The Port City Review September Edition 2023

ISSUE 12 I SEPTEM BER 2023

Gull ah Obser vat i ons

The Alabama River Sw eet Tea Part y

Entrepreneur Capt ain Sam Stevens

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President and Chief Executive Of f icer Vice President Executive Editor Managing Editor Director of Information Technology Contributing Writers

Julius P. Hall Charlie Brown Epiphany L. Williams Dr. Amir Toure' Chris Smith Dr. Amir Toure?

Sharon Butts Craig Butts Andromeda Gibbons Asha Dickerson Harrison Davis Artemus Gibbons Anderson Aries Tori Anderson Julius P. Hall

Port City Review is a member of Our Black Media Group For inquiries or suggestions, contact us at:

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cont ent s 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION

8.Thal assemia &Sickl e Cel l

by A ndrom eda Gibbons

10. ForgivenessDoesNot ComeNatural ly:

EmbracingtheSupernatural Journey of Heal ing

by Craig & Sharon Butts

15. Ain't byGodJulius Good P. H all

13. Healthby&AWr tem el l ness us Gibbons 17. KnowbyTJulius his P. H all

19. Br oken Home- - Poem

by A nderson A r ies

21. when A Man Cries

by Julius H all

22. Savannah Sports 30. National Night Out

by A r tem us Gibbons

by Tor i A nderson 34. Gulbyl ahDOr.bservations A m ir Youre'

O ur Black M edia

36. Abyl abam aRiver Boat Brawl Ephiphany L . W illiam s 3

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FROM THE CEO W elcome t o OUR magazine. W e are a mont hly publicat ion t hat w ill be bringing inf ormat ion and cont ent t o Our communit y t o bet t er inf orm Our cit izens. Each mont h w e hope t o cover t he subject s you w ant t o read more about . Unlike t he mainst ream media, at OUR Black Media, w e w ill highlight posit ive event s, progressive leaderships, and movers and shakers in our communit y, our st at e, and our nat ion.

Our mont hly publicat ions w ill t hrive t o show case f airness, openness, and t ransparency.

W e inf orm, you decide. Please st ay w it h us w hile w e're in our inf ancy, and join our grow t h by let t ing us know w hat is import ant t o you in a publicat ion like t his. All advice is w elcomed, and w e also accept let t ers t o t he edit or.

Our main goal is t o bring inf ormat ion t hat uplif t s and moves all of us f orw ard. In t he long t erm, w e hope t o st art a dialogue t hat w ill begin t o creat e ans Agenda f or America. Not just a Black Agenda, but a People's Agenda.

Our f irst t w o digit al magazines, The Port Cit y Review and Hello Savannah, current ly goes out t o over 50,000 emails in our area. W e are excit ed t o present our 1st Hello At lant a publicat ion!!! W e're project ing a November 2023 dat e f or Hello Jacksonville, so st ay t uned and alert .

Each mont h w ill be somet hing you'll be excit ed t o t urn t he pages of . This mont h?s issue is f illed w it h original poet ry and inf ormat ional healt h art icles of Sickle Cell and Thalassemia and a look at t he lat e Savannah Ent repreneur Capt ain Sam St evens & more.

W e hope t hrough t his publicat ion w e show our readers t he great ness of OUR communit y in every aspect , f rom polit ics t o communit y act ivism, sport s t o ent ert ainment , and f rom f inance t o love and relat ionships.

This publicat ion is only available t o t he general public in a digit al f ormat now , w it h a limit ed number of print ed hard copies. Coming very soon, you'll be able t o subscribe t o get your hard copy in t he mail.

So st ay t uned, and as alw ays, shar e, shar e, shar e.

Julius Hall, President OUR Media Group

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Th a la ssem ia a n d Sic k le Cell

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For given ess Does Not Com e Nat u r ally: Em br acin g t h e Su per n at u r al Jou r n ey of Healin g B y C r a i g & Sh a r o n B u t t s o f T a k i n g T h e Jo u r n e y T o g e t h e r 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. Respon sibilit y: Th e Em br ace of Self -Com passion an d Self -Kin dn ess 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 or se: Th e Por t al t o Posit ive Tr an sf or m 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:

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con t in u ed

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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 or at ion : Th e Act of Healin g an d Recon ciliat 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.

