February 2024
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Black History Month and the Arts Jeanette Hill of JW Hill Productions, LLC AUDELCO Award Winning Playwright “Embrace Your Community”
Viewpoint Black History: Our History. Our Present. Our Legacy Celebrating Black History month has a powerful meaning at this time in our communities. As you hear on the news, many politicians and people in general want to say our history did not happen the way it was documented and our family members who know the stories, lived the history, got it wrong. How is that possible? The pain of erasing my history, your history, makes me angry. But my anger has turned into a mission to tell more stories of our people in our communities. Our history is important to this country and how it was built. We know the importance of people, that range from Martin Luther
King, Jr. to President Barack Obama, have made a difference in who we are a a culture and as a body of people. We will never forget our history but we have to look at where we are now and where we want our future to land. As we celebrate February and Black History Month look back at where we have come from, make sure you look ahead and plan how we will continue the fight for equality and justice because it is being diminished everyday. I know we celebrate in February but we need to celebrate every day, every month.
“Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.” – Michelle Obama Let’s keep our history moving forward. DAMITA MILLER-SHANKLIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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Happy 2024! By Christina Gobert, Contributing Writer
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he new year energy is upon us. Many of us have felt the pressure to think of and execute resolutions during this time. But did you know that most people give up on their resolutions after just a few weeks? The reason this often occurs is because many of us are not feeling motivated during this time of year. If we notice what is happening around us, Mother Nature is dormant. Many trees have fully lost their leaves and animals have begun hibernating to conserve their energy for Spring. And this is what we should be doing as well. Though we have to work and take care of our families. We can still follow Mother Nature's lead during the Winter season. p2
We can set intentions for the year by writing down what we would like to accomplish, including how we would like to feel and be. But don't worry about taking action until Mother Nature says so-which is during Spring time. Spring time is the start of the new year in other countries like Ethiopia, and it is the perfect time to execute our intentions. What new energy would you like to manifest this Spring? Holistic Well-Being Guide Ayurveda Teacher| Meditation Teacher https://www.naturalhealing wellnessco.com UjimaMagazine.com
Staying Strong with Your Goals A Tapestry of Resilience, Achievements, and Cultural Riches By by Jacqueline Johnson
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lack History Month stands as a vibrant tapestry woven with stories of resilience, achievements, and cultural richness. This annual observance, held every February, is a powerful reminder of the profound impact that Black individuals have had on history and society. The roots of Black History Month trace back to the pioneering work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, often hailed as the "Father of Black History." Woodson, a historian, and scholar dedicated his life to ensuring that the contributions of Black people were recognized and celebrated. In 1926, he initiated the establishment of Negro History Week, choosing
February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
Over the decades, this week-long celebration evolved into Black History Month, providing an extended opportunity to dive into the rich tapestry of Black experiences. It serves as a time for reflection, education, and appreciation of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the African American community. One cannot discuss Black history without acknowledging the profound impact of the Civil Rights Movement. Led by icons such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, this
movement brought about groundbreaking shifts in societal attitudes and legislation. Their courage and determination paved the way for significant advancements in civil rights and equality.
Black history is not confined to struggles alone; it is equally marked by extraordinary achievements in various fields. From the literary prowess of Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison to the musical genius of Duke Ellington and the groundbreaking scientific contributions of George Washington Carver, Black individuals have left an indelible mark on culture, arts, science, and beyond.
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The celebration of Black History Month extends beyond borders. It is a global recognition of the indomitable spirit and immense contributions of the Black community. As we commemorate this month, let us embrace the opportunity
to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the diverse narratives that collectively
form the mosaic of Black history. In doing so, we not only honor the past but also inspire a future where inclusivity and equality are woven into the fabric of our shared humanity. Contributing Writer, Jacqueline “ooh” Johnson Jacqueline Johnson, a proud Texan, currently resides in Denton, TX, alongside her spouse and two daughters. With two grown sons residing in California and two grandsons. Jacqueline is the visionary behind Jacquie ooh, an online resource hub committed to equipping women with the tools they need to think well and live well. Additionally, Jacqueline has spearheaded the development of the Glow Collection by Jacquie ooh, an exceptional line of all-natural skincare products. Designed to provide your skin with a nourishing gourmet experience, this collection embodies her passion for holistic well-being.
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She Speaks Wellness: It’s Time to Rest!
By Minister Sonya Hosey, Contributor
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s we enter a new year, we must intentionally address our rest. ," I realized I desperately needed to recharge after all that 2023 had thrown my way. I recently learned about the term "radical rest,” when I was planning with cofounder of Aiki Healing, Kay Hutchinson, a clergy retreat for Black women church leaders. It is the practice of resting fully into God’s care by “un-scheduling” ourselves.
