MAR CH20 23 ISSUE#030
RIDE THE WAVE MEET JAVANNAH DAVIS, FOUNDER OF WAVE WOMEN, INC. , BLAQUE/OUT COLUMNIST AND WOMAN TO WATCH
TAMARA S. LEIGH, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CONTENTS BLAQUE/OUT MAGAZINE IS A MONTHLY DIGITAL PUBLICATION CENTERED FIRMLY IN BLACK & BROWN QUEER QULTURE. BLAQUE/OUT FEATURES WRITERS, ARTISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, CREATIVES AND INFLUENCERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. WE ARE WORDS. WE ARE ART. WE ARE FASHION. WE ARE CULTURE. WE ARE MUSIC. WE ARE PROTEST. WE ARE WHERE BLAQUE QUEER CULTURE LIVES. FIND US ON FACEBOOK, IG, TIKTOK. TO SUBSCRIBE TO BLAQUE MAGAZINE, VISIT: HTTPS://ISSUU.COM/STORE/PUBLISHERS/BLAQUEOUTMAG/ SUBSCRIBE
FOR ADVERTISING, EMAIL ADVERTISING@BLAQUEOUTMAG.COM FOR SUBMISSIONS, EMAIL TAMARALEIGH@BLAQUEOUTMAG.COM
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WWW.ISSUU.COM/BLAQUEOUTMAG WWW.BLAQUEOUT.COM
RIDE THE WAVE, INTRODUCING JAVANNAH DAVIS
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BLAQUEOUT MAG CONTRIBUTORS
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SAPPHO'S DAUGHTER IMMANI LOVE
LIVING IN THE LIGHT SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW: CHANEL LOPEZ
COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: ADRIAN DEJESUS
29 INTRODUCING MAYSON PROCTOR
HARM-ONIZED DISCORD LADE BREEZ 03
EXCLUSIVE!
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REMEMBERING DAVON "NINO" DAVIS
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER: DOREEN SCANLAN
MARCH 2023 | ISSUE# 030
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BlaqueOUT contributors
Javannah J. Davis (she/her) resides in Rochester, NY where she has worked in healthcare for 19 years, is a self-published author, Founder/President of W.A.V.E Women Inc & CEO/Owner of Linjé Enterprises LLC. Javannah is passionate about healing, self-love, self actualization & helping others to live the best of their lives in a healthy way.
Benjamin Griffin III; (he/ him/his). Enjoys bringing laughter to those he encounters and a major collector of Diecast School Bus models. In addition, he has a heart for education & children! Lastly, he is 1 half of "A Moment w/ The Griffins"
Lade Breez (He/Her/Them) is an award winning 3x published author, publisher, philanthropist, humanitarian, motivational speaker, life coach, event host, youth tutor, artist developer & spoken word artist. Owner & founder of Express Me Poetry Business Services & Events, & Educated Blessyns LLC, improving this world one stage at a time. ExpressMePoetry.com
E.L. Winston of Fayetteville, NC (He,Him, His) Trans Community Advocate, Co-Founder of Lambda Gamma Omega Nu Fraternity. Just your everyday introspective old man and 1 half of Team Winston
Immani Love, (she/her) A Lesbian Erotic Poet, Author, Ordained Minister, Freelance Writer, Real Estate Agent, and overall witty, seductress with the voice of a Siren. An educated Vixen in sunny St. Pete, Florida.
Roni Winston aka The Mrs. aka Pastor Roni (She/Her/Hers) Fayettevlle, NC. Minister, educator, entrepreneur, couples' coach, writer, mom, and grandma. Half of Team Winston.
Tina Marie Jones (she/her/hers) Founder of Uncover, LLC, mother of 4, activist, motivator, and columnist.
Mel Howard (he/him) Resides in Newport News, Virginia where he worked in finance industry for over 5years, is a columnists for BlaqueOUT Magazine and Founder/President of THRIVING TRANSMEN OF COLOR. Mel is passionate about community, self acceptance and forgiveness. David Maurice Griffin (He, Him, His) Columbia, SC; Providing the gift of massage is what he does, but spreading awareness of HIV/AIDS is who he is…1 half of "A Moment w/ The Griffins"
Tamara Leigh (She/Her)) Editor of Blaque/OUT Magazine. Lead Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant with Blaque/OUT Consultanting with a focus on Intersectionality. Activist, Educator and Advocate. Mom of 2. From NY, In FL.
C O N V E R S A T I O N S W I T H A N FEATURING AMY DIAZ, WOMAN
OF
POISE
&
PURPOSE
Amy, you are the founder of A Mother’s Love, a non-collegiate Greek organization, and a co-founder of C.O.R.E. Tell us a little about these organizations.
