Minority Mental Health Awareness Month | Independence Day | National Black Family Month
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July 2022
Volume 1, Issue 4
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'ALWAYS BETTER YOUR BEST' TWILER PORTIS TRANSFORMING LIVES, REDEFINING ‘GENERATIONAL WEALTH’
INSIDE THIS EDITION
THE QUEENS HOLD COURT! BEY & BIG FREEDIA COLLAB
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CHILD VICTIMS: NEVER FORGET THEIR NAMES
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Happy 50th birthday Davonda Peterson
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LET’S CONNECT!
e are excited to bring you yet another edition of Bayou Beat News. This month, we are celebrating our FREEDOM, with features on financial freedom, freedom of expression and creativity, and even discussing what some are calling a “sad day in America” as the Supreme Court challenges women’s freedom in making choices regarding their own bodies. Here’s what’s happening….. Happy Independence Day, America. July 4, 1776 marked the passage of the Declaration of Independence, giving America its freedom from Great Britain. Happy National Black Family Month – although celebrate the Black family each and every day. July is also National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, so let’s continue to take care of those who need us the most. Happy 50th birthday to one of my dear friends, Davonda Peterson, as she shows how freaking bad ass a woman can be still looking smoking hot – in that “Black don’t crack” way we are known for. On a personal note, I had to FREE MYSELF and give myself permission to be great! I had to step out on Faith and realize the gift I shared with helping others
grow, I needed to pour into myself. As the PROUD PUBLISHER of this publication, I humbly announce that we are now members of the prestigious National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA). It is an honor to be accepted. With that being said, thanks to everyone for continuing to rock with Bayou Beat News. Black Media Matters!
With love and respect,
Nakia Cooper Publisher, Bayou Beat News President, Houston Association of Black Journalists
Welcome back Cam Hill Show!
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‘ALWAYS BETTER YOUR BEST’ TWILER PORTIS TRANSFORMING LIVES, REDEFINING ‘GENERATIONAL WEALTH’ By: Nakia L. Cooper
“Anything you want done, baby, I’ll do it naturally…. because I’m every woman. It’s all in me!” -Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston When it comes to being a mother, mentor, and mogul in her own right, Twiler Portis is proving that being “every woman” is not just a musical mantra, it’s a movement. Portis is a millionaire networker whose very story has touched and transformed the lives of thousands. Her entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with her passion for business, has afforded her the unique opportunity to be diverse in her portfolio, including executive producing television shows, investing in business start-ups, and mentoring small businesses, resulting in thousands of families receiving healthy five-to-six figure incomes per month. Continuing on the path to success navigated with her late husband, Erwin Portis, this business coach, speaker, and philanthropist is redefining what ‘generational wealth’ looks like for the Black family. Leading by example, she launched “Yellowland Records” with her son, music entertainer Jimmy Bolt, and together, they’ve opened an impressive recording studio in River Oaks, providing a safe place for creators to learn the music biz and work on their products. Bayou Beat News caught up with the Sunnyside Houston native to talk about how she got where she is, what she’s doing to stay on top and how she is helping others live their best lives and, in Mr. Portis’ words, learn to “live full and die empty.” BB: We see you’re born and bred in H-Town. What high school did you attend? Portis: Worthing High School, where I participated in the band, track, cheerleading and was a member of the Honor Society. BB: It appears you have a very strong work ethic, how old were you when you got your first job? Portis: I was 17 when I got my first
job through a summer program at Methodist Hospital. BB: In your adult years, what was your primary job before becoming an entrepreneur? Portis: M e d i care/Medicaid coordinator for a group of anesthesiologists at Methodist Hospital. BB: How difficult was it for you to decide to "trust the process" and go out on your own? Portis: In the beginning it was hard until I started doing personal development. Listening to Les Brown, Bob Proctor, Tony Robbins, Jeff Olsen, and Jim Rohn taught me to believe and take that leap of faith, trust the process and to get excited about it. BB: There's a big emphasis these days on creating "generational wealth." Many people are saying it, without really UNDERSTANDING IT. • How do YOU define generational wealth? Portis: It’s practicing the principals that will allow you to leave a legacy for your family, being wise with your money, investing in insurance and other income generating products, etc. • What are you doing to create it for your family? Portis: We have investment properties and other products that are income generating.
