Bayou Beat News - June 2022

JUNETEENTH

HAPPY

FATHER’S DAY

PRIDE MONTH

June 2022

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Volume 1, Issue 3

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DROP THE MICROWAVE MENTALITY, THIS IS NOT THE MATRIX ‘ ’ HOUSTON MAN MAKES U.S. HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER DIGITAL REAL ESTATE FRANCHISE BROKERAGE

INSIDE THIS EDITION

PRIDE: ANDROGYNOUS ‘MADAM JELLI’ OWNING HER SPACE

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TSU QUEEN SHARES JOURNEY FROM DEPRESSION TO GRADUATION

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PUBLISHER’S CORNER EVEN IN OUR DARKEST DAYS, EVIL WILL NOT WIN T

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CEO/Publisher Nakia Cooper Marketing and Development Manager Dana Patterson Distribution Manager Joseph “Shorty” Detiege Senior Writer N.C. Greene Columnist Ikeoma Divine Social Media Andrea Kotova Graphics Nathaniel Greene Photography Natalie Greene Live Correspondent Ciara Ross @Iamciaraross

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Entertainment Coordinator Cornel Grant (Music Monopoly) Email: info@bayoubeatnews.com Advertisement: info@bayoubeatnews.com Subject line: ADS

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LET’S CONNECT!

en days after 10 African Americans were shot and killed at Tops grocery store in Buffalo, New York in a racerelated attack carried out by an 18-yearold white gunman, and two days before the two-year anniversary of the death of George Floyd (a Black man killed by a white cop), 21 more innocent lives were lost in May when another 18-year-old gunman stormed into Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 students and two teachers. The community and victims were predominantly Hispanic.

The third and fourth graders had just finished their school graduation ceremonies where they were presented certificates of achievements and promotions to the next grades.

Many of their families had just left the school, after the proud shout outs of “that’s my baby!” and thunderous applauses, before receiving the devastating phone calls and alerts that a mass casualty had just occurred.

And just like that, they all became members of the club no one wants to be a part of, “the mass shooting victims club.”

There may never be enough words of com-

fort that can take away the pain all of the victims’ families are feeling, but we do want to tell you this….. EVIL WILL NOT win … GOD HAS NOT turned his back on you … and YOU WILL get through this, some way, somehow.

As we celebrate in June Pride Month, Father’s Day, Juneteenth and other days of recognition, please know we are thinking of everyone who has lost their lives or is mourning the death of a loved one.

Continue to GROW in peace and love, and PRAY for a better tomorrow. We are here with you.

With love and respect,

Nakia Cooper Publisher, Bayou Beat News President, Houston Association of Black Journalists

Job well done Wildcats!

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HOUSTON MAN MAKES U.S. HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER DIGITAL REAL ESTATE FRANCHISE BROKERAGE DROP THE MICROWAVE MENTALITY, THIS IS NOT ‘THE MATRIX’ By: Nakia L. Cooper

Hard work and sacrifice is not always about “humble beginnings” or “going without” financially when it comes to a person’s success story, it is also about learning what you need to learn, doing what you need to do, and being humble enough to receive what is being given so that you can master your craft, and carve out your own lane.

Bobby Bryant is a true testament to that. The CEO and founder of DOSS has officially become the first African American in United States history to create and franchise a real estate brokerage brand, while introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to enhance the user experience. He celebrates this moment with the support of Chris Norton (co-founder/COO) and Jon Wagner (team attorney).

Bryant is sharing with Bayou Beat News readers the significance of this accomplishment, given the history and progress of the real estate industry, in addition to providing valuable tips and lessons he’s learned along the way.

The real estate industry was formalized in 1908. For more than a half-century later, African Americans were marginalized, redlined, and not allowed to refer to themselves as a REALTOR®. Following the Civil Rights Movement to now, things have slowly begun to change. Many African Americans have purchased and operated real estate franchise brands like Berkshire, Century 21, ERA, RE/MAX, etc. However, no African American had ever created and franchised a real estate brokerage brand to scale nationwide until, on April 2, when DOSS was officially registered Federally and in the State of Texas as a franchise.

