Kevin Navayne Featured on Cover

Special Edition - 2016 Vol. 12 Issue 2

Feature Contents

06 Executive Director of Still I Rise Organization Tocarra Eldridge Makes Difference in the Community

09 Tips for Building, Enhancing & Preserving Wealth 10 David Banner host “ABFF Independent” Entrepreneur and recording artist discuss culture, films & career

13 Health: Making one better choice at a time 14 An Exclusive interview with Kevin Navayne

pg

14

Breakout actor stars in the new Marcus Garvey film

16 Remembering Dr. Maya Angelo

Historical icon shared wisdom about life and much more

18 Dr. Umar Johnson

Certified Psychologist shares his views on the issues of the Community

20 Harlem Globetrotter Scooter Christensen Professional basketball player shares an inspirational quote

26 “I Am A man” Journal Review pg

16

Regular Content “Always Together” By Dorothy Robinson

Like two trees stuck together Like bees to a flower in the spring Even through the storm and the rain No matter what comes They’re always with each other Even through the night when the Moon shines its light through the cloudy sky No matter what the season is They always agree with each other

Cover Photo: Kevin Navayne

Consciousness Magazine 3

04 Editor’s Page 05 Letters/ Awareness 09 Business/ Profile 09 Words of Encouragement 15 Health Solutions 20 Sports Community 22 Technology / Arts and Culture 24 Remembrance / Legends 26 Album-Book-Movie Review(s) 26 Know Your Rights Teen: College Spirit Section

Editor ’s Note :

Celebrating Our Heritage

CONSCIOUSNESS “Urban Inspiration”

STAFF

Founder & Editor Aaron Robinson

Senior Vice President Mozella Malone

Administrative Asst.

Julia M. Robinson Josephine Robinson Consultant Frank Robinson Fred Robinson

Public Relations Marketing / Promotions A&M Marketing Group

Advertising Agency A&M Marketing Group MediaBids

W

elcome to this edition of Consciousness Magazine where we are “Keeping our Pen on the Pulse of the Community.” Over the past decade, we have interviewed some of the most powerful, intellectual, inspiring and creative significant individuals who have contributed to making a positive difference in society. It has been a privilege to have come across such a multitude of like-minded and visionary individuals who began their quest on their journey while only envisioning an idea. Their single idea manifested and became a reality, leading them to become some of the most respected beings on the face of this earth.

In this edition, during this commencement, we are honored to recognize some of the most influential people in Black culture who have enlightened and empowered their audience, peers, families, and many others across the globe. I hope their up-close interviews and the uplifting articles shared have a positive impact on your being, in hopes of encouraging you through your everyday life.

I thank you again for all of your interest and support of our publication and for keeping consciousness alive. Enjoy!

Photographer

A&M Marketing Group

Graphic Design / Web Designer

A&M Marketing Group

Illustrator / Comics Eric Plaut

Proofreader

Tocarra Eldridge

Writers/Journalists

Tocarra Eldridge Dr. Shanessa Fenner Elder Lee M. Harris, Sr. Sirrocco Hogue Darnell Jodan Eric Plaut

Special Correspondent Russell Norman Hector De La Rosa

Reviews

Hector De La Rosa Aaron Robinson Tocarra Eldridge

Contributors

Aaron Robinson Founder & Editor

Dr Chad Larson Shontierra Anderson Special Thanks

Readers and Supporters Views expressed by advertisers and/or press release are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Consciousness Magazine™. Consciousness Magazine™ will not be held responsible or liable for advertisers misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors, etc., herein contained.

About Consciousness Magazine™

“Keeping our Pen on the Pulse of the Community” Consciousness Magazine “Urban Inspiration,” is committed to raising the level of consciousness of the residents in our community. The mission of Consciousness Magazine is to promote understanding, make a difference in society, touch hearts, as well as, emphasize positive celebrities and significant social figures through strong articles and compelling visuals. This publication embraces ethnicity and multicultural, in hopes of bringing different cultures together in peace and friendship.

Consciousness Magazine 4

Consciousness Magazine™ requires that all advertisement be in compliance with all applicable laws and be truthful and not offensive or detrimental to individuals, groups, or businesses. Consciousness Magazine™ reserve the right to revise, delete, objectionable words or phrases, and refuse any advertising it deems unacceptable.

Subscription rates; $24.00 per year (6 Issues) Consciousness Magazine™ ISSN:1553-5568 is published

by Robinson Publishing, Inc. Postmaster: Send address Change and Subscription Orders to: P.O. Box 2496, Kankakee, Illinois 60901, Phone: (312) 715-7884 Email: info@consciousnessmagazine.com. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publisher. ©2016 Consciousness Magazine™. All Rights Reserved.

An Amazing Interview I have been a fan for Monifah for 14 years. She is so creative and gifted.

I love the way that she becomes open about the music industry and putting her family first. As an independent artist, I know that she will continue to make quality music and please her fans. I’m great to know that she is living a happy life. Thanks again for sharing this amazing interviewing.

Consciousness Awareness:

Dr. Chad Larson

“What You Need To Know About Celiac Disease”

Elizabeth

New York City

Talented Singer I love the incredible music that Monifah sings. Her single “The Other Side” is such a great song. It seems as if she never took a hiatus from the music industry. We need more powerful and genuine singers like hers. I’m excited for her career; she has a lot of wisdom and much to offer.

Tasha

Chicago

A Life Changer As an ancestor of Frederick Douglass, Dr. Umar Johnson was called upon by the universe to make an astonishing change for all Black communities and for every existing African across the world. Dr. Umar Johnson is a Certified School Psychologist and doctor of Clinical psychology who holds numerous degrees in political science and education.

Eric

Atlanta

Informative Message As one of the highly sought after motivational and informational speaker in the world, Dr. Umar Johnson has changed my life and many other individuals around the world. He has such a powerful message. His interview about GMO’s, Government, Naturopathy, Natural Hair and Faith was so informative.

Over the years, I have gained an appreciation for his knowledge and mindset.

He has a passion for black children and the community. He is truly making a difference in someone’s life.

Steven

St. Louis

Write to us: We want to know what you’re thinking.

Send emails to info@consciousnessmagazine.com. Include your name, address, and telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and/or length. For Customer Service and Subscriptions visit us at www.consciousnessmagazine.com.

Consciousness Magazine 5

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder that affects one in 100 people in the world and 2.5 million people in the United States, many of whom remain undiagnosed, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

People with celiac disease have a sensitivity and immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. If an individual with celiac disease ingests gluten, their body mounts an immune response that attacks their small intestine. In this assault, antibodies can destroy the villi in the small intestine. Villi are the small finger-like structures that help promote nutrient absorption from food. Those with celiac disease who ingest even a small amount of gluten—breadcrumbs from a cutting board for example—are at risk for small intestine damage.

What’s startling about celiac disease is that if left untreated it can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders like Multiple Sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes, or diseases like intestinal cancer, epilepsy, and other debilitating health problems. The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten free diet, and the initial way to diagnose celiac disease is to be tested through a simple blood test.

Additionally, many people may have sensitivity to gluten but do not have celiac disease. People with NonCeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) may have the same symptoms as those with celiac disease, such as bloating, fatigue, depression, etc., but without the damage that is done to the small intestine.

Consciousness Magazine had the opportunity to speak with Tocarra Eldridge, the Executive Director of the progressive nonprofit organization Still I Rise. This organization has been very instrument in the community by making a positive difference for the citizens and giving a voice for youth and young adults. Here is what Tocarra Eldridge had to share with the readers about this wonderful initiative.