BB: Let's talk about your projects. What has kept you busy? Portis: Current projects • Podcast with Ebony Magazine – More Freedom Today (speaking of ways to earn wealth). • Speaking event with Total Life Changes (Gravity Tour Las Vegas) • Yellowland Records Internship program • Next up Event Portis: Future projects • Dream We e k e n d September 10 & 11 – a two-day workshop helping others manifest their dreams. (More information soon on TwilerPortis. com) • Partnering with Random Act of Kindness to Pilot 10 schools and implement custom stores for kids that are underprivileged •EW Portis Foundation Scholarship Dinner, March of 2023 BB: What project would you say is your "baby?" What is near and dear to your heart?
Portis: “Next Up,” which is a “mastermind” series of events offering “free game” to up-and-coming or existing entrepreneurs. I discovered that the younger or “next” generation had great ideas and excellent marketing skills, but sometimes lacked those desired key or “back office” skills necessary to succeed in business and entrepreneurship areas. BB: Philanthropy. What do you do to give back to the community? Portis: 1. Mentorship to the younger generation 2. Thanksgiving Meal Drive 3. Annual Christmas Gift Giveaway at Worthing High School 4. Back to school drive BB: For people wanting to launch their own businesses, what key three things should they ask and take into consideration? Portis: 1. What capital have you set a side to start your business? 2. Do you have a business plan? 3. Are you launching something you truly love? BB: What do you say to anyone who has "a dollar and a dream?" Portis: There are ways to make your dreams come true. Love what you do, and someone will believe in you to help you make it a reality. BB: As a mother, what is the MOST IMPORTANT lesson or message that you want to teach/ share with your son? Portis: Always “better” your best. When you set YOURSELF on fire, others will come watch you burn. In other words, you are responsible for your own success. If it’s to be, it’s up to you!
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ON THE BEAT POLITICS
ENTERTAINMENT
BOTTOMS TO THE WHITE HOUSE By: BB Staff President Joe Biden has appointed former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as the new director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. She is filling the role formerly held by Cedric Richmond, a former Louisiana congressman who left in April for a senior role at the Democratic National Committee. Bottoms’ advice and counsel may be much needed at the White House, as Biden’s public approval rating is at its lowest since taking office. Factors such as rising consumer and gasoline prices could complicate Biden’s chances of retaining control of Congress in the November midterm elections. In a released statement, the president praised Bottoms’ tireless and dedicated work for her city during the pandemic, being a figure in the forefront of a summer of protests following the police killings of unarmed Black men, and leadership displayed involving a mass shooting targeting Asian Americans, killing six women. “Keisha is bright, honorable, tough and has the integrity required to represent our administration to the American public,” the president said. The 52-year-old was an early supporter of Biden’s presidential bid and was considered as a possible running mate before Kamala Harris was added to the ticket. SCAN ME TO SUBSCRIBE
BEYONCE DROPS NEW ALBUM. BIG FREEDIA FEATURED By: BB Staff I guess it is safe to say that Queen Bey is back... Beyoncé is dropping her new album on July 29, but already had the "Bee Hive" buzzing with excitement after a surprise release of one of her tracks, "Break My Soul," which definitely did its part to break the internet. "Break My Soul" is the first single from her forthcoming "Renaissance" album, which is reuniting Queen Bee with another queen. Big Freedia, who also appeared on Beyoncé's 2016 hit "Formation," is bringing her distinct New Orleans flair to a song on the album. The Queen of Bounce said "it feels surreal” to be included again, adding that she was honored to be a part of the special moment and forever grateful to the Lord. Beyonce first teased her new project on social media, having fans awaiting a midnight surprise but, in true Carter fashion, dropped it early on Tidal, the streaming service owned by her husband, rapper Jay-Z "Renaissance" will be Beyonce's seventh solo studio album. It will feature around 16 songs.