As women, we believe that we have to do everything ourselves – work, take care of the home, and be caretakers and leaders. During the process, we lose ourselves. It’s almost like an identity crisis, which affects our attitudes and behaviors. In early January, I made a conscious decision to take a break from everything because I realized that my mind and body needed time to recover from constant overloading. Instead of measuring my worth based on my performance or productivity, I took the time to reassess my sense of self through a radical rest retreat. On the first night, I found it difficult to not do anything. Yet, I realized that only in rest could I gain clarity about my identity. I needed to step away from the many roles I engage in to see who I am in God’s eyes. Slowing down is a challenge a lot of us women face—we are so conditioned to stay in motion that it feels utterly foreign. Women, take time to rest. Matthew 11:28 says,” Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” In my next article, I’ll share with you the three strategies I learned at the retreat to surrender to God’s restful care. p4
California Dreaming By Aubrie, Contributor
Last weekend, I went on my first long drive. It hadn’t hit me yet that I’d moved to California; it still hasn’t. When I was in high school, I was so adamant that I would never move to the West Coast. I had East Coast sensibilities, it’s where I belonged and I wouldn’t budge. It still hits me how little time has passed since then. It’s only been three years, but looking back, I can hardly recognize myself. That adolescent contrarianism has waned, along with the bullish confidence in my convictions. Sometimes I miss my naivete, that blind faith that I could have whatever I wanted, be whoever I wanted. I drove for four and a half hours through NorCal, listening to all my favorite songs and chasing
“When I’m driving, I can’t worry about anything that isn’t right in front of me. My mind finally feels quiet.” that feeling. I’ve found that there’s a certain kind of nostalgia for the bad times. In hindsight, the low points really weren’t that low. I look back at those times fondly now, and I try to forgive myself for the things I cannot change. I think a lot about finality, the gravity of all my decisions compounding and cementing. I can’t fathom the future, the fact that most of my life has not even happened yet, that sinking feeling that I still have so many more mistakes to make. I’m tired of the things I can’t change, and I’m tired of dwelling on everything but the present. That’s why I like driving. I just got my license six months ago, years after everyone else I know. I never thought that it could be this fun, this freeing. When I’m driving, I can’t worry about anything that isn’t right in front of me. My mind finally feels quiet, staring at the brake lights of the car in front of me, the white lane markers, and feeling the road beneath my feet.
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BLACK HISTORY-CELEBRATING BLACK PEOPLE AND THE ARTS An African proverb says:
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Hill's stories are deeply rooted in the collective histories of the African American communities whose stories often go untold, our contributions unrecognized, and our lives not valued. She tells of the resilience of our deeply rooted culture, from the ticketless ‘voyages’ from the West Coast of Africa to the auction blocks of South America to Savannah and beyond, the inhumane bondage called slavery, which morphed into Jim Crow, from Civil Rights to Black Lives Matter in this new millennium. Her calling as a woman and an artist of color is that our stories be told, recorded, and preserved for future generations and to enlighten all of society about our worth.
This Black History month’s theme is focused on Blacks and the Arts. Austin is full of great artists, actors and creatives. Our feature story introduces you to the talented and Austin’s own Jeanette Hill of JW Hill Productions, LLC. She is a playwright. You may have had the opportunity to attend one of her stage plays or table reads before. We are catching up with her to see what she has been doing and talk about the award she won recently.
It is in this community, this village, where Hill’s stories are born. Birthed by those midwives and midhusbands teaching the soul skills that have transitioned into strategic survival techniques for our families, communities, and race. Stories about people with similar faces and familiar experiences, whose joys and pains, trials and triumphs continue to braid
As long as only the hunter records history, the lion’s story will never be told. lack history month brings a sense of pride and belonging. It’s a special time for the Black community to reflect and share all that is good and positive. However, it also takes us back to a time where we struggled for our rights and to be equal in this world. We have made some strong strides but we got a long way to go. But we always need to celebrate.
