The Cozy Zine Vol 1. Issue 2

DEAR SUMMER

EUSSI SIHT NI

THE COZY ZINE

JUNE 2021

CONTENTS

4

A SUMMER TO BE REMEMBERED

by Roman Peterson

7

POST-PANDEMIC FLIRTING

by K.S. Lewis

10

SELF CARE: FITNESS JOURNEY

by Anthony Germany

14

LOVE LANGUAGES WITH A TWIST

by Cassidy Stratton

17

TRAP MUSIC: GET IN TUNE

by Dalvonte Howard

18

FREEDOM ON MY PLATE: PLANNING AND ELEVATING A JUNETENTH DINNER PARTY

by Sean Palmer

Dear Summer is an ode to the summer that wasn’t.

The Summer that was taken away from us abruptly. The one we could not bask in due to the pandemic.

Dear Summer is also a grand welcoming to the summer that’s approaching. The summer that will see cookouts, rooftop parties and international travel. The Summer that will see us unapologetically be ourselves and go after what we want.

Dear Summer is the acknowledgment of the yearning for adventures and memories with those that we love. It's the commitment to seize the day, everyday not just for ourselves but for those we lost since the last summer.

Dear Summer is the promise to make the most of this reclaimed freedom so by the end of the season we are about to experience we feel joy and gratitude.

2020 was draining, even the beginning of 2021 has been draining. But now we get to recharge on those impeccable vibes. So here's to your amazing season on the horizon!

l e v o L n o s r - Eme

Scan this QR Code and vibe out to our latest curated playlist Cozy Vibes Vol 1. filled with tunes for the Summer '21 and your time reading the zine!

A SUMMER TO BE REMEMBERED We post pandemic?! I call shenanigans, especially because I read a Bcc email—Before Covid-19 Corona— of my graduation requirements and whew they aren't the same! Although I’m pretty chill so I wasn’t really worried about walking, to begin with (i am graduating though, no worries).

Now that the true dog days are on their way, every college kid I know is starting the summer off with 2 shots for fun, and every parent 3 shots for good measure (it was an intermittent school year for the kiddies). The air is clearing, and I even got to finish my latest album just in time. It’s got all those summer Kalimbas and 808s for today’s thug adolescent teeny bopper. Yessiree, it’s a time to celebrate coming out of the dark ages of Covid19 and luxuriating in a cultural renaissance full of sunshine, Thee Stallions, and stagnating public services. A reimagining of the ’20s! Postponed, yet here in earnest, despite the peoples’ chagrin towards promised jobs and posturing Bidens. A summer to be remembered, and as you think about all of the past events in recent times and new ones on the horizon, I’d like to entreat you with a list of several things to help get reacquainted with summer.

Parties - Especially the pink ones. It’s the first thing back on the board for our seasonal reunion, and while there were many crowds of partygoers who remained in denial about the circumstances of last year, something about the endless possibilities of a CDC-sanctioned soiree makes me wanna act up.

More Parties - For where two or three are gathered, 10 or twenty will gather still. Run it back every night for summertime lovin'—"let’s party again," should be the phrase on everyone's lips.

Personally, mines will taste like grapefruit.

Friendly Money - Quite the treat for those of us who are of more pressing concerns. I expect Forex expos, stock exchanges, trading markets, and quite frankly the “get a bag” communities to explode with the prospects of increased spending and travel. Consequently, the tickets will be purchased, the flight plans will be made, and the banks will be repossessing on a scale hitherto undreamt of (that's half a quote from one of the last movies I was able to see in theaters before the pandemic).

I’m fairly certain this summer the pocketbooks and wallets of the average denizen will see a dramatic change, though I cannot speak to the fruits it may bring. Whether it's time dedicated to arguing with your friends about who's got the cheese to contribute for parking downtown, or watching your fellow compatriots have fun in the sun from the window of your local Chick-Fil-A drive-thru, the near future will inevitably see the rise, or plummet, of a loved one’s checking account. It’s also a fact that Cash Trap saves lives, so sign up with my team, because it never pays to be a goon in America.