Watch the full interview on the BlaqueOUT TV YouTube Channel @blaqueoutmagtv
Well, A Mother’s Love is the non-profit organization I created to help women of Allentown, Pennsylvania, who are suffering domestic abuse. Since its inception in 2006, the organization has grown and expanded to other states and now includes victims of human trafficking. The non-collegiate organization is the Lambda Nu Dynasty, Inc. We are a Greekletter organization that truly believes we need to be the change we want to see within our communities. The Dynasty has four different organizations: Lambda Alpha Kappa Sorority, Lambda Zeta Phi Nu Fraternity, Lambda Gamma Omega Nu Fraternity, Lambda Beta Delta Nu Fraternity. And then, there is C.O.R.E. Ministry (Christ Over Everything). It is a ministry that I serve with 3 other pastors. Our objective is to serve and give back to our community. Above all else though, we put Christ above everything.
OLDMAN E . L .
W I N S T O N
What inspired you to start each of your endeavors? My inspiration for all of my endeavors is to help others. Philanthropy has always been a passion of mine. With A Mother’s Love, I found that there was a need for a bilingual advocate for women of domestic abuse in Allentown. I saw a need that was not being fulfilled, so I wanted to stand in the gap to aid these women and children trying to escape domestic abusive situations. With the Lambda Nu Dynasty, I wanted to create a Greek experience where all people could come together and have a sense of family while collectively supporting the communities in which we live. With C.O.R.E. Ministries, this was an opportunity for people to see me in a different light while changing views and/or opinions of people when it comes to pastors and church in general.
You are also a motivational speaker, but who motivates you? The person who motivates me the most is my son Emmanual. The last 22 years have been a roller coaster ride with him and I. He was diagnosed with Autism very late and back in the early 2000s, the diagnosis of Autism did not have much direction. Then, when you add that he is an African American child navigating a system designed not to help him or single mothers, such as myself, then the road was even more complicated. This lack of help and access to resources motivated me to educate myself and become an advocate for other mothers who had no idea what to do and where to turn to with their children with Autism. It was from that experience that motivational speaking emerged. I could pour into others: strength, wisdom, and courage through motivational speaking encouraging them to believe in themselves.
All this talk about your community work, but who is The Fem with the Slick Mouth and how do you manage her alongside Pastor Amy? Yes, MaJesty is my radio personality name and I am the Sexy Fem with the Slick Mouth. My radio personality is unapologetic, honest, and feisty. Then, there is Pastor Amy who is actually not too far off from MaJesty. I speak from a biblical standpoint with an objective and honest perspective. I am not your typical pastor and I don’t preach like your ordinary pastor. How do I manage the two? If I have to be honest, I don’t manage them. They are the same person. I do not change or alter who or what I am just because I’m in a different arena. As MaJesty, I give my honest and unapologetic opinion and as Pastor Amy, I do the same thing. The only difference is the addition of scriptures. Some people are taken aback when they hear that I am a pastor, especially after listening to my podcast or radio show, but one thing you will always get from Amy, MaJesty, or Pastor Amy is truth, honesty, and realism.
You have such strong opinions, but are involved in so many things. Have you ever had to refuse to work with anyone because of your fiercely held beliefs and ethics? Yes, I have. I firmly believe that if it does not align with my beliefs and morals, I can't get behind it. Compromising your integrity never feels good, and I refuse to compromise who I am for anything or anyone.
What would you say is your superpower? My superpower is my perseverance. In my life, I have been hit with many losses and unfortunate circumstances that would've driven an average person completely insane. But it has been my perseverance that has always carried me through. I've never allowed my circumstance or a situation to dictate what my outcome would be. I also don't allow those around me to succumb to their circumstances or problems, and I tend to get in the trenches with them to help them through. So let's just say I share my perseverance with others.
With all of the various projects you have going, how do you find balance with all of that and your home life? Balance is something that I'm still learning. I am a person who throws herself into any task that I set my mind to. And often, I do get tunnel vision. But I am grateful for my wife, who reminds me that family is first and I must take a break.
What would you like for people to remember about you? I would like people to remember me as being genuine, authentic, and always caring about other people.
So that makes you a mentor, what does that mean to you? To be a mentor, in my opinion, is like being a teacher. You are responsible for guiding your mentee and want to impart wisdom and knowledge to them and help them navigate this thing we call life.
How can our readers find and connect with you? Your readers can find me on Facebook as Amy Oya Diaz or they can reach out to me via email at SororOya.AK@LambdaNuDynasty.org and I would love to hear from them.