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con t in u ed

4. Ren ew al: Th e Jou r n ey of Con t in u ou s Evolu t 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.

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

GOD is good, t h at ?s on e t h in g I su r ely k n ow , He?s been dir ect in g m y lif e, even if it does n ot sh ow.

HE?s n ot good som e of t h e t im e, HE?s good all t h e t im e, GOD doesn?t h ave t o sw ay on t h at ver y t h in lin e.

GOD w ak es m e u p an d HE also cau ses m e t o sleep, GOD is t h e r eason I lau gh , GOD is t h e r eason I w eep.

Wh en ever I t h in k abou t all t h e Hell I?m goin g t h r ou gh , HE sh ow s m e w h at I h ave, t h is t im e HE sh ow ed m e you .

Th in gs I t h ou gh t I?d lost f or ever , ar e sh ow in g u p in m y f ace,

GOD is t h e doer of all t h in gs, HE?s t h e cr eat or of m y gr ace.

GOD k n ow s m y t h ou gh t s, m y secr et s an d ever yon e of m y n eeds.

HE is m y h ealer , w h en ever m y sou l bleeds.

Wh en t h e Ear t h is t oo dr y, it is GOD t h at cau ses t h e r ain , Wh en m y h ear t w as br ok en , it w as GOD w h o eased m y pain .

GOD is t h e r eason f or t h e air t h at w e br eat h e, M in ds f ocu sed on GOD, is w h at w e all sh ou ld h eed.

GOD is t h e r eason w e h ave t h e day an d t h e n igh t , HE?s also t h e r eason t o r u n f r om w r on g, an d w alk in t o r igh t .

M ir acles h appen ever yday, an d w e m ak e t h em su ch a big deal, Th at ?s GOD ju st sh ow in g u s, n ot t o gu ess if HE?s r eal.

AIN?T GOD GOOD?

by Julius P. H all

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Cit y Of Por t Went wor t h Cit y Council

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K NOW

TH IS:

by: Ju liu s P. Hall

?Som et im es you h ave t o pu t aside w h at you f eel f or t h em , an d pay at t en t ion t o w h at t h eir act ion s ar e sayin g t h ey f eel f or you . - Th er e?s a dif f er en ce bet w een seein g t h e good in ot h er s an d n ot bein g h on est w it h you r self abou t w h o t h ey r eally ar e. - Th er e ar e people w h o say t h ey car e abou t you an d t h er e?s people w h o sh ow you t h ey do. Never get t h em con f u sed. If you ?r e obser van t en ou gh , people u su ally t ell on t h em selves. God h as r em oved you f r om a t able w h er e you u sed t o sit , in or der t o save you f r om a h ost w h o w as ser vin g you poison . - Som et im es you h ave t o st op scr at ch in g ever ybody ?s back becau se w h en you r s it ch ed, you h ad t o pu t you r back again st t h e w all. - Focu s on you .

People com e an d go. Th e on ly con sist en t per son in you r lif e is you . - God w ill open door s t h at you didn?t even k n ock on .? - M or al of t h e st or y: St op givin g so m u ch an d see w h o is st ill t h er e w it h you . Never let som eon e dow n , w h o h as alw ays h eld you u p.

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WHEN A M AN CRIES Is it ok ay w h en a m an sh eds som e t ear s?

Or is h e con sider ed w eak am on gst h is peer s?

Wh at sh ou ld it t ak e t o m ak e a m an w an t t o cr y?

Sh ou ld it be deat h , pover t y, lon elin ess or a love h e w as den ied?

I cr y m ost t im es w h en I ben d dow n in h eavy pr ayer , It ?s lik e h avin g a h eadach e, cr yin g becom es m y Bayer .

I cr y w h en I go t o bed, an d you ?r e n ot t h er e w it h m e at n igh t , I cr y w h en it ?s t ot al dar k n ess in m y lif e, an d you r ef u se t o br in g ligh t .

I cr ied t h e day m y f r eedom w as t ak en aw ay f r om m e, An d I?m su r e I?ll cr y again , on t h e day t h at I?m f in ally set f r ee.