Flings and Things - The perfect time for a forbidden love. Midnight taboo, cat mouse games, and unrequited, who knows by whom. Dare to be scandalous or whatever that makeup commercial suggested, and be bold in the face of problematic entanglements. Because we out here—scantily clad and morally loose, dress code and protocol.

This year’s hot summer stance; we simply do’s the dance with no pants.

4

Remixes - Song mash-ups into club hands and short-fuse radio hits into earworms. Play that song that goes like how it does when you heard it before on the thing when we was at the spot, and turn it up. And the AC it’s hot. I’m about to get annoyed. Y’all heard that Chris Brown/T Pain remix though? Nope, it’s kittens and sprinklers at 7 in the morning. And we like it.

Proposals - True love. As pure and unadulterated as the scenic views we choose. Perhaps not on everyone’s summer to-do list, but certainly a hot summer topic. And who doesn’t love a summer wedding? The time is perfect to move into a brand new stage of life, and hand in the mask for a ring. Okay that didn’t make a lot of sense, but who cares about the analogy, you’re (we’re) getting married!

Spice - Among other things, I think this year's summer signifies the rebirth of spontaneity. We have to try new things now more than ever. Take that vacation. Get that haircut. Listen to that new album by RomanLP. The time is now to break into a new spice of life, and not just because this is probably the last time airplane tickets will ever be this cheap. When it comes to having fun, you’ll regret the things you did a lot less than the things you didn’t!

Keisha - Stay home, girl.

Beaches - The best is the last and another personal favorite. Ah yes, the beach is a hallmark of summer vacation. Distant relatives like the pool party and water park come close, but nothing quite encapsulates the spirit of summer like a day on the sand. And despite the visitations to our beloved recreational spaces experiencing a drastic and/or otherwise mandatory decline, founded on nothing but the love of sunshine and saltwater, I believe this summer people will be flocking to the beaches en masse. From umbrellas big and small to bikinis that show it all, dunes filled with adoring beachgoers will be the highlight of a summer returned to the people. Tokenized colloquialisms and floral print colorations will decorate the shores from coast to coast, making every entitled beach blast a hot body bonanza. So when you're getting a tan or surfing a wave, take it from me— one thing’s for sure, there will be plenty of sand you won’t have to bring.

There are perhaps a million different ways to get reinvigorated as the season itself comes back around but I’m glad you decided to receive your summertime reeducation from myself, and the purveyors of this fine magazine. Be there anything I wish you to take away from this article, it would be to simply enjoy your summer vacation. So have a drink, cook a meal, take a trip, and remember the most important thing: my albums on all platforms.

By: Roman Peterson

5

6

POST-PANDEMIC

BY K.S. LEWIS CERTIFIED RELATIONSHIP COACH Since the pandemic began, we’ve adjusted to wearing masks when in public, being at least six feet apart, forgoing hugs, and much more. As the summer approaches, more singles will likely be looking to hook up and flirt with whomever they want, having little to no barriers. Most people want to connect and have actual human touch after living with some form of isolation for more than a year.

Survival skills are often basic ideas and they have started working out, booking travel, planning events, and buying clothes other than sweats and leisure-wear. Singles are ready to show off, feel refreshed, and live their best life. As the world begins to open up and in-person contact seems more feasible, adapting to the new normal and figuring out how to flirt like a winner is key! Below are some thoughts on how to safely connect post-pandemic:

Mask Off: When out with a group, if you have taken off your mask to eat or drink and don’t want to draw too much attention but want to let someone know you’ve noticed them, go old school and wink! Non-verbals still work and will at least maintain a fun connection in the event either of you chooses to act upon it.