There is nothing like a woman who knows herself and is confident in the life she leads. Be sure to watch the journey of this woman, she truly does have poise and purpose. She wears it well! Thank you, Amy Diaz, for what you do for our community!
RIDETHEWAVE INTRODUCING JAVANNAH DAVIS
A
n extroverted-introvert, Javannah Davis doesn't mind being around people, or going out and having fun, but will always prefer to be in the house watching a good show. Davis is a Community Advocate, Entrepreneur, and an Activist for equity in health care. She is a nurse, self-published author, and ordained minister. She is also the Founder/President of W.A.V.E Women INC.; a 501c3 not-for-profit organization based in Rochester, New York. 2023 is shaping up to be a very big year for Davis and her organization. She is setting the stage to create safe spaces for Black and Brown Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming women in the Rochester, NY community, networking and advocating for better healthcare for Trans folks, and setting up workshops that will educate and train other businesses, organizations, and healthcare facilities regarding how to safeguard Trans lives. So Blaque/OUT asked our "Visionary of the Month" for March 2023, twenty-questions to get some additional insight about who she is and why she does the work that she does.
What’s your no-fail, go-for it motivational song? That would definitely have to be “Unstoppable” by Sia. That’s the battle cry for the day! When I hear the words, “I put my armor on…”, though it’s a pop song, it lifts my spirit and reminds me of the protection and covering I assume from a higher power.
RECOGNIZES
TRANS DAY OF
VISIBILITY MARCH 31ST 2023
REMEMBERING
NINO IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF MARCH 19TH, 2022 ARTIST, FAMILY MAN, SON, BROTHER, NEPHEW, GRANDSON, PROUD TRANSMASCULINE MAN, DAVON "NINO' DAVIS WAS STRUCK BY A DRUNK DRIVER WHILE RIDING A BIKE HOME FROM WORK IN BRIGHTON, NY. THE DA FAILED TO INDICT, THE DRIVER WAS NEVER PROSECUTED, A FAMILY LOST A PIECE OF THEIR SOUL FOREVER AND THE DRIVER REMAINS FREE.
On this One year anniversary, we remember Nino, his beautiful heart, eclectic taste in music & artistic soul. And we affirm that we will never ever forget & won't give up until justice is served. The following are words from Nino's family & organizers who led the crusade for justice a year ago and continue to fight on today. #JusticeForDavonDavis
-Tamara Leigh
To My Sonshine, It has been almost a year since you gained your wings, it seems like it gets harder and harder for us. I re-live 3/19/2022 over and over again. As a mother, you want to protect your children. I feel I failed you and for that, I am very sorry. I love you my Sonshine to the Heavens and back. One of the main things I miss about you is when you cooked, we got a whole show with the singing and dancing. I miss your "it was not me" smile. When I am going through, I miss hearing you say, "mama you got this no matter the pain and the turbulence". Even though I am the mom, you were the rock for Toot and me and with you gone, things do not make sense. But I got this for the both of us. I do truly wish Heaven had a phone just to hear your voice one more time. Your sister misses you so much. You two were each other's strength and even though I am here, she feels so alone. Just know, I am going to make you proud. When I feel lost, I can hear you saying, "Mama you got this," so I do. I love you my Sonshine to the moon and back. Just know you're forever in my heart. Until we meet again.
TiTi miss you and love you. I think bout you all t the time. Our lives are no d the same without you an y. I'll see you again one da Waiting to embrace you with the biggest hug! My baby NINO
March 19,2023 makes a year since you were taken from us. Your legacy lives on in the existence of your brothers. In your honor we will forever protect your loved ones, uplift their voices, and share your memory as long as we, your brothers have breath in our body. DAVON DAVIS "NINO" AS YOUR BROTHER, I WILL CONTINUE TO HOLD HER DURING THE
HARDEST DAYS, I WILL ALWAYS CHECK ON JOCELYN. I CONTINUE TO LOVE OOMA &
PFALLON AS IF THEY WERE MY VERY OWN.
-Brittan
Hardgers
#IAMMYBROTHERSKEEPER
REMEMBERING
NINO
he word Goddess is defined as a female God or Deity.
heal through Love.
