Paige Duggins-Clay

www.UjimaMagazine.com

February 2022

Paige DugginsClay

Fighting for Education, Equity, and Civil Rights page 6

“Embrace Your Community”

V I E WPO I N T The month of February has always been designated as Black History Month. I remember in school every year, we got lessons on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and for the most part that was the two names, I identified black history month. As I grew into adulthood, I realized we had many other people fighting for our freedom, including women.

Black History means to me, remembering all the heroes who stood up for their rights, which bled over to me having my rights and freedom. MLK and Malcolm X were true fighters and pioneered our movement in society and in our history books. But talking about our history and remembering our

ancestors is a conversation we have to discuss every day, especially with our young generation.

This issue highlights our Black Culture with a different twist on looking at Black History Month. Every day in the news we hear about how people in power are taking away our voting rights, killing our sons and daughters, and blatantly showing racism without any filter. It has been said as much as things change, it remains the same. Let’s remember our history not only in February but every month of the year. The memories will help fight the battles that are ahead of us.

Happy Valentine

Damita Miller-Shanklin Editor-in-Chief Damita@Ujimamagazine.com

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

Medgar Evers Activist and Educator Source: Naacp.org

T The podcast is hosted by Damita Miller-Shanklin and Eliza Edwards. We hope you join us as we talk about stories in the magazine and our take on different topics that affect our daily lives. Our topics will range from community stories, interviews with our everyday heroes, and topics of the time.

You can find our podcast on Apple podcast and other podcast platforms you may use. Visit our podcast page at Ujima Magazine and Friends for all our podcasts to date.

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hroughout his short life, Medgar Evers heroically spoke out against racism in the deeply divided South.

He fought against cruel Jim Crow laws, protested segregation in education, and launched an investigation into the Emmett Till lynching. In addition to playing a role in the civil rights movement, he served as the NAACP's first field officer in Mississippi. Evers established new local chapters, organized voter registration drives, and helped lead protests to desegregate public primary schools, parks, and Mississippi Gold Coast beaches.

White supremacists made several attempts on Evers's life before succeeding on June 12, 1963. After pulling into his driveway and getting out of his car, Evers was shot in the back and died at the local hospital less than an hour later. He was murdered just hours after President John F. Kennedy's speech on national television in support of civil rights.

“You can kill a man, but you can't kill an idea.”

—Medgar Evers UjimaMagazine.com

BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE

“Me, A Black Woman! I’m Proud!”

By Contributing Writer, Jacquie Parish

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times of oppression. We all may be different, but it is the fact that we as human beings have the free will and intellect to celebrate each other’s differences that makes our world so special. As a black woman, I can teach others about my culture just as much as I can learn about another's.

That's the beauty of it all. If we expand upon our community, we expand upon our knowledge and success. For that, I am so grateful and proud.

o be a black woman to me means you’re confident in the skin you were born in and never feel like you’re not capable of the same opportunities as someone else.

Not to ever second guess yourself, and to never let yourself wish your melanin away! Even though history and society have always worked against us in many ways, it’s important to work hard and break through boundaries and stereotypes give us something to be proud of. Speaking of being proud, I am so grateful that I was afforded the opportunity to experience the first Black First Lady of the United States, the first Black Vice President of the United States and most recently the first Black woman, Maya Angelou to grace our currency. What an honor it is to be a Black woman and for my daughters to be Black young women!

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As I think about my travels around the world as a child and adult, I think about the opportunities I was afforded to learn about other cultures. This brought an awareness that was truly eye opening. Even though I enjoyed learning about other cultures, I was always drawn back to my own culture. Looking at it as almost a responsibility, I am proud to be a black woman because it does not only mean I have to celebrate my own culture, but others' as well, especially in

Now don’t get me wrong, we have had many obstacles as Black women, however we have also overcome many obstacles. I am very optimistic about our future. If we continue to work together, support one another, and walk in our purpose there is no stopping us! When we work together, we ALL WIN! Me, yes ME! I am proud to be a Black woman!

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Soul Food for the Soul

By Damita Miller-Shanklin

We are all aware that healthy eating is the trend today. I believe in healthy eating and I know it’s the right choice. But I like Soul Food!! Most Black families feast on Soul Food when families gather or on special occasions. I remember having soul food for dinner.

When I think of our Black History, I always think of good Soul Food.

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he term Soul Food was first used in 1964. It was a representation of what our culture enjoyed eating. At the time, the Black Pride movement was gaining power in our community. There was a time when the cooks had limited means but used their skills to prepare a great meal.

Soul Food was home cooking originating in the South. Most of the ingredients were inexpensive back when slaves were using what they received from their slave owners. So when we sit with our friends and family for some soul food what are the main staples that identify your

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soul food plate. Your Guide to Soul Foods – How To Order Soul Foods - Kitchen United has listed what a typical dinner would include and I will give you what I love on my soul food plate: Fried Chicken Fried Fish Macaroni and Cheese Candid Yams Collard Greens Cornbread Peach Cobbler So what do you think? Do you consider my soul food plate what you would consider Soul Food?

