The Port City Review September Edition 2023

Gullah Obser vations

The Alabama River Sweet Tea Party

Entrepreneur Captain Sam Stevens

President andChief ExecutiveOfficer

VicePresident

JuliusP. Hall

CharlieBrown

ExecutiveEditor Epiphany L Williams

ManagingEditor Dr. Amir Toure' Director of Information Technology

ContributingWriters

ChrisSmith

Dr. Amir Toure?

Sharon Butts

CraigButts

AndromedaGibbons

AshaDickerson

Harrison Davis

ArtemusGibbons

Anderson Aries

Tori Anderson

JuliusP Hall

by Androm eda Gibbons

by Julius P. H all

by Craig & Sharon Butts

by Artem us Gibbons

by Julius P. H all

Julius H all

by Tori Anderson

by Ephiphany L. William s

FROM THE CEO

Welcome to OUR magazine. We are a monthly publication that will be bringing information and content to Our community to better inform Our citizens. Each month we hope to cover the subjects you want to read more about. Unlike the mainstream media, at OUR Black Media, we will highlight positive events, progressive leaderships, and movers and shakers in our community, our state, and our nation

Our monthly publications will thrive to showcase fairness, openness, and transparency. We inform, you decide. Please stay with us while we're in our infancy, and join our growth by letting us know what is important to you in a publication like this. All advice is welcomed, and we also accept letters to the editor.

Our main goal is to bring information that uplifts and moves all of us forward In the long term, we hope to start a dialogue that will begin to create ans Agenda for America Not just a Black Agenda, but a People's Agenda

Our first two digital magazines, The Port City Review and Hello Savannah, currently goes out to over 50,000 emails in our area. We are excited to present our 1st Hello Atlanta publication!!! We're projecting a November 2023 date for Hello Jacksonville, so stay tuned and alert

Each month will be something you'll be excited to turn the pages of This month?s issue is filled with original poetry and informational health articles of Sickle Cell and Thalassemia and a look at the late Savannah Entrepreneur Captain Sam Stevens & more.

We hope through this publication we show our readers the greatness of OUR community in every aspect, from politics to community activism, sports to entertainment, and from finance to love and relationships

This publication is only available to the general public in a digital format now, with a limited number of printed hard copies. Coming very soon, you'll be able to subscribe to get your hard copy in the mail.

So stay tuned, and as always, share, share, share

Julius Hall, President OUR Media Group

Forgiveness Does Not Com e Nat urally: Em bracing t he Supernat ural Journey of Healing

Forgiveness is an intricate journey that transcends the confines of reason and emotion, delving into the depths of our innermost selves It is not a path easily traversed; often, it beckons us to explore realms beyond our ordinary comprehension. In this discourse, we explore the notion that forgiveness is not instinctual and dissect the 4 R's of forgiveness? Responsibility, Remorse, Restoration, and Renewal.

1 Responsibilit y: The Em brace of Self-Com passion and Self-Kindness

The odyssey of forgiveness embarks with the acceptance of events and the extension of compassion towards oneself. Self-compassion entails regarding our own struggles with a forgiving, accepting, and loving disposition, even when we stumble upon adversity. It necessitates treating ourselves gently, even amidst our own disappointments.

Intrinsic to self-compassion is self-kindness? a counter to the harsh self-criticism that often accompanies our missteps. Rather than chastising ourselves in moments of pain, self-kindness envelops us with warmth and patience. It acknowledges our worth as unyielding, even in moments of falter.

The synergy of self-compassion and self-kindness creates a refuge for healing and maturation. As we extend this understanding to ourselves, we inch closer to extending the same grace to others, fostering an atmosphere rife with forgiveness.

2. Rem orse: The Port al t o Posit ive Transform at ion

Guilt and remorse hold the potential to be formidable agents of change. These emotions, born from actions and their repercussions, ignite personal responsibility and accountability. Embracing remorse propels us to confront our deeds and their effects on those around us.

