www.UjimaMagazine.com
May 2022
Patricia Hayes Strategist, Executive Advisor, Empowerment Coach
You Have To Take a Chance on Yourself page 6
“Embrace Your Community”
V I E WPO I N T Celebration of Mothers The month of May is always a reminder that we are starting the holiday season. Moving forward we start with celebrations from Cinco De Mayo to Juneteenth. The most important celebration is Mother’s Day! How will you celebrate your mother? My mother is the matriarch of our family. She is 95 years old and still enjoys her family. Recently, she got to meet her great-great-grandson. It was a beautiful moment. It was very special because my mother has Alzheimer’s. She enjoyed him and knew he was her great-great-
grandson and she loved him. Having a mother with Alzheimer's is very difficult. Anyone who is taking care of a parent who has the disease understands. As the daughter, you go through many emotions. I’m blessed to have my mother despite who she is today. She still loves her family and tells us every time we visit. I often think about the things she taught me that I hold close to my heart. She made me the person I am today. I love my mother and I will be celebrating her this Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to All the Mothers of the World
Embrace Your Community Damita Miller-Shanklin Editor-in-Chief Damita@Ujimamagazine.com
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Famous Mothers of Black History Source: Mom’s Choice Awards Mom's Choice Awards 'Cause I'm A Woman… Enjoli - Retroist
In our current times, due to social media, we all know when most women become mothers. This is from famous moms to friends and acquaintances. Looking at our history, we did not always know who had children unless they caught a photo or after they pass away you may see their children. Here are some famous mothers from our history. HARRIET TUBMAN - Tubman risked her life to free 70 slaves, including her own friends and family. Harriet Tubman married war veteran Nelson Davis. The two adopted a daughter in 1874 and named her Gertie. SOJOURNER TRUTH - A French entertainer born in America, Josephine Baker was both an agent for the French Resistance and a civil rights activist. While working with the Civil Rights Movements, Baker began to adopt children of varying ethnicities and backgrounds, dubbing her melting pot family “The Rainbow Tribe.” In p2
all, she had 12 children – 2 girls and 10 boys. MAYA ANGELOU - A poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou’s works are often considered integral to the African American literary canon. Angelou had one son, Clyde, in 1945 at the age of seventeen. Clyde later went on to change his name to Guy Johnson, and Angelou’s legacy continued with one grandson and two greatgrandchildren. KATHERINE JOHNSON - Katherine Johnson was an African American mathematician whose work with NASA and calculations surrounding orbital mechanics was imperative for the success of America’s crewed spaceflights. Johnson had 3 children with her first husband, James Francis Goble: Katherine, Constance, and Joylette. Johnson went on to have 6 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren and encouraged them to work in science and technology.
MICHELLE OBAMA - Renowned attorney and the first African American first lady. Michelle and Barrack Obama have two daughters, Malia and Sasha. These women show that they raised children and they lead others to freedom, entertained the world, fought for civil rights, used their math skills to help crewed spaceflights, and was the first lady of the United States of America. It goes without saying, Black women are resilient, strong, beautiful, and capable of doing what needs to be done to keep their families moving forward. I can bring home the bacon. Enjoli! Fry it up in a pan. And never let you forget you’re a man. ‘Cuz I’m a woman. Enjoli! UjimaMagazine.com
BEAUTY AND LIFESTYLE
Transformation Begins Within By Jacquie ooh Johnson, Contributing Writer
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any people want to change some aspect of their lives. Others prefer to transform their lives by making significant, lasting changes. Transforming your life involves going beyond the way you live, co-creating a better life for yourself, and changing the way you live. You do this by using your thoughts, visualization, words, faith, actions, or a combination of them. You use them to change some of what is happening within you and in your life, to co-create what you truly desire, and to live differently. This process begins from within and results in significant changes in you and your life. As you change, your life will also change. You will have a better life. Your better life can be your best life ever -- the life of your dreams. If you are going through a major challenge or several challenges, they may seem to go on forever, but as day always follows night, so too your breakthrough will follow your challenges. Transformation is a process, and it can be done with discipline and consistency. Here are some ways to transform your life… Transformative Learning Transformative learning is about changing how you think and the thoughts you think. It involves changing your perspective and acting from a new, more empowering perspective. As the apostle Paul noted, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." UjimaMagazine.com
them and evaluate them on a regular basis. Revisit and revise them if you need to. Every step you take in the right direction gets you closer to your desired destination.
