Our Education. Our History. We Can Not Be Erased

Everything evolves in this world. I don’t think it’s something we think about but it happens and we find ourselves feeling different. I find myself evolving, therefore Ujima Magazine is evolving. I heard a quote from Nina Simone that captures what I feel right now. The quote is “An artist's duty is to reflect the times.”

The mission of Ujima Magazine is to tell stories of our “everyday heroes” in our Black community. This remains true. However, as a writer, I’m evolving causing my stories to evolve and the heroes

to change to at some point. Is there such a thing struggling to evolve? I know it can’t be stopped.

This issue speaks to how our Black community is changing again. We still have the same issues to overcome but our fight and the people leading the fight are different. The issues we are facing are harder and very transparent. How we respond will help us all evolve. My job as a writer was made clear-I will reflect the times while remaining true to our mission.

Damita Miller-Shanklin Editor-in-Chief

Damita@ujimamagazine.com

#embraceyourcommunity

#ujimamagazine #ujimaatx

#collectiveworkandresponsibility

#blackowned #womanowned

Wake Up! We Are In A Fight!!

If you have been listening to the news, you realize we’re losing rights on many different fronts. I have concerns about our future as Black people and how we are ensuring we know what is happening around us everyday. The words and actions are no longer behind closed doors, the actions of other people are very transparent as to what they want and think about us as a people.

These issues are not just for Black people but they extend to women rights, voting rights and now education. We can’t be in denial that what is happening in Florida can’t happen right here in Austin. This issue is about the heart of our Black Community. In my opinion, education is the key to our community members growing and staying included in what is important for all of us and our Future.

There are many ways we can ensure our voices are heard and help make decisions on how we can strategically get things done. We already have community organizations that are dedicated to the rights of Black Community.

MORE THAN A CULTURE

by Jacquie Johnson, founder of Jacquie ooh

he importance of Black people and our communities cannot be underestimated, due to our numerous contributions to our current society; from beauty to entertainment, to business, to leadership, and even politics. We can see Black excellence all around us. We do believe that all communities can learn from each other, however, the strength and generational bond that is particularly strong within the Black community is something that should be applauded and modeled for others. Black people have had to face so much in our nation’s history—from slavery to legally sanctioned discrimination—yet there are so many stories of the triumphs, and resilience that inspire us all. Through it all we have stuck together through highs and lows, giving one another unconditional support and guidance. The Black community is the soul of our existence. When things get rough, we know, and the world knows they can turn to the Black community for help. They recognize the power that we have!

TThe Black community is by far the most powerful and authentic community that exists. We are beautiful, strong, creative, brilliant, and unique. It’s amazing to see how Black people have evolved over the years with using education as a tool for social change to educate our youth, and correct miseducation about our Black community. Black people have influenced so many lives in every aspect of society. Being Black is not just a culture, it is a state of being, a way of life and a state of mind. We are intentional, with the goal of uniting Black people and showing the world what we are capable of, despite where we may come from or what our histories are. We still have a long way to go, however we have come a long way! Today, there are more Black people striving, achieving, inspiring, and promoting other Black people than ever before. Black communities were and are vital and will continue to be a vital part of our lives.

The Black community is by far the most powerful and authentic community that exists. We are beautiful, strong, creative, brilliant, and unique.

Contributing Writer, Jacquie “ooh” Johnson

Jacquie Johnson is a native Texan who resides in Denton, TX with her husband and two daughters. She has two older sons who reside in California, and one grandson. Jacquie is the founder of Jacquie ooh an online resource hub for women. Her goal is to provide resources to help women think well and live well. She is the creator of the Glow Collection by Jacquie ooh, an organic skincare line where she provides gourmet food for your skin. Jacquie is heavily involved in her community where she has been sworn in as a precinct chair for the Democrats of Denton County. 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. For more information on Jacquie “ooh” Johnson please visit her website at www.jacquieooh.com

PHOTO BY HTTPS://TRUESTAR.LIFE

PHOTO BY HTTPS://TRUESTAR.LIFE

THE BIRD

Written by Eliza Edwards

heal rest be still don’t just move on listen purpose to listen hear with your heart rest wait it will come do not fear am i in the right place the right place is in you listen the bird flew away after many minutes it’s time to rest you’ve been told you’ve been shown heal listen rest dig deep into meditation let go of the distractions foolish information is a robber run fast from that which leaves you empty

listen with my eyes listen with my sight listen with my nose listen with my smell listen with my tongue listen with my taste listen with my ears listen with my sound listen with my brain listen with my mind Listen with my lungs listen with my breath listen with my hand listen with my touch listen with my Heart listen with my beat listen with my blood wait slow down hear

THE ETERNAL YAHWAH NISSI ~ee

SHE SPEAKS WELLNESS: RECLAIMED SISTERHOOD

Eight African American Women clergy and leaders gathered for the She Speaks Hope Retreat at the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and were greeted by Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer, the first African American Woman Dean in the history of the seminary. I am amazed because we were the first African American women's group. This Spirit-led retreat demonstrated powerful moments of sisterhood.