CM: You are the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Still I Rise. Would you like to tell us a little about this initiative?

Tocarra Eldridge: Absolutely. Still I Rise is a dynamic and innovative leadership development non-profit organization that empowers youth and young adults to create a positive and healthy change in society. Still I Rise provides youth and young adults with stimulating

programs, events, seminars and engagements, educating them in areas including health, arts, ethics, life skills and entrepreneurship.

CM: What does your background consist of?

Tocarra: I hold a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Roosevelt University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice where I attended Governor’s State University. I worked for the Department of Treasury at the Internal Revenue Service for several years and also in the educational field.

CM: What inspired you to want to pursue this organization?

Tocarra: What inspired me was having a strong enthusiasm regarding giving back to the community. I always had a passion for working with the youth. I worked in the educational

Consciousness Magazine 6

CM: You recently coordinated Still I Rise: Youth Entrepreneur and Leadership Workshop. Would you like to elaborate on that?

Tocarra: This was an exciting event that was held at the Kankakee Public Library’s Auditorium, which allowed the youth to obtain positive messages from significant individuals such as SamIam the MC, the comedian Big Keef and a whole host of great speakers and performers. The ultimate purpose of this event was to provide a fun, practical, informative, and positive workshop for youth, while encouraging them to make their goals and dreams a priority. There were give-aways, prizes and a free lunch served from Olive Garden and Dales Pizza. The youth had a platform to share their voice and walk away with a ton of valuable information.

We had a great time!

CM: Besides this program, what are some other Programs that the organization offers?

Tocarra: We offer a Just Write Resume Program that provides youth and young adults with resume writing tools and techniques to brand and position themselves to be selected for premier jobs. We offer an Art and Culture Program that provides youth and young adults with opportunities to learn, refine their artistic abilities, utilize holistic approaches, and explore the impact artists have on society while participating in seminars and class sessions. We offer a Health and Wellness Program that educates youth and young adults about health and wellness and the impact individual health has on the overall community. Under this Program, we coordinated our 1st Annual Healthy for the Holidays seminar last December where we partnered with Walgreens and the local hospital facility Riverside Medical Center. We fed over 100 people.

We had a wonderful turnout.

CM: Still I Rise also organized a Stop the Vi o l e n c e E v e n t , a n e v e n t t h a t counteracted violence in the community.

You brought out significant individuals and celebrities who helped support the cause.

Tocarra: The Stop the Violence Event provided a fun, entertaining and positive experience for area teens, while encouraging them to continue putting their education first. The event promoted messages of peace and nonviolence, informed teens about how violence affects our environment, promoted better decision making skills and also showed teens alternative options as opposed to resorting to violence.

CM: How can people found out more about Still I Rise?

Tocarra: Visit http://www.still-irise.org to learn more about our programs and latest happenings. Also email us at info@ Still-iRise.org or contact us at (815) 414-9614.

CM: Does the organization accept donations?

Tocarra: Yes. We are Tax-Exempt. We accept Gifts of Cash and Gifts of Stock.

An individual, group, organization or company can make an online donation to Still I Rise at http://www.still-irise. org/donate.html or by writing a check or money order to Still I Rise office: Still I Rise - 475 East Court Street, Suite 2113 - Kankakee, IL 60901. Also please feel free to email us at info@Still-iRise.org or via telephone at (815) 414-9614.

CM: Would you like to add anything in closing?

Tocarra: We would like to thank all of our supporters, sponsors, donors, volunteers and board of directors, and all of those who have contributed to making Still I Rise a success. And thank you for this great interview.

For more information about Still I Rise please visit: http://www.Still-iRise.org Consciousness Magazine 7

Photos by Laura Lind Photography

school system for several years and feel as though I have a responsibility to make a difference in younger people’s lives.

A Touch of Truth Written by Darnell Jordan

Darnell Jordan - Columnist

2016

was a hard year for me to enter.

I started the year questioning every aspect of my life including career, family, love, health, and death. I powered through my daily obligations, but I felt as if I was walking under a cloud.

Two major things caused those feelings.

First was the death of my beloved greatuncle Win. He died in Oct 2015 at the age of 90 after a battle with Alzheimers.

He was a grand-father figure in my life, and helped my family through a lot of challenges. I learned a lot of what it means to be a man from what he taught me. He overcame a lot in his life, and his work ethic is forever unmatched. In my opinion, men like him simply aren’t made anymore.

The second was the death of Chicago legend, Timothy Jones, better known as DJ Timbuck2. He died in December of 2015 from renal cancer at the age of 34.

I’ve admired his work for many years.

He practically ran the Chicago nightclub scene, DJ’d internationally for some of the music industry’s top artists, and graced the airwaves of Chicago’s WGCI for over 10years. His mixes literally embody the musical experience of my 20s. The love he had for his craft, creative people, and life in general

inspired me throughout my own aspirations in the industry. It still does.

When Tim died, tributes and kind words from his family and friends began to roll in throughout the country. This was bittersweet for me. It was great to know that he was not only a talented DJ, but an even more amazing person. However, it troubled me because I couldn’t understand why someone who spread so much positivity was taken away at such a young age. Where was the fairness in this?

My uncle was a strong independent man, with a deep booming voice! To witness illness diminish him to a mere shadow of his former self seemed unjust. One major thing my family and I were able to find peace in was the fact that he was blessed to have lived such a long life.

What about Tim and all the others whose lives were cut short though? Why weren’t they granted the chance to experience so many of the joys in life that we often take for granted, such as marriage and parenthood? What is the criterion for who gets to experience these things or not?

This haunted me to the point that I began noticing the ages of everyone I came in contact with. One person would be 34yrs old and healthy. Another would be 45yrs old and unhealthy, and another would be 58yrs old and healthy. It made absolutely no sense to me. Also, I guess the biggest question for me was where would I end up fitting in this unbalanced lineup?

Along with that, came the accompanying q u e s t i o n s a b o u t c a r e e r, l o v e and family. Am I on the career path that is meant for me to be on? Is true love in the cards for me? Has the dynamics of the black family gone to shambles? If so, is it repairable? These were all areas of life that I took pride in, and now I had no confidence in any of them. I kept thinking “What does this mean?!?” Many say that everyone reaches a time in their lives Consciousness Magazine 8

where they question everything. Perhaps this was my time.

I’ve been told that there is always a lesson to be learned during difficult times. So, I began to pray and meditate.

I’m not going to say that I received a magic crystal ball reading that answered all of my questions. What I got was even better though. I realized that no one has all the answers in life. This life is a marathon of questions that only stops when we no longer have breath in our body. Its up to us on how many of the answers to those questions we find. They can only be found by trusting our instincts, staying in a place of gratitude, and being present.

I found myself searching numerous places for my answers, but I learned that many of those answers are already in my possession. I just have to open my mind enough to acknowledge them. They may not be the answers I’m hoping for, but they will be the truth. Living in truth is freedom.

Truth is, sometimes, bad things happen to good people, and our future will be foggy at times. There is no rhyme or reason for it that is known. Despite the uncertainty we may face, peace can still exist in our lives.

Everyday I’m on a quest for knowledge and understanding. I strive to take care of myself physically, apply my best qualities to my day and throw the bad ones aside.

If I come out of each week or month with an answer to one of life’s many questions, I consider that a win.

I still don’t know the complete reason on why these experiences effected me so deeply. I feel my journey in figuring that out has just begun. I’m confident that I will someday entirely understand what those feelings mean, and how they apply to my life.