To harness remorse as a catalyst for constructive transformation, these steps can guide us:

- Acknowledgment: Identifying actions that elicit guilt or remorse, taking full ownership of them.

- Root Cause Analysis: Reflecting on the motives underlying these actions, facilitating positive change.

- Amendment: If feasible, offering heartfelt apologies and mending the harm caused

- Aspirations: Leveraging the experience to establish fresh goals for self-improvement.

- Self-Compassion: Remembering that humanity is prone to missteps; practicing self-compassion facilitates growth without undue self-censure.

Embracing guilt and remorse as platforms for learning sets us on a trajectory of enhancement and personal betterment

3. Rest orat ion: The Act of Healing and Reconciliat ion

Restoration entails reconciliation? both with others and ourselves This phase is pivotal for healing and progression Acknowledging our transgressions and assuming responsibility fosters liberation from the shackles of the past, allowing us to wholeheartedly embrace the present

In instances where we've caused harm, extending genuine apologies and seeking to amend wrongs is paramount Yet, we must acknowledge that forgiveness from the injured party might necessitate time Patience and space are vital for their emotional processing, as we simultaneously focus on our own growth and transformation.

Equally vital is our reconciliation with self Embracing imperfections and prior missteps, while actively working towards self-improvement, opens doors to self-renewal and personal metamorphosis.

4. Renew al: The Journey of Cont inuous Evolut ion

Renewal embodies the perpetual evolution intrinsic to personal growth. It is a journey marked by introspection, the eagerness to learn, and adaptability in the face of novel situations

Viewing challenges and setbacks as opportunities to flourish fortifies us with resilience, empathy, and accomplishment across all facets of life. Renewal hinges on the understanding that personal growth isn't a destination; rather, it's a lifelong expedition.

In summation, forgiveness embarks on a voyage beyond conventional comprehension. It beckons us to embrace self-compassion, to channel guilt and remorse towards constructive change, to mend relationships, and to continuously rejuvenate ourselves. On this profound odyssey of forgiveness, we nurture emotional healing, forging the path to a life suffused with compassion and fulfillment

A I N ?T G O D G O O D ?

GOD is good, t hat ?s one t hing I surely know ,

He?s been direct ing m y life, even if it does not show.

HE?s not good som e of t he t im e, HE?s good all t he t im e, GOD doesn? t have t o sw ay on t hat very t hin line.

GOD w akes m e up and HE also causes m e t o sleep,

GOD is t he reason I laugh, GOD is t he reason I w eep.

Whenever I t hink about all t he Hell I?m going t hrough, HE show s m e w hat I have, t his t im e HE show ed m e you.

Things I t hought I?d lost forever, are show ing up in m y face,

GOD is t he doer of all t hings, HE?s t he creat or of m y grace.

GOD know s m y t hought s, m y secret s and everyone of m y needs.

HE is m y healer, w henever m y soul bleeds.

When t he Eart h is t oo dry, it is GOD t hat causes t he rain,

When m y heart w as broken, it w as GOD w ho eased m y pain.

GOD is t he reason for t he air t hat w e breat he,

Minds focused on GOD, is w hat w e all should heed.

GOD is t he reason w e have t he day and t he night ,

HE?s also t he reason t o run from w rong, and w alk int o right .

Miracles happen everyday, and w e m ake t hem such a big deal, That ?s GOD just show ing us, not t o guess if HE?s real.

AIN?TGOD GOOD?

by Julius P. H all

Cit y Of Port Went wort h Cit y Council

K N O W T H I S :

by: Julius P. Hall

?Som et im es you have t o put aside w hat you feel for t hem , and pay at t ent ion t o w hat t heir act ions are saying t hey feel for you. - There?s a difference bet w een seeing t he good in ot hers and not being honest w it h yourself about w ho t hey really are. - There are people w ho say t hey care about you and t here?s people w ho show you t hey do. Never get t hem confused. If you?re observant enough, people usually t ell on t hem selves.God has rem oved you from a t able w here you used t o sit , in order t o save you from a host w ho w as serving you poison. - Som et im es you have t o st op scrat ching everybody?s back because w hen yours it ched, you had t o put your back against t he w all. - Focus on you. People com e and go. The only consist ent person in your life is you. - God w ill open doors t hat you didn? t even knock on.? - Moral of t he st ory: St op giving so m uch and see w ho is st ill t here w it h you. Never let som eone dow n, w ho has alw ays held you up.