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their lives together. heartfelt thank you to Pastor A.W. When she thinks of ‘Why do I do Mays and the Mount Sinai what I do the way that I do it?’ she Missionary Baptist Church which trace it was her training ground in her early directly to her memories of years. discussions at the dinner table, where it was understood that Hill’s passion and her purpose is to nothing was to be repeated. Sitting shine a light on the strength, on porch steps eavesdropping on determination, and resilience that grown folks conversations, debates, our ancestors instilled in us as a and observations about the plight people. We must pass these survival of the Negro. People watching at skills from soul to soul, spirit to neighborhood gatherings of births, spirit and heart to heart, from homegoings and other events that generation to generation. provided a lot of everything...that included food, support, love, and of Hill stands as the lion. She uses her course...gossip. Spirit-filled church voice to tell our stories, our truths services where religion and unapologetically, with courage, It is in this activism inextricably flowed into hope and love. The richness of our our community, whether you people anchored by their faith in community, marched, signed petitions, voted, God, their hope for the future, and this village, where babysat, cooked, or sold chicken their commitment to one another Hill’s stories are born. created a connection deeper than dinners, just about everyone found their road to activism. Hill our numerous shades of brown, collaborates with social and various hair textures, broken community institutions like the SAFE/domestic dialect, and socio-economic status. violence awareness (5 Women of Color), Black Art Matters ATX (Don’t Call Me Brother!) , National Jeanette has received numerous awards and Association on Mental Illness(No Ordinary Days), recognition from the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and Central Texas Family Services and Support to the Black Pearls Magazine Literary Excellence (Clean Sheets). It truly takes a village… Award and Urban Playwrights United Soaring Eagle Award and many in between. Even with her extensive Hill has won a very prestigious and coveted award catalog of plays (over 100), Jeanette continues to tell the AUDELCO (The Audience Development our stories. She is developing a new series, The Front Committee Award). The award was created to Porch Divas, which chronicles the lives of several promote recognition, understanding, and awareness sassy, seasoned, sexy, and soulful Black women over of the arts in the African-American community. The forty! So make sure you look for that body of work. AUDELCO awards recognize the productions written and/or directed by African-Americans You can connect with Jeanette at: companies. Ujima congratulates her on this jeanette@jwhillprod.com achievement with love and support. She is grateful to www.jeanettehill.com the Austin arts community for its support over the Instagram: jwhillplaywright years, particularly the Office of Economic Facebook: jwhillproductions Development/Cultural Arts Division for their years of funding support, the Austin Creative Alliance, and Again we congratulate Jeanette on making her the Carver Museum/Boyd Vance Theatre. A special dreams come true and doing it well!
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active LIVING Remember to Winterize your house! Here are a few steps to help you winterize your house and save energy, it’s still winter. 1. Insulate your pipes. ... 2. Weatherproof doors and windows. ... 3. Inspect your roof and gutters. ... 4. Switch to LED lights. ... 5. Disconnect hoses and sprinkler systems. ... 6. Protect your plants. ... 7. Move outdoor equipment inside. Courtesy of The Zebra
Winter Tip for Cold Feet Many people think that wearing layering or thick socks is the best solution for dealing with cold feet. But they actually create pressure on your feet and cut off blood circulation to your toes.
Mary Linnen, Editor
Cold Weather Exercise Even if you can’t get out you can still exercise and keep yourself healthy until the cold, rain and maybe snow is gone!! All you need is a chair and your choice of social media. There are so many chair exercises to choose from. I use YouTube and TikTok. When you do chair exercises daily, the movements increase blood flow and keep your joints active and lubricated. They also strengthen your muscles. This will keep you going until you can get back to your normal!
So in order to keep your feet warm and dry, you need socks that are breathable, moisturewicking and thin or medium-thick. That being said, the material that your socks are made from is something to think about. Tip: Don’t wear cotton socks !! Courtesy of Mister Minit
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Soup on a Cold Day We all have our favorite go to soup that we love to make. Chicken soup is my favorite, especially in the cold weather. Here are a few seasonings to help you level up and make your flavors come together. I also use chicken soup mix from my grocer. Try looking in the health food section. Enjoy the tips: Spices to use in chicken soup are paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Chicken’s salty flavor goes well with herbs like bay leaf, thyme, parsley, and coriander. You can also use marjoram, oregano, or rosemary. Good chicken soup is really a treat! Courtesy of Chefjar
What is Special About a Mason Jar? By Mary Linnen, Editor
For me it’s the seal that holds freshness. Saying that I have decided to make the salad in a jar. It is an easy way to eat healthy, really anytime. Perfect for lunch. I am going to cut up spinach, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, (wash the leafy vegetables). Also onions and cucumber. My cheese choice is feta. My dressing will be cranberry balsamic vinaigrette. First I will pour in the dressing. Layer the veggies, and add cheese. I will make 3-4 layers, adding the spinach and lettuce last to keep it from wilting. I may add meat protein. If you have already tried this, let me know how it went or join me. Enjoy! p8
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Before You Go ... Black History Month represents Black influence around the world. Today, we not only celebrate the Black astronauts, scientists, inventors, artists, and activists of the past; we also celebrate the rise of Black business, arts, and literature that will influence the future. (bestcolleges.com) Learning history from the perspective of people that look like us helps us connect with history in a more personal way. It gives us pride and inspires us. It also gives us a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by our ancestors in their fight for the civil rights that we enjoy today. (whatuphomee.com) Hopefully a renewed Black History Month can focus attention on the importance of preserving African American culture. There is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history. And there is no higher cause than honoring our struggle and ancestors by remembering. (si.edu)
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