The team at DOSS methodically built a modern-day digital real estate brokerage with a FLEX-MODEL that’s best suited for today’s agent, consumer, and franchisee.

Backed by Google for Startups, DOSS has spent the last few years building a digital real estate in-

telligent assistant that empowers people to speak, text, or type any question about any property in the country to get accurate, easy, and instant answers. Their objective is to better leverage AI than any of their current competitors to improve the way people search, service, and transact real estate.

Bryant credits his innovation and thinking outside the box practice with his diverse background and military upbringing.

His father, Bobby Sr., was a veteran who exposed his family to the world, as the family lived multiple places. His mother, Carolyn, made sure he and his sister focused on education, “never wanted for anything” and stayed active with school and extracurricular activities.

His parents’ sacrifices paid off. Bryant became the first in his family to go to college.

Bryant accomplished two Masters Degrees in Education before he turned 30 years old. His first Masters Degree was in Special Education, with a second Masters Degree in Education Administration.

He taught in the school systems of Alabama and Texas for four years.

Bryant he entered the real estate industry on the mortgage side of the fence in 1999 as a Processor.

After moving to Texas in 2001, he became a Loan Officer and shortly afterwards secured his Mortgage Brokerage License, and the rest is history.

As always, we asked Bryant to share a few tips or words of advice for anyone out there who has “a dollar and a dream.”

BBN: As we are coming out of this pandemic fast and furious, many people have either lost or are changing jobs. In addition, a lot of people are trying to get into entrepreneurship. What are your top three points of advice for someone is seeking to venture out and start a new business on their own?

Bryant: Well, I have to steal this from TD Jakes, and I do believe it. #1 - Minimize your moment.

What that means is to peel back all the layers and lighten your load.

An airplane can’t fly if it has too much baggage. When you are an entrepreneur, in the beginning, you need to be lean and mean. You have to make sure you can “afford” to be an entrepreneur.

You can’t jump out there with the stress of trying to bring money in and you have a ton of bills going out, or you have no support system. #2 - Master your moment. A lot

of people seeking entrepreneurship don’t understand the business that they are wanting to be in.

Starbucks understands they are in the coffee business. McDonald’s knows what they are selling. You need to ask yourself what you are trying to do. You need to study it, master it - learn it unequivocally.

Many people don’t understand the value of mentorship anymore.

People have mentorship all wrong these days. They think they can just walk up and think someone should just pour into their vessel with no mutual benefit. When you find a mentor, you should be trying to identify how you can also lift them up. Even if the mentor is a millionaire or billionaire, even if you drop what you feel is a penny in their bucket, at least you gave them something. #3 - Maximize the moment. Now it is time to fly- but after you’ve paid your dues! Some people feel they can come into a business- straight out of school - and think they are going straight to the top. When I first got into the mortgage industry, I worked for free for someone who was willing to teach me everything he knew, and that was worth more than anything he could have paid me because after I left him, within two years of opening my own company, I had made my first million.

Drop that “microwave mentality!”

Some people today think they are Neo in the Matrix who can learn Jujitsu within five minutes. Life doesn’t work that way. You can’t go sit in a chair, like in the movie, and hit a button and all of a sudden you know everything you need to know.

You have to fail, notice I did not say succeed. Sometimes you have to lose to win, because you learn from mistakes and growth. The younger generation believe what they see on social media and don’t realize most of it is a lie. They don’t know the real REAL ESTATE story; they CONT. PG. 9 don’t know

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ON THE BEAT NATIONAL

LOCAL

‘SLUTTY VEGAN’ CEO GIFTS ENTIRE CAU GRADUATING CLASS WITH TRAE THA TRUTH HELPS LLCS TO BECOME THEIR SELECT ‘TEXAS TOOT’ AS OWN #BOSS HOUSTON AREA WINNER OF 2022 HOT WHEELS By: BB Staff LEGENDS TOUR Pinky Cole, the founder, CEO, and visionary behind Slutty Vegan ATL, delivered the 2022 commencement speech at the graduation for Clark Atlanta University. She dropped an amazing surprise on the graduates after announcing she, along with partner Varo Bank, N.A, Member FDIC, would be providing every graduate with the ability to register a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) to start their own business.

