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www.UjimaMagazine.com

April 2022

Edie Phillips, Licensed Real Estate Professional

The Housing War and How It Impacts our Black Community page 6

“Embrace Your Community”

V I E WPO I N T Spring brings renewal. This fresh start can look like many things to different people. For me, Spring makes me feel energized and a lightness. I think about how a bear hibernates and comes out with a fresh beginning. The world is an unknown place at this time. I feel the pressure of the pandemic, war in Ukraine and everyday life situations. But when I think of Spring, it makes me smile and feel a new energy and power. Many people are coming out of isolation and trying to build their new way of doing things. It seems the world is returning to a new way of living.

This issue is about renewal and thinking about our individual futures and what it look likes for each of us. A new way of living. In looking at the future I spoke with Edie Phillips about the housing market and how it impacts our Black buyers. Most people want a home but how is it looking for the future. You don’t want to miss what she has to say. I will continue to enjoy life each day as it is given to me. Life is in a constant ﬂux but I’m learning to adjust as it comes my way. By the way, I hate routine.

Embrace Your Community Damita Miller-Shanklin Editor-in-Chief

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How to Relax Your Mind and Body Source: Virtua Health, By Lauren Emma, LCSW, Psychotherapist

W Have you ever overshot what you are really capable of doing? Well, that has happened with our Ujima and Friends Podcast. Eliza Edwards and I thought we had the bandwidth to do it but we soon found out, we had stretched ourselves too thin. We were not doing the quality of shows we knew we could do. Sometimes you think you need to change things instead of sticking to what you do well. You heard the saying, “stay in your lane.” Well, we will be staying in our lane. The revamp will be speaking with the featured person, other community members, and people who are in the magazine. Look for the new show in the near future. We will keep you updated on the new launch. Thanks for Your Support Damita Miller-Shanklin, Host Eliza Edwards, Co-Host

e are always looking for ways to improve our health and to stay calm and relaxed. We are living in chaotic times. We carry around many things in our minds that may affect our physical bodies. Stress has almost become second nature. What is life without a little stress these days right? Lauren Emma, LCSW wrote about 10 Quick Ways to De-stress. Here are a few ways she recommends to de-stress. 1. Practice Breathing Exercising concentrating on inhaling and exhaling 2. Mediate to help quiet your mind 3. Mindfulness helps you check in with yourself 4. Practice Gratitude because we can’t have joy without practicing gratitude 5. Call a support person that you can talk with during stressful times or unwind after a long day If you want to know more ways to de-stress make sure you read the rest of the article 10 Quick Ways to De-Stress | Virtua Behavioral Health, NJ We have to remember to take care of ourselves. UjimaMagazine.com

BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE

The Power of Spring By Jacquie ooh Johnson, Contributing Writer

here is power in the spring. When I think of the spring, I think of new beginnings in nature and in my own personal life. I think of new opportunities sprouting up and blooming. Spring is also a great reminder that there’s always time to start fresh. During the dark winter months, it can feel like the light of summer may never return. But spring offers a bright bridge between the quiet of winter and the busy fun of summer sunshine. The energy of spring can help remind us that we can always start again on our goals, plans, and dreams. As we know, life moves quickly, but spring reminds us that sometimes, incredible change moves at a slow pace. It’s a process. Look at a small, green bud on a cherry tree; that bud may be small now however it will soon grow into a beautiful tree, full of lush leaves. It must be watered, nurtured, and cared for to grow. We must be patient, and persistent in our efforts in taking care of the budding tree. We must trust the process. When we look at this tree and compare it to our own lives what lesson can spring teach us?

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the blossoms on the cherry trees. There is an assurance that blessings are coming. Spring is a time for renewal of the earth and renewal of ourselves. Ask yourself these questions… • What are my plans for spring? Will I plant flowers or vegetables in my garden? Will I install a birdhouse or clean out the shed? • Is there a newness within myself? Am I inspired to write a book or redecorate the guest room? Start a business? Travel? Step out of my comfort zone? • How does the beauty of spring make me feel? Do I feel lighter or happier? Am I ready for a walk outside? The lesson I’ve learned from the spring is that life sometimes feels long, hard, dark, and grey. During those times I feel tired and frustrated. However, I must hang in there, why? Because the seasons change. Long, dark nights turn to lighter, longer days, the rains pass, and flowers bloom. Acceptance of hardship and challenges paired with a confident hope that warmer, brighter days are ahead can give us the courage to persist through the grey and work toward a brighter season ahead. Spring breathes new life into us. It cleanses our spirit and our hearts. There is the urge to make plans and start new projects. We feel a renewal of our own energies emerging. This is the time when we are called to flourish just like

Spring is also a great time to make a new gratitude list in your journal. There is so much to be thankful for as we witness the coming of spring and the promise of new beginnings. Take time to recognize the beauty around you and list all the things that make you grateful to be alive. Here are a few ideas to get you started. • I am thankful for the tulips and the baby birds. • I am thankful for the rain and the sunshine. • I am thankful to have time to spend outside. • I am thankful for fresh air and clean water to drink. • I am thankful for my freedom. • I am thankful for the food on my table.