Until then, I’m simply going to LIVE!!!

Business Profile

Felicia Douglas, CEO of The Legacy Group: Tips for Building, Enhancing and Preserving Wealth Felicia Douglas is the CEO of The Legacy Group, a full-service financial institution that focuses on serving the community by offering expertise when it comes to Estate, Retirement, Financial Planning, Medicare/Medicaid Benefits, all lines of insurance, and 401K/IRA Rollovers. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, the registered Financial Consultant and Insurance Professional have gained clients throughout the Southeast region.

Douglas has also been involved in many community outreach programs, having the opportunity to empower individuals about regarding their finances. Here is what she shared with the readers in regards to savings, retirement and much more.

Inspiration to Starting The Legacy Group I have been with the law firm for over ten years. And I saw a lot of people coming in where proper planning was not in place and it ended up costing them, their family and loved ones a lot of money. That inspired me to [want to] help people process information. I wanted to be on point and able to encourage individuals to make sure that they have their affairs in order and to do proper planning where they’re building and enhancing, as well as preserving their wealth. That’s how the legacy group was built. That’s how we are where we are today.

Secret to Surviving in a Fluctuating Economy The economical environment that we were in for a number of years has been really a high service time for The Legacy Group. One of our motives is to secure investment planning.

Once a person goes into the strict aspect of retirement, we position these individuals to secure retirement accounts so they can sleep at night. No matter what the market does, their funds are secured. They can protect their funds and watch them grow at the same time.

Advice for Budgeting and Planning for the Holidays Use cash oppose to credit cards…shop alone. We have a tendency to shop with others sometimes, that may cause us to spend a little bit more than we really can afford. A lot of times we get caught up in tradition.

What People Overlook While Securing Future Personal and Family Finances [People tend to overlook] consistency. Realize this is a process, and not everything happens overnight. A lot of times we get frustrated in not seeing the results from the goals that we may have set. Of course, the first thing we need to do is make realistic goals. We can start with small goals and once you reach that goal then you can increase your goals. I wouldn’t set something high that will be difficult to reach.

How Struggling Business Owners and Individuals Begin to Plan for Retirement I would encourage people to set up a retirement outside of their employer and continue to fund it monthly. They would need to set up a financial goal or retirement goal of what they would like to receive. It doesn’t depend on their age. I would encourage you to set up individuals retirement accounts because it could triple compound over the years and you will have a really nice nest egg outside of your retirement, especially the days we are in. People don’t stay on the job 30 years like years ago.

Closing Message Set your own financial goals. Just remember, building, enhancing and preserving your wealth. And it doesn’t matter what age you are, whether you are a retiree or senior, it is never too late to start taking those steps. www.thelegacygroupsolution.com

Written by Aaron Robinson - Editor

Words-of-Encouragement

Inspirational Quote

by Tavis Smiley

“Young people need to know they are loved. They need to know that they matter. No one just wants to live a life of just being born or to be treated as an afterthought or some sort of calculation. Last thing they need is for somebody to put some expectations on them.”

(Excerpt taken from a prior interview with Consciousness Magazine.)

ADVERTISE TODAY!!!

Call 312-715-7884 or visit www.consciousnessmagazine.com Consciousness Magazine 9

Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor

R

ecently, Grammy Award-winning music producer, recording artist and actor David Banner hosted season four of “ABFF Independent” that premiered on ASPiRE TV. He shares with the readers and fans insight regarding his latest and upcoming projects, along with his community initiatives. I can say that it was an honor to speak with such an individual who takes accountability and responsibility for his role in society as he continues to grow and allows God to guide his vision and dreams.

Aaron Robinson: Hey David, how are you doing today sir?

David Banner: I am amazing!

Aaron: That’s good! I just want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with us.

David Banner: No problem! Thank you guys for having me!

Aaron: Congratulations on everything that you’re doing.

You’re doing some bigger things. You already did the big thing; you’re doing more bigger things!!!

David Banner: Its great man, it feels good too my spirit brother

- doing right and then getting paid, that’s love! (Laugh) Aaron: There are many films that never make it to the big screen that highlight Black people in a positive light. What do think those challenges are that Black directors, executive producers and so forth face when it comes to the film industry that the masses may not want to be portrayed or get their artwork out to the public, or even get their foot in the door?

David Banner: Well, I’ll tell you something as an actor.

It’s one of the reasons why I stepped away from music for a while. It’s also one of the reasons why I stepped back from acting for a minute too, to making my own films becoming an independent film director and producer. It’s funny because people complain about the state of Black people, but they’re constantly investing in those images, continuing sending our children and people down those roads. Out of the 15 movies that I’ve done, about 10 of them I’m just getting out of jail, I sale crack, or my name is Boozy G or L Dog. Is that all that they think about Black people? And then we even look at our own movies in a lot

Consciousness Magazine 10

of cases, not the ones that we have on ASPiRE - when we do have the freedom to make movies or make videos, we put ourselves back in the same position. Just to be honest, the system is paved for Black people to be viewed in that light. As a working actor, everything that you go out for is something that is derogatory to Black people. Then when you do make those types of films that uplift Black people and it’s not a slave film or drug film, then it’s even hard for us to not only get in position, and not that we’re not going to be able to get them in the movie theaters, but it’s also hard to get our people to watch and support the film.

Aaron: Being a successful recording artist, producer and actor, what was your interest in wanting to go into filming and acting?

David Banner: It’s something that I always wanted to do.

Then when God gave me the opportunity to be and do whatever I think [I can be], I said I was not going to limit myself to just one thing. I can actually say man, all the stuff that I ever said I wanted to do I did. I said I wanted a Grammy; the project that I worked on won Grammys. Then I said I wanted to be a record producer; I was able to do that. I said I wanted to make my own independent film; I did that. I wanted to help change the way that people thought about Mississippi; hopefully, I’ve done that. Once God showed me that I can do whatever I wanted, acting was always an interest to me. Then acting for awhile was a way for me to get away from the music.

Aaron: You are releasing a new album in the near future titled “The God Box.” What was your inspiration behind putting together this album?

David Banner: I haven’t put “The God Box” out yet. It will be out probably in about two months. “The God Box” is where I sort of am now. You know, I kind of had to take a break away from music for a while to really build myself up, get my character up, and really figure out who I was.

Then I had to figure out how I can bring it through ideology to the general public. I don’t care what you are rapping about whether its gospel music, whether its revolution, or whether it’s the club. Whatever it may end up being, it still has to sound good. So I took some time out and figured that out and I think people are going to be able to see that in “The God Box”. If they want to check out my new single, it’s called “My Uzi” featuring Big Krit.

Aaron: You also give back to your community in Mississippi by supporting youth in recreation programs and also provide relief and recovery for low income people with your foundation Heal the Hood, Inc. How did this initiative transpire?

David Banner: My dad has always taught me to give back to the community - give back to your surroundings. That’s

just how we were raised. My father was a fireman. I’ve always been that type of person. I’ve always interacted with the community man. Heal the Hood, Inc., and The Banner Foundation has always been a part of me. How it started was, I use to do shows; I use to get between $15,000 and $30,000 a show at the time. I would just take whatever money that I got around Christmas time and would literally take that money/cash, and go give it out to the neighborhood.

I would knock door-to-door in the worst neighborhoods and people would come to the door and I would hand them $100 dollars and they would be like, “Aw David Banner! Then I would go to the next house. It really grew from that and it grew into something so large. Once Katrina hit we just took it to another level. When it was a need for another level, we as men and women pushed it to the next level and just got out there and started helping our people.

