www.UjimaMagazine.com
March 2022
Dr. Monica "Moe" Anderson Speaker, Author, and Advocate
The Woman Who Embodies Strength, Positivity, and Family page 6
“Embrace Your Community”
V I E WPO I N T This month we celebrate International Women’s Day. March 8 is the day, but the whole month should honor women all over the world. As a woman, we have come a long way in making impacts in the areas of technology, medicine, education, and the political arena. Of course, this is not all the impact areas but you get the idea. As empowered women, we have to be careful to ensure we continue to control our bodies and not allow decisions to be made on a large scale by males that don’t have a clue.
Ujima is celebrating women and the power we possess to make the world a better place. International Women’s Day marks the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s the day to raise awareness of discrimination and bias and to inspire and empower us all to take action for equality. In this issue, we share stories of empowerment in different aspects of life. Our feature is Dr. Monica Anderson, who is an Author, Speaker, Podcaster, and Doctor of Dentistry.
Damita Miller-Shanklin Editor-in-Chief Damita@Ujimamagazine.com
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How About Those Black Cowgirls? Source: National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
W 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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hen you think of Cowboys roaming the prairie, they were mainly men. They fought hard, they loved hard and they died hard. There were Cowgirls but they were not seen being hard, taking care of themselves in rough terrain and territory, but they were there. I recently watched Regina Kings’ movie, The Harder They Fall portrayed black women as independent, smart, powerful, and could kick any cowboy's butt. It is a must-see!! There is a museum dedicated to Cowgirls located in Fort Worth, Texas. It’s the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. There are several Black Cowgirls throughout the museum history and hall of fame. There is a young girl in Denver Colorado, Sadie Jackson 15, who competed in a celebration of Black cowboys and cowgirls and were the best young athletes. Jackson was first in the breakaway roping competition with a time of just 4.8 seconds. To read the full article about Jackson visit Young Black Cowgirl Owning Her Mission To Inspire Others. Being a Cowgirl is just another area Black women and young girls can shine.
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BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE
IS THERE SUCH A THING AS SPRING CLEANING YOUR SKIN? By Contributing Writer, Jacquie Parish
C
ould your skin use a spring cleaning? When the weather changes, your skincare routine should too. Spring is the perfect time to change up your skincare routine. We have compiled 6 of our favorite things to do to get our skin ready for the spring!
good skin starts from within? Collagen makes up around 75% of the dermis and is important for skin strength and joint flexibility. However, our collagen levels decrease with age. You may want to try a collagen supplement. Collagen supplements are a good way to maintain smooth skin and joint health as well as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
1. Exfoliate weekly It’s a great idea to exfoliate weekly but don’t overdo it. Avoid exfoliators with harsh ingredients. Exfoliators containing microbeads are harmful to the environment. So, it is best to use products with eco-friendly ingredients. You can even make your own exfoliator at home, so you know what ingredients are in your products! 2. Nourish the skin on your body Your body needs just as much attention as your face. Like your feet. Try covering them with Vaseline and popping on socks for a few nights. If they need extra help, use a foot file to remove any remaining dry skin. Your feet should be super soft in no time! Another great way to get smooth skin is to use a special foot peel mask. You just put the booties on for 60-90 minutes and the dead skin will start to fall off within 3 to 7 days. Your feet will be super smooth afterwards.
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5. Use a sunscreen Aim for a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30 and remember to apply it 30 minutes before going outside, to give it a chance to sink in. It’s important to reapply it regularly. And yes, if you are African American you need to use a good sunscreen☺! We must protect our skin too! 3. Dry-Brushing To help get your skin spring ready and to excrete toxins more effectively, 5 minutes of dry brushing your body is highly recommended. Before you shower, use a natural bristle brush, and move it gently over the whole of your body. This body routine is best done in the morning rather than before bedtime as you may find it gives you a rush of energy. 4. Feed your skin from within Have you heard the saying that
6. Have a professional facial To further boost hydration and restore radiance, a regular professional facial is not a luxury, it’s a must! I would recommend having a facial at once a month. If you can’t squeeze it in your budget, try every other month. Choose a result driven facial rather than a relaxing one for long term results. I hope that you’ve found these tips to get your skin spring ready useful. Happy healthy glowing skin!