(Rom. 12:2) Transformative learning is one of the best ways to renew your mind and transform your life. Change How You See Yourself Have you ever asked yourself, "Who am I?" You are not your name. You are not your job title. You are not your body. You live in a body. What do you think about yourself? Your thoughts are powerful. For many, these are deep questions. There is a tendency to believe who others tell us we are, and this can limit us. Spend some time finding out who you really are and then change the concept you have of yourself to that of the real you. When you do this, you will change, and when you change your life will also change. Literally! Live Differently - To start living differently you must start thinking, talking, and acting differently and continue doing so until your life is transformed. Implement your plans, monitor
Have an Attitude of Gratefulness - Many of us have a lot to be grateful for, including things we take for granted. Having eyes to read and access to the internet are among our many blessings. What do you have to be grateful for today? Who can you thank for a blessing you received recently? Gratitude releases endorphins in your body and this makes you feel good. It helps you cope with stress, and it is good for your health. Gratitude opens doors in your life for receiving more -- for yourself, and to share with others. Transforming your life can be challenging, yet exciting and rewarding. If you want a much better life with more of the things you truly desire, then take some action today to start doing so. Contributing Writer-Jacquie Johnson Jacquie Johnson is a native Texas who resides in Denton, TX with her husband and two daughters. She has four children total and one grandson. She is the creator of the Glow Collection by Jacquie ooh, an organic skincare line. She is the founder of Jacquie ooh an online resource hub for women. She is also a new author to two books: Glow Through It 21 Day Devotional Journal for Women and Dare to Sparkle Entrepreneur Startup Guide+Dream Big 4 Day Devotional. p3
She Speaks Wellness:
Mental Health & the Church
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ay is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this is a clarion call to the church. As the church doors open, we are not well-prepared to address the emotional wounds. People are returning with job loss, grief, fear, depression, and physical conditions not recognizing the seriousness and remaining silent. Do we hear the modern-day voices of Elijah, Job, and Jeremiah who suffered from depression to being hopeless? Elijah ran in fear (1Kings 19:3); Job lost everything (Job 13:15); Jeremiah felt isolated (Lamentations 3:24). The church is the people of God, the assembly, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and still struggles
with the mistaken belief about emotional health. Some will ignore it, and some do not know how to address it. So, what is the church to do? In John 5:6, Jesus asked the man paralyzed, “Do you want to be made well?” Now, I ask the church, "Do we want to be made well?" We must get the church to feel comfortable to shift their beliefs and answer the call. 1) Be a compassionate church by creating a safe space for authentic conversations. 2) Bring awareness of wellness by partnering with professionals and community organizations.
3) Teach on the whole person – Spirit, Mind, and Body. Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to you with a humble heart and thank you in advance for restoring our Spirit, Minds, and Body. Minister Sonya Hosey, Ordained Clergy Founder -Iron Sharpens Iron – 4MySisters Network https://www.facebook.com/irons harpensiron63
When Did Our “Crown” Become Political? By Damita Miller-Shanklin Source: CBS News
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hat is happening in this world? We, as Black Americans, can’t wear our hair the way we like in the free world. People are so bothered they feel the need to now control how I wear my hair? The CROWN Act, which was introduced by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, would prohibit hair-based discrimination "if that hair texture or that hairstyle is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin." Hairstyles the legislation would protect include those "in which hair is tightly coiled or tightly curled, locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, and Afros." p4
our culture or try to learn about our culture before it’s decided what we do as Black people is not acceptable? What other cultures had a law passed in order for their hair to be acceptable? It’s really crazy to me. There are many people who have been discriminated against due to their hairstyle. There are Black children whose teachers have cut their braids off. Now we are protected. I will never understand this. What are your thoughts about this? Why was this needed?