Aaron: That’s a beautiful thing! I appreciate everything you’re doing for the people.

David Banner: Thanks!

Aaron: Over the course of your life, you overcame many challenges such as being homeless. However, you overcame and made a name for yourself. Do you have any words of encouragement for those individuals who are going through trying times and would like to be successful someday?

David Banner: One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about pain and hard times, people connect pain and hard times to the devil or evil. I don’t believe that to be totally true. I’m not saying that bad things don’t happen; I’m not saying any of that. In most cases, when pain or hardship happens, that’s God toughening you up, showing you what you’re doing wrong. When stuff gets hard, we usually blame everybody but ourselves. When you go to the doctor and you have a pain in your arm, that’s God showing the doctor where he needs to work on it - your body showing the doctor where he needs to work on, right? It’s the same way with pain and hardship. When something is going on, it’s usually something that you need to fix. So stop running from pain and hard times and stop getting high and drunk when it comes to pain and hard times. Just deal with them head on; then you will get stronger. Once you deal with that, you won’t have to deal with that anymore. The world will have to bring something else. Learn from your mistakes. Instead of getting down and depressed study what’s going on.

Study why that is happening and then don’t do that again.

Join David Banner on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Davidbanner and on Instagram @davidbannerlikespictures.

Consciousness Magazine 11

Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor

O

ver the course of Lamman Rucker’s career he has created a substantial amount of opportunities for himself in regards to achieving his goals to become a household name, starring in some of the most memorable and well-known films in our time. Many may know Rucker for his roles in films such as “Why Did I Get Married?”, “Why Did I Get Married Too,” and the television series Meet The Browns, just to name a few. Women love him for his charm and looks, whereas men, young or old respect him as a role model as he leads by example. Meeting Rucker, one will know beforehand that he is a man of integrity and class, filled with a colossal of intelligence.

Lamman Rucker on…

Keeping a Relationship Healthy One of the things I always kind of modeled in all of the films that I’ve done is to try to be a man who is not afraid to be flawed and at the same time who is not afraid to change and not afraid to be better. It’s a thin line between accepting yourself just as you are and at the same time trying to say it to yourself ‘you know what, I need to be better, there’s some things about me that I need to change’ and then be willing to put in work and make some sacrifices and some difficult decisions that you may have to make in order to change.

Leadership and Setting Examples That’s what I try to show [in the movie], if we can start one place but end in another. We should see some kind of part from him [Hill] that other men can model after. It takes support of letting go, it takes you being honest about your feelings, it takes you letting go of certain degrees of control, and it takes you not controlling and manipulating, and so forth, not trying to be harmful and hurtful to others.

There’s a lot of really little nasty, dirty, spiteful and mean things

that people do. Ironically, sometimes they are the meanest and the most spiteful to the people, that they supposedly at one point or another, they loved or were in love with or really cared about. I try to make sure that I send a message and set examples as to how we can behave as better people, regardless of the circumstances or the setbacks or whatever pain or hurt that we’ve been through.

Entrepreneurship and Community Endeavors Partaken Entrepreneurship is the path to a type of financial stability. I still have my own natural bath and body care line called Forplia by Lamman Rucker. I would also like to encourage everybody to stay with me and be aware of the brand. You can follow @ Forplia on all social media corners across the board. My profit motivation to it is when we’re doing a lot more of my educational service programming, also some of the independent, financial advisory if you will, it’s called The Black Gents. We’re really focused on the positive black male image - service to the community to be an outreach to advance people. Entertainment, education and empowerment are our primary vehicles.

Closing Remarks of Empowerment I would like to definitely encourage everybody to see Black Coffee. So many other things, art and films, is what we are trying to set the example for ourselves, which is to encourage the people to follow their dream and to start their own businesses and to build these businesses with one another; small owned businesses - minority owned businesses - run our own businesses. These are things that are very important worthy to that individual, that we are pursuing our dreams, and measuring our God given gifts. But it’s also hard-times.

[Moreover], it’s the form of a primary model for financial wealth and financial independents.

Consciousness Magazine 12

HEALTH Solutions

Eric and Maleka Beal of BetterChoices “Making one better choice at a time”

W

hen Eric and Maleka Beal packed up a couple computers and their two loving children to leave New Orleans for a hurricane evacuation they never realized that their life would change forever. While staying at a Houston hotel in Texas for a couple of days, they both would later watch the news, becoming surprisingly informed that they couldn’t come home due to their home and town being flooded by 8 feet of water. Unfortunately, they lost everything due to Hurricane Katrina.

After 15 years of marriage and surviving Hurricane Katrina the couple has since started a healthy lifestyle company, BetterChoices, which is dedicated to teaching, motivating, & empowering people to change their lives by making one better choice at a time. “Actually to break it down in our own personal lives, it started in 2006 when I went to the doctor’s office. She checked my temperature; it was alright. My blood pressure was a little elevated. When it came time for me to get on the scale it was a problem. That blew my mind. So at that point I decided to make a change to live longer,” explains Eric.

“The beautiful thing about BetterChoices is really when we tell our clients or when we’re working in the community that BetterChoices expands way beyond health. The goal in life is obvious; it’s to make one better choice at a time. We let our circumstances and all of these things come into our life and allow them to think they’re interfering with our decision ability. Truth is they don’t.,” explains Maleka.

BetterChoices has 3 core principles and guiding philosophies: Tell the truth, know the options, and it’s a lifestyle. Eric and Maleka share some pointers of how an individual may overcome the notion

of fear in order to get over a task or obstacles. “We tell everybody it took will power. As long as we’re avoiding nutrition’s, we’re going to have the outcome we have. We got caught up on a few things: Taste, food and how much it cost,” explains Eric. “People think willpower is like a magic pill. It’s a constant choice. What are you afraid of? Ask the question am I ready to change? Until people make up their mind in what they want to do, they are not going to do it,” says Maleka.”

Eric and Maleka have also released a cook book called Let’s Cook!

BetterChoices Healthy Lifestyle Cookbook where they share 50 of their favorite recipes, including their New Orleans’ favorites such as red beans & rice, sweet potato pie and baked macaroni. They look forward to developing and pursuing more healthy events this summer.

As successful business owners, they share valuable information with individuals looking to make their businesses successful. “It was for us to create a social media platform to make sure we can educate people and motivate people to make great choices, and it’s been amazing to see the amount of people we have been able to help and indirectly through our social media platform,” happily says Maleka.

“Whatever you are deciding to do…is it going to be long term? You are embarking on a lifestyle. We were on a quest to change our life and our health, not only as a couple but as parents.” “The decisions are in you! Follow your dreams and dream and don’t give up no matter how hard it gets. Believe in yourself. Teach other people how to believe in you,” encouragingly states Eric.

After losing everything to Hurricane Katrina, Eric and Maleka are not only winners but champions in their own rights. Although it was July of 2007 before they could move back home; nonetheless, they continue to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

before photos Consciousness Magazine 13

www.BetterChoices.co.

Read Full interview at www.consciousnessmagazine.com

K

evin Navayne, a native of Spanish Town, Jamaica, will play the role of the civil rights leader Marcus Garvey in the new film Marcus Garvey. The upcoming film will focus on the rise and fall of Garvey.

to start, and what he actually did start is exciting within itself. It’s something that I am not sure I will be able to experience again in my career. I’m extremely proud to play this character.

