Honoring our Ancestors and Our Freedom in a Time of Healing

June 2021

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A Tribute to Juneteenth

Honoring our Ancestors and Our Freedom in a Time of Healing News • Community • Lifestyle • Food and Drink • Health and Wellness • Active Living (55+)

V I E WPO I N T This year is moving fast. We are already in June. We are entering the summer months and enjoying life outside our homes. This month reminds me of my childhood when we got ready for the June 19th parade. We would then head to Rosewood Park. It would be a good crowd. Who remembers those days?

This month has always been a time of relaxation, travel, and spending time with friends and family. This issue is about remembering our history, celebrating dreams, and our freedom.

Our feature story is about an entrepreneur who kicked her business into gear during

the pandemic. We will look at Juneteenth and its significance to our lives today and much more. I hope you will be able to enjoy some time to exhale and relax. Find your passion again, your creativity, your place again in the world. Engage in your history and remember where we have been. Where we are now. And where we are going in the future.

Embracing Our Community through Our Collective Work and Responsibility #ujima #ujimamagazine #magazine #mayissue #news #lifestyle #celebration #happiness #expression

Embrace Your Community Damita Miller-Shanklin EDITOR IN CHIEF Damita@Ujimamagazine.com

Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. Visit UjimaMagazine.com. For Advertising Opportunities email UjimaMagazine@gmail.com

MEN’S HEALTH

Are You Getting Regular Checkups?

Source: WebMD

by Dr. Matthew Hoffman

Ujima and Friends Podcast is another way to reach out to people around the world and share our voice. This podcast is about Ujima Magazine stories, people we interview, and our take on different issues and topics.

The podcast is hosted by Damita MillerShanklin and Eliza Edwards. We hope you join us by listening to us talk about stories and our take on different topics. We have chatted about health and beauty, voting, hope for our future, and organizing our work. But we have many exciting topics and interviews to come.

Please go to our podcast page at https://www.podpage.com/ujimamagazine-and-friends/. You will find all of our episodes in one place. Subscribe to our site, so you will know when a new episode is uploaded.

June is the month to be aware of Men’s health. We need to remind the men in our life to get a check-up. In looking at the most health risk for men, it turns out it is Cardiovascular Disease. Some may think it is Prostate Cancer or Diabetes, no it is heart disease.

What should men do to prevent and lower their risk for Cardiovascular disease? ● Get your cholesterol checked, beginning at age 25 and every five years. ● Control your blood pressure and cholesterol, if they're high. ● If you smoke, stop. ● Increase your physical activity level to 30 minutes per day, most days of the week. ● Eat more fruits and vegetables and less saturated or trans fats.

It is also helpful for men to get an annual physical exam to discuss their medical concerns and if there is a problem, you can catch it early.

For more information, please read Men's Health: 6 Top Health Risks for Men

We hope you join take a listen in the future.

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BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE

YOUR SKIN AND HAIR

By Contributing Writer, Jacquie Parish

Your skin reacts to a ton of different environmental factors each day—most of which your daily regimen accounts for. Have you ever noticed irritation, sudden breakouts, redness, or a generally lackluster complexion, the cause may be your chosen hair products? Yes, your hair products.

Let’s check out a common ingredient…

One of the common ingredients found in most shampoos is propylene glycol. It is also found in conditioners and many other cosmetic products. This ingredient can be irritating to the skin and in some instances cause dryness and dandruff.

Have you noticed that your skin has gotten drier over time, propylene glycol could be a contributing factor—it tends to sit on the surface of the skin after you rinse it, dissolving the fats and oils your skin needs to stay nourished?

What are some of the ingredients we should avoid?

If you have acne, avoid products that add oil to your hair. If it says “oilfree,” it may still contain ingredients that cause pimples. Stay away from isopropyl myristate, oils, silicone, petroleum, mineral oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter. Not all of these ingredients are harmful, but they may be making your skin worse if you’re prone to breakouts.

Sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate are detergents that give UjimaMagazine.com

By swapping things out and seeing how your skin responds, you’ll get a better idea of what is causing the problem. Look to your shampoo and conditioner first, and then follow that with your daily styling products.

that rich, sudsy lather when you shampoo. Some people become sensitized to it over time, which means that you can develop an allergic reaction to your favorite cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, try shopping for sulfate-free products throughout your entire beauty regimen.

What Can You Do? If you’ve noticed a lot of irritation, go with products that are more natural ingredients. You can also use the process of trial and error to discover possible culprits for your skin issues.

Wash and condition your hair before washing your face and body to remove any residue the hair products tend to leave on your skin. Think how hard it is to get grease off dishes—it’s the same with hair products. After rinsing your shampoo and conditioner, wash your skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser like Facial Wash from the Glow Collection so it’s the last thing that touches your skin.