City Planner

Code enforcement Officer Non-Sworn

Firefighter

Grant Writer

Maintenance Worker - Leisure Services

Police Accreditation Manager

Police Officer

Police Officer Recruit

Police Accreditation Manager

Public Works Maintenance Worker II

Public Works Maintenance Worker III

WHEN A MAN CRIES

Is it okay w hen a m an sheds som e t ears?

Or is he considered w eak am ongst his peers?

What should it t ake t o m ake a m an w ant t o cry?

Should it be deat h, povert y, loneliness or a love he w as denied?

I cry m ost t im es w hen I bend dow n in heavy prayer, It ?s like having a headache, crying becom es m y Bayer.

I cry w hen I go t o bed, and you?re not t here w it h m e at night ,

I cry w hen it ?s t ot al darkness in m y life, and you refuse t o bring light .

I cried t he day m y freedom w as t aken aw ay from m e,

And I?m sure I?ll cry again, on t he day t hat I?m finally set free.

Love m akes m e cry, m ore t han any ot her t hing t hat exist s, Love m akes m e cry, because I love w it hout t he t hought of t he risks.

When a m an cries and prays, it lift s a burden off his shoulders, Because if he kept it locked inside, he?d age 40 years older.

So don? t call it a w eakness, w hen you see t hat t his m an cries, Sensit ivit y lives, but t he hat e and bit t erness w it hin him dies.

Som e m ight call him , just anot her crying fool, But t he t ears soft en t he heart , so t hat it could be used as a t ool.

It is said, t hat love is just a psychological disease, But crying eases t he pain, it is t he m edicine t hat you need.

by Julius P. Hall

School

Calendar

2023-2024

County Public School System

Mr Roger Moss

Mrs Denise R Grabow ski

Dr. Dionne Hoskins-Brow n

Mrs Cornelia H Hall

Mr Shaw n A Kachm ar

Mr. Paul E. Sm it h

Dr. David A. Bringm an

Mr Michael Johnson Dr Tonia How ard-Hall

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Gullah Observat ions

African (American) Families

Regardless of where African families are from (the U.S., Africa, Caribbean or Europe) they are the same.

You can never go to one of their homes and leave empty handed, especially during family gathering, family dinners, holidays or just visiting any time throughout the year You are going to have to eat or drink something or take something with you when you leave. Don't go around African (American) families talking about you're on a diet. They don't want to hear that!!!

You can't go to the home of a family from the Caribbean and not eat. They will force you to at least take food with you

Brothers and sisters from the continent (Africa) will tell you "you're going to have to eat something'. They are serious when they tell you that. You will not be allowed to their home without eating.

African American families in the South (or with roots tied to the South) are the most insistent It's a tradition and a family ritual that not only must you eat but you'd better take some food with you when you leave-and don't act shy. You better take a healthy portion.

That's the beauty of African people-a giving and caring people who look out for their kin and their own. Let's maintain the Tradit ions of Old.

Som e t hings st ay w it h us

At a program for a Gullah Geechee organization one of the presenters demonstrated the technique of fanning (fannin) rice. She asked for audience members who wanted to try fanning to come forward. Several of the volunteers could not fan the rice.

Gullah Geechee children in the Pope Community on Hilton Head use to get frisbees, baskets, or mats that were filled with dirt, seeds, beans, or etc. They would get a basket or mat, place dirt, seeds or etc on them; tossing/throwing them up in the air and catching the in the basket or on the mat.