As women leaders, where do we go to address our emotional wellness? Although we consider ourselves "Strong Black, Courageous Women Working Together," most are alone and frustrated. Each of us carried deep emotional scars and wounds. However, we did not have the tools to bring life back into balance. We cried, and we prayed. We did not complain. We reclaimed it! We created a space of sisterhood committed to a journey of gratitude, forgiveness, recovery, and restoration that reconnects us to the Lord and ourselves.

Here are a few quotes of wisdom from our sisterhood that may help you better navigate a healing journey.

● “I do not have to be 100% by myself, and there is someone else to help lighten my load. Sometimes, it is ok to say "no" without any explanation.”

●"I am a justice fighter but now seen through different lenses."

● "I get to define when it is enough, and I get to define what success and wholeness is for me."

● "My physical limitation is temporary; other people don't define me!"

● "Sometimes God's will is - that I won't."

● "Saying no = freed0om."

● “Self-care is not selfish, and it's the gateway for you to lift your gifts and graces in a way that truly represents the kingdom of God."

Women, our lives will always be trials, tribulations, and triumphs. It is for us to know how to respond - SHE SPEAKS HOPE!

Minister Sonya Hosey, Founder She Speaks Wellness and Iron Sharpens Iron 4My Sisters.

The Importance of Our Education and History

By Damita Miller-Shanklin

You may remember MS. OLYVIA GREEN

from our issue back in 2018. She was the first Black teacher at Pease Elementary. I reached out to her again because she is an Educator and I wanted to get her opinion about the school related issues in our country and black communities related to book bans, erasing of our history and more. I have been concerned about these issues and was glad to speak with Ms. Green.

Education is very important for all people. However for Black children it is how we improve our life and have options as to what we can do. If you are a parent you may be making choices about where you want to send your child to school because what you want for your child’s education is just not there in our public school setting. Does our educational system give our children a good education?

Green points out “parents are trying to get the best education for their children. So if they feel like the private school is doing a better job than the public school, then they send them to the private school.” When I was going into high school my mother wanted me to go to a different high school out of my district. She went to the school administration office and asked for a transfer. So I see where this is a true situation parents are struggling with even now.

Green

Governor Abbott is proposing a school voucher program. Supporters are calling it educational freedom, but what does a voucher program mean? School vouchers are the use of tax dollars to pay private school tuition. (tpr.org). There is concern that if your child stays at a public school how much funding will be available for an equal education? The Governor says public schools will still be funded. But at this time, public schools are struggling to provide teachers with what they need. If the money follows the students, it seems that a child that chooses a private school will get more opportunities. Do you believe the Governor when he says “If you like the public school your child is attending, it will still be fully funded?” (texastribune.org)

out

points

“parents are trying to get the best education for their children.”

PHOTO BY L.L. CAMPBELL BY FACILITATION

PHOTO BY L.L. CAMPBELL BY FACILITATION

The other issue we are facing is educators, parents, and students have to consider the push to remove books that tell our black history and AP courses dealing with books that tell Black historical journeys. All cultures have a history and a journey where their ancestors took for freedom and a better life. As an educator, Green reminds us that Black history is really American history because we are all in America. We are Americans.

The concern is when books are removed and classes are removed from curriculums how will our children learn about who they are? It will become more important that our children get their history at home from their parents and family members. But is that fair to our history? We exist then and now. The struggle happened. There were slaves. Green became upset when books were removed from the library. As Green pointed out, if they don't get it from home, where will they get it? The book shelves will be empty.

The focus is on Black history right now. Are they going to take the books that black authors wrote? What about the other races? Are they going to destroy those books too? It's not consistent. There are activists using their voice to stop it or try to help control it. But will it work? What can we do when the situation is so big?

Ms. Green feels in order to make a difference we will have to have

meetings with people and gather ideas. This is how the community leaders did it before to get results. It has to be strategic. Once you get all these ideas, then go to the school board meetings. This can include neighborhood meetings and don't forget to church. Florida and other states such as Memphis are having the same issue of removing Black history. There are other states, including Memphis, Tennessee. having the same issue..The powers that be will not listen to one person.

Has Green seen any comparison with what she had to do in order to teach? Do you see any kind of parallels? Or is it new? There are not any parallels. The only person teaching Black history at Pease Elementary was her.

“After white teachers saw me trying to do something, they wanted to know what I was doing. Then they asked if they could do something together.”

We as Black Americans need to be aware we are under serious changes that will impact our lives in a negative way. From education to women’s rights, we have to be “woke” about the injustices and racial discrimination we are seeing right now. It is all very transparent and we all have to do our part.

