatur antiusdaepe as essum, sam fugitae verrovi deritat uribus aboreped ut autempe ratiur
(281) 908-8937 | rtharvey09572003@gmail.com
HOUSTONHEALTH.ORG
LIFESTYLE
THE AFRICA WE WANT
Moving the vision forward. African Union chooses first female leader and she doesn’t have a dream... she has a plan.
N
kosazana DlaminiZuma was born on the 27th of January 1949 in Pietermaritzburg at a time when a women’s career expectations did not go beyond domestic work. She obtained a BSc in Zoology and Botany at the University of Zululand, then started her medical studies at the University of Natal where she became an active underground member of the (then banned) African National Congress (ANC). In
1978 as deputy president of the South African Students Organisation, she fled into exile; and completed her medical studies at the University of Bristol. In 1994, she became Minister of Health in the cabinet of President Nelson Mandela where she de-segregated the health system and gave all people fair access to basic healthcare. As chairperson of the African Union Commission, she launched Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, a comprehensive blueprint
for transformation. “ The aspirations reflect our desire for shared prosperity and well-being, for unity and integration, for a continent of free citizens and expanded horizons, where the full potential of women and youth, boys and girls are realized, and with freedom from fear, disease and want.” The Agenda is a must read and a beautiful example of comprehensive and sustainable transformation. Learn more and download the complete Agenda at https://au.int/en
FASHION
tré
THE DEFINITIVE VOICE
JAZZ
FESTIVAL
TRÉ
YOUR OFFICIAL CULTURAL GUIDE FIND YOUR TRIBE™ THETREMAG.COM
100
THETREMAG.COM