SPORTS
AFTER 50-YEAR RUN, ROMEO CRENNEL RETIRES FROM FOOTBALL By: BB Staff After five decades of coaching, and with the last eight years being spent with the Houston Texans, Romeo Crennel has retired. Crennel said it’s been a dream come true t o coach football for 50 years and thanked many who have been a part of his journey, especially his wife Rosemary and three daughters, Lisa, Tiffany, and Kristine. He stressed, because of his family's selfless support, he's been able to live out his dream. Crennel said he is thrilled to have the opportunity to spend more time with his grandchildren while staying around the game of football. Over the course of his coaching career, which included 39 years in the NFL, Crennel won five Super Bowl rings while with the New York Giants and New England Patriots. He has also served as head coach for three organizations: including the Texans, the Cleveland Browns, and the Kansas City Chief In his time with the Texans, he served as the team’s defensive coordinator from 2014-2016, assistant head coach from 20172019, associate head coach then interim head coach in 2020, and senior advisor for football performance in 2021. Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair also sang Crennel's praises, saying Crennel will always be a Texan.
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BAYOU HEAT What’s hot along the bayou? “Bayou Heat” features the best restaurants, clubs, events and people in the South. Each edition, we will highlight something new and special YOU need to know about. Check out our latest happenings.
JIMMY BOLT AND HIS ‘YANG’ BRINGING WHOLE NEW VIBE TO H-TOWN By: BB Staff
Electrifying, energetic and ready for a takeover, Jimmy Bolt, is quickly proving to be the next big star reppin’ H-Town. Born in the diverse city of Houston and raised in a musical family, Jimmy is a natural when it comes to creating and visualizing the feel to his music. With his recent musical releases, he proves why the spotlight is on him as he makes a run for next up in Houston’s competitive rap scene. Coupled with a physique that includes a crazy workout each day, Jimmy has the music and look to back his growing fan base that’s spread from Houston and beyond. “For one, I draw energy from life and my passion and love for music itself, so I always try to translate that love to the songs and to the records. Lightning bolts; that’s just that whole vibe, and it's what fuels me to turn up as an artist,” he said. “But secondly, my family, my Pops, they are the ones that fully give me that energy to keep going. Truthfully, that’s why I have that ‘get up and go get it’ mentality every day. I stay ready. You never have to get ready if you always stay ready.” Jimmy is the son of power couple Erwin and Twiler Portis and, with his father now dearly departed, he and his mother are carrying on the family’s legacy as a team. The two launched Yellowland Records, and recently opened a recording studio in River Oaks. Once again, it’s insane to think that Jimmy is just starting out because not only does he have the sound that will appeal to the masses, but it’s clear that he knows how to
live like a “Yockstar.” Jimmy has already locked in collaborations with Lil Keed and SSG Splurge, as well as co-signs from artists like Lil Baby, Gunna, and Trippie Redd, to name a few. It’s obvious that Jimmy Bolt has all the right equations to add up to mega fame and fortune. “We call our fans the Yang - not the gang - but Yang. It’s a whole fan club and the whole lit crowd of people that are always gonna tee-up and wear the merch and just catch the full vibe,” Jimmy said. “Get f***ing ready Yang, this is our year, we gonna drop this crazy sh*t and show y’all something that you never seen before. Real life yock star sh*t, on Yod.”
The Yellowland Yocabulary - “Yang, Yockstar, Yack, etc.” was created as a symbol of finding your “Y” (why) in life, not just a play on words. For Jimmy, Yellowland Records is his Y!
Yellowland Records Studio 3334 Edloe St. Houston, Texas 77027 713-261-2974 studio@yellowlandrecords.com
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COMMUNITY
SISTER 2 SISTAH THANKS H-E-B
For many students, dreams of college seem out of reach and, for those who make it, the financial costs can sometimes become overwhelming, distracting promising students from their studies. Thanks to another kind and generous donation from H-E-B, Sister 2 Sistah was able to help several young women in need. Here are the stories and expressions of gratitude from their last batch of recipients.