Navayne began his career in the fashion world where he modeled for La Coste, Sean John, Roc a Wear, Avirex and Nautica, just to name a few. He eventually made a transition into acting, appearing in some of the biggest television shows such as Law & Order SVU, One Life to Live, CSI: NY, Cult and Transport, in conjunction, has landed leading roles in several upcoming films.

I had the opportunity to interview Kevin Navayne, a man filled with humor, intelligence and personality, who is also an entrepreneur and a motivational speaker. Here is what this unforgettable rising star has to share with the readers:

Aaron: Did you learn anything new, exciting or interesting that you may have not already known about Garvey?

Kevin: That he and his sister were the only survivors…I didn’t realize that he had a lot of siblings, but none of them really made it. During research, what really intrigued me was that he actually had a relationship, in terms of a partnership with the head of the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) back in the early 1918’s and early 20’s. He spoke at 10 KKK retreats. At the end of the day they both had the same idea in terms of African Americans returning back to Africa.

I think that’s where they both found common ground – learning that aspect was extremely interesting.

Aaron Robinson: You are playing the role of the legendary civil rights leader Marcus Garvey in the film Marcus Garvey. What was that experience like for you?

Kevin Navayne: First of all, I’m Jamaican, having the opportunity to play a Jamaican civil rights hero – that in itself was amazing! Being able to just experience and really try to relive what he went through and what he tried

Aaron: So we know just as Marcus Garvey, you are a native of Jamaica. Outside of filming, were there any moments where you had any life transformations or influences in regards to being self-empowered, enlightened or motivated by his character?

Kevin: I think going back home to Jamaica and realizing how much this film means to me, the people of my homeland,

Consciousness Magazine 14

the people of Jamaica, in addition to the people of London and Africa. I never thought Marcus Garvey was as powerful and as big as he was. [Me] born Jamaican, I grew up in the states, and it’s more you hear about Martin Luther King and a lot of other African American civil rights heroes, but you didn’t hear too much about Marcus Garvey. So, going back and doing the research and finding out that Garvey is seemingly not as big as Martin Luther King in the states, but he really is because Marcus Garvey made a name for himself in the states. I think that was definitely the most enlightening thing. I didn’t realize how powerful and how much he meant to so many people.

Aaron: The film is in pre-production. How is it coming along?

Kevin: We’re just getting everyone together right now, just talking and sharing stories with the families, sharing stories about Marcus Garvey and what he meant to people, African Americans specifically. I think everyone is on the same page; we want to make sure that the film portrays Marcus, not only in a positive way, but also tell the truth about Marcus Garvey and what he stood for, what he really believed in, how he was really trying to empower the African American people. I think that is probably the most outstanding thing that I’m able to take away from the set thus far.

Aaron: You are also a professional model. When did you realize that acting was something that you wanted to pursue?

Kevin: Actually, when I got big headed modeling. (Laugh) You couldn’t tell me anything. So, I really stopped the modeling world and set up auditions with acting. If I had a commercial, I would show up maybe an hour or two late.

I kinda had a big head. My booking agency finally kinda realized… “You know what; maybe you should transition into acting, because you’re starting not to book as many jobs.” So, that’s the truth. I realized that timing is extremely important, and that I should pay attention to other people’s time, not just my time.

Aaron: Over the course of your career you directed and produced several films. What do you feel is the most challenging or rewarding, acting or directing/producing?

Kevin: Directing and producing is the most challenging, and also the most rewarding. When you’re an actor, it’s hard work. You have to know your lines and you have to portray the character. When you’re directing, you have to pay attention to everything - producing as well. I think that is challenging because you want to make sure everything is right, not just making sure the actors know their lines, but you have to also make sure the lighting is correct, the set is correct, everyone and everything in the background is perfect so that the scene can be perfect. The challenge

is ensuring that everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing at the exact time that you need it to be done.

At the same time it’s also one of the most rewarding. I credit actors, but directors and producers definitely have their hands full.

“

Pursue your craft in getting better at it, and you will eventually get there.

”

Aaron: Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to talk about?

Kevin: I have two other films that I’m really proud of. One is called The Onyx of Wall Street. It’s a real interesting story. It’s a coming of age story about this young African American guy out of Harlem and he makes it on Wall Street. We start filming that in a few months. The other film is called American Warlord. This is based on a true story. It’s about the son of Charles Taylor - he and his father were war criminals in Africa. They would kill people, take diamonds and everybody’s money; they end up becoming rebels.

Aaron: As a successful model, actor, director, producer, and speaker, what’s next for Kevin Navayne?

Kevin: To keep on doing what I’m doing. I think the next big move for me is that I want to start my own production company and develop films under that umbrella. In the meantime, I just want to continue to be a working actor and a working director/producer.

Aaron: What advice or words-of-encouragement would you share with aspiring actors and actresses who are looking to be successful in the film industry?

Kevin: Don’t give up. There is going to be a lot of adversity.

It’s going to be hard work. It’s going to be times when you audition for 30 things and don’t get one of them, but never give up. There is the case of that person who is going to audition for that very first time and gets the role of a lifetime. Keep on doing what you are doing. Pursue your craft in getting better at it, and you will eventually get there.

Aaron: Would you like to add anything in closing?

Kevin: Thank you for your time. I really appreciate it.

Aaron: Likewise. Thank you!

Follow Kevin Navayne at https://twitter.com/navayne Interviewed and written by Aaron Robinson - Editor

Consciousness Magazine 15

O

n the morning of our interview, the incomparable Dr. Maya Angelou is busily working prior to our interview. She discusses her various leading African-American art sculptures, knock-out roses, and azaleas that people stop to photograph.

Shanessa Fenner: I am enjoying your book, Mom & Me & Mom, and I laughed at the part when you and Babe had sex and you asked him, “Is this all that it is?”

Maya Angelou: I had been raped when I was 7 years old. My hope was all these things that I had seen happen in the movies where people sigh and melt was going to happen. That was what it really was about. Well nothing happened. It was painful a little but it didn’t thrill. He was a jerk. He was 20 and I was 16. He did not know how to do any foreplay or encourage his mate to enjoy herself. What he wanted was relief not joy. I had to grow older to understand that.

“

SF: You discussed in the book about wanting an “even balance.” Talk a little more about obtaining an “even balance” in life.

MA: I think that’s what we all want. We want food, drink, sleep, and entertainment.

We want to feel secure wherever we are in our jobs. We want tenure whether we are working as ditch diggers or presidents of a company. We want security as to not only do I work here I am respected and appreciated here. The fundamental desire for balance is the spiritual desire for God. Once that one gets the understanding that there is no place that God is not.

Do the good things, listen to people and someone who needs you, when you make a mistake forgive yourself first then ask God for forgiveness.

”

SF: At what point in your life did you find an “even balance?”

MA: I continue to find it. It is a work in progress. It is an honorable search. I have not been wasting time. I have been finding and searching all along for some more. I have not failed.

SF: You discussed “daring to risk everything” in the book. What advice would you give others on risking it all?

MA: I advise them to risk everything since they are doing it anyway. This may be your last day on Earth and you are risking it by not trying to be happy, not trying to be kind, and not trying to be generous or forgiving. You risk everything so why Consciousness Magazine 16

not risk the good things consciously?

SF: Your grandmother raised you and what is the most valuable lesson learned from her and your mother?

MA: There are many but one is when you get, give, when you learn, teach, and that will take you all over the world. My mother said, “Remember you’ve already been raised, you know the difference between right and wrong, and remember this you can always come home.”