Varo is the first all-digital, nationally ch artered U.S. consumer bank. The bank’s mission is to help people at all income levels build generational wealth and realize their financial power.

In the spirit of pushing others to reach their greatness, Cole and Varo Bank’s gift of LLC registrations will help pave the way and inspire America’s future entrepreneurs. She motivated graduates to “Fall, get up and fall again. Fall as many times you need to and get up as many times as you fall—knowing that with each stumble, you gained more strength. Each mistake got you closer to your purpose and destiny!”

Cole told the more than 800 graduates, “Make that money. Don’t let the money make you!”

Dedicated to reinventing vegan food culture, Slutty Vegan’s menu has captured fans including celebrities Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Jermaine Dupri, Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry, Tiffany Haddish, Queen Latifah, and many more.

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By: BB Staff Local rapper and philanthropist Trae tha Truth helped select the winner of Hot Wheels Legends Tour, which was held at Walmart Supercenter in Spring, Texas last month.

The winning 1992 Autozam Scrum, nicknamed “Texas Toot,” was built by Craig Meaux of Beaumont, Texas. After purchasing the fully stock import in 2020, Meaux decided to go BIG with the little Japanese kei truck by fabricating a custom fivefoot lift after installing 58 in. tall tractor tires. It also features a Chevrolet 454 bigblock, TH400 transmission, 12-inch drop reverse rotation FTI transfer case, 250 shot nitrous kit, train horns and custom welded 30″ x 15″ wheels.

Spanning 15 countries and 5 continents, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour is now in its fifth year, giving builders around the world a platform to showcase their passion projects.

As the winner of the Houston stop, Meaux and “Texas Toot” will move on to compete in the Global Grand Finale later this year, where the champion will have their custom build immortalized as an official Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast and inducted as a permanent fixture into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends.

COMMUNITY

LOCAL BOY SCOUT RECEIVES AWARD FOR NATIONAL HISTORIC MARKER DAY By: BB Staff Congratulations to David Beaty, a local Boy Scout who is among a select group of volunteers to receive a service award for historic marker preservation.

Hundreds of volunteers across the country participated in the second annual National Historic Marker Day, a nationwide event in which individuals and groups of all sizes are encouraged to help clean their community’s historic markers and celebrate local history.

The national celebration was created by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, a philanthropic organization which provides grants for historic roadside markers and plaques across a variety of programs.

Beaty, a member of Scout Troup 98 in Huntsville, Texas, is the recipient of the National Historic Marker Day individual Youth Service Award presented by the Pomeroy Foundation. He will receive an official National Historic Marker Day certificate and 2022 calendar produced by National Day Calendar, the organization that recognizes national observances. The other 2022 honorees are Collins Career Technical Center, Chesapeake, OH, with the team Youth Service Award; Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Clinton, OK, with the Team Spirit Award; and Jennifer Hendrix, of Manlius, NY, with the Best Marker Transformation Award.

To learn more, visit www.wgpfoundation. org/national-historic-marker-day.

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BAYOU HEAT

THE MANY DIFFERENT FACES OF JELLI

HOUSTON’S ANDROGYNOUS ‘MADAM JELLI’ TAKING OVER BEAUTY, ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRIES By: N.C. Greene Millennial, talented and drop dead beautiful, "Madame Jelli" is a force to be reckoned with. The Fifth Ward, Houston native and Westfield High School alumna is a multi-hyphenate; an up-and-comer blazing a trail and dominating in both the beauty and entertainment industries. The androgynous knock-out is reminiscent of a modern-day Grace Jones, but with her own uniqueness for the culture and generation.

We are proud to feature her for PRIDE MONTH! BBN: How has this journey been as a young African American woman?