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International Women’s Day #BreakTheBias Source: InternationalWomensDay.com History.com
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
The theme for 2022 is Imagining a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
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There are many ways to get involved but IWD suggest the following: We can break the bias in our communities. We can break the bias in our workplaces. We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities. Together, we can all break the bias - on International Women's Day (IWD) and beyond.
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SHE SPEAKS WELLNESS Women’s Empowerment: Room to Grow By Contributing Writer, Minister Sonya Hosey, Ordained Clergy “If you're one of those people who have a little voice in the back of your mind, saying, maybe I can do________ (fill in the blank), don't tell it to be quiet, give it a room to grow, and try to find an environment to grow in.” Reese Witherspoon I am confident we have a desire to be an influencer - voice of change and positively affect our families, churches, workplace, community, and, more importantly, within ourselves. Our environment includes the people, places, things, and thoughts we surround ourselves with. The setting can excel or stagnate you. Either way, something will change. There are moments in our lives we may not get it right. Sometimes there are setbacks, disappointments, and delays. However, we must continue to allow ourselves to grow, fall, and get back up again. These are life lessons and growing pains. We should embrace our flaws and struggles because, we would not have found the strength to continue to fulfill God’s purpose without them. The good news, we must recognize and celebrate who we are, our true potentials, and who we are becoming in all situations. Do not miss the opportunity to know your true worth. Self-worth is the belief that our life has value, significance, being good enough, and worthy of love. Remind yourself, without a doubt you are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
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Life experiences may have created low self-worth, selfesteem, doubt, and comparing yourself to others. Some seek the approval of others to validate themselves, not recognizing, only God validates. Give yourself permission to go through the process; these are the most inspirational moments to finding your true self and who God has created you to be. In Galatians 1:10 (NASB) “For am I now seeking the favor of people or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” Ephesians 2:10 (NASB) reminds us that we are God's "workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” God created us for his purpose. He knows what he wants us to do for him and with our lives. He has an exclusive blueprint for each of us to serve Him on this earth. God has already endorsed, affirmed, validated, and given access for you to do what he has created you to do. You are empowered based on what Jesus has already done in and through you. Surround yourself with people and places which sharpens you. This is an opportunity to develop new skills. Venture into new restaurants, museums, and places you have never visited; laugh, dance, and celebrate yourself and each accomplishment.
Women, you have so many hidden gifts, listen to the “little voice in the back of your mind saying you can do _____________ (fill in the blank)” and speak it loud with boldness and authority. God is expanding your influence and opportunity for His purpose; allow yourself room to bloom while growing and He will enlarge your territory. “If you are not willing to risk, you cannot grow, and if you cannot grow, you cannot become your best, and if you cannot be your best, you cannot be happy.” (Les Brown). Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for guiding, comforting, and leading us through life circumstances. As you continue to teach us, we desire to know you far more deeply than we do. We thank you, God, for equipping, encouraging, and empowering us. We know all spiritual blessings come from you. In Jesus Name, we humbly pray Amen.