SF: My favorite poem that you have written is “Reverses.”

Tell me about it.

MA: It is exactly that. The tragedy in Oklahoma is one that teaches. You can see the people coming from nearby states, towns, and countries to see if they can be of assistance. Not one person has gone into one of these buildings and said, “Is this a Black child, an Asian person, Spanish, or white man?” They go in there because it is a human being. Why do we have to have a tragedy happen before we realize we are human beings?

“

SF: What is your favorite Bible verse that gives you strength?

MA: It depends on what time of day and what I need.

There is no place that God is not. I love the Psalms 23.

SF: What kind of advice would you give a person who is trying to find their niche in life?

MA: Do the good things, listen to people and someone who needs you, when you make a mistake forgive yourself first then ask God for forgiveness. If you have injured anyone’s feelings go to him or her immediately and sincerely say, “I am sorry.” There’s nothing more powerful that you can say besides I love you. You are offered everyday opportunities to do the good things.

SF: What book are you currently reading?

MA: I am reading Harry Sokal’s “The Seed of the Soul.”

I just put down “Proof of Heaven.”

SF: Who are your favorite authors?

MA: It depends on what time of day. I love James Baldwin. I enjoy Nikki Giovanni’s poetry. I also love Susan Sanchez and Eugene Redmond.

SF: When did you first realize you had a love and passion for writing?

MA: I read everything in the black school in my little town. I loved the poetry and the gospel songs. I tried writing and found that I could.

SF: Do you plan on writing more books in the future?

MA: I hope so (laughs).

I am happy. Happy is my nature.

I choose to be happy.

”

SF: What makes you happy?

MA: I am happy. Happy is my nature. I choose to be happy. You can say the glass is half-filled or half empty.

I choose to see it as half-filled and I am grateful for that.

You have to make a decision about how you are going to live your life. There are people who are depressed and feel that they have nothing. Think about all the people in the world who can’t hear their lover’s murmur, the baby crying, or a siren going off. My philosophy is to make the choice that makes you happy.

SF: What is your greatest blessing?

MA: My son is my greatest blessing. I love him and was never in love with him. I did not want him to be just like me. I wanted him to be himself. He is a wonderful man.

He is one of the kindest and courageous human beings I know.

SF: Thank you Mama.

For more information about Dr. Maya Angelo and her new book Mom & Me & Mom visit http://www.mayaangelou.com - Interviewed and written by Dr. Shanessa Fenner -

Interviewed and written by Tocarra Eldridge Photo credit: Cedric H. Jones

As an ancestor of Frederick Douglass, Dr. Umar Johnson was called upon by the universe to make an astonishing change for all Black communities and for every existing African across the world. Dr. Umar Johnson is a Certified School Psychologist and doctor of Clinical psychology who holds numerous degrees in political science and education.

I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Umar Johnson, who is one of the most requested and highly sought after motivational and informational speaker in the world. Here is an extremely powerful and very informational message that he shared with the readers.

Tocarra Eldridge: What are your thoughts regarding Blacks who claim to have faith in God, but who are totally dependent on the government for monthly cash assistance? For example, if their faith in God is truly that high, why do they panic when there is talk about maybe their government or work checks being late or funds being cut? Is that a contradiction? Why don’t they just depend on their higher power to get them through minus the government assistance?

Dr. Umar Johnson: Here is the thing; slavery gave us a very unhealthy relationship to supreme consciousness. It gave us a very unhealthy perspective of God. The average black person, their concept of God is based on an external locust of control. In other words, if anything is going to change in our life, it must happen from outside…God has to make the change for me. But in African cosmology, it is internal locust of control. God exists but God exists within you as well, and to the extent that you want to solve an issue, God is working and solving that issue because you are one of the many manifestations of supreme consciousness. That is saying, if we are going to get out of slavery or from under white supremacists we are going to have to fight to do it. The slave masters knew that if he conditioned them to a God that had an external locust of

control, that doesn’t work through you but works for you, it would make us dependent on external events for our salvation. That is the problem with black people today.

Now, when we talk about blacks being dependent on the government subsidies, I like to only refer to that as a collective, because we do have single mothers out there who need that type of assistance because the black community does not have the economics and structure necessary to provide for all the needs of our people. If they need the assistance, I don’t have a problem with them getting the assistance.

But, I know what you’re meaning to say that [why believers don’t depend on their higher power rather than government] and I agree with you. How can you be so spiritual, how can you claim to be so in touch with the universe, how can you claim to be so in touch with your ancestors and so in tuned with almighty God, but at the same time this so called spiritual power that you claim you have in abundance is not manifesting in your life. It is a contradiction my sister.

Tocarra Eldridge: Many Blacks have become accustomed to depending on physicians and the pharmaceutical industry’s chemical drugs for healing and cures. Since we’ve become so conditioned to this, how do we change the mindset of these individuals, getting them to see and believe that there are other options… and that so-called incurable diseases like cancer and diabetes can be cured by naturopathy and the self healing process thru the use of natural therapies?

Dr. Umar Johnson: Couple things! Number one, demonstration. There is nothing that succeeds like success when black people see examples of alternative medicine or an example of anything alternative in the community that yields success; they’ll be more likely to experiment with it themselves. We have to recognize that our people

Consciousness Magazine 18

are bandwagon people because they no longer naturally feel honored to be an African. So, in order to get them energized about anything we want to get them to do - whether it’s health, education, community organization or fighting against police brutality - we have to show them, we have to build momentum before we can expect them to join in.

That’s not the way we want it to be; we want people to get in at the grassroots and help us build that momentum, but that’s not how our people are. They want to see success; you have to prove to them that it works before they’ll join. That’s why many are called, but a few are chosen.

We also have to recognize that you can’t change someone from without; all change is from within. We can try to influence and motivate, but at the end of the day they are going to have to want to change. Black people have been sold a sad song about who they are and we’re going to have to sell them a positive song about who they are. We’re going to have to market what the African is all over again for African people in order to change their perspective.

lot of influence. We have to use our leadership. Imagine if Beyonce went natural. Can you imagine the impact of that?

What if Oprah went natural? What if the sister from Scandal went natural? Now we know them sisters aren’t likely to do anything like that, but we do have conscious sisters in other segments of society who can really flex their influential muscle amongst black women.

For more information and to keep up with the latest happenings on Dr. Umar Johnson, please visit www.drumarjohnson.com, www.twitter.com/drumarjohnson, www.instagram.com/drumarjohnson & https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Dr-Umar-Ifatunde/238278969571713?fref=ts Donate to FD-MG Academy: PO BOX 6872 Philadelphia, PA 19132

For me, it goes beyond the aesthetic of the hair; it validates who the black woman is. It allows her to step out of the Eurocentric beauty paradigm and allows her to say I am beauty in itself. It is a way of going back to the origin where the black woman was once symbolized as the first symbol of the most high, God. For me, it is so important for us to change the mindset of young black girls by having them see black adults with natural hair. We have to look at the influence. Especially black women in leadership positions, they’re the main ones who we really need to go natural, because they have a

Consciousness Magazine 19

Photo credit: Cedric H. Jones

Tocarra Eldridge: A great deal of Black people who I encounter on a daily are not aware that GMO’s exist and do not even know what GMO’s are. In the meantime, Monsanto has made billions, while millions of people have suffered.

What are your thoughts on Genetically Modified foods and how do we educate Blacks regarding GMO’s and to also become more conscious of the foods we intake?