A woman of extraordinary beauty and charm. A greatly admired or adored woman. From this
The next day I visited the sculpture on the island that
definition, we can gather that what makes a woman
was dedicated to Sappho and began to write. It was
a goddess is a woman who adds real value to
just a few lines but they were powerful to me.
people's lives, and she is also someone whom others look up to. I relate most to Aphrodite (Greek) -
I am shaped by my experiences, molded like clay by
goddess of love, lust and beauty, Inanna (Sumerian) -
life, I am permeable and pliable. I expand and
goddess of love, war, and fertility, and Charis (Greek) -
breathe the sea air to take shape. I am a daughter of
one of the Charites or "Graces", goddesses of charm,
Sappho, an heir to her throne as Goddess of Love and
beauty, nature, human creativity and fertility. I have
as I take my true form, embody light and love, I mold
found that after my time in Lesvos, I began to
those around me into images of their own essence. I
channel and embody all of these qualities in my
spread love and eroticism to the world as I am called to
thoughts, words, and actions. I became a Goddess of
do. It is not what I do, it is who I am and I have been
Love and began to live in that light. My energy and
reminded by my ancestors to spark fire, light the kiln,
aura began to ignite a passion for life in me I had
heat the hearths, solidify the works of art I touch. Be
thought was lost. I knew I was on the right path
Love.
when my host for the festival came to me in the midst of a quarrel with her partner. She was upset
That night I walked in a community fashion show and
and almost fearful, she wanted me to speak to her
an image was captured of me that spoke volumes to
partner with her. I had no background, I had never
me and showed me that I had come to that island to
met the woman she loved, and I had no concept of
find myself and I did. I am a Goddess of Love. I share
what I was walking
this experience with you to let you know that
into. I entered the room with trepidation yet courage.
Goddesses walk among us. You may find that you
I felt empowered by the Goddess energy I was
indeed are one. I encourage you to listen to the inner
walking in. I spoke with a gentle, yet firm voice, I used
voice that speaks to you when your spirit is most quiet,
words I didn't realize I knew. I spoke with the
let that guidance lead you to embrace your purpose.
authority of a Goddess and the humility of a visitor to
Don’t allow fear sway you from your path. Take the
their island. We talked for several hours and as the
time to understand your journey and most of all
night waned into the wee hours of the morning, I
delight in the opportunity to be YOU.
saw why I was meant to be there in that space. I was led to help them
Salutes..
Tiffany Porter Fairport, NY
Venmo: @Beingblack-InTheburbs Cashapp: $Beingblackintheburbs PayPal: PayPal.me/beingblackintheburbs
"Tiffany Porter is a Black, disabled, LGBTQ woman who is a force in our community. She created her own nonprofit, Being Black in the Burbs and is an unwavering advocate for all but specifically for Black and Brown children in predominately white school districts and for lower income folx. She exemplifies the definition of mutual aid and taking care of our community. She constantly holds food and clothing drives as well as specific donation drives for community members in need. She frequently attends
speaks out at school board meetings to demand changes within our euro-centric school districts. She is an asset to Fairport, and all the surrounding communities who have been touched through her outreach. Along with this she is also a single mom who spends a great deal of her life in chronic pain due to her health issues. Regardless of her own personal struggles, she is always willing to help others and project her voice against white supremacy. Tiffany deserves all the recognition for her incredible work in the Rochester suburbs."
to spend time focused on the not are We r. we ans our is d Go of The Word away. Feed your spirit. Create a s pas l wil y ckl qui so t tha ngs thi types of act created and these women who imp are y the but n, bor not are ns Ico . legacy k like, are w us what strength and power loo sho and us, age our enc y, rne jou our effort. You cannot sit idly by as life the ones who have surely put in the to a place of engagement. moves around you. God is calling you the world you want to see. God ate cre to er ord in lf rse you of e You must giv ce, healing, and deliverance. If He pea , ion vat sal r you for Son y onl gave His your you willing to give? Can you give up are at wh n the , you for t tha do could right g? Can you give up your need to be hin ryt eve of l tro con in be to ire des Or ss to someone who has hurt you? ene giv for e giv you n Ca e? tim the all it your way? patience to someone who doesn’t do t need to be a person trusting jus you n; ma wo nic ico an be to e You don’t hav greatest blessing. Don’t rely on the God to show you the way for your ds, the work of your faith, the work han r you of rk wo the on y Rel . ary tempor God to be selfish, but that is not who us h pus t tha es tim in are We ! of you gives shall God in your giving. For whosoever d Fin e. giv to e pos pur r you d Fin is. to be an icon! truly be blessed. It is your chance
- Pastor Roni
PORTRAITS PRESTIGE BY: PHOTO
As we honor iconic women of the d. sse ble be to ant me is es giv r Whosoeve r what puts the fire within them. nde wo st mu we n the y, nit mu com LGBTQ+ tells us are to the world? Proverbs 31:30-31 y the o wh be to m the ves dri at Wh that , and beauty is vain: but a woman ful eit dec is or Fav is: it at wh y ctl exa fruit of her hands; and let the her e Giv d. ise pra be ll sha she feareth the Lord, es. her own works praise her in the gat