What Home Improvement Projects Will You Tackle? By Damita Miller-Shanklin

Are you thinking about how you will spruce up your home this season? This is the time of year when most people start decluttering, putting away winter clothes, and looking at what projects need to be done around their homes. Just a quick side note, I never had the luxury to have different clothes for the season. All my clothes are adapted to whatever the season may be at the time. :) But that is another story. There are several different projects to look at when deciding on what is most important. If you are working inside the home where do you start? How about the room you spend the most time in. You declutter and change around the furniture for a new look and feel. You can add colorful pillows, candles, an aromatherapy diffuser, anything you like, and enjoy in your favorite space. There are many other projects you can do but this is just an idea. The other part of home improvement is the outside of your property. Some ideas are checking your fence line. You may need to repair or get a new fence. The most common thing that people do is plant new ﬂowers. Make sure the bushes are trimmed and you have great curb appeal. You don’t want to forget about your gutters, windows, and updating or replacing your deck and porch. These can be fun activities to keep you busy and you will have a great reward. Have Fun!

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BLOOM SISTER BLOOM! Minister Sonya Hosey | Iron Sharpens Iron 4MySisters Network I have heard the term “bloom where you are planted" many times. However, it is still inconclusive as to where it originated. The definition of bloom is the state or period of most extraordinary beauty, freshness, or vigor. We have anticipated transitioning from winter to spring. In this season, we find a once-dormant flower, each showing its vibrant colors of reds, yellows, and purples. Metaphorically, it is like each has its personality and uniqueness. How do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as a seed waiting for the right time to show itself? Or as a field of flowers in their splendor? Right now, think about it! What do you see? Some are still pondering who they are, a seed, or a field of flowers? That is okay; I used to be there. I felt hidden at one time in my life; I did not want to be seen. One day, I asked my mom, what do you see when you look at me? She stated you are not the little shy person you once were. You have grown as a confident, stunning, and tall woman. It was my mom who showed me the field of flowers. I am going to ask you again. What do you see? During the wars, inflation, confusion about wearing a mask, or to hug. You wonder will my life bloom again. God's Word always reminds us not to become weary. Focus on God and you will grow in the rain and snow. Girl, you will even grow in between rocks! Matthew 6: 25-34: Stop Worrying! "Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will

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put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the air birds: they neither sow, reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you, by being anxious, can add a single hour to his life span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the ﬁeld, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of

“Growth is not about feelings but faith, and you will rise again.” these." (bible.com). Considering the lilies in the field, Jesus shares that the flowers are picturesque because God has made them so. Growth is not about feelings but faith, and you will rise again. Remember, Jesus died on the cross, and his followers wept believed it was over. The enemies felt the same and celebrated. However, he rose again. He revealed His glory and splendor to the world. The Spirit of God is speaking to us, do not give up on the seed. You will revive again in a field of extraordinary beauty. You will grow in the sun, by the SON. Bloom Sister Bloom!

Feature Story

Edie Phillips, Licensed Real Estate Professional The Housing War and How It Impacts our Black Community By Damita Miller-Shanklin

die Phillips is a Licensed Real Estate Professional. Her career path into Real Estate has been a good one. Phillips came to Austin to attend St. Edwards University. This was a happy medium for her mother as to what college she would attend. Her mother felt SMU in Dallas was too far. Phillps mother was a graduate of Tillotson college (women’s school). Her mother was in the last class to graduate from the female college before they merge to become HustonTillotson College. It is now a University. What is it that Phillips likes about helping a family or individuals get their home? She enjoys educating buyers about the buying process. She soon realized that Individuals do not read the ﬁne print or understand what they were signing, or the acronyms used. Phillips decided if they can’t read it she will read it, if they don’t understand she would explain it before they signed off. Phillips has always been excited about educating people but the most “fantabulous” work is when a family closes and the children are excited about having their own room or not playing in a parking lot because they now have a backyard. She said, “this makes me cry.” That’s the real excitement. The money will come but at the end of the day, it's about helping people. The challenge Phillips and other agents have in this new market

is having buyers that are preapproved for a certain amount of money but the market does not have much to offer. To put things in perspective, Phillips explained there are not any new construction homes in the Austin area. Buyers soon ﬁnd out 300K does not buy them anything in the Austin area. But what about the impact on the Black families in our community? Is there a bigger challenge? Philips explains there is a bigger challenge for individuals that are from the Austin area. They have been priced out. The Millennials with great jobs are ﬁne. They are coming from California mainly. If all realtors stop working today they would have 3 weeks of inventory to sell. That is why people are bidding on houses. They move here because of their jobs. The bottom line is if you are here in Austin, you are most likely priced out of the housing market. What makes Phillips unique in selling homes even in this market. The fact that she sits down and no matter how long it will take. She walks them through the process. Phillips says just because an individual wants to purchase a home it may not be at that time. They may need to work on their credit score, debt to income ratio, and credit card debt. So what we know is unless you have disposable income or want to bid for a resale using any extra money you have, getting a home