THUY ANH DELILA DANG, BEAUMONT NATIVE - THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
I am currently in my second year, majoring in Psychology (BSPsy). Coming from a very low-income family and receiving extremely limited funds from my parents, this scholarship has benefitted me immensely, alleviating the stress from my parents in making sure I can afford my education, and aiding in my path of success. I was able to join a sorority, Kappa Phi Lambda Inc., under the Texas Asian Panhellenic Council, increasing my leadership and service experience, while also connecting me with exceptional people. Through your support, I am able to have these opportunities and grow.
NYARRE HUDSON, BEAUMONT NATIVE HOWARD UNIVERSITY I am a senior Strategic, Legal, and Management Communications major/electronic studio minor. With my major and minor, I would love to take my passions for law and representing the ideas of others to become a Corporate Counsel for a major corporation and later create my own firm that specializes in Intellectual Property work. I previously didn't see any other options to success other than my education, so receiving this scholarship shines a light on my future, and helps me to further my academic and lifelong goals.
NEVAEH RICHARDSON, HOUSTON NATIVE - HOWARD UNIVERSITY
I am currently a sophomore, majoring in Graphic and Web Design. I am also involved in several organizations including design and social media management for the Reformed University Fellowship, Howard University Spotlight, Howard University Texas Club, and I also serve as a designer for HEART Magazine, a student-run art magazine. Thank you for this opportunity and for helping me achieve my dream.
ARIANNA COOPER, HOUSTON NATIVE - PRAIRIE VIEW A&M COLLEGE OF NURSING
I am a Junior majoring in Nursing, and I hope to one day work at Texas Children’s Hospital as a neonatal nurse, eventually starting my own practice one day, offering the best medical care within our city and state. Your scholarship has opened that door. I was able to purchase all my academic products that were needed for me to be successful in school. Donors like you make life brighter for us and I can only hope that one day, I too, will be in position to bring a smile to another student in need.
KAMRYN BROWN, HOUSTON NATIVE - BLINN COLLEGE I am truly grateful for the financial help that you guys have given to me on my collegiate journey, majoring in Criminal Justice. This scholarship took me out the negative state of mind I had of thinking nobody was going to support me or maybe I was not cut out for college, but this financial assistance has shown me that I do have people who care and want to see me win.
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS
EXTREME HEAT PRECAUTIONS FOR FAMILIES OF PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA, ALZHEIMER'S By: Alzheimer’s Association
As the temperatures rise across the country, extreme heat can have a significant impact on everyone's safety, but they can be especially stressful and confusing for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Alzheimer's disease causes a number of changes in the brain and body that may affect their safety, including changes in sensitivity to temperatures. Today, there are more than six million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 400,000 in Texas. Taking measures to plan for weather changes, like extreme heat, can prevent injuries and help a person with dementia feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed. “People living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia can be vulnerable during extreme weather because their judgment may be impaired and they may be unable to communicate discomfort,” said Richard Elbein, Chief Executive Officer, Houston and Southeast Texas chapter. “It’s really important to take extra precautions with these individuals when there is extreme heat or other excessive weather conditions.” The Alzheimer’s Association is offering important safety tips for caregivers and families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias to prepare for the hot summer months ahead:
● Make a plan. Family and friends
should prepare accordingly and make plans to regularly check-in on a person living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias during extreme heat. Arrange alternative plans for cooler spaces, if air conditioning is unavailable, and dress in loose, light clothing. ● Pay attention at night. Keep people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cool by using fans and keeping the air conditioning on. At night, low temperatures can still exceed 75 degrees with little fluctuation in humidity levels, making for difficult and exacerbating sleeping conditions, heightened anxiety and increased agitation. ● Prepare for behavioral challenges. Research shows that heat can increase agitation and confusion in people. Try to remove behavioral triggers by addressing the person’s physical needs related to the heat, then tending to their emotional needs. ● Stay hydrated. Increased water intake is essential to maintaining good hydration and health during extreme heat. Know the signs of heat exhaustion to avoid heat stroke. Dehydration may be difficult to notice in a person living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as signs like
increased fatigue, dry mouth and headache may be difficult to detect. People taking diuretics, sedatives, or certain heart medication may not sweat as much as others, but this does not mean that they are not hot. ● Stay indoors and out of the sun. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion may occur in extreme heat conditions, but symptoms may be difficult to detect in people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Keep individuals cool by using air conditioning at home or move to a public place, such as a senior center or shopping mall. If you must go outside, be sure to dress appropriately, loose, light clothing, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. ● Stay informed. Keep an eye on local weather forecasts. High temperatures are not the only cause for concern. Humidity and air pollution indices can cause breathing difficulties. The person should be monitored regularly and seek medical attention if symptoms arise of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. The Alzheimer's Association is here to help families take measures to prepare for and cope with such extraordinary circumstances. For more information, visit alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900
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NEWS WITH ATTITUDE
. E RAODE:V
W
Americans no longer have a constitutional right to abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday, June 24, to overturn the landmark Roe V. Wade, taking away reproductive rights that have been in place since 1973. The decision mirrored a leaked draft opinion circulated earlier this month, with all the conservative justices on the high court approved. Immediately following the initial leak of draft, and continuing over the weeks since, crowds have gathered outside the Supreme Court in Washington to protest.