Madam Jelli: A struggle, honestly, because it is a difference being an African American woman, than a “masculine appearing” African American woman. While I’m blessed to have some people who accept me as I am, there are some who don’t.

BBN: How do you identify yourself?

Madam Jelli: I don't get into the labels, I'm just a woman who likes women.

BBN: You are a very talented hairstylist and makeup artist. How did you get started?

Madam Jelli: I grew up as my mom’s assistant, and by the age of 11 or 12, I had my own station in my mom’s salon doing eyelashes and prepping her clients for washing, drying and dyeing hair. I did that up until I was about 15 years old.

BBN: You became very popular for a particular style, tell us about that.

Madam Jelli: I made a mistake on a hairstyle and it went viral. It was my second client and I put too much height in her bangs. I told her I could make it a little lower and she was like, “no,” it was fine and I posted it on my music page

and it kind of went viral and that is how the “slut bang” was born. I did that hairstyle for almost three years straight and for all kinds of clients, including pastors’ wives, businesswomen – people you would not have even thought about. I feel like I gave almost half of the women in Houston the “slut bang.”

BBN: How did you get into the music industry?

Madam Jelli: I signed with a label when I was in the 8th grade.

I wrote my first rap about the absence of my biological father, and I performed it at my 8th grade talent show and I got signed by Krunch Thyme Records right after that. So, while it wasn’t something I intentionally planned on getting into, I ended up falling in love with it and here we are today.

BBN: We are in love with your last video, “I Got B*#ches.” Can you tell us a little more about that?

Madam Jelli: It talks about being a madame and just being different versions of myself. And in the video I exemplify that – dressing up as four different personas of myself just to show that I am all of those women and I truly wear all of those hats.

BBN: What is the inspiration behind your music?

Madam Jelli: Just being from the South, particularly Texas, and speaking from the perspective of being an independent woman. I’m not a man, but I am exemplifying the same dominance in this world as a woman going about her business like a man would, that’s why I call myself a “madam,” or the “female version of a pimp.” I’m not pimping women – but I’m “pimpin’ the game.”

BBN: You have worked with a lot of “big names” or celebrities and

influencers when it comes to both music and fashion and beauty, can you name a few?

Madam Jelli: For beauty and hair, I have worked on Brandy Norwood, Le’ Andria Johnson, Dreezy, 2 Chainz, The Sauce Twinz, Snootie Wild - who recently passed away, Trinidad James, Jhonni Blaze, Ghetto Barbie, Sky from “Black Ink Crew,” Sukihana and many others.

In music – Crunch Thyme Records, Grand Hustle and a lot of producers, many of which are household names.

For major networks and productions, I’ve worked with MTV’s Wild ‘N Out, VH1’s Love & Hip Hop and I was also a stylist on set at Tyler Perry Studios.

BBN: Who would you like to work or collab with one day?

Madam Jelli: Macy Gray, Missy Elliott, Drake and a few others.

Those are big dreams of mine.

BBN: We heard you fund your own projects. Is this true?

Madam Jelli: Yes. I record myself and I engineer, mix and master my own music. I do completely everything except make the beats.

I have my own studio, I bought my own equipment, I tape everything, I upload everything, I finance every video. It’s all me, 100 percent.

BBN: What do you say to anyone who is chasing their dreams?

Madam Jelli: Have tunnel vision.

Starting out, I feel the biggest obstacle to overcome is the lack of support from the people that are around you. You have to look at it like - it is not the responsibility of the people who know you to support you, it is your responsibility to see your goal and vision through to the end. You don't have to seek validation from anyone when you are on your path, trying to accomplish what you are trying to do.

BBN: You are definitely an original when it comes to your fashion, beauty and style. Frankly, how did you become so freaking fly?

Madam Jelli: My mama is fly. For real, for real. My grandmother is fly; so it is just honestly in my nature.

BBN: What would you like to say in honor of Pride Month?

Jelli: Be proud of who you are NO MATTER who you are.