Who’s that?: There will be quite a few opportunities to see someone from across a bar or restaurant, as singles have been waiting for the opportunity to be out and have fun. Take a chance when you see someone of interest and offer a slight smile and wave—not a “hey you, come over here” wave, but a subtle acknowledgment that confirms you’ve taken notice. Boss up and have your server deliver a drink if you want to get their full attention.

Ask real questions: Aside from winks, name exchanges, and smiles, once you have someone’s attention and can be in decent proximity to each other to converse, be comfortable with asking questions that matter early on in the conversation. What someone has learned during the pandemic, how they have maintained their sanity and/or physique (this lets them know you noticed and are attracted!), and even whether or not they’ve been vaccinated opens up the floor for authentic conversation and the ability to build a connection.

Continue to leverage dating apps: If in-person meetings still give you pause, continue to leverage dating apps until your comfort level changes. Dating apps that allow genuine connections are a tremendous first point of contact when meeting someone new. Utilizing apps that focus on real-time communication allows for initial conversations to take place safely, and with a level of personal comfort until you choose to meet in person.

7

S U M M E R P A C K

As you embark on your summer of unforgettable moments, fill your bag of choice (crossbody bag, fanny pack, or backpack) with the following items to assure you have what you need to procure a good time regardless of the environment or circumstance.

Portable speakers exist and you should invest! I’d recommend either a Bose SoundLink Micro ($99) or JBL Clip 4 ($69.95), both have excellent sound quality and enable you to bring the music you love to all those around you. Whether you’re the life of the party or just passing the symbolic aux (both are Bluetooth cause hello 2021) you can set the tone or keep the party going with this in your pack. If you want to take it further, the first song for any occasion should be Tell Me Where to Go by Bungalow Collect. It won’t disappoint.

Sunglasses are a must! There are quite a few paths you can take depending on your preference. Some people are partial to Wayfarer while others like Aviators. As you select your eyewear of choice consider the standard-bearer Ray-Ban where you can get a quality pair of shades for $168.00. Warby Parker has excellent shades for any mood and they will run you around $95.00. If you want to grab a few pairs of shades as opposed to having one dedicated pair for the summer check out PacSun where you can grab a bunch for around $20.00.

Nevertheless, protect those eyes, they are the camcorders for this ELITE summer.

Playing Cards (Bicycle - $3.99) can save the day. When you want to get the function going or maybe you don’t want to head home just yet. Shoot maybe you’re waiting to see if that person you've been locking eyes with throughout the festivities is as bout it as you (patience is a virtue) - reach into your bag and grab your cards. Start Spades and run the table. Alternatively, you could grab Lyrically Correct ($24.99) because who doesn’t like music trivia about the 90's and 2000's Hip Hop and R&B? You can play it as individuals, teams, or make it a drinking game! We love versatility.

Cologne and Perfume are imperative! We are getting active this summer and that means we gotta keep some smell good on deck. For my fellas, I highly recommend getting Versace Eros ($85) or Acqua Di Gio Profondo ($70). Sometimes you gotta captivate her nose before you can have her heart. If you prefer essential oils to cologne, consider bergamot, sandalwood, jasmine, geranium, cedar, orange, lavender, rosemary, cypress, neroli. Not all at the same time! Ladies, when selecting your perfect summer scent, stick to perfumes that embody the essence of summer— fresh, fruit, and florals. Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach ($350) does just that. However, don’t think you have to blow a bag to smell nice.

Clean Reserve’s Rain ($98) or Good Chemistry’s Pink Palm Body Mist ($11.19) will do the trick.

Booze on the go! Hit your local liquor store and grab a few 50ml (airplane size bottles) of alcohol. For me, Casamigos is my go-to but go with yours. Keep a few in your fanny pack or cross body bag and trust the people will appreciate you when you decide to share. If you have space get a 200ml bottle of your drink of choice! This is all about spreading the wealth and keeping the function/vibes going no matter what.

