Ericka Barnes
Viewpoint
I am moving to the end of the year. How does your year look when you reflect? This issue of Ujima will be our last for the year. I hope you have enjoyed each issue and have walked away with something you can hold on to and use. The purpose of the stories is to give you insight into the person but also to learn how you may make a change in your life or become involved in your community.
I am proud of our year of stories that featured black women and men and I thank each of them for sharing their stories with our Ujima community. This issue celebrates the holidays and will be our last storytelling issue of the year.
The feature story is about the Founder of Black Makers Market, Ericka Barnes. Our theme is around family, friends and festivities. I hope you
have a wonderful holiday season. Make sure you remember your friends that may be struggling during this time, due to losing a loved one or not having family close by. The holiday season is full of love but it can be hurtful and lonely at the same time.
From the Ujima Family, we wish you a great holiday season.
Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. For Advertising Opportunities email UjimaMagazineAds@gmail.com
Soak Up The Power of The Sun
By Christina Gobert, Contributing Writer
As I am writing this, we have experienced our first few days of crisp weather here in Austin. When Fall approaches, we can be sure that our time with the sun becomes shorter. As a result, many people experience lower vitamin D levels, colds and flu, and even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is described as a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. Treatment for SAD often includes light therapy.
We can support ourselves, be our own self-healer and help prevent SAD and lowered immune functioning by ensuring we get as much time in the sun as possible. The sun can easily be overlooked in our times, but did you know, the sun held the highest significance in ancient Egypt, the land of our ancestors? If you look at the hieroglyphic images of the pyramids, there are many depictions with the Egyptians worshiping the sun.
The sun is the Giver of Life.
Every living thing in this world relies on the power of the sun to exist and grow.
We as humans are no different. And as Melanated beings, we require the most sun due to our unique nature. We are beings with a high carbon (Melanin) content that requires
Story continues on p8
Celebrating Love with Family, Friends, and Chosen Family
By Jacqueline Johnson, Contributing Writer
Festive seasons are a time of joy, laughter, and togetherness. They offer a chance to gather with loved ones, share good food, and create beautiful memories. However, the magic of festivities isn't limited to traditional family gatherings; it's about the warmth, love, and connection shared with those who matter, whether they are biological family or chosen friends.
For some, the holidays can be bittersweet, especially when faced with the absence of a loved one. But these moments also bring an opportunity to honor their memory while celebrating the present. Creating new traditions, like preparing a favorite dish or sharing heartfelt stories, can bring warmth to the gathering, bridging the past with the present. It's a way of tending to the tear in our hearts while embracing the joy of the moment. For those who may not have a biological family nearby, the festivities can still be filled with love and laughter. Friends who have become family—our "chosen family"—are just as valuable. A warm home, filled with the people who uplift and support you, can be the most comforting place during festive times. Hosting a potluck dinner, organizing a game night, or even going on a shared adventure can deepen these bonds, making the season brighter.
The joy of the season is found in connection. Whether it’s with relatives, friends, or neighbors, opening your heart and home can lead to moments
of unexpected joy. Festivities are about creating space for everyone to feel loved and included, celebrating not just with those who share our history, but also with those who share our hearts.
This season, let’s celebrate the love that brings us together—whether it’s with family by blood or family by choice. After all, it’s the shared moments of joy, laughter, and warmth that make the festive season truly magical.