in Austin right now, has a huge impact on our black families owning property. Phillips's advice for someone who wants to start looking at home buying is “ don’t want until the last minute.” Start asking questions now. You need to talk about what it's gonna take. If you are looking now consider the waiting list for new homes, and when your name comes up if you are preapproved, you put down your earnest money, then your name goes on their VIP list. There is no home sitting and waiting for a buyer those times are not happening. Contact a realtor and get the assistance you need from someone who reads the ﬁne print and can ensure you are getting the best deal. It is very stressful to purchase a home right now. Buyers are angry, frustrated, especially after 10-15 offers and offering cash and not getting the home. Cash is no longer king. In 2014 Phillips realized buyers needed a guide. She wrote a homebuyer's guide Edie’s First Time Homeowners Guide. Her last word is to be resilient in buying or listing a property. If you need a realtor and you are looking for someone to help you through the process, you can contact Edie Phillips at 512.775.0637.

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active LIVING

Fun Things To Do This Spring Spring for me is so exciting, mainly because it leads to summer. There are many things you can do in the spring make a list and then make plans! Let’s start with a few ideas.

Mary Linnen Editor

Do You Get Spring Fever? Every year, that day comes when the sky looks just a little different and the birds are chirping just a little louder. You look around your house and suddenly get the urge to change…everything. Spring fever has hit you hard. Try a few of these ideas… 1. Let in the air and light. Winter is cozy, but spring is fresh. ... 2. Add white and cream. White and cream are bright, cheerful, and go with everything. ... 3. Get something growing. ... 4. Spring fragrances. ... 5. Floral touches. ... 6. Rearrange your furniture. ... 7. Find seasonal recipes. ... 8. Hang up a clothesline. Happy Spring!

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● Plant a spring garden (or even just a plant or two) ● See the cherry blossoms. ● Have a picnic at the par ● Go for a run. ● Take a hike. ● Play softball. ● Ride a bike.

There are so many things to in the spring. Now that a lot of people are really getting out , the list can go on forever. Have a wonderful Spring!

PREPARING FOR SPRING Michelle Marcos Michelle@peacefulmindpeacefullife.org

2. Clear out the old. Go through your closet and clear out anything that you feel you absolutely will not use anymore. There is nothing more energizing than ﬁnally putting away the winter coat for the season!

I love the changing of the seasons, whichever you’re changing to, a change in seasons marks an energetic shift in our environment and in ourselves. There are so many things we can do to mentally, physically, and spiritually prepare ourselves for this change of the season. Here are a few that may help you: 1. Connect with yourself by connecting with nature. One of the great parts of spring is we can be outside more and it’s enjoyable! Going for long walks breathing in the outside air. This is a great way to clear your head, connect with nature, and feel gratitude for a new season, and a new day.

3. Eat with the seasons. Another amazing part of a new time of year means new product that’s in season! Check out your local farmers market or produce section and see what’s back in stock. 4. Let go of what isn’t serving you. Spring-time is like a rebirth. What would you like to let go of in your life? Take some time now to sit in reﬂection, journal, and contemplate what you’re ready to leave behind, and what you would like to call into your life. I read this and had to share its spring and after winter we need to really get ready in all areas of life to enjoy the new seasons.

Why Dark Chocolate?

PB Cookie

Source: Healthline

3/4 C Peanut Butter (or Almond) 1/2 C Flour 1/2 C Maple Syrup Mix in one bowl. Spoon into balls, mark with fork. 350 10-12 min. ENJOY!

I am a chocolate lover. I have a routine that I got from my mama. Every night before she goes to bed, she always something sweet. Just a little bit. Usually, it was something chocolate. Well, I have developed the same habit. Here is some good news about dark chocolate. - Dark chocolate is nutritious. It contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals - Powerful source of antioxidants. Cocoa and dark chocolate have a wide variety of powerful antioxidants. In fact, they have way more than most other foods. - Raises HDL and protects the LDL from oxidation. - May reduce the risk of heart disease. Observational studies show a drastic reduction in heart disease risk among those who consume the most chocolate. - May protect your skin from the sun. Studies show that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it from sun damage. - Could improve brain function. Cocoa or dark chocolate may improve brain function by increasing blood flow. It also contains stimulants like caffeine and theobromine. Chocolate is one of the few foods that taste awesome while providing significant health benefits. So adding a little bit of dark chocolate at night does have benefits. Enjoy. Read the article 7 Proven Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Time Well Spent By Damita Miller-Shanklin

I have always loved the feel of a book in my hands. I like the pages being turned because it gave me a sense of completing the book. I have been a reader since I was a little girl. My mother use to read a book to me before I went to bed. I can tell you she got tired of Green Eggs and Ham very quickly. She would say “can’t we read something else?” and my answer was always “I want to read this one.” And she did with the same happiness in her voice as she usually did. Reading for me has taken a back seat to work, family and life. It bothers me I can’t sit down a read a book and not go to sleep. It’s horrible. So this month, I decided to listen to my book on audio. I want to be ready to discuss the book with my book club. I have been listening and trying to remember characters but listening works and I will see how it works moving forward. But I will not abandon the hard feel of a book and the feel of a page-turning in my ﬁngers. This is my Time Well Spent!

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