Minister Sonya Hosey, Ordained Clergy Founder/CEO – Iron Sharpens Iron – 4MySisters Network Proverbs 27:17 “Iron Sharpens Iron, as one woman sharpens another.” #SheEmpowers #SheInspires #SheSpeaks Wellness She Speaks Wellness addresses the emotional well-being of women. To learn more about the network go to, https://linktr.ee/ ironsharpensiron4MySisters
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feature
Dr. Monica Moe Anderson A Speaker, Author, and Advocate My Life Is My Testimony By Damita Miller-Shanklin I caught up with Dr. Monica “Moe” Anderson to discuss her business and empower others to be their best every day. I enjoyed our conversation because she is a fun person to talk with, especially about her business and what she does. Anderson is a Dentist, Author, Speaker, and Advocate. The business that Anderson has built is around her podcast, Perpetual mOtion with Dr. mOe Anderson, Speaking around the country, and Author, helping other writers, and giving her testimony about her fight with Cancer. The podcast is going great and her speaking engagements have primarily been virtual which has been a change. Anderson has been podcasting for ten years and has learned a lot from her guest. The topics discussed on her show are communication, wellness, and relationships. You can listen to the podcast on all major platforms. She has had great guests on her show. “I bring people who have value not to just pitch a product,” she says. Anderson does not usually interview celebrities but she spoke with several bright stars you make want take notice. Just to name a few guests she has spoken with recently is Karen Abercrombie, who is an actress and filmmaker. She produced a feature film, which is number five globally, and the top-grossing Christian movie called War Room. She has spoken with an Educator, from California, Rahbin Shyne. She spoke about Active Listening. The takeaway from that conversation was a point made by Shyne. Her statement was Listening is really about relationships. People listen when they want a relationship with you. When you think about how you listen if you don’t have an interest or looking to build a relationship you may not intently listen. This is food for thought. Check out the podcast for yourself. Anderson is a writer and an author. She does coaching to help other writers learn the craft. This experience comes from her own journey. Many people say they can write a book, but they don’t realize how hard it actually is to do. She assists authors with creating a process and/or
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system to self-publish their books. There are many things to consider such as copywriting, the cover of the book, marketing, and more. Anderson can move writers into a process that will help them be successful. The coaching helps make it easier for people to learn the right way with the steps, accountability, and anything else they may need during the process. If Anderson could choose a favorite business she does speaking is what she enjoys doing the most. She shares her skills to help the next person. But she likes to work with a certain type of speaker. Her typical speaking client is someone who is running for office or they have a big speech in front of a huge audience at their company. This person is not new to speaking they may need help with the delivery. Anderson takes their words and makes the speech work. We practice virtually so they learn to command the room while speaking and the skills they learn from public speaking can carry over into other areas. Anderson says we are always public speaking when we are with our family and friends. The difference is we don’t know the people in the audience. Anderson was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer in 2012. It returned in 2014 and she had the Cancer removed. It’s been ten years and the lifespan was only five years. She is an advocate around cancer because the family members need support at times more than the person who is diagnosed. She talks to family members about understanding their loved one is dealing with their loss because their life will never be the same. She is able to share skills she had to develop just to get through another day. It was hard at the beginning. Anderson says,” My life is my testimony.” She uses her testimony to help others. She overcame Cancer twice and advocate for patients diagnosed with Cancer to help them navigate the road ahead and their families. Anderson states, “Having faith and hope and the right people around you is the key. I’m optimistic and I’m gonna make the best of my time. Where ever God leads me I will follow.” I asked Anderson what her future looks like? She wants to expand. She enjoys her podcast and she loves writing. “They will be
pulling a pen out of my cold hand in the nursing home”, she laughed. She is starting on another book, but it’s in the planning stages right now. She hopes the speaking engagements will pick back up. She was recently featured in Parade Magazine which she is honored. She read this magazine since she was young. I too remember reading it on Sundays. It came with our newspaper. Being a part of Parade Magazine has opened doors. Anderson plans to keep on course to inspire and empower people. Reach more people. Anderson states, “ She is liking where she is right now.” She still wants to travel and be at peace, the best grandmother, mother, and best friend she can be.” When Anderson was asked how has she inspired or empowered others, She answered what she aspires to do comes from her last novel, Never Close Your Heart. Women of Color who have been marginalized and the myth that every black woman is angry. They don’t ask why we are angry. Why shouldn’t we Black Women be angry? Women make less than men, and Black Women make even less than white women. I remind people there are a lot of good people out there and you should not cut off relationships with other women who have the same interest as you, they can support you. We have to be better, stay driven, and stay positive. The people you need will appear if you just have the courage to love. They will appear. “Don’t cut off the tributaries to the river of your soul.” She is enjoying her series When a Sistah’s Fed Up but Never Close Your Heart was a #1 Amazon Best-seller for Black Authors. It's her first bestseller and it’s a proud moment. Anderson leaves us with she will continue improving her craft of writing and she is grateful for the journey. You can visit Dr. Moe’s website at Dr. “mOe” Anderson Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ drmonicaanderson IG at Dr. mOe Anderson (@drmoea) • Instagram photos and videos
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active LIVING
EASY MORNING WAKE-UP TIPS !!