Hand Sanitizer, we post-pandemic but we still have pandemic tendencies! My preference is Touchland Vanilla Cinnamon ($12.00), but Germ-X ($2.99) gets the job done just as effectively. Now the crucial part is this, grab you some Kiel’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve ($24.00). It will last you all summer and have your hands feeling fantastic instead of dry from all the hand washing and hand sanitizer because we still have pandemic tendencies.

9

SELF CARE: FITNESS EDITION

BY ANTHONY GERMANY My goal as a fitness trainer is to help individuals turn their dream bodies into reality. Achieving your ideal body can be difficult when you have no idea which exercises to do or what to eat. The difficulty exponentially increases when you have the burdens of life weighing on you and preventing you from being great. But fear not, I AM HERE! (Anime reference…IYKYK. lol). No seriously, I am here to provide an exercise routine and tips on nutrition to help with your fitness journey.

Before that, we must start with your mindset. Often individuals fail to achieve their goals due to their mindset. Below are three (3) tips to help put you in the right mindset.

YOU ARE NOT IN COMPETITION WITH ANYONE. YOUR fitness journey is YOUR fitness journey. People often compare themselves to others, but this is a mistake. Comparing yourself to others will only spawn negative thoughts, which you should avoid. Focus on being a better version of YOURSELF.

1

CONSISTENCY IS KEY.

The key to anything in life is consistency. Staying consistent with exercising and eating healthy will ensure that you reach your desired goal. Don’t believe me…just try it.

2

EXERCISING CAN BE FUN. Life is about having fun and enjoying things. Exercising can seem like a chore, but you have to find a way to make it fun for you. For me, exercising is fun because I love listening to music and dancing. Between you and me, the gym is one of the VERY FEW places where I am not ashamed to dance; and my dancing is trash.

3

10

NUTRITIONAL TIPS AND A WORKOUT The most important thing to understand when converting to a healthy diet and achieving your ideal body: You must burn more calories than you consume.

That is all. It is that simple. There is no need to make things complicated.

The following five (5) tips will further simplify things.

Eliminate Added Sugars Added sugars are sugars and syrups that food manufacturers add to products like sodas, candies, baked goods, etc. Added sugars increase caloric intake without providing any nutrients. STAY AWAY, well try your best to stay away from added sugars.

Instead, consume a variety of fruits. My go-to fruit when craving sugar is a banana with natural, crunchy peanut butter. It is so good.

Give it a try, if it sounds appealing.

Cut Back on Simple Carbs (aka Sugar) The most common simple carbs are bread, pasta, and rice. I know you all love bread, pasta, and rice BUT you must cut back on them. Do not be upset with me, I am just the messenger. 😅 Instead, consume complex carbs like sweet potatoes, whole wheat bread, and quinoa.

Have protein with every meal Eating protein ensures that your body has the nutrients necessary to build and maintain your muscle, even while you are losing fat.

Have vegetables with every meal Vegetables are a must! You should eat as much as you can stomach with EVERY meal.

There is a popular saying: “No one ever got fat from eating produce,” which is very true. Most vegetables contain few calories, little carbs, and a healthy amount of fiber.

Eat until you’re satisfied Eating a balanced diet that provides a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and fat will fill you up and keep you satisfied. This will prevent you from overeating, help control your appetite, and reduce the number of calories you consume. So, no more mindless eating and stuffing your face.

Now, that we got your mind right and you know what to eat…LET'S WORK! Below is a bodyweight routine that can be done anywhere – no gym membership necessary.

Warm-Up: Run in place (2-5 sets, 30 seconds) Workout: Jumping Jacks (3 sets, 30 seconds) Bodyweight squat (3 sets, 20 reps) 1-minute rest (after completing both exercises) Hip Raises (3 sets, 12 reps) Mountain climber (3 sets, 20 reps) 1-minute rest (after completing both exercises) Inverted Shoulder Press (3 sets, 5-10 reps) Pushups (3 sets, 5-10 reps) 1-minute rest (after completing both exercises)

11

Make sure you are working at YOUR PACE. Be mindful of where you are physically and work as hard as you can at THAT level. Again, you are not in competition with ANYONE. If you have to take breaks during a set, take a break. It is perfectly fine, but do not cheat yourself. Quality reps are preferred over quantity.