STAY CONNECTED! Follow Madam Jelli on all social media platforms @Madam.jelli

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

A RUGGED ROAD TO GRADUATION By: Devoun Rushing

MISS TSU WALKING IN PURPOSE AFTER OVERCOMING DEPRESSION, THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE Mariah B. Campbell walked across the stage in mid-May to triumphantly shake Texas Southern University President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young's hand, smiled for a celebratory photo, then strutted away. It wasn't the first time she graced a "Tiger" stage to thunderous applause, but this time, the 74th Miss TSU wasn't wearing a crown, she was wearing a graduation cap.

Up and down the infamous “Tiger Walk,” Campbell was a well-known student leader on campus, brightening rooms with her infectious spirit and signature curly hair.

To say she was busy during her time on campus is an understatement as Campbell became a member of the TSU Honors College, director of campus PALS and a Tierwester residential assistant. While some may think things came easily for Campbell, she says it wasn't always that way.

The Longview, Texas native grew up with two siblings and a single mother who did everything she could to be sure

her children always had what they needed. Sometimes, that meant sacrificing her own personal needs.

“My mom is my rock! Her strength is something I always admired. She never wanted us to go without. Some nights, she would go without eating because she wanted us to have something to nibble on for the night,” a tearful Campbell reminisced.

But even when times were hard, her family relied on Faith.

“We would come and worship God on a Sunday and go to a motel on a Wednesday, or whatever day of the week it was," Campbell shared. "If had never been in those types of situations, I would have never seen my mother's strength."

According to the United States Census Bureau, 19.5 million children live without a father in the home. In addition, according to fatherhood.org, children with absent fathers are more likely to become depressed.

“When I found out GRADUATION CONT. PG. 9 that my

WE LIVEN THE SPACE YOU LIVE IN WWW.LMATHISINTERIORS.COM 832-682-8812

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE PANDEMIC: SEEK HELP! By: Seperia Preston-Rawls

Over the last several years, we have had many well-known public figures end their lives by suicide. Icons or notable figures like Naomi Judd (country singer), Robin Williams (actor), Don Cornelius (founder of Soul Train) and most recently, TV correspondent and Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, who leapt to her death from a New York building , and there are even more stories in news headlines daily where other men, women and children end their lives in various ways. Depression has no bounds, and since the beginning of the pandemic, thoughts of suicide among Americans have increased.

Every year, people take their own lives by either lethal means or non-violent means. Suicide has become a serious public health concern. Is suicide preventable? Yes. It is possible with early detection, low-cost intervention and other treatments.

The stigma surround seeking intervention has led people to suffer in silence or self-medicate.

A study by Science Direct incorporated data from 54 studies and found that suicidal thinking and behavior has become more common during the pandemic than before it, particularly among young people and women.

Studies have also shown that rates of depression and anxiety — both of which are considered risk factors for suicide — were higher in 2021 versus 2020, particularly among people of color.

What is causing the increase in suicide amongst our youth? Could it simply be the perception that they see on social media platforms, not fully understanding that some people are really masquerading or living false lives just to get noticed on social media.

I am here to help you live your authentic life.

Here are some more easy tips that can help you cope with your feelings.

1. Track gratitude and achievement with a journal and are personal notepads. Include things you were grateful for and reflect on small successes.

2. Start your day with decreasing distractions.

Anything that affects your peace for 30 minutes is removed over a "good-for-you" drink like green tea or your favorite health drink of choice.

3. Set up a low-cost getaway in your hometown. There are a lot of free days in the community. Illuminate the mind with sunlight. The act of planning a small getaway in the community boosts your overall happiness and can make you feel special. It creates excitement in looking forward to something. Low cost or free.

4. Identify your strengths. Write out short term goals and do something you're good at to build self-confidence, this may decrease feelings of being stifled and it motivates self-care.

No one said you can be cured overnight – it starts with baby steps. Each day make a conscious decision to move, and reflect on the positive, as often as you can.