Mary Linnen Editor
Are You Storing Food Safely? Source: www.fda.gov
Whether putting food in the refrigerator, the freezer, or the cupboard, you have plenty of opportunities to prevent foodborne illnesses. The goal is to keep yourself and others from being sickened by microorganisms such as Salmonella, E. coli and C. botulinum, which causes botulism.
For some of us getting out of bed in the morning is a daily battle, as we struggle to shake out of our deep sleep, shrug off feeling tired, or force ourselves to recover from a bad night’s sleep. It is important to take measures to make the most of those early hours and seize the day. 1. Don’t hit the snooze button Yes, we’re all guilty of it. But setting multiple alarms or pressing snooze leaves us more tired and groggy.
2. Let the light in Natural light stimulates the wakefulness center in the brain which helps you get up naturally. 3. Breathe Out Deep breathing is one of the most effective techniques to reduce stress in the body. 4. Take a shower A nice steamy shower in the morning is sure to flush away any signs of snooziness. 5. Drink Water Feeling tired is a classic symptom of dehydration. Not getting enough H20 can cause other problems during the day.
EASY 3 -INGREDIENT BREAKFAST IDEAS
These food storage tips can help you steer clear of foodborne illnesses. Refrigerate or freeze perishables right away. Foods that require refrigeration should be put in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home. Stick to the "two-hour rule" for leaving items needing refrigeration out at room temperature. Never allow meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or produce or other foods that require refrigeration to sit at room temperature past the two hour window. Be alert for spoiled food. Anything that looks or smells suspicious should be thrown out. Mold is a sign of spoilage. It can grow even under refrigeration.
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Mental Health Awareness By Damita Miller-Shanklin Source: Warning Signs of Suicide – SAVE There have been several high-profile suicides on our newsfeed lately. It seems alarming that these individuals found taking their life was their answer to all the reasons they made that final decision. Communities around the nation have preventative care through talk therapy, medication, but make sure the person calls someone for help. For any assistance, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline @ 800-273-8255. If you need local resources, you can call the 24/7 Crisis Hotline @ 512-472-4357.
Time Well Spent
Ujima Book Review
By Damita Miller-Shanklin
By Eliza Edwards
Family is very important to me. I live across town from my sister and we don’t often get to see each other unless I head North to see our mother or we plan to hang out. But last month, we had a great weekend. We went to visit our mom who was doing very well. She makes us laugh with her facial expressions and how she says things to us.
A Conspiracy of Mothers by Colleen van Niekerk
The laughter and the jokes we shared were great. We talked about our sister who is no longer with us, our father, and how we are handling everything with our mother and our own feelings. But if you have siblings that you are closed to, you know how much you love being around them and making memories.
I started off this new year 2022 with a new list of books I wanted to read, and this novel was a great way to begin. A Conspiracy of Mothers by Colleen van Niekerk is a fictional account of life in South Africa and the year is 1994. One family of three generations of mothers past, present, and future dealing with the political chaos of how to survive as a brown person, or a black person, in a white rule country that created and promotes Apartheid. This compelling story draws you into this world of hate and oppression and weaves a beautiful story of love, hope, and healing while expounding on political issues that haunt the black and brown communities in South Africa to this present day.
So, spending time with my sister was time well spent!!!
Colleen van Niekerk your first novel is a five-star work and I applaud you. ~ee
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