Following the above tips will help you make better decisions and choose healthier options. It will seem difficult in the beginning but do your best to stay consistent. Also, do not be too hard on yourself. REMEMBER: You are human, not a robot. YOU GOT THIS! For more FREE fitness information regarding workouts and meals, follow me on IG (@mikegermsfit).

12

"DO NOT ALLOW THOSE THINGS THAT CANNOT BRING YOU PEACE, DISTURB YOUR PEACE"

TREVOR BEAUFORD

Love Languages With A Twist

WITH CASSIDY STRATTON

"Love is deeper than a feeling it’s an action."

Some call her a hopeless romantic. Others say she’s a true Cancerian. Over the years, she has learned to embrace both, with the deeper understanding that one of her life’s purposes is to use her sensitivity as a tool to exude love to everyone she encounters. We sat down with Cassidy, who so graciously blessed the cover of this issue, to discuss how she’s twisting love languages to work for her relationships with others and with herself.

Are you familiar with the five love languages?

Have you taken the love languages quiz or read the book? If so, what were your results?

Yes, I’ve taken the quiz multiple times and typically get the same results. For the most part they’re in this order: Words of Affirmation Quality Time Physical Touch Receiving Gifts Acts of Service

Absolutely! Love languages highlight the various ways one might give, receive, and/or experience love. The traditional love languages are words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, acts of services, and receiving gifts. *Based on Dr. Gary Chapman’s 1992 book, The 5 Love Languages.

14

Is there any accuracy in your results or do you think that the love languages are outdated?

What are some of your “millennial love languages'' and how do they compare to the traditional ones?

The results were pretty accurate. I mean, I am big on telling someone how I feel about them, and I Some of my non-traditional love languages include: like that energy reciprocated. Quality time also Making me a playlist. This is pretty simple makes sense because I love creating experiences music stimulates me in a way some and memories with the people I love. The latter conversations can’t. three are interchangeable, but I still have just as Consistency. In whatever way someone much appreciation for them - they’re just not a chooses to love me and vice versa, I'd prefer top for me. for it to be in a way that doesn’t die down.

All types of intimacy. Physical touch is just one At their core, the five love languages still hold. I form of intimacy. Intimacy can be in the form of think folks from my generation (including myself) creativity, spirituality, etc. It’s limitless in that have taken what has existed for the last almost whatever part of life I choose to create a close 30 years and made “millennial love languages” connection with someone can be labeled that are more expansive and realistic for the intimacy. modern-day. For example, receiving gifts might not be one of my top traditional love languages, To me, this version of love languages makes it but being fed good food is something I consider easier to apply to relationship dynamics including a love language. It’s technically still technically a self and friendships. gift, but it’s a more specific one.

How would you recommend someone figuring Why is it important to know your love out what their love language is? languages?

Love is deeper than a feeling - it’s an action. I think a lot of people need a stepping stone to lean into that and learning your love languages is one way to do so. I have had my fair share of relationships (both romantic and platonic), and each experience has pushed me to get more specific about my needs, likes, dislikes, etc. and express that to the people in my life. More importantly, learning my love languages has helped me deepen my relationship with myself—I practice all of my love languages on myself because my relationship with myself matters most. I can’t even love others right if I don’t love myself correctly.

I’m going to be that person to of course recommend reading All About Love by bell hooks.

She changed the way I view love on a whole other level and is probably the reason why I detached myself from the traditional love languages. But of course, books can only go so far. My biggest recommendation is don’t attach yourself to people, experience them. When you’re too attached you can miss the lesson in why you were even connecting with them in the first place, and your vision becomes blurred about what you liked to disliked about your experience with them. Clarity helps you easily identify your love languages. With this I’m talking about people you’re intentionally trying to build connections with. If the interaction is more casual, then honestly throw everything I said out the door and approach the dynamic with no 15 expectations, just vibes.