What would your Soul Food plate consist of?

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MENTAL HEALTH CARE AWARENESS

By Eliza Edwards Defining mental health care awareness is a must to address a wide range of mental illness conditions that affect: • Mood • Thinking • Behavior Mental Health Challenges includes: • Anxiety • Depression (Winter Blues) • Eating Disorders • Manic Behaviors • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Suggestions on how to improve your mental health: • Value yourself • Take care of your body • Surround yourself with good people • Quiet your mind • Ask for Help “Remember to take every thought captive to gain control over what you think about yourself and life.”

Reference 2 Corinthians 10:5

OUR BLACK CULTURE We are celebrating Black History this month.

Our history goes way back and is full of pain, happiness, and success.

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ccording to Justin Simien and Special he did for CNN, he defined Black Culture as a lifestyle standard made of assumptions about black identity. There are many misconceptions about our culture.

When I think of our Black Culture I think of the trends we set, family, religion, food, hair, music, technology, and education. We have made many strides and the generation coming up behind me. My hope is they will remember our history and make sure our Black Culture is not forgotten.

The month of February is delegated to celebrate the years of our Black history, our legacies. But it has been said before, we celebrate our history and our blackness every day.

Our Black Culture is strong and powerful. I am an American Black woman full of pride and remembrance of my forefathers who allowed me to live in a free society without shackles. But yet we still need to conquer the lack of equity, equal rights, and acceptance.

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community Spotlight

Paige Duggins-Clay

Fighting for Education, Equity and Civil Rights

By Damita Miller-Shanklin When you were growing up, what did you want to be or do for a job?

I can’t remember a time where I didn’t want to be a teacher or support public education. With multiple generations of educators and school leaders throughout my family, I learned early and often how important access to equal educational opportunity was to our communities. My mom, who has been a secondary public school teacher since the year I was born, was always bringing me to her classrooms and on field trips, and I would always watch in wonder as she did lessons or coached (basketball and track).

As a really young child, I think I remember telling people that I wanted to be a veterinarian, and for a short while I imagined being a missionary. Needless to say those ideas were quickly discarded. I also always wanted to become a writer, and in many ways I have achieved that goal.

What drew you to becoming a lawyer? What type of law do you practice currently?

As an African-American woman and the daughter of a teacher, I have a strong passion for social justice and educational equity.

Although I began my education intending to become a high school English teacher and soccer coach, each new experience made me more aware of the ways law can impact education and civil rights.

Throughout college, I learned how education interacts with issues such as housing, employment, and criminal justice, and I found that pursuing a career in law would allow me to be an advocate for the less-advantaged.

I currently practice a blend of traditional civil rights, litigation, and education law. I provide legal counsel, insight, and analysis on issues such as equal educational opportunity and compliance with anti-discrimination laws. As Chief Legal Analyst at IDRA, I am also responsible for providing litigation

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support and analysis of cases and court opinions impacting public education. Because my organization has a strong policy, advocacy, and community engagement presence in Texas and throughout the geographic south, I also get to use my legal skills to support policies that advance equal educational opportunity for all kids and communities – such as dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, promoting culturally sustaining schools, and creating more equitable school finance systems.

Finally, although I don’t think this is necessarily a traditional area of law, I also am a certified restorative justice practitioner focusing on utilizing restorative practices as an alternative to adversarial methods of conflict resolution. I am deeply interested in transforming and/or creating legal and social systems that incorporate restorative practices to address harm and heal communities.

How does the type of law you practice impact the Black community?

Interestingly, law has always both limited and promoted equal opportunities for the black community. My legal practice is dedicated to rooting out historical and systemic inequities for all children --- including and especially black children. Despite years of progress, we continue to see the same old attempts to undermine and disenfranchise public, community-based schools, which often serve as the heart of black families and communities. I am committed to working creatively and collaboratively to address these systemic issues, including issues that disproportionately impact the black community such as overrepresentation in school discipline referrals and juvenile criminal proceedings; resistance to and even elimination of historically accurate and culturally relevant education programs, books, and curricular materials; and unequal school finance systems that advantage the economically privileged.

What is the current law you are working to change that will make a positive impact on communities? Can you tell us more about educational law?

Education law is a catch-all practice that basically means you understand and advise on the laws and policies relating to the administration of schools. Most people don’t think of this, but public schools are some of the most regulated entities in the country, and there are many, many laws that schools must comply with in order to avoid litigation and scrutiny from the state and federal governments. Education law is typically divided between K12 and higher education, but many practitioners (myself included) practice both. So, on a typical day, an education lawyer could advise on a civil rights discrimination complaint (such as Title IX), a workplace issue involving an educator, questions about school safety and security, a student discipline issue, a First Amendment question . . . the list goes on. But that’s what makes the practice so exciting – you are constantly learning and working to give the best counsel possible in often fast-paced and everchanging social, cultural, economic, and political environments.