SUPREME COURT DECLARES 'OPEN SEASON' ON WOMEN, WHO'S NEXT?
“Stripping away a woman’s right to safe, legal abortion and to make our own health care decisions will have especially dire consequences for Black women and women of color across our country,” said Jessica Knight Henry, Deputy, and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “With Roe overturned, the stakes of this election have never been higher – Black voters will stand with Senate Democrats against Sen. Mitch McConnell and Republicans’ agenda that would make abortion illegal and impose new, cruel,
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and punishing restrictions on women of color and their families,” Henry stated. Florida Democratic Rep. Val Demings said she’s furious and disappointed. “I am ready to fight,” Demings declared in a statement. “We won’t go back. We must work relentlessly to preserve our right to choose and our right to privacy. We must protect Roe v. Wade in federal law.” Demings asserted that America can’t go back to a time when women were treated as second-class citizens who don’t have control over their bodies. “Freedom means the ability to live your life as you choose,” Demings insisted. “You have a fundamental, God-given right to your own life, your family, your religion, your circumstances, your privacy, your values, your health, your body. I’m going to fight for that freedom and so will millions of others. This isn’t over.” Associate Justice Samuel Alito wrote the opinion for the 6-3 majority, in which each of the liberal judges offered their dissent. Alito called Roe v. Wade “egregiously wrong from the start.” “Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences,” Alito wrote. Dissenting Justice Stephen Breyer disagreed. “After today, young women will come of age with fewer rights than their mothers and grandmothers,” Breyer wrote. “The majority accomplishes that result without so much as considering how women have relied on the right to choose or what it means to take that right away.” The court’s decision ends core protection for women to make
By: NNPA and N.C. Greene their own health care decisions, Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock stated. “It is a departure from our American ideals to recognize and protect basic rights,” Warnock stated. “This misguided decision is devastating for women and families in Georgia and nationwide. Across the country, states have already passed dangerous and uncompromising restrictions that put politicians in charge of health care, instead of women and doctors.” Warnock’s staff called the congressman a “stalwart champion” of protecting women’s right to choose, including co-sponsoring the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would codify a woman’s right to reproductive health care. Karen Carter Richards, NNPA’s Board Chair, along with Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the association’s president and CEO, issued the following joint statement: “The latest Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe V. Wade is a bad decision that will impact the civil rights of communities of color and particularly women. This is why elections have consequences. The NNPA will increase our efforts to turn out the Black vote in 2022. Marcela Howell, president, and CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Health Imperative and a conglomerate of other women’s rights groups, joined in a statement rebuking the high court’s decision. “Overturning the historic Roe decision after 50 years of legal precedent impacts women’s and birthing peoROE V. WADE ple huCONT. PG 11
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IKEOMA’S EYE
ROOTWORK: DECONSTRUCTING THE MYTH OF OUR ANCESTRAL PRACTICES "Rootwork, Hoodoo, Conjure, Juju" … these terms are often followed with horror stories that exemplify their negative connotations. The question is "Why?" Why are these terms describing an ancestral form of alchemy as "evil?” These rituals of resistance were brought to America by enslaved Africans. Before we get to our original question, let's explore what "Rootwork" is. Rootwork is an ancestral form of alchemy which includes herbalism, mediumship, and divination. Herbalism (herbal medicine) is the use of plants, roots, grass, and weeds for therapeutic remedies. When you were growing up, did your mother, grandmother, or other older family members go into the woods to pick leaves, weeds, roots, etc. to make teas and soups to drink for illness or to prevent illness? This is a form of herbalism. Mediumship is the practice of communicating with spirits. Did you have a family member known to be able to see spirits (usually dead family members)? This is the family member who would get messages in their dreams. Divination means to prophesy, predict, foresee or gain insight of a situation by way of mediumship and tools such as the Bible, cartomacy, pendulum, and/ or a set of bones. Some people grew up with a mother, grandmother, or other family members who would use tools for insight into and help with their personal situations. Have you ever been in church and someone said to you, "The Lord told me to tell you…”? That's prophesy…. A