TRAP MUSIC GET IN TUNE

Trap music has overtaken Hip-Hop and you should rejoice. For decades, Atlanta has served as the crown jewel of the trap movement. Granted there have been strong powerhouse groups from all across the south that fully repp’d where they come from.

Groups like UGK from Port Arthur, Texas; The Trippy duo of Juicy J and DJ Paul better known as Three 6 Mafia from Memphis; or even the Hotboyz that put New Orleans on the map still seemed to be overlooked by the impact of Atlanta.

When Outkast prophetically said “The South got somethin’ to say” this ushered a new era and new heights to what is now known as Trap Music. As southern rap blossomed and produced anthems that immortalized its imprint on the culture, Atlanta stood and continues to stand alone in its own class of dominance. The question is how long will that last? Today Atlanta is renowned as the crown mecca of the trap. Rappers and trap icons such as Gucci Mane, 21 Savage, Gunna, Thugga, Future, Zaytoven, Young Metro, and Lil Baby cemented themselves along with Atlanta as the southern juggernaut. However, a city that is less than 400 miles away says that they’re up next!

“Memphganistan” aka Memphis says they up next! The only thing that might stop this seemingly inevitable shift of power is the tension amongst the two major labels that dominate the city (PRE &CMG). Despite the disconnect, Memphis is undoubtedly next up.

Over the past decade, Memphis legends Yo Gotti and Young Dolph ushered in this new era of the new sound Memphis. Long removed from the impact of Three 6 Mafia, Memphis sounds (in large part thanks to Tay Keith) serves as a matching piece to the heat that comes with words of the next generation of artists.

Paper Route Empire has a lot of talent but the most notable is Keyglock—protégé to Young Dolph—delivers cold, stark, uncompromising verses about sex, guns, and money.

The hottest young talent out of Memphis is this three-headed monster that goes by Big 30, Big Scarr, and Pooh Shiesty. 30 and Scarr are newcomers to the scene but are very familiar with sounds of an uncanny flow that matches the big diamonds that they showcase on their beats. Shiesty alone brings a sinister charm and imposing rap skills to songs of confrontation and intensity and perhaps made the biggest banger with “Get it Back in Blood” alongside Chicago’s Lil Durk. Last but not least, Moneybagg Yo holds the #1 album on Billboard 200 with Gangsta’s Pain as he uses grit and menace in his rhymes about street life making the trap relatable to the average listener. We can argue which city is the best, who has the hardest sound, or who goes the hardest, but why? In all honesty, this debate just got started and will only get better. So why debate when we can TURN THE FUCK up and enjoy this trap vibe as summer approaches. In the words of the Certified Speaker, “GO!"

BY DALVONTE HOWARD

17

FREEDOM ON MY PLATE PLANNING AND ELEVATING A JUNETENTH DINNER PARTY

BY SEAN PALMER

Dear Summer, if ever there was a time to celebrate surviving pandemic(s), the time is definitely now! As we begin to go outside again, it’s undoubtedly time to throw open our doors, clean our homes, air out our spaces, and invite friends over for lunch or dinner. I think it’s fair to say that all of us can still be a little bit skeptical about getting back in these “mean streets” to pop bottles in VIP booths at smokey clubs and after hour spots.

However, there is still room to celebrate the start to the end of our pandemic…and our new found “freedom.” So what celebration can we have in the month of June that speaks to freedom? Well, that’s Juneteenth of course. It’s literally a no-brainer.