What is your favorite thing about being a lawyer? What is your not-so-favorite thing?

My favorite thing about being a lawyer is having the knowledge and power to take on individuals and organizations that believe they can stomp on the rights of marginalized communities simply because of their money or influence.

Ujima is happy to re-connect with Paige as she has grown into a wonderful mom, lawyer, and wife.

Paige was the only intern Ujima ever had and we are happy we were a part of her journey.

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active LIVING

Carrots Courtesy of allrecipes.com and www.India.com

CARROTS COULD BE VERY BENEFICIAL !!!

This is where l am starting this year's vegetables! I have always eaten them but it’s always good to know exactly how they are beneficial.

Mary Linnen Editor

HOW TO GROW AN ALOE VERA PLANT Here is a plant that can be grown as a house plant.

The first step in aloe vera plant care is to realize that this plant is a succulent. Like cacti, succulents do best in dry conditions. When growing aloe vera plants, plant them in a cactus potting soil mix or a regular potting soil that has been amended with additional perlite or building sand. Also, make sure that the pot has plenty of drainage holes. Aloe vera plants cannot tolerate standing water.

Carrots are a delicious vegetable that we sometimes overlook.

They can really be beneficial to our health and possibly to our diet. Carrots provide a good source of fiber and also help to avoid constipation. Not only this, but carrots also help in maintaining a healthy cholesterol level as well as preventing heart disease. Adding carrot juice to your daily diet is proven beneficial to reduce belly fat.

How to Store Whole Carrots Whole, unpeeled carrots are less susceptible to moisture loss than peeled or baby carrots. In fact, even rinsing off whole, unpeeled carrots beforehand could cause them to spoil early.

● Don't wash the carrots until you plan to use them. Excess water can speed up the spoiling process. ● Wrap the carrots in a paper towel and store in an airtight container. Keep carrots in the coolest part of your fridge.

One important thing in the care of aloe vera houseplants is that they have proper light.

Aloe vera plants need bright light, so they do best in south or west-facing windows.

Learn more at https://www.gardeningknowh ow.com/houseplants/aloevera/aloe-vera-plant-care.htm

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Slow Cooker Ideas Source: Food and Wine

WINTER FRUITS THAT SHOULD BE A PART OF YOUR DAILY DIET

Use the right size slow cooker. The slow cooker should be filled between onehalf and two-thirds

There are fruits considered winter fruits, try to keep them as part of your daily diet. Also considered good for you are strawberries and grapes.

Use cheaper cuts of meat. Inexpensive cuts of meat are often high in fat or connective tissue, both of which break down during long, moist heat cooking methods and will help keep the meat juicy and tender.

Add dairy at the end. Milk, cream, and other dairy products can break down and coagulate if overheated.

Stir these items into the slow cooker in the last 15-30 minutes, so they have just enough time to heat through.

Brown meat before adding it to the slow cooker, slow cookers retain moisture so well, the meat will not brown once it is placed in the cooker.

DON’T Place frozen food directly into the slow cooker. Frozen foods can increase the amount of time needed for the contents of the slow cooker to come up to a safe temperature (140 F) and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Time Well Spent

By Damita Miller-Shanklin I have not exercised in many years. I use to walk on Town Lake and do Kickboxing. But as I got older, I just slowed down and eventually did nothing.

So, I gained weight, purchased bigger clothes, settled into how I looked, and accepted it.

Well, I have decided to do something this year because I’m not getting any younger. I had gotten a Treadmill years ago and never used it but once or twice. I decided to use it and get the cobwebs off of it.

The Different Facets of Love

By Damita Miller-Shanklin Valentine’s Day will be celebrated by all lover’s new and old on February 14th. When you first meet someone, you have sparks that grow into feelings. This feeling of butterflies in the stomach, thinking about that person all the time, loving the silly things they do until later they become annoying, love is many different things.

When I think of love, I think of being familiar with your partner, allowing your guard to fall and you show the real you without criticism or shame, and when you can laugh together at something you only know the joke. Love is beautiful but we know love can be hurtful, painful, and out and out abusive. But, not considering abuse, love is the gift God blessed us with as human beings. Of course, there will be painful breakups, hurtful situations, but in order to know your accepting value, you have to love.

I have been getting up at 4:15 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I walk my treadmill for 5 mins. I will work myself up slowly as I go along. I admit I do feel better and I have more energy. I plan to continue this exercise for the foreseeable future.

Jennifer Lugo, a writer with the Collegiate Staff wrote about The Many Facets of Love. In this article, she spoke about Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love which the core elements are of this triangle are passion, intimacy, and commitment. “The idea of love doesn’t have limits or boundaries. Find love in yourself and then express it outwardly. The feeling is not only instinctual, it is euphoric, addicting, and motivating. Love can be used as a coping mechanism or her finding patience, selfconfidence, and understanding.” She shares other aspects of love. To read the full article The many facets of love - The Collegiate Live

This is my Time Well Spent.

To all lovers in the world, Happy Valentine’s Day!!

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