Jacqueline “ooh” Johnson
Jacqueline Johnson, a proud Texan, currently resides in Denton, TX, alongside her spouse. She is a newly “empty nester” with your last daughter to leave the nest to attend college. With two grown sons residing in California and two grandsons, and her newly married daughter and son-inlove, Jacqueline is the visionary behind Jacquie ooh, an online resource hub committed to equipping women with the tools they need to think well and live well. Additionally, Jacqueline has spearheaded the development of the Glow Collection by Jacquie ooh, an exceptional line of allnatural skincare products. Designed to provide your skin with a nourishing gourmet experience, this collection embodies her passion for holistic well-being. Jacqueline is also very involved in her community where she volunteers and is the precinct chair in her county, she recently formed a nonprofit for mom’s called, Mom’n It. She is the author of: “Glow Through It” 21-Day Devotional Journal for Women, “Dare to Sparkle” Entrepreneur Guide plus Dream Big 4-Day Devotional and her newest book, “ooh girl yes! Self-Care Coloring Book and Things.” And, most recently her remarkable show, “Motivational Monday with Jacquie ooh” received the 2024 Telly Award for being an exceptional online talk show. For more information on Jacquie ooh please visit www.jacquieooh.com
Breast Cancer Awareness: The Urgent Need for Early Detection in Black Women
A Season of Grace: Finding Joy Amid Grief | Caring For Our Mental Health During the Holidays
By Damita Miller-Shanklin
Grief is a very difficult emotion. My experience with grief is that it comes and goes. You can also experience what people call a “trigger” that can spark an intensive feeling of grief.
The holidays can be very difficult. Missing a loved one, feeling lonely, not having a close family can all contribute. I wanted to share 5 ways that may help you find joy this holiday season amidst your grief.
1. Acknowledge Your Emotions - What you feel is real. I have mentioned many times, journal your thoughts and feelings. Journaling allows you to release your feelings and thoughts onto paper. You don’t have to carry it around with you. Crying as much as needed, talking with a friend is also good.
2. Create New Traditions - Think of something the person loved to do. You can donate to their favorite charity, fix their favorite dessert or whatever you feel that will celebrate their memory.
3. Practice Self-Care - You can do art, visit a museum, read a good book, have coffee with a friend just to name a few things.
4. Set Boundaries - Only participate in the events and gatherings that you want to attend. Do things that make you feel happy.
5. Seek Support and Professional Help as NeededDo not be ashamed or afraid to reach out to professionals or groups that will help you get through this time.
These are just general suggestions that may help you. But make sure you speak with your doctor or a counselor for more specific tools that will help you.
Water Wars
By Aubrey Edmond, Contributing Writer
Recently, I have been interested in the water rights crisis surrounding the usage of the Colorado River. As an Earth Science student in the state of California, this is something that I became aware of during my first semester here, but it didn’t really capture my attention in the way that it has now. My boyfriend and I watched the South Parking Streaming Wars specials a few weeks ago, and while it seems silly, they really got me thinking about this issue again.
The Colorado River is currently used by Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico. California was previously included on this list, but they have recently given up their rights to the river. Between these states and Mexico are several large cities, tribal nations, and national parks, all of which will have to find a new main source of water as the Colorado River continues to dry up.
Water rights are a serious issue, especially as our climate continues to change and water levels continue to change. Global warming is melting the glaciers and causing sea levels to rise, but it is also melting snowpacks early which is throwing off the source of water for rivers and streams, leaving them dry by the time summer comes around. Water rights often become intertwined with the issue of pollution, which gravely affects tribal nations and communities in which toxic waste producing industries prevail.
I have no idea why this has become such a recent fascination of mine, as it has never been an area of my studies that I was drawn to before now, but I can’t stop thinking about water. It is such an important part of our everyday lives, something that most of us take for granted, and yet for most of us it is not promised forever. Every day, I go to class and learn about how bad everything actually is, how hard it will be to reverse things, and how many people are already being adversely affected. It would make any sane person truly recognize the detriment of man, but also the fact that the Earth marches on without us. We have accelerated climate change, but climate change is in fact a natural phenomenon. It happened before us, and it will happen after we are gone. The key is adapting. This is something that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, growing and adapting. Change is the only constant, and something that I’ve wanted to focus on is learning how to adapt to that change.
Celebrating Creativity and Community: THE BLACK MAKERS MARKET EXPERIENCE
By Damita Miller-Shanklin
Have you experienced the outside fest called the Black Makers Market? Well you are missing out on a great opportunity to shop with black vendors. You are also missing the experience of shopping and visiting black vendors who are creative, inspiring and community based.
I reached out to the Founder of the Black Makers Market, Ericka Barnes, to learn more about this exciting business.
Ujima: What inspired you to start the Black Makers Market? Can you talk about your first market and what you learned that helped you move forward?