If [students] don't get [black history] from home, where will they get it? The book shelves will be empty.

In My Educational Days

By Damita Miller-Shanklin

If you are an Austinite, you realize the city has changed drastically, eliminating most of the Black neighborhoods in what was East Austin. I started remembering my elementary school which is standing with a new name and they built a new elementary up the road.

I attended L.L. Campbell on Chicon Street. It was primarily black students and my first contact with white teachers. The school was close to my home and I felt safe within my community. The community was black families spread out providing a safe haven and a sense of belonging.

But like many other school districts, we began to integrate into schools across town. I ended up at Lucy Read sixth grade center. And from there the sense of community faded away. What are your memories about your early education childhood years? This is why it's so important our history is discussed with our children. We should continue

our educational journey through the Austin school system. One major change that affected many black children in Austin was the closure of the Old L.C. Anderson High school that brought together Black community. It stood as a premiere school from 1889 to 1971.

Students today have choices and parents will make sure their child gets the best education. We should not settle for anything less than the best education.

Mary Linnen Editor

GETTING READY FOR SPRING

Getting ready also includes preparing your physical health and your mental health for the end of one season and the beginning of the next one.

As you prepare for your Spring cleaning do you have self care on your list ? Sounds a little ridiculous but it’s really needed.

Self care is not one size fits all. Everyone has to do what fits for them physically and mentally. You may want to consult your doctor before starting a routine.

VITAMINS!

Are they necessary?

Vitamins have been taken by many people for years. I have been introduced to the question do you need them ?

The vitamins l take were given to me after lab test results.

These five supplements are considered essential to our health and we may be lacking them through diet alone.

• Vitamin D. Ideally you'd get all your vitamin D from the sun. ...

• Fish oil. ...

• B vitamins. ...

• Probiotics. ...

• Magnesium.

https://www.reidhealth.org › blog

Just wanted to share this thought and l wonder what people are thinking. And what most of us are taking.

Always ask your physician before you start or stop any medication.

Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:

1. Get regular exercise. ...

2. Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. ...

3. Make sleep a priority. ...

4. Try a relaxing activity. ...

5. Set goals and priorities. ...

6. Practice gratitude. ...

7. Focus on positivity. ...

8. Sit in the sunshine

These tips are good starters for physical as well as mental self care. Try a few or add a few. Always do what works for you.

www.nih.goV

Oven Cleaning Tips Keep It Natural With Your Cleaning Supplies

Skip the harsh chemicals when cleaning your oven and go natural instead. You’ll get just as good of a clean (if not better), without the associated risks that come with chemical oven cleaners—including exposure to lye and petroleum gases.

So what should you use instead? Here’s all you’ll need to seriously deep clean an oven:

Baking soda Vinegar

Water

Clean rags

Melamine foam (aka “magic erasers”)

These products are safe, effective, and won’t release any harmful fumes—all of which make them a great choice for oven cleaning. That they’re inexpensive and probably already in your pantry anyway is just a bonus.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings Book talk

What are you reading right now? Here is a book you my book club is reading for March.

Family secrets bared in ‘Where Wild Peaches Grow’

A family broken by betrayal and reunited by the death of a patriarch is the stuff of many a Southern novel, and so it is with “Where Wild Peaches Grow,” a generational story by South Euclid author Cade Bentley.

Sisters Julia and Nona Davenport have been estranged for 20 years, since Nona disappeared as a teenager. Mother Cat had left the family long before that. The reasons for these estrangements unfold over the course of the book.

When Julia calls Nona to tell her their father has died, Nona comes home to Natchez. She intends to stay in a hotel and go back to Chicago after the funeral, but instead finds herself right back in the tangled drama that caused her to leave. She learns shocking news about Julia’s life in the intervening years and encounters several men from her past.

Easy, healthy and not to mention delicious !

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray, for the basket

• 2 pounds chicken wings, split at the joint and tips removed

• Kosher salt

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup hot sauce, such as Frank's RedHot

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving

Directions:

Spray the basket of a 3.5-quart air fryer with cooking spray and set aside. Pat the chicken wings dry and sprinkle generously with salt. Place the wings in the fryer basket so they are not touching (if necessary to fit, line up the drumettes standing upright along the sides). Set the air fryer to 360 degrees F and cook for 12 minutes, then flip the wings with tongs and cook for 12 minutes more. Flip the wings again, increase the heat to 390 degrees F and cook until the outsides are extra-crispy, about 6 minutes more.

• Meanwhile, warm the butter in a microwavesafe bowl in the microwave until melted, about 1 minute. Whisk in the hot sauce.

• Toss the wings with the butter mixture to coat in a large bowl and serve with dressing on the side.

Review by Barbara McIntyreSpecial to USA TODAY NETWORK