Contributing Writer Jacquie “ooh” Parish is the contributing writer for the Ujima Magazine. She is the creator of the Glow Collection by Jacquie ooh which is an organic skincare product line. You can find the Glow Collection

by Jacquie ooh at the Tarrytown Pharmacy in Austin, TX and on their online store at www.jacquieooh.com.

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community

Talkin’ About Juneteenth

By Damita Miller-Shanklin

In thinking about June 19th, also known as Juneteenth, three words came to mind. They are Freedom. Privilege. Liberty. Out of the three words privilege is what I wanted to discuss. It has taken on a new meaning for what’s been happening in our communities and around the world.

The word privilege by definition means “a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.” In recent months We heard “she is using her white privilege.”

With Juneteenth being this month, I wanted to look at the word from my perspective.

In my mind, privilege includes myself, my community, and all people. Black people have privilege because our ancestors paid the price. The price was slavery and racism. But it didn’t stop them from persevering. We are free and independent. I’m not sure the people who stood up and fought against the abuse understand the gravity they gave those of us living today and those coming behind us.

We are free. The Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln was to provide freedom, equality and liberty for all Black people. We have gained the privilege to participate freely in the world that was built on sweat and tears.

As you enjoy Juneteenth, remember the freedom, privilege and liberation that was provided to us from our ancestors. We are very privileged to be able to work, play and live with our ancestral Black Privilege.

“I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves ... are, and henceforward shall be free..” - Abraham Lincoln

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Lifestyle

Black Hair - It’s Not A Controversy!!

By Damita Miller-Shanklin

The story of black women and their hair is sacred. We have always done things to our hair. We have relaxed our hair, gone natural, weaved it, and wore wigs. Many black women have different hairstyles at least monthly. Long, short, highlights, curly, braids and the list goes on. It seems that as long as black women wear their hair that makes them “fit” into others’ ideas of how we should wear our hair.

Our black natural hair is not a controversy. It’s not. As many black women have returned their hair to a natural state (including me) and allowing our heritage and ancestry to show, how is that a controversy.

What about when white women wear braids, does anyone say it’s a controversy? No. They don’t.

There was a story recently where a 16-year-old young lady was playing high school softball. An umpire wanted the beads on the end of her boxed braids removed. She had worn her braids and beads during games before without any problem. But again, this umpire for whatever reason decided her beads were unacceptable and she had to cut them off or not play in the game. It’s so discriminatory.

Black hair has a long history. Braids and beads are very significant to our culture. We should not have our hair cut because a person doesn’t like it. We can’t allow people to cut our children’s hair because they don’t want to see our natural culture.

With all that has been said, Black hair IS NOT A Controversy, it is who we are.

Read the latest story at Black Student Athlete Was Forced to Remove Hair Beads During Game UjimaMagazine.com

The Four Freedoms We All Have

By Brighton Leadership GroupDonna Brighton As we participate in our Juneteenth celebrations around the country, the word freedom comes to mind. I wanted to share the freedoms we all available to us regardless of our race.

In looking at this topic, I found 4 ways we can practice freedom.

1. You are free to choose YOUR WORDS – you decide what you say to yourself and others. Are your words a reflection of who you are and the impact you intend to create on yourself and those around you?

2. You are free to choose YOUR ATTITUDE – You decide your perspective. If the one you are using isn’t working, try a new one!

3. You are free to choose YOUR ACTIONS – seemingly insignificant choices turn into small actions. The small actions you do regularly become your habits. Your habits shape your character and create your life. You make choices every day about what you will and will not do. Here are some matched pairs for contemplation: let go or control others; walk or drive; cash or credit; prepare or procrastinate; be fit or be fat; progress or perfection; talk or listen…what actions are you choosing?

4. You are free to choose YOUR BELIEFS – do you realize that what you believe drives how you behave?

You get to decide what you believe.

If you are behaving in ways that aren’t working for you, examine what belief is causing that behavior.

Then decide whether you want to keep the belief or change it.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning For more information, read 4 Ways To Practice Freedom p5

Ujima Spotlight

Featuring Sidelle Buffington of Rah Ethos

By Damita Miller-Shanklin

From Madame C.J. Walker to mom and pop businesses, we have owned businesses. Growing up I didn’t see too many black-owned businesses in my community. But now owning a business and being an entrepreneur is a part of the black experience. I had the great opportunity to speak with a business owner who has many facets to her business platforms. She spent time with me talking about her skincare business Rah Ethos. This is our conversation.

Ujima: You are the owner of Rah Ethos. Is there a story behind the name?