Ericka: I was inspired to start the Black Makers Market because I had been vending in the Austin market for years prior with my own handmade business, and didn't see Black makers and creatives well-represented in market events or as vendors. I wanted to create a space where Black entrepreneurs could showcase their talents and consistently connect with the community while celebrating our culture.
My first market was held at the AACHF and it was definitely a learning experience. While I was thrilled to see the turnout, I realized the importance of supporting vendors with so many other aspects of running their brands, beyond curating a physical space. This helped me refine our processes for future events to provide a more thoughtful experience for both vendors and the community.
Ujima: How do you see the Black Makers Market contributing to our local Black community? Is there a vendor story you can share where you have seen growth of a business from participating in the market?
Ericka: The Black Makers Market serves as a platform for economic empowerment within the local Black community. For instance, one vendor, who initially struggled to reach a wider audience, experienced a significant boost in sales and visibility after participating in our market and reposting on our social channels. By sharing their story and products with our community, they not only found loyal customers but also collaborated with other local businesses, further enhancing their growth.
Ujima: How have your collaborations had an impact on your mission?
Ericka: Collaborations have been pivotal in expanding our reach and amplifying our message. By partnering with local organizations and businesses, we’ve been able to share educational resources, create joint events, and foster a sense of community to uplift our Makers. These collaborations strengthen our mission of supporting Black entrepreneurs and enriching the local economy.
Ujima: What type of businesses do you look for in vendors to participate? Is there any specific support you provide, especially to first-time vendors?
Ericka: I look for businesses that are created, owned and operated by Black Makers, whether through handmade crafts, food, or artists. For first-time vendors, we offer Market grants where we waive the vendor fee so they can experience the Black Makers Market before committing financial resources they may not have. For our recurring Black Makers, offer social media workshops, a pop-up/product display course, and customer engagement workshops rolling out as part of our accelerator offering. We are working with other organizations to provide one-on-one mentorship to help their businesses grow.
Ujima: What advice would you give a vendor who wants to participate? What should they expect?
Ericka: I advise vendors to bring their authentic selves to the market. It's an opportunity to share your story as much as your products. They should expect to engage with the community, or photographer, social media team, and meet the rest of the Black Makers Market family! We survey our vendors after every event
and take that feedback into account to improve their experience and plan future events.
Ujima: What are your future plans for the market?
Ericka: Our Black Outside Festival will return in 2025 and we are working to transition the Black Makers Market to be 4-5 major events throughout the year. Additionally, I’d like to incorporate more courses and workshops that focus on business development, helping vendors grow their enterprises.
Ujima: What experience do you hope participants receive when they visit the market?
Ericka: I hope participants leave feeling inspired and connected. I want them to experience the vibrancy of our community, discover unique products, and engage in meaningful conversations that celebrate Black entrepreneurship. I want them to know when and where to tap into the Black Makers Market to enjoy music, food, community and culture! They are an important part of what we do!
Ujima: What do you want the community to know about the Black Makers Market that I may have missed?
Ericka: I want the community to know that the Black Makers Market is not just a marketplace—it's a celebration of our culture and creativity. We are a 501c3 organization that provides visibility for our Makers through Market grants, Micro grants for permits, co-sponsoring their workshops, scholarship to participate in other major events in Austin like AfroTech in 2023 and the Downtown Austin Alliance's Holiday Stroll. This organization was founded by Black Makers, is run by Black Makers, and designed to grow Black Makers. We're building a movement that uplifts and empowers us all. We invite everyone to join us in this journey, please reach out to info@blackmakersmarket.org if you are interested in sponsoring or partnering with us. To learn more about us or make a donation, please visit www.blackmakersmarket.org.
To learn about their upcoming events, visit their event page at https://www.blackmakersmarket.org/events
Ujima hopes to see you there!!
Mary Linnen, Editor
MARY’S TIPS AND IDEAS
Tips for Holiday Shopping
Get Ready-Black Friday!
In 2024, Black Friday falls on Nov. 29. That being said, many Black Friday sales start on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 28 this year) or even a week or two before.