5. SEEK HELP. Find a licensed therapist who can help guide you along your path to becoming a “healthier” you.

Her collaboration with Trauma Informed Care consultants, psychiatrist, and the Texas Department of Family Protective service has equipped her to conceptualize and develop comprehensive treatment plans and lead multifaceted treatment teams to address individuals’ unique needs.

ABOUT SEPERIA PRESTON-RAWLS Seperia Preston-Rawls has over 17 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare profession. Her vast array of experience includes crisis management, structure outpatient programs, correctional facilities, and private practice. She also has a broad range of clinical experience working with high risk adolescents, adults, families, and children. In additional to her multifaceted clinical background Seperia Preston-Rawls is certified as a cognitive behavior therapist with extensive training in childhood trauma clients.

3010 Washington Blvd. Suite C Beaumont, Texas 77705

505 N Sam Houston Parkway E Houston, TX 77060 Phone: 281-639-2126 www.psychoogytoday.com

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LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON Never let anyone tell you what "fatherhood" should look like. It comes in all ages, shapes and sizes, and all races and ethnicities. And while we love our "girl dads," today, we salute the FATHER-SON bonds. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

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GRADUATION sister’s dad stitute of Mental Health, suicide not an audible voice, but a voice Black community and, more imwas not my is the second leading cause of that wasn’t my own that said, portantly, introduce students to CONT. father, that was a moment that crushed me.

I wondered why was he not in the picture? What is it about me?

That really led me down a path of depression," Campbell said. "Just facing that rejection and seeing he was not here for me. Was I not good enough? Pretty enough?

Was I not smart enough? I started to question all the things that made me who I was. I was seeking that love and validation from a father that I never received.”

Like many who have struggled with depression, Campbell said feelings of unworthiness made her want to take her own life.

“There were moments when I kept hearing, 'your life doesn’t matter, nobody cares about you, nobody loves you,'” she said.

According to the National In-

death in Black children ages 1014, and the third leading cause of death in Black adolescents ages 15-19.

Then a turning point came.

Campbell, who had attempted suicide before, knew it was no longer the answer.

“I grew up in church so the introduction to God wasn’t new.

It was one moment in particular when I was able to sense His presence, to feel His love, to feel His spirit fighting for me. I know that was the moment that changed my entire life," she said.

"When I say I didn’t even see myself making it to high school.

Contemplating suicide between the ages of 6-8 years old is something that nobody should have to encounter. It was in that moment that God met me. It was a voice,

'NO, I love you. There is so much more that I have in store for you.

There are so many souls that you will help save.'”

Campbell said, with the exception of her mother, she had never heard the words “I love you” from anyone else.

“It was a time in my life when I didn’t think I was beautiful. Not wanting to look into the mirror because I hated what I saw. I wanted to put bleach in my bathtub water, trying to change who I was,” said Campbell.

As Miss TSU, Campbell used her platform to help unmask the disparities of mental health awareness within the

the hand that someone else has been dealt and are looking at others and thinking “why not me?” Play the hand that you are dealt, or someone else can take your hand and beast mode win with it.

Master the skin you’re in. In the words of Michelle Obama, some of you haven’t “become” yet because you are still in search of self. Or in the words of Audre Lorde, “If I don’t define myself for myself, I will

be crunched into people’s fantasies for me and be eaten alive.” What do you see for yourself? Exploit yourself, exploit your own talents.

MORE ABOUT DOSS

you’re outside of Texas, starting Q3 2022, DOSS will begin accepting applications for the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia.

For more information, visit http://

REAL ESTATE CONT.

In honor of the company’s historical moments, on May 30, DOSS began selling the first 50 franchise territories in its home state (Texas) for $7,500 each. Exclusive territories were on a first come, first approved basis. If you are interested in buying a DOSS franchise and

mental health resources.

So, we had to ask, who is Mariah B. Campbell TODAY? “Mariah is powerful, Mariah is beautiful, Mariah is loved, and Mariah can accomplish - with the help of God - anything she puts her mind to,” the graduate said.