To catch you up, Juneteenth celebrates the precarious end to chattel slavery for African Americans. While the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, was a backhanded way to open the door to freedom for enslaved Africans who were granted freedom if they fought in rebellion of the confederacy, it didn’t actually fully free Black folks. In actuality, it really pissed off white enslavers as it sought to collapse slavery in revolting states. However, while the notice swept through the East Coast southern states, the notice didn’t arrive in places like Texas and Louisiana until the middle of June in 1865 (read there wasn’t a facebook, twitter, or email).

As such, celebrations like Watchnight (New Year’s Eve) and Emancipation Day (midApril), and even Memorial Day (end of May) are rooted in recognizing and commemorating Black folks' struggle for freedom. So in 1865, African Americans in the southwest began the practice of celebrating Juneteenth as a way to commemorate the end of slavery and thus the beginning of freedom. It’s the reason why many churches (and food stuffs) became popular under the banner of “jubilee” – a theological word describing a way to consider freedom. So yes y'all, Juneteenth is what you should be about in the month of June.

18

Now I know you didn’t come here for a history lesson, but I came to convince you that celebrating and elevating Juneteenth might be the very celebration you didn’t know you needed. Freedom is worth celebrating when you consider what we’ve been through this year.

In my opinion, doing an upscale Juneteenth dinner party requires more than just remembering the past, it also requires using the good taste bequeathed to you by your freed ancestors who knew how to throw a party. So here’s my tips for throwing the ultimate Juneteenth dinner party.

So how do I suggest that we celebrate Juneteenth? Let’s first talk about what not to do, I know that anytime we begin to talk about Black folks’ holidays in the US, we turn to throwing around Red, Black and Green: red for the blood shed, black for the people lost, and green for the land. But let's avoid the Red, Black and Green motif, or just putting random uncoordinated kente print cloth on our tables, with fake mahogany wood pieces. Even Kwanzaa deserves a reboot.

It’s still early in the end of the Pandemic, and there are probably people you haven’t seen in a while, so begin with an intimate list of no more than 6-8 people. Send out your invitations via Paperless Post, which features a variety of options on Juneteenth. I know, I know, it's not Black owned. If you have a Black owned creative who can create invitations for you via a beautiful graphic or a physical invitation, feel free to use them. But for the rest of us, we have Paperless Post.

To celebrate Juneteenth well, let’s consider not only the past, but the future and who we are as a beautiful resilient people.

At the same time, you should know that across the African diaspora red foods, and particularly red drinks are served for celebration and memory.

Instead of Red, Black and Green, consider using Yellow, Gold and White. Before you beat me up, hear me out.

Yellow is a great color, in fact it is the color of the Yoruba divinity, Oshun, god(dess) of fertility.

Not that I want to get you pregnant, but I do want you to live in a world where things grow from you being a part of them. So, yes to the color of fertility and the color of lemons and lemonade and Beyoncé!

Gold in many West African traditions is the color used for wealth, which is why I’m always using it in my event planning… plus I hear Rick Ross’ hit entrance to “You Know I Got It” in my ear…reminding me that we are a people attracted to “shiny thangs.” Gold is the color of ancestral wealth! And I know some “hotepian” of the Ankh right is saying to themselves, the brother ain’t gonna use Black. Black is for the people… blah blah blah. I get it. But it’s summer…and in the summer Black people wear white, instinctively. This is unconscious ancestral veneration y’all. In many West African countries, the color white is used to mark re-birth… not white supremacy. As such, consider using white as a way to mark your own re-birth in this moment, and to keep your people cool too! We can wear Black during the Black History Month gospel choir reunion.

19

Also, might I suggest that you ask people to dress in these shades of yellow, white and gold…so that when you put the pictures on Insta and Snapchat, folks will be like, “ooouuu.” (hear Young M.A).

So now that we have the colors established, let’s talk menu!

While I have a whole menu constructed for you. I want you to know that you should definitely take a look at Food 52’s curated menu from Black chefs all around the diaspora who have sought to reinvent delicious Soul Food staples.