To read more about the Crown Act you can go to The Crown Act
When will we not be controlled by people who don’t understand UjimaMagazine.com
Photo by Mark Lopez of Integrity Vibez Productions
Feature Story
PATRICIA HAYES
Strategist, Executive Advisor, Empowerment Coach You Have To Take a Chance on Yourself By Damita Miller-Shanklin
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had the opportunity to have a great chat with Patricia Hayes. Her company is PVH Consulting Group, LLC. Her company provides Strategic support, Executive Advisor services and Coaching. Meet Patricia Hayes. Patricia Hayes is an Attorney by training but her work is around educational law, policy, and legislative work. She graduated from Pepperdine Law School. Twelve years ago was her last nine to five. She started a legislative consulting firm which she did by herself and at one time with other people. Then six years ago, she felt her work was not as fun as it used to be. Hayes loved policy and strategic planning but office politics ruined things. She then started to shift to the policy realm instead of Legislative clients. Executive advising and coaching became a part of what she did as well.
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Networking has always been a and was able to watch people in part of Hayes. She said even leadership roles. though people found it hard to believe she was shy and reserved Public speaking has always been but understood the power of something she did. People relationships and learned how to started asking Hayes to speak at leverage those relationships to get different conferences. She began to the next level. Hayes knew it getting calls from people who was not about meeting people wanted to discuss their career but learning from them. She had choices. Hayes describes her great mentors to model after. typical client as her avatarA Lobbyist gathers Professional Women or information for their Entrepreneurs in a cause and puts it leadership role, Hayes describes her back out and then going through a typical client as her avatar - Professional connects with career transition Women or Entrepreneurs in a people to leverage and/or leveling up leadership role, going the position they and needing through a career transition want to take. support to and/or leveling up and Networking came transition. These needing support to easy for her after 30 clients usually call transition. years. The Executive saying they need this Advising of the business new job and need her came about because most of help. Hayes starts with a free the time she was a lawyer and a twenty-minute consultation lobbyist. She also did where the client tells her what administration work for higherthey want and she asks targeted ranking people in the legislative Feature Story continues on p6 areas. Hayes was exposed to a lot
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Feature Story continued from p5
do and learn. Sometimes you have to pay for that growth. You need it for the next level. Hayes tells people to buy a journal to get started. Most people don’t slow down to think about what they want to do unless it is crisis time. This comes with being laid off, fired, or a health crisis. Literally keeping track of what you want to do makes it more real when you place it on paper. It’s always good to review old journals to see how far you have developed. It's the story of your journey and how you developed.
questions and then tells them what she hears they need. From there she and the client figure out the best way to address their need. The person usually needs someone who is objective and not invested in their outcomes.
The services Hayes provides are executive advising, which she describes as the brain behind the scenes. Some high executives need help with a special project or initiative and they don’t have the staff who can take it on or someone who can do it. Career People have to know and learn Empowerment coaching is more not to be afraid to challenge the than resumes but more status quo. The pandemic about helping clients taught all of us that be empowered to nothing is in writing, Most people move to the next nothing is permanent don’t slow down to level and advocate and you have to be think about what they for themselves. willing to step want to do unless it is Then there is the outside your comfort crisis time. This comes Authentic zone or you may get with being laid off, Networking crushed People who fired, or a health Strategist. Hayes didn’t pivot during the crisis. can see people who pandemic may be need to be connected struggling thinking they and connect them. The are going back to a new 30 years of legislative work and normal. There is no normal. You understanding of the job is to can’t think with the blinders on find the right person and bring it and things have to be done one together. Her focus is networking way. There is always an out. authentically because people are Always. Will you take it is the not trained to network and do it question but there is always an well. Hayes points out that out. You have to be willing to networking for professional take a chance on yourself. You reasons is the second most hated have to talk to your fear and you thing to do behind public tell it can sit in the passenger speaking. However, she likes both! seat or the back seat but fear doesn’t get to drive. Fear is real Personal Development is from our lived experience. Fear important. Hayes calls herself a can ride along but it can’t drive personal development junkie. and by the way, be quiet. No She recalls growing up she loved backs seat driving allowed. Hayes reading people’s bios. She shares go look up the lyrics to enjoyed learning where people Hello by Kurt Franklin. He is came from and what went into singing about fear, the words are making them who they are. very powerful. People don’t take the time to figure out what they want to do. To connect visit the website at Most people don’t take personal www.patriciavhayes.com, her development courses unless they Linkedin page, and her Facebook are required by their job. But it business page. doesn't address what you want to
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active LIVING Keeping Your Mind Active You see a lot of articles about aging and staying active. My concern is keeping my mind sharp and staying healthy.