Love m ak es m e cr y, m or e t h an an y ot h er t h in g t h at exist s, Love m ak es m e cr y, becau se I love w it h ou t t h e t h ou gh t of t h e r isk s.

Wh en a m an cr ies an d pr ays, it lif t s a bu r den of f h is sh ou lder s, Becau se if h e k ept it lock ed in side, h e?d age 40 year s older .

So don?t call it a w eak n ess, w h en you see t h at t h is m an cr ies, Sen sit ivit y lives, bu t t h e h at e an d bit t er n ess w it h in h im dies.

Som e m igh t call h im , ju st an ot h er cr yin g f ool, Bu t t h e t ear s sof t en t h e h ear t , so t h at it cou ld be u sed as a t ool.

It is said, t h at love is ju st a psych ological disease, Bu t cr yin g eases t h e pain , it is t h e m edicin e t h at you n eed.

by Ju liu s P. Hall 21

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School Calendar 2023-2024 Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Sch ool Holidays

St ar t s

Fin ish es

First Day of School

3 Aug 2023

Fall Break

6 Oct 2023

9 Oct 2023

Thanksgiving Break

20 Nov 2023

24 Nov 2023

Christmas Break

18 Dec 2023

2 Jan 2024

March Break

15 Mar 2024

18 Mar 2024

Spring Break

1 Apr 2024

5 Apr 2024

Last Day of School

22 May 2024

Summer Break

23 May 2024

B O A RD M EM B ERS

M r . Roger M oss

M r s. Den ise R. Gr abow sk i

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M r . Pau l E. Sm it h

M r . Sh aw n A. Kach m ar

Dr . Dion n e Hosk in s-Br ow n

Dr . David A. Br in gm an PT DPT

M r s. Cor n elia H. Hall

M r . M ich ael Joh n son

Dr . Ton ia How ar d-Hall

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Gu llah Obser vat ion s African (American) Families

Dr. Amir Toure'

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 Tr adit ion s of Old.

Som e t h in gs st ay w it h u s 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.

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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 Un iver sal 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 r espon sibilit y an d obligat ion t o t h e f am 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???

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3

K e y B l a c k H i s t o r y Fa c t s B ein d Th e Vir a l "A la b a m a B o a t B r aw l" In c id en t

When Black people banded t oget her t o def end a Black wor ker f r omangr y whit e boat er s, we celebr at ed. But t he hist or y of t he River side Par k event is even Blacker t han t he br awl.

The Alabama Boat Br awl was not hing shor t of glor ious. It was a a showof Black Unit y, and it gave us a wealt h of int er net memes.

However , a Fade in t he Wat er also r eveals a r ich sour ce of Black Hist or y. Her e ar e 3 hist or ical f act s t hat make t he Sweet Tea Par t y even Blacker .

THE FOLDINGCHAIR In 1911, Black invent or Nat haniel Alexander pat ent ed a f olding chair wit h a book holder . While not much is known about Alexander , we do knowt hat he int ended his chair t o be used in chur ches because t hey had a book r est on t he back f or Bibles or hymn books.

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THE SLAVE TRADE The dock's locat ion on t he r iver helped t he populat ion of enslaved people in Alabama swell t o one of t he lar gest in t he nat ion by 1860.

THE MONTH The f act t hat t his scuf f le happened dur ing August is pur e ser endipit y. BLACK AUGUST was f ir st obser ved in Calif or nia j ails in t he 1970's, f ollowing t he deat hs of Black polit ical pr isoner s and br ot her s Geor ge and Jonat han Jackson. It has since become an annual r ecognit ion of Black f r eedom f ight s and r evolut ionat ies who f ought against oppr ession or lost t heir lives def ending our liber at ion.

Our ef f or t s t o exist peacef ully and gain or liber at ion span cent ur ies. As t he f ut ur e unf olds, we knowone t hing is cer t ain- we must never f or get we ar e mor e power f ul when we wor k t oget her .

Or iginal Ar t icle by Push Black.

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SEPTEM BER 2023

To p l a c e a n a d p l e a s e c a l l 9 1 2 . 5 8 1 . 0 9 7 1 o r e m a i l u s a t J u l i u s @o u r b l a c k m e d i a . c o m