Sidelle: Yes, my middle name is Rashida. So the Rah comes from that part of my name and Ethos. It is really pronounced [Etas]. I’m always surprised when people say Ethos. But that is the story behind the name.

Ujima: What sparked your interest in starting your business?

Sidelle: I been doing the Butters and Candles for a while. It was a side business when I had an Interior Design company. When I finished a client’s project, I would gift them a candle. This would be a new scent for their new home. But when the pandemic hit, I took a look at my products and started the business. In the past, I would make the items periodically mainly holidays. In 2001, when I started making the products I knew I wanted it to be organic. I’m very sensitive to chemical products so I did a lot of research about what is good for healing the skin when the ingredients are put together. I have a family member with extreme Exema and I wanted to make a natural product that would work. I also use essential oils to ensure each product smells good. It’s not a heavy scent but you can light the candle and you can smell it.

Ujima: What are your products?

Sidelle: I offer three products. They are Whipped Body Butter and Soy Aromatherapy Candles, along with my branded t-shirts. The scents are Blackberry Whipped Body Butter, Peach Mango Candles, and Sandalwood Candles. All of my products are made with love.

Ujima: What is your best selling product?

Sidelle: My best seller is the Butters. I’m kinda surprised because I thought the candles would be the top seller. But then I thought p6

people can easily pick up a Candle. The products can be sold individually and I offer travel sizes as well. They are small enough to fit in your purse and take with you on the airplane. However, you can also purchase the box set that comes with Body Butter and a Candle.

Ujima: What is your plan for the future of Rah Ethos?

Sidelle: I want to establish the brand. I would like to get my product in places like Target and Walmart, then sell it. I guess I’m building the business to sell.

Ujima: What have you found to be the hardest part of being a business owner and the best part?

Sidelle: I would say the hardest part of the business is being stretched too thin, with a job, family, and having this business. It is also the financial part of making a profit. When I started the business, I paid for it out of my pocket. However, you still have to keep your housing and everything else. But we have started making a profit and we are on the upside. So we are doing well right now.

The best part is I’m making a good product, and it is an act of love.

When I’m in a bad mine frame, I don’t make anything.

Ujima: What else would you like to share with our readers?

Sidelle: We are growing and not going anywhere. We are open for business. This summer the plan is to have pop-up shops in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. So look for the information on our social media.

Ujima: How can our readers reach out to you, purchase your products, and follow Rah Ethos?

Sidelle: You can order our products through Etsy.com. We will have a new website soon. Our social media channels are on IG @rah.ethos, FB, rahethos, and Tw, @ethosrah.

Ujima thanks Sidelle for chatting with us and introducing her products to Ujima readers. Make sure you check out the products and support black businesses.

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FOR SENIORS | ACTIVE LIVING MARY LINNEN | EDITOR

LOOKING BACK! MEMORY LANE I was thinking about Juneteenth wondering if there would be a Miss Juneteenth due to Covid, and my old memories started to kick in.

TIPS FOR MOSQUITO BITES Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent will give extra protection. medicalnewstoday.com

East Austin was a real hot spot for the Black community. For Juneteenth we always had plenty of good bar-be-que, with all the trimmings, NEHI Grape soda water, yes l said soda water and laughed, watermelon, you name it and somebody had it at Rosewood Park.

This started me to thinking of other things while growing up in East Austin. I thought about the Harlem Theatre and summer movie night in Black Land Park.

Who remembers?

Sports were fun growing up, Downs Field on 12th Street was where the baseball games were played, and Pop Warner football games were played there as well.

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My mind took me on a long journey some good some not so good. But East Austin was a community that should have been left alone. The New East Austin will never bring the joy and happiness to Austin that it did when l was a child. I regret my grandchildren will never know the full impact it made on the lives of many.

There are so many good things l remembered, but it is now gone as time has changed.

If you are from East Austin take a ride parts of it you will not recognize at all. A lot of the best parts, the communities.

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food

Homemade BBQ Sauce Yes, it is always good to have a recipe on hand, in case you can’t get to your favorite one at the store. This is quick easy and tasty!

INGREDIENTS ● 15 ounces tomato sauce ● 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar ● 1/4 cup brown sugar ● 1/4 cup tomato paste ● 1/4 cup molasses ● 3 tablespoons Worcestershire ● 1 teaspoons liquid smoke ● 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ● 1 teaspoon garlic powder ● 1/2 teaspoon freshlyground black pepper ● 1/2 teaspoon onion powder ● 1/2 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS ● Whisk all ingredients together in a sauce pan over medium heat ● Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer, whisking often, for 15 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.

Courtesy of FoxandBriar