Campbell, with ambition and passion in her heart, plans to pursue a career in journalism and has hopes of one day bringing significant change to our world.

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BUSINESS

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BRANDS TO SUPPORT LGBTQ+

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1 2345 SteadyStraps - Rainbow Phone Strap

How cute is this Rainbow Phone Strap? Choose how you hold onto your phone and say goodbye to sticky and unreliable adhesives. Let’s face it, whether running to work, errands, school, or carpool, we're always on the go. Life is too busy and whatever can help ease our days is essential.

MEMORIALDAY15 for 15% off on Memorial Day

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Cincha

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Just in time for Pride Month, innovative travel brand, Cincha, is happy to announce its latest design: Love is Love. The Cincha Travel Belt is designed with a nylon strap and vegan leather accents, an elastic fitter to reduce extra slack, and a quick-release metal buckle to secure your personal bag to your luggage! Plus you can add your monogram, with 18 colors to choose from. Click it, cinch it, and off you go. Giveback: The brand is dedicated to reuniting families and recognizes the persistent migrant crisis in our country by donating 100 airline miles per travel belt purchased to Miles4Migrants to help reconnect migrant families.

Friendlily Press

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Pair your favorite celebratory drink with these Pride Beverage Mixing Sticks from Friendlily Press! Made of sturdy 1/8th inch acrylic, these fun Beverage Mixing Sticks work in hot or cold drinks. Friendlily has everything you need to soothe that craving for extra serotonin, the brand is sparking fun and joy in this crazy world through its imaginative and adorable designs.

Wash and reuse again and again! Build out collections that fit your personality or even upcycle the stirrers by giving your houseplants cute new accessories that add flair to any room.

No matter the occasion, their Drink Stirrer Sets are guaranteed to have your guests lay claim to their favorite stirrers for the whole night. Not to mention they make lovely gifts!

Never Knew I Needed This lip balm, Love is Love, from NKIN is a fabulous way to show your support! This brand focuses on timeless, size-inclusive & unique products, from bridesmaid gifts to wedding day accessories. NKIN has every type of bride covered! Based in Ottawa, Canada, NKIN was founded by Abby Greenberg in 2019 when she saw a major gap in the wedding industry. She knew that there weren’t enough wedding boutiques and brands that were open and welcoming to all brides, regardless of their size, gender, or relationship type. NKIN is proudly inclusive to all, and ensures that every bride feels represented when shopping.

Complete with amazing personalized touches, apparel in sizes up to 5XL, and wedding gifts that celebrate all kinds of love.

NKIN offers a more varied selection than the industry standard - whether customers shop online, or, in their flagship retail location in Ottawa.

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MyBevi - Available on ShareASale/ Skimlinks, Amazon Show your support with MyBevi’s rainbow flag designed bottle! What sets this brand apart from competitors is how easy it is to carry your phone, keys and a tumbler while on-the-go.

The collection offers stainless steel tumblers for everyone that are made to endure all weather conditions and activities. Get your coffee fix for the day or quench that thirst with ice-cold water. Eco-conscious consumers will be glad to know that this small family business is doing its part to provide sustainable solutions for a healthier future for our planet.

Nostalgia Coffee Roasters Nostalgia Coffee Roasters is a gay woman-owned specialty coffee roastery that recently launched its online shop to deliver epic coffee around the world. Grab a box of Nostalgia Coffee Roasters’ Glory Days Dark Roast (bag and brew boxes) and savor a unique brew that is 100% women-produced coffee from Mexico! Enjoy the pleasure of an epic cup of coffee wherever you go! The woman-owned brand is the first specialty roaster to create brew bags. Choose your brew preference and get ready to experience the best coffee you’ve ever had!