Mary Linnen Editor
Must Have the Proper Shoes
My new habit is reading ingredients listed on new foods l purchase, especially those that say “ sugar free”, a lot of the substitutes are not good for the body or the mind. Eating foods that fight memory loss, which are tasty as well helpful, is where l have been focused on for a while. Berries, fish, and leafy green
vegetables are 3 of the best foods that fight memory loss. There's a mountain of evidence showing they support and protect brain health. I suggest we all keep reading and start eating foods that will help us be as healthy as possible as we can. I find these small things have helped make a difference in my health. www.healthline.com www. healthdenver.com
Walking is something l do, while running errands. The longest errand for me is grocery shopping. Walking in the isles requires the right shoes! The floors are cement l have tried several different pairs of shoes , but so far my tennis shoe with thick soles and a strong arch, have made it less painful. Give a good shoe a try as part of your daily routine. This makes shopping a lot less tiresome for those of us with leg issues. Give it a try!
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Foods Linked to Better Brainpower I know we hear this often but l truly try most of these. Part of me trying to stay healthy. Foods linked to better brainpower • Green, leafy vegetables. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collards, and broccoli are rich in brain-healthy nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene. ...
• Fatty fish. ... • Berries. ... • Tea and coffee. ... • Walnuts. Read full article here: https://www.health.harvard.edu/h ealthbeat/foods-linked-to-betterbrainpower
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Sheet-Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli Source: www.allrecipes.com
Ingredients • 3 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise • 1 teaspoon chili powder • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1inch cubes • 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided • ½ teaspoon salt, divided • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, divided • 4 cups broccoli florets (8 oz.; 1 medium crown) • 1 ¼ pounds salmon fillet, cut into 4 portion • 2 limes, 1 zested and juiced, 1 cut into wedges for serving • ¼ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro Directions • Step 1 - Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray. • Step 2 - Combine mayonnaise and chili powder in a small bowl. Set aside. • Step 3 - Toss sweet potatoes with 2 tsp. oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper in a medium bowl. • Step 4 - Spread on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes • Step 5 - Meanwhile, toss broccoli with the remaining 2 tsp. oil, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper in the same P • Step 6 - Remove the baking sheet from oven. Stir the sweet potatoes and move them to the sides of the pan. Arrange salmon in the center of the pan and spread the broccoli on either side, among the sweet potatoes. • Step 7 - Spread 2 Tbsp. of the mayonnaise mixture over the salmon • Step 8 - Bake until the sweet potatoes are tender and the salmon flakes easily with a fork, about 15 minute’s • Step 9 - Meanwhile, add lime zest and lime juice to the remaining 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise; mix well • Step 10 - Divide the salmon among 4 plates and top with cheese and cilantro. • Step 11 - Divide the sweet potatoes and broccoli among the plates and drizzle with the limemayonnaise sauce. Serve with lime wedges and any remaining sauce. p8
Time Well Spent By Damita Miller-Shanklin
I don’t like showing my face. However, most things on social media include showing your face and being more visual using video. I admire people who make videos, especially for their business. I feel my business would be more present if I began to do videos. But self-talk can be very negative and stop you from doing what needs to be done. Self-Talk plus Fear=No Movement! I decided I wanted to go for it and not be so critical of myself. Just do it! I did a practice run and I thought it went okay. Of course, I wanted to go back to hiding but I know I have to conquer this task this year, this quarter. My plan is to start slow in doing short videos about Ujima and then grow from that point. Ujima videos will be coming soon. This was my Time Well Spent!!
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