Dr. Umar Johnson: I don’t support GMO’s at all. In fact in my lecture in Kansas City last night I was talking about the GMO movement and how I believe many of the so called all natural food markets are also selling genetically modified foods but still call that organic. We have to realize that capitalism is trying to manipulate black people’s desire to eat better by simply stamping non nutritional foods as nutritional.

So we have to educate our people a whole lot better.

“I always tell kids, find something that you are passionate about. One thing I always tell them is to get your education; that’s the number one thing. The second thing is always believe in your dreams. The third thing is to find something that you are passionate about, no matter what it is. My passion just happens to be basketball. It doesn’t have to be sports. You can be anything; it can be a doctor, lawyer, singer, actress, or whatever you want to do. And put a lot of effort into it and you get results; you get positive results. And last but not least, I tell kids to have a positive attitude. I can come out there and do some of the best tricks that you seen in the world, but if my attitude is not good then you’re not like a Globetrotter. You have to be a people person, love kids and love to be around kids.”

In society there are those that use their gifts and talents to the fullest to reach their creative ethylene and unfortunately there are those who do not that eventfully fall by the wayside. While researching and viewing the visual artwork of Lurlynn Franklin I was amazed to find what I discovered, as her phenomenal artwork and poetry left me mesmerized.

Franklin is also a published poet and playwright who produces remarkable writing. She has a wonderful collection of her paintings and poetic essays in her recent book entitled Fabled Truths. “Combining visual art with poetry has never been a far

stretch for me. In my art, I am injecting words, carefully choosing the titles of my art pieces before I can even begin to paint, literally having to work through content before injecting it into my visual work,” says Franklin.

Franklin is one of the most talented and creative individual’s that I have ever met. At the age of 16, she received her first paying job to paint murals. Feeling disconnected from the world and unable to resist her creativity she decided to take her gift seriously and pursued it. “To me, being an artist was a self-centered, ego-driven trip, traveled by people who had the gall to think that their journey was interesting enough to share.

I never had the kind of swagger to pull that one off.”

Despite her many peculiarities as a creative person, in 2008, Franklin had an epiphany at an art exhibition.

“That event intersected my artistic gifts with my deep-seated desire to serve humanity in some utilitarian capacity. I remember thinking: “Now this is the thing.

This is who I am: an artist.””

Many artists have particular elements of their work associated with them internally while adding a blend of social messages. Franklin explains her painting. “ I have this painting entitled Po’ Baby Lost in the 60’s which is a part of a collection of poetry and story quilts entitled Colored Cartoons in Undeniable Blackness.

Imagery: a soul sister with overblown afro, lips and nose wearing a red mini dress, sits Madonna- like in

Consciousness Magazine 22

this lavender wingback chair holding up the peace sign, her baby boy in her arms, wearing an overblown fro holding up his own peace sign, lava lamp phallicly placed under the chair, a book shelf filled with radical lit and texts from the 60’s,” well-expresses Franklin as she highlights the description of her painting.

At Whitney Achievement Elementary School Franklin is a teacher. She also continues to display her amazing artwork at multiple galleries. The Memphis native received her Masters in Arts Education and MFA in Painting from Memphis College of Art. Once homeless, Franklin eventually defeated her adversities and continued to climb many levels in life and creativity.

“Anyone can learn and be taught how to draw or paint. Some students who I have taught and entered in art contest and who have won, did not come to me with the gift. What they did have to develop was the ability to see.” Franklin breaks down the dynamic aspects in regards to her students brining their artwork to life. “Seeing requires quieting the brain, silencing negative internal dialogue that has been hard wired by some critical person who has served some important role in their lives.

I can immediately identify those students who have been verbally beaten down, they are the first ones to say” I can’t draw” before I even get the chance to outline the process.

Bringing these children into consciousness has always been my primary goal as an arts educator.”

There are many challenges or obstacles in which artist face or endure on a regular basis. Franklin elaborates. “I take an inside out approach to obstacles. I assume, right off the bat that they (problems) are coming to me for a reason. Number One: Take care of your end of respect and you just might get some back in return. I know a string of artist when given a paid creative opportunity which started at 10 am, show up at 11 am with a raisin cinnamon swirl bagel, a latte and an excuse which silently interprets itself as “My bad, I’m an artist”. Number

Two: Don’t be so desperate that you bite into that hook called exposure.”

In terms of artist lacking hope, Franklin shares words of encouragement to those who are looking to be successful. “Take care of what is important to you. Reflect on as much as you can in a day. They (the answers/the problems/the realizations) are right in front of you, don’t let them (the dots) get as big as quarters before you see them. Preserve the option to shift gears in your process and content, and literally, mentally and figuratively keep people out of your studio who tell you to do otherwise.

Just as you turned away people from your studio who don’t want you to change your style, don’t get addicted and too eager for the praise of the new fans of your new attitude,” seriously says Franklin.

“I am really making a point that we are all prejudice in some manner or form. Being fully conscious of whether or not we reject or accept the stereotype (Fabled Truth) is a major move forward. But, the bottom line is that if we react to a stereotype, it is because we have a reference point to it. What remains after the automatic reaction, or the decision to react, is the often neglected, the difficult, but simple acceptance that these thoughts, processed and acted upon, or repealed and protested, lives, will always live, within the human psyche. We as humans with differences will always be connected by this consciousness of difference. As a result of looking at the many quantitative details of differences, the quality of the lines that separate us blur,” articulates Franklin as our conversation ends.

For more information about Lurlynn Franklin, please visit http://lurlynnfranklinart.blogspot.com or email her at franklinlurlynn@yahoo.com.

Lurlynn is presently looking for investors in her art, writing, and theater ventures.

Consciousness Magazine 23

To what extent do reconciliation policies in post colonial African nations differ from policies of systematic revenge?

By Shontierra Anderson

ended in 1994, a major problem still lingered. New South African government knew that those who committed crimes against the victims of apartheid were to be held accountable for their actions but, the question was: How? They felt as if punishment such as how Germany did Nazis who committed crimes against Jews was uncalled for. They decided to focus on the victims and this in turn is how they began reconciliation. This approach of the South African government is quite the opposite of that of Zimbabwe’s in a crisis much like is. Governing powers in this nation, particularly Robert Mugabe were “determined to hang on to power no matter what the consequences, lest it be held to account for the genocide in Matabeleland in the early 1980s and the wholesale looting of Zimbabwe that followed the mismanaged land reform in 2000”.

Investigation: Reconciliation

In an interview, Nelson Mandela said: “With the exception of the atrocities against the Jews during the Second World War, there is no evil that has been as condemned by the entire world as Apartheid.” - Source: Sunday Independent, December 6, 1998. Based on this quote by Nelson Mandela, there is nothing worse than Apartheid besides the crimes committed to the Jews during the Second World War. By the 1990s, apartheid had began to be repealed but, not until after a long hard fought battle between the African and Indian people of South Africa and their government.

Protests of the government among the people began in the masses by the 1980s. The government retaliated with brutality. The role that Nelson Mandela played heavily began in 1990 when F.W. de Klerk had him relieved of charges he was accused of in the Rivonia case. Efforts to transition from apartheid to democracy were impossible in the eyes of political analysts such as Frederick van Zyl Slabbert. In 1994, the first democracy was founded in South Africa and Nelson Mandela became the first black president.

“Many lives were lost during the process, and from the start of negotiations in mid 1990 to elections in April 1994, 14,000 died and 22,000 were injured”. Although apartheid

In terms of South African reconciliation in post colonial times, it was bringing together the government and the people through the forgiveness of these policies. There was a great deal of distrust between the old South African government and the people of South Africa due to apartheid.