form of divination via mediumship. In a nutshell, rootwork encompasses all three. There is no one way to use this practice. People practiced according to their local ecology. Swamp medicine is not the same as mountain or coastal remedies. The recipes also vary as much as sweet potato pie recipes in the South. These remedies were used for everything such as healing, protection, love, and money. Why the negative connotations? Initially these tools were used by the initiated for such things as protection and healing. It was the ones who were trying to enslave, control, or manipulate others that had a problem with this practice. Especially when it was used against them. These rituals of resistance allowed practitioners to tap into a spiritual source their enemies could not control. Let's discuss three rumors about rootwork that many have heard. IT'S WITCHCRAFT- This propaganda was enforced by the protestant Christians who needed to control the enslaved Africans through their religion. These teachings were heavily internalized as generations were raised in these churches. Many rootworkers assimilated into the church and became leaders and healers in their communities. Many preferred to go to these healers/conjurers over European physicians who used them as degrading experimental projects or their owners who lacked medial knowledge. Read “Medical Apartheid”
Photo credit REGINE ROMAIN
By: Ikeoma Divine
by Harriet Washington. The rootworkers understood how to utilize the herbs for physical health and spiritual purposes. VOODOO AND HOODOO (ROOTWORK) ARE THE SAME - Voodoo (derived from Vodoun) is a West African traditional religion. It mainly comes from the area known today as Benin. Hoodoo (rootwork) in the American South originated out of the struggle to maintain a relationship rooted in ancestral guidance and reverence. Tribalism wasn't a luxury when we were brought to these shores. We were all categorized as "Negro" and cohabitated. If our ancestors were enemies on the continent, we had to rely on each other for survival here. We had the same enemy. Therefore, hoodoo became a gumbo of our diverse ancestral heritages. You may have heard someone say that someone “put Voodoo” on them or someone else. This is impossible because Voodoo is a religion (noun) and not a verb. Originally, these rituals were used for survival against enemies but when the knowledge got into the wrong hands, people used it for their own egoic, petty
purposes. When the outcome was negative, the results were blamed on the practice and not the practitioner. My definition of hoodoo as a practice comes from my experiences and not a YouTube channel or a workshop I've taken. When I refer to a religion, to me, it enROOTWORK compasses CONT. PG 11
"Live Your Purpose, Follow Your Path" Have questions or concerns about life? Go to our website to get clarity today. www.ikeomaseye.com
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IN MEMORIAM
NEVER FORGET THEIR NAMES By: N.C. Greene
We would like to take a moment to ask you all to PRAY for our babies who are being killed due to gun violence. Last month, a sweet and innocent 9-yearold girl was allegedly shot to death by her mother's ex- boyfriend. And from what police reports document, the mother was doing everything she could to distance herself from her ex, who allegedly had a protection order placed against him from previous relationships. Yet and still, according to police, the jilted ex-boyfriend made entry into woman's home and after an argument, pulled out a gun, went into a back room and intentionally shot her daughter in the head and the mother in the arm as he was leaving. Khylie Sorrells was said to be a bright and bubbly child who loved making tik tok videos with her mom. Please, never forget her name. And a few days before Khylie's death, a 7-year-old boy in east Harris County was killed in a drive-by shooting when someone opened fire on his home. Police said little Paul Vasquez was inside his room when a bullet came through the wall SCAN ME TO SUBSCRIBE
and struck him in the chest. The injured child managed to get up and tell his mother he had been shot before collapsing and dying. Please, never forget his name. And don't forget the name of 11-year-old Darius "DJ" Dugas who was shot and killed by a teen who was shooting at someone else as he was fleeing the scene of crime. DJ's mother said her son loved school and his bright beautiful smile is what she will miss the most. Say the name of Arlene Alvarez, who was accidentally shot after a crime victim fired rounds at a robbery suspect, killing her. She was only 9 years old. And don't forget the names of the innocent children killed in Uvalde, Texas, just a couple of days before their last day of school. In fact, say the names of as many children across the world that you can remember, and take moments of silence even for those you don't know. Say their names in prayers when you wake up in the mornings, and before you go to bed each night as we ALL pray for better days and some type of peace.
