ARE YOU READING BANNED BOOKS?

By Damita Miller-Shanklin

I have been a reader since I was a child. It started with my mama reading a book of my choice every night before I went to bed. Reading has always been a part of my life. My life without books would be like coffee without sugar. I carry a book in my backpack so when I stop for lunch or I’m under the hair dryer at the salon, reading is an important part of my life.

What do you think about the book ban? I keep saying our democracy is being removed each day, and each moment we breathe. It’s shameful that this is happening. Books are the journeys we take to different places and meet different people that are not like us. There is a lot to say about how a book goes through the process of being banned and how the Supreme Court makes the decision. But I wanted to point out some of the Black books written by Black authors being banned right now.

I want to mention the first 5 books that are on the list provided by Banned Books by Black Authors This is not a complete list but it gives you an idea of which books are being targeted.

This is another area we have to fight for our right to choose. Are you willing to give up your right to choose what book you read? Remember it may seem like a small choice but it’s a part of larger choices being removed from our individual control. What are your thoughts?

SHE SPEAKS WELLNESS: CAN WE TALK 4 REAL?

By Minister Sonya Hosey

“Mental health needs more sunlight, candor, and unashamed conversation.”

– Glenn Close

I am unashamed to say that I dealt with three deaths, all within a year and a half - my sister and two nieces. At one point, I thought after one death, I could breathe again; two more took my breath away.

I recently went to a salon, and the Nail Tech and I began chit-chatting. Curious, I asked how Asian culture addresses mental health challenges. The Tech implied that their culture was strong, grateful, and experienced no problems.

Before we judge, the African American community is the same, deflecting our emotional challenges. What happens in our house stays in our house. In the church, we are praying and slaying it away.

Community advocates are becoming creative in conversing about mental health in beauty and barber shops, incorporating bible studies. Most conversations lead to, “If you say mental health, it will turn people away.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines Mental Health as including our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

So now what? How do we continue to bring light to the conversation in our homes, churches, and communities? What is the best language“emotional health” or “emotional well-being.”

Regardless of the term, we must have an unashamed and honest conversation.

Can we TALK 4 real to HEAL 4 real?