As a means to save money check online to the stores you plan to visit. Some stores may be having an early online sale.
blackfriday.com
Know exactly who you need gifts for before heading to the store or browsing online. To help with this, make a “ who” gift list. Not only will it save you time — it’ll preserve your sanity (and your bank account).
Divide your holiday shopping list into categories: immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, teachers/service providers (babysitter, mailman, the Amazon delivery driver who comes to your house daily) and check off each name once you purchase their gift.
To be safe, try to carry a small crossover bag. Make sure your phone is fully charged. If using cash make sure it’s easy to get when paying for your purchases. I will practice this for sure !
The holidays will be here sooner than you think!
Celebrate Kwanzaa
Thursday December 26Wednesday January 1, 2025.
Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that celebrates African heritage and African-American culture, culminating in a festive gathering known as the Karamu Ya Imani (Feast of Faith).
Let us know on our social media platform if you plan to celebrate.
Cabbage Soup
By Mary Linnen, Editor
This is very healthy and so delicious
INGREDIENTS:
1 large cabbage chopped
2 small onions diced
2 cans of stewed tomatoes
1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix any flavor
1 large celery chopped very small
Ground beef
DIRECTIONS:
Fill a large saucepan halfway with water, bring to a boil, then add the vegetables, then bring to a simmer.
Cook 1-2 pounds of burger separately draining any fat. Add any spices you like and Lipton soup mix.
Add the meat, simmer for a few more minutes then taste
This soup is great for all of us, especially on a cool fall day!
Enjoy
what the sun provides for sustenance. Yes, we Melanated beings have a similar chemical make-up to plants and trees!
It is best for us to aim for at least 2 hours in the sun per day. This may require some flexibility and creativity on our part. Here are some ideas:
• Start your day earlier in order to take advantage of the now limited sun time
• Take walks during your workday to increase sun exposure time
• Shift work hours up by an hour or two if possible to align work schedule with the sun; especially important during daylight savings time
• When getting sun exposure, wear as least clothes as possible, while also protecting yourself from the weather
• Consume more alkaline fruits and vegetables grown in the sun
• Consume alkaline herbs grown in the sun
• Spend as much time in Mother Nature as possible
It is my hope that after reading this article, you will consider increasing your time under the sun, especially during the Fall and Winter season.
Lastly, I am hosting a class in partnership with Austin Community College called Intro to Herbalism, Infusions 101 on Wednesday November 13th from 6-8pm. In this class, participants will learn a brief history of Herbalism, including how indigenous cultures used herbs historically. Participants will learn ways herbs can support in balancing the body and mind and soul. Participants will have the opportunity to make an herbal infusion in class and will leave with a sample herb of their choice. Click here to register and hope to see you there!
Holistic Well-Being Guide Ayurveda & Meditation Teacher https://www.naturalhealingwellnessco.com
**This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat.
Soak Up The Power of The Sun continued from p2
Before We Go ...
The holidays are always a good time to give back to the community or organizations that impact our lives. If you are looking for an idea, Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages people, organizations, and businesses to donate to charitable causes. It typically takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States, following Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This initiative focuses on generosity, aiming to balance the consumerism of holiday shopping with a day dedicated to philanthropy and community support.
Key Aspects of Giving Tuesday
1. Date: It falls on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, making it a great way to start the holiday season with charitable giving. In 2024, it will be on December 3.
2. Participation: Anyone can participate by donating money, volunteering time, or promoting the causes they care about.
3. Global Reach: While it began in 2012 as a U.S.-based initiative, Giving Tuesday has grown into an international movement, inspiring people worldwide to give back.
4. Ways to Give:
○ Donations to nonprofits
○ Fundraising through social media platforms
○ Acts of kindness, such as volunteering or organizing community events
How to Engage:
● For Organizations: It's a great opportunity to launch fundraisers, campaigns, or special events to attract yearend donations.
● For Individuals: You can donate to favorite charities or spread awareness through social media using the hashtag #GivingTuesday.
This movement helps nonprofits and community projects gain momentum in preparation for the end-of-year giving season.