The Africans that were brought here were specifically brought here because they has a prowess in growing rice They were engineers (they constructed and designed the dams for flooding the rice fields) and farmers (they grew, cultivated and processed the rice, which fanning is a part of.)

Little did I realize that I was engaging in an aspect of rice culture as a child. As children we did things that were tied to skills that were used by our ancestors in Africa and America

Dr. Amir Toure'

The games that we played as children were tied to Africa. It has been written that the closet links to Africa in this country are in the coastal areas of the Carolinas (southern tip of NC, all of SC), Georgia and northern Florida (Fenandina Beach) When we played "Hambone", "Miss Mary Mack" and etc. the rhythms used in them are from shout songs (shout songs are the forerunners of spirituals and gospel songs). The rhythms in the shout songs are African based and inspired

The culture began in Africa. Once arriving once arriving on these shores the culture was shaped and transformed in the low country and coastal empire. From those cultural centers it was spread to other areas of the south, north, midwest and west Africans who escaped from the south performed ring shouts and shout songs in New Jersey during the 1800s. Some things stay with us. Mother Africa has stayed with children. We just have to open our eyes, ears and hearts to see, hear and feel her.

It 's Universal

Don't all Black families have a relative that is the best at making certain dishes???Don't we all have that Auntie, Uncle, Grandmother, Cousin, Brother or Sister that makes the best... shrimp salad, spaghetti, crab salad, sweet potato pie, potato salad, fried chicken, cakes (especially Red Velvet), cookies, chicken salad, barbecue meats/poultry/seafood seafood dishes, potato spoon (some don't know about that), turkey, greens (collard), cornbread, macaroni & cheese, tuna salad, salmon croquettes, venison (deer meat), gumbo, okra and shrimp (that's different from gumbo okra soup, hoppin' johns, bread pudding, spoon bread, and etc.

Are you feeling me???

Those relatives understood that it's their responsibilit y and obligat ion t o t he fam ily to prepare those dishes that they are known for and bring them to any and all family gatherings Without those dishes it feels like something is missing from the gathering The meals aren't the same.

Don't we all have those relatives whose dished are so good that you want to make a special request to them to make a dish only for you (example: I want my own sweet potato pie separate from the rest of the family?

Isn't it universal wit Black families???

WhenBlack peoplebandedt oget her t o def endaBlack worker f romangry whit e boat ers, wecelebrat ed. But t hehist ory of t heRiversidePark event is even Blacker t hant hebrawl.

TheAlabamaBoat Braw l was not hingshort of glorious. It was aashowof Black Unit y, andit gaveus awealt hof int ernet memes.

However, aFadeint heWat er alsoreveals a richsourceof Black Hist ory. Hereare3 hist orical f act s t hat maket heSweet Tea Part y evenBlacker.

THEFOLDINGCHAIR

In1911, Black invent or Nat haniel

Alexander pat ent edaf oldingchair wit h abook holder. Whilenot muchis known about Alexander, wedoknowt hat he int endedhis chair t obeusedin churches becauset hey hadabook rest ont heback f or Bibles or hymnbooks.

THESLAVETRADE

Thedock's locat ionont heriver helpedt he populat ionof enslavedpeopleinAlabamaswell t oone of t helargest int henat ionby 1860.

THEMONTH

Thef act t hat t his scuf f lehappenedduringAugust is pureserendipit y. BLACKAUGUSTwas f irst observedinCalif orniajails int he1970's, f ollowing t hedeat hs of Black polit ical prisoners and brot hers GeorgeandJonat hanJackson. It has since becomeanannual recognit ionof Black f reedom f ight s andrevolut ionat ies whof ought against oppressionor lost t heir lives def endingour liberat ion.

Our ef f ort s t oexist peacef ully andgainor liberat ionspan cent uries. As t hef ut ureunf olds, weknowonet hingis cert ain- we must never f orget wearemore powerf ul whenwework t oget her.

Original Art icleby PushBlack. For moreart icles, visit @wearepushblack on Inst agram .