Apartheid had to do with segregation and the government before 1990 was efficient in enforcing these laws. Those that disobeyed and did things such as protest were punished with brutality.

South Africa went about reconciliation when apartheid ended and democracy was founded in 1994. The new South African government created a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to establish an “emphasis on truth-telling, forgiveness, and reconciliation.” The TRC was considered to be one of the most restorative ways of dealing with the situation.

The TRC was all about telling the truth and being forgiven.

It was a pretty simple, just, and understanding way of tackling the situation at hand. As long as those guilty came forth and explained the horrors they had witnessed and took part in, they were to be pardoned of the crimes they committed. The pardon would be granted through the Amnesty Committee that provided amnesty and if not pardoned through the TRC, the wrongdoers could be prosecuted for the crimes committed during apartheid.

When it came to the reasoning of Nelson Mandela, it was apparent when he arose from jail in 1940 that him hitting

Consciousness Magazine 24

the political stage was highly anticipated. One could see he spent those 27 years plotting a kind of great vengeance that was positive. More importantly, he came out “espousing reconciliation, understanding and forgiveness”. Mandela emerged from prison with an open-mind that was peaceful and ambitious of his country. “Although he was an old man by the time he took power in his country, and delegated much of the work of governing to others, the trust he had gained among people in just about every camp was essential in South Africa’s transition from a racial dictatorship to a true democracy”.

Systematic Revenge

The term or phrase “systematic revenge” refers to a kind of corruption from within the government based on the motives of a leader that may essentially want to “get back” at their country holistically for wrongdoing done to them or their people by the government presiding before them. Now, ideally when one might bring up “systematic revenge”, at first sight it is unrecognizable by dictionary but, when synonyms are searched or you break down in your own head the possibilities of this phrase, the definition has several apparent meanings. A few explicit examples range from terrorism in Iraq by Saddam Hussein to leaders like Joseph Kony and Adolf Hitler using children to create vicious militia groups. Each leader had their own particular motives for these heinous acts they committed.

In the case of Hussein, he committed acts of terrorism because of a fight over the economy when it came to discussions of oil. Hussein ignited the “War on Terrorism” in 1980. “Saddam Hussein, ... was as murderous a tyrant as any yet witnessed by history; for more than two decades he ruled Iraq with a contempt for humanity that made him feared and hated in equal measure”. Hussein was a kind of leader that did what it took to get what he wanted even if that meant killing almost half a million people in the process.

The problem with Mugabe was not that he wasn’t fit to be a leader, but that perceptions of the kind of leader he was going to be were misconstrued quite well. In addition, the power he received made who he truly was as a leader apparent.

The NY Times stated 4 years ago during raids Mugabe issued, “in 23 years as president, Mr. Mugabe has gone from independence hero to tyrant”. His initial supporters such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu were appalled at the “new” behavior of him. “This popular conception of Mugabe -propagated by the liberals who championed him in the 1970s and 1980s -- is absolutely wrong. From the beginning of his political career, Mugabe was not just a Marxist but one who repeatedly made clear his intention to run Zimbabwe as an authoritarian, one-party state”. Every since before his presidency Mugabe made it clear his authoritarian views and his belief

that a multiparty system was essentially unnecessary and this explains why he got rid of it when he took power. Liberal illusions of African nationalism are so strong still today so that many still believe that Mugabe actually transformed from a nice leader to a tyrant.

Mugabe’s imprisonment can be deemed motive for the actions of systematic revenge Mugabe took out on the government presiding before him starting with the civil war he helped lead. He used vicious tactics of guerilla warfare and there was no mercy upon anyone. Acts such as … were prime indicators of the kind of leader Mugabe would one day become.

A Study of the Character of the Leaders

When it comes to assessing where these policies of reconciliation and systematic revenge stem from, one must first assess the people enforcing these policies. The differences between these policies as well as the leaders behind them are like night and day. Especially, the character of the leaders Mugabe and Mandela; there is a sheer difference much greater than the distance of their two nations.

Nelson Mandela was generally well-liked by all. That was, at least after he went to prison. Mandela was imprisoned for being said to be involved in sabotage and conspiracy in the Rivonia Trial. Mandela peacefully fought for what he believed in many times before then in protests he led.

Many believed he was falsely accused of the charges and no one believed he would even be found guilty with the other 10 suspects he was on trial with. The sentence was life and Mandela was willing to go to jail for it if somehow it meant a democracy would come about.

Both spent their fair share of time in prison and shared a common motive for their actions. Mandela left prison with peace on his mind. Mugabe left prison with destruction. He went and helped lead a civil war when he got out of prison.

The government set up in then Rhodesia, was very much like that of South Africa’s when Mandela went to jail. Mugabe sought out “justice” by any means necessary. That mentality cost many their lives and his behavior upon release from prison should’ve been more than enough insight into the kind of leader he would be one day. According to the Washington Post, Mandela “In his person and his policies, he set out to show those on the other side that they had little to fear. He sought unity rather than revenge, honesty and understanding rather than the naked exercise of power”. The character within these two leaders is what made the difference in their legacies.

Read full article at http://consciousnessmagazine.blogspot. com/2015/05/to-what-extent-do-reconciliation.html

Consciousness Magazine 25

Reviews

Hair Product: Mixed Chicks

For more than 10 years, Mixed Chicks has been a unique brand of products that are great for various textures of hair, including combination hair. The product line produces a vast range of multicultural products for wavy, coiled or frizz prone women around the world, all in which act as an umbrella for women of all different ethnicities. Designed completely from a perfect blend of nature’s finest ingredients, this matchless product line does not segregate hair types, ultimately making this line of products a must buy. Some of the natural ingredients in

Mixed Chicks products consist of jojoba and safflower oils that enter the inner structure of the hair, helping to prevent damage. Mixed Chicks products give hair a great amount of shine and moisture, removes frizz and defines curls perfectly, leaving the hair very soft and manageable. Be sure to try these magnificent products! From the delicious smell to the amazing quality, Mixed Chicks products are sure to become your favorite natural hair care products. For more information about this wonderful brand and to purchase your products please visit Mixed Chicks website at http://www. mixedchicks.net or visit your nearest hair care store.

Rating: Conscious: 5 out of 5 ratings

Health Product: Xlear Products Princeton Architectural Press’ Paper + Goods line has released its new journals and stationery products that are available in various colors and design. Some of the journals include titles such as I Am A Man, art by Glenn Ligon, which title is based on a historic phrase that was used as historic placards in 1968 by African American sanitation workers whoever striking, as it makes a statement to the modern world. It includes 144 pages. Other releases include Grids & Guides journal (“A notebook for visual thinkers”), I Paid the Light Bill Just to See Your Face, a set of notecards by artist

Stephen Powers who painted expressions of encouragement and devotion for loved ones near and far-flung, and What Did I Eat Today?, which is a food journal by Kate Bingaman-Burt created for lovers of all things edible. It is packed with charming illustrations that help individuals explore their passion for foods in surprising ways. Purchase your items today and enjoy those wonderful creations while they last. For more information please visit www.papress.com

Rating: Conscious: 5 out of 5 ratings

Parental Advisory: Views and opinions expressed in album, book or movie reviews within this publication reflect the opinion of their respective author and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher and editors.

Know Your Rights!

No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when

Article 11 (2) it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

Consciousness Magazine 26