Splish Splash Handmade Products Celebrate your true authentic self all day everyday! This is the perfect pampering box to create a home self-care spa experience and a great way to spoil yourself, a loved one, friends, family, colleagues, or a thank you for someone you care for. Last year, Splish Splash donated Pride Soap to the Vancouver Pride Society for distribution to their amazing volunteers who supported 2021 Pride events throughout Vancouver. You can turn your bathtub into a soothing and awe-inspiring Hammam experience. Hammam traditions date back to ancient times, and this cleansing and exfoliating ritual continues to find a place in spas around the world.

Hangover Hoodies Pride Capsule Collection - Available on ShareASale Show your love for the community with this Love Set! We’ve all dealt with a lot the past couple of years with the ongoing pandemic and changes to the workforce. Hangover Hoodies is a company that was built despite these difficult times, with the intention of reminding customers of their favorite memories.

Connect to the good ol’ days with Hangover Hoodies. Each Hangover Hoodie was designed to bring you comfort during such isolating times. Tapping into the nostalgia of favorite memories, each product has the ultimate goal of being representative of customers' favorite experiences. The idea was to make a sweatshirt that was trendy enough to wear out and have fun in, and comfortable enough to throw on the next morning.

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JUNE 2022 | 11

BAYOUBEATNEWS.COM

IKEOMA’S EYE

JUNETEENTH MESSAGE OF UNDERSTANDING: YOU ARE DESCENDANTS OF THE ‘STRONGEST OF THE STRONG’ By: Ikeoma Divine

Freedom came June 19, 1865 to Galveston, Texas when it was announced that the enslaved people were free. even though Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation was issued two and a half years prior on Jan 1, 1863. The difference between Texans and the rest of the nation was the lack of knowledge.

The enslaved were essentially free but didn't know.

Lack of knowledge is the reason that some of us are still trapped or "enslaved in our minds" today.

In 2006, I visited Ghana for three months. During my visit, I spoke to local elders in different villages about their version of the slave trade that heavily influenced their history. There are approximately 40 slave castles in Ghana. Out of all the stories, they all said the same thing, "They took our strongest."

Eerily, the realization set in that despite the many who didn't make it out of the slave castles; those who didn't make it across the Atlantic voyages, and those who didn't survive once they landed in the diaspora, we are still here. That means we are descendants of the strongest, of the strongest, of the strong. This statement always gave me chills because it made me realize that I did not descend from victims, but from survivors. In spite of everything that has been put in our way to deter us here in this country, we not only survive but surpass what is expected.

Do you understand what I just said? Let me explain it further.

The white men did not have a desire to steal or capture our elderly or weakest, they would bring no value to them in their eyes. They wanted our "warriors," those with strength, those

they felt would bring in the most money, those who would be healthy enough to breed, work and build.

Do you really understand what that means?

It was those captured individuals that they lined up - stacked up - on the slave ships and brought them across the oceans, far away from home. Those individuals who had to lie in each other's waste, fight disease, still bleeding from wounds they sustained during capture.

It was those strong individuals who had to fight to stay alive, mentally, and physically. And while many made it to their new, doomed home in America, many did not.

And remember, all of them were strong.

Only the "strongest" of the strong survived. And we are all descendants of them.

Do you realize you have the blood of the strongest people to ever survive a mass casualty running through your veins?

Unfortunately, a lot of us don't know our real history in this country... only the negative narratives that have been fed to us by propaganda in the media and public education. Despite the atrocities of slavery and the Middle Passage, Black people, once free, went on to build our own neighborhoods, churches, schools, and Wall Streets, but not many people want us to remember that.

Black people in

this country are not synonymous with poverty, blind submission, and violence. When we subscribe to those narratives, we negate the documented history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and generations of entrepreneurs that thrived in Black towns across this country. It is blatant disrespect to our ancestors who thrived economically in a system set up against them.

In the spirit of Juneteenth, let's celebrate the message of freedom and strength. Let's acknowledge and give reverence to the ancestors who laid the foundation and showed us how to thrive against all odds.

If you're having the urge to start your own business, follow your intuition. You may have an opportunity to live your ancestors' dreams or continue an ancestral legacy you didn't know about.

What message do you need to receive that's stopping you from being free? Happy Juneteenth!!!

"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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