Now Soul Food purists might be appalled, but this is where you get to be fancy. So consider Deviled Eggs with Shrimp Prawns, Curry Grilled Chicken Breasts with Pineapple Mango Chutney, served with Lemon Pound Cake and Coconut Vegan Ice Cream (see I’m helping the lactose intolerant – because vegan ice cream usually uses coconut or almond milk). For libation enthusiasts, consider using Gold Schlagger with its 14k gold flakes (even though it is a cinnamon schnapps) and making a Gold Crown with Crown Royal apple and a dash of lemon juice!

For my non-alcoholics, I always feel like it's appropriate to have peach Lemonade on tap!

So what’s the vibe of the room you ask? You should be going on a cool and sophisticated African diaspora vibe. While I think you could add jazz artist Christian Scott to the mix, I think you will appreciate the vibe August Greene, We Are King, Brandon Williams, Snoh Alegra, Teyana Taylor, Madlib, Ezra Collective, Bungalow, and old school artists, A Tribe Called Quest and Eyrkah Badu will add to the bourgeois situation you got going on.

If you are into the visuals…

Imagine water and light elements like floating candles in clear vases, and yellow gladiolas standing high as a symbol of strength. You can also use Daffodils if you want to consider rebirth…and if you are going for something a little more unique, feel free to incorporate Birds of Paradise, as they mean freedom, into your live elements.

Using clear glass wear, gold and white seasonal linens, and gold cutlery you will feel like royalty when you eat. I also would put Beyoncé’s visual album “Black Is King” on your flat screen and keep it on mute, if you’ve curated a dope playlist.

Lastly, when people come over, I’d ask them to create a nametag and a place setting card with something they want to manifest, so that they are called that all night long as a way of supporting and manifesting new dreams.

Finally, I’d seek to create a ritual over the Pan-African soul food hors d'oeuvres, where folks would take a singular piece of paper and write down some of the things that they are freed from…and then set them ablaze by candle light, fire pit, or some other safe effective way to acknowledge freedom.

To be clear, the whole evening is a sophisticated move filled with reflection, good food, fellowship, and joy. This year, be guided by the spirit of Juneteenth…and taste your freedom!

20

JUNETEENTH Color Scheme: White – Rebirth Yellow – Fertility Gold – Wealth and Prosperity Décor: Clear Glass Vases Floating Candles Daffodils – Rebirth Gladiolas – Strength Birds of Paradise – Freedom Gold Cutlery White and/or Yellow Tablecloth(s)

Taste: Peach Lemonade Golden Crown Devilled Eggs with Shrimp Lemon Pound Cake Vegan Coconut Ice Cream Curry Chicken with Pineapple Chutney Cucumber Salad Corn Cakes Roasted Okra with (Green Onions, Chili peppers) Charleston Red Rice

Hear: Christian Scott MadLIb Common Eyrkah Badu Sounds of Blackness Ezra Collective A Tribe Called Quest

See: Beyonce's “Black Is King“ Tropical Storm Youtube

Do: Change Your Name Game Let Go of your Baggage reflective activity Touch: Fabrics with texture in them (your slubbed silks, hammered satins, morrocan crepes, waffle cloths, tweed, lace!)

20

Summer Bucket List 2021

Inspiration from those devoted to making this summer the best one yet.

Hawaii??!

Good brothas, bad joints and me on the aux

Scuba diving fosho!

Niagara Falls!

SOCA reunion and a good wine!

Rooftop party is a must Whipping ass in Uno

Lots of black people, lots of music, lots of dancing, lots of sun. All together. ENERGY

A real ass trip Wanna take a fat road trip with the girls

Start a Podcast Visiting my favorite island this summer

Gon drop a few kids in different cities like a trucker

Make it to the G League

PROPOSE!!!

Get a cabin and watch the stars every night Go to Blerd Con

Become a plant mom!

Take

a

picture

a

Go to a concert!

Go on a Boat Pull all the baddies

A Black Cookout

Learn to Code Drop an EP GET RICH!!!

day