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BAYOUBEATNEWS.COM man and civil rights,” the statement said. “The Supreme Court’s ruling declares open season on women and birthing people’s rights and lives,” she continued. “While we call on Congress and the Biden administration to take immediate action to uphold the Constitution, we will not depend on governing bodies to protect our rights.” On the day the ruling was announced, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner called it "a sad day across America." Turner said the decision proves that now, more than ever, we must flood the polls and released the following statement. ROE V. WADE CONT
The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade is a chilling and incomprehensible decision. It means women no longer have a federal constitutional right to make decisions about their bodies and what is best for their lives. "This decision unravels 50 years of precedent and settled law. I have always believed a woman has a right to choose and make personal decisions about her health care. I believe abortion is part of comprehensive reproductive health care and support the right to choose as fundamental to each person's autonomy. Individuals and their doctors should make personal life decisions. "I am now equally concerned that SCOTUS, with a stroke
of a pen, will eliminate rights to privacy, contraception, and LGBTQ progress made in recent years. "If people are concerned about the direction of this country, I encourage them to
show up at the ballot box and exercise their right to vote in November and every election." With such a landmark decision being overturned, it only leaves us to wonder, who's next?
fore, the gift is passed down from generation to generation. Just as talents like singing, muconnecting sic, dancing, and art are inherto the divine. Each person ited, so are these "gifts." Each who subscribes to such refamily has an heirloom… one ligion does so in a specific who connects with the family's manner, such as Christianity ancestral line. as an example. In order to Because of common approbecome an official Christian, priation and the commercialone must proclaim that Jesus ization of rootwork, the recis their Lord and Savior. Most ommended way of learning is church services (ceremonies) from mediumship (training of consist of worship and praise, one's ancestors), family memthe preaching, and closing. There is a definite consistency bers, or community. Most of this knowledge is passed down in religions. In rootwork, as mentioned above, the practices orally, not written. This is an ancestral based practice, therewere different based on local fore anyone who has no DAEUS ecology and culture. What (Descendant of Africans Enwas practiced in Virginia was not the way it was practiced in slaved in the US) ancestors lack the spiritual connection that is Louisiana… which was also required. Europeans and endifferent in South Carolina, slaved Africans were segregated etc. Saying that it is a pracand did not socialize much. So, tice and not a religion does any recipes that claim a Euronot take away its validity. It’s pean influence are not authenjust not a uniform practice. tically derived from original Although some practice it Southern American Rootwork. religiously. These are two If one feels drawn to this calldifferent things. ing, start with your own bloodANYONE CAN PRACTICE Rootwork is not a religion but line. Learn to trust your gut instinct. There are too many a practice that one inherits by birth line. One is born into this predators disguising themselves as "spiritual workers". practice. If someone is drawn Once you start your journey, to this practice, its usually beyour life will never be the cause a family member, more same. "When the student is than likely an ancestor, also ready, the teacher will appracticed. Every family has a pear" Buddha. healer among them. There-
ROOTWORK a systemic way of CONT.
BRINGING THAT “SOUTHERN LOVE” TO YOUR DAILY NEWS COVERAGE