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The months of the year are rolling along and for me it seems quickly. But it may be just me. We have entered Spring and it is my favorite season. I love the Bluebonnets and other colorful flowers that come to life and brighten our days.
For many of our young people, this is the time they move up a grade, or graduate high school or college. The latter two are beginning their new journey of life and adulthood. This is an exciting time, a time of growth, a time of becoming your own person. I’m excited for all graduates and I
hope they will all do things that enhance their lives and their communities. The future of our country and how we move forward will need our young adults to take the torch and create the world they want to live in.
We also honor mothers and all the women who raised children. I lost my mother on April 5, 2025 and my life is not the same. I will honor my mother with all the happy memories and love she gave me. Happy Mother’s Day��
I hope you will enjoy the Spring days and the celebrations that are
happening in this month. Our Everyday Heroes feature will honor stories around achievements, mothers and our community.
Damita Miller-Shanklin, Editor Damita@Ujimamagazine.com
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Mental Holistic Mental Health Support
By Christina Gobert, Contributing Writer, Holistic Therapist, Herbalist, and Ayurveda and Meditation Teacher,
Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! As a Holistic Therapist, Herbalist, and Ayurveda and Meditation Teacher, I am all too aware the toll mental unwellness can take on one’s life. There are many ways we can stay in balance and ensure we have enough mental fortitude to face life’s challenges. We are all aware of how supportive going to therapy, meeting with your faith leader and talking to friends and family can be, but what if I told you, there are additional habits you can incorporate into your wellness routine that can provide balance to your state of being and are proven to reduce stress and increase resilience.
As a Holistic Therapist who works from a framework of acknowledging the multidimensional layers of the self, (see this article for more info) here are some holistic ways we can support our mental health:
Herbs: I am a huge proponent of herbal medicine. Herbs are plants and therefore considered Mother Nature’s medicine. Herbs can nourish us on many levels, including physical and mental. In Ayurveda, adaptogenic and nervine herbs are key to managing stress, improving immunity, and
restoring balance among the mind, body, and spirit. See below for adaptogens and nervines that can support you on your journey:
• Ashwagandha: aids in overall wellbeing and vigor, supports a calm mind, promotes restful sleep, may increase stamina and strength, improves digestive function and lowers inflammation in the body
• Holy Basil (aka Tulsi): supports both the immune and nervous system, can improve anxiety and depression
• Skullcap: relaxes nervous tension while renewing and reviving the nervous system. Great for anxiety and panic attacks
Achievement, Mothers, and the Power of Community
By Jacqueline “ooh” Johnson, Contributing Writer, Entreprenuer, Community Leader, Author
Achievement doesn’t happen in isolation. Behind every milestone, every breakthrough, every quiet victory, there is a story — and often at the heart of that story is a mother and a community that refused to let go.
Mothers are the first architects of dreams. We nurture vision in the small, daily moments — a whispered encouragement, a proud glance, a simple “you can do this” when the world feels overwhelming. Achievement begins when a mother believes in you before the evidence even exists. She sees your glow before you do.
But it doesn’t stop there. Community steps in to water those seeds. The neighbor who watches the kids while you chase a goal. The sister-friend who reminds you of your "why" when you want to quit. The mentor who opens a door you didn’t even know was there. We are built by these connections — the ones who clap when we win and pray for us when we don't.
As women, as mothers, and as builders of community, we carry a responsibility and a gift: to see each other, to celebrate each other, and to support each other’s glow. Real achievement isn’t just crossing a finish line — it’s bringing others with you, showing them it’s possible, too.
Let’s honor the mothers who raised dreamers, the communities that raised leaders, and the achievements that prove love, belief, and support are still some of the most powerful forces we have.
Because when we achieve together, we don’t just shine — we light up the world
She Speaks Wellness:
When the Preacher Forgets Herself | Mental Health Awareness Month
By Minister Sonya Hosey, Contributing Writer, Founder of She Speaks Wellness-Iron Sharpens Iron 4MySisters
She’s the first to show up, the last to leave, the one everyone leans on. She prays for others, preaches hope, and stands in faith—even when her heart breaks.
But who sees her*?
For many women in ministry, the call to serve comes with silent sacrifices: the loss of identity, the ache of isolation, the pressure to be everything to everyone. Over time, the woman behind the title begins to fade. The laughter becomes forced, the tears hidden, the joy distant.
But sis, God sees you—not just your gifts, your role, or the real you. The one who gets tired. The one who’s grieving quietly. The one who wonders if joy will ever return.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we pause to say that your wellness matters—your mind, your heart, your whole self.
Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” Not performance. Not perfection. Presence.
She Speaks Wellness is more than a movement— it’s a lifeline. A reminder that your voice, healing, and mental health are sacred. It’s okay to rest. It’s OK to reach out. It’s OK to be human.
You’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re just in need of what you give so freely: grace.
Y2K
By Aubrie Edmond, Contributing Writer
Nostalgia is a dangerous thing. The older I get, the more nostalgic I feel for times that are hazy in my memory. This is not a phenomenon that is solely unique to me. It seems like nostalgia has been on the forefront of culture since culture began. The proliferation of the Internet and social media have accelerated the rate at which nostalgia occurs. For the past five to seven years, the Internet has been nostalgic for the time period I gained consciousness during: the early 2000s. It’s weird witnessing items from the year you were born becoming vintage at the age of 21. Personally, I blame the pandemic. During the quarantine, I spent a lot of time researching past eras and subcultures. I’ve always felt sympathetic for times that I did not exist or do not remember. Something about the nineties and early 2000s feels close enough to reality to be attainable but separated by a crucial barrier: technology.
Technology is the driver of nostalgia. It’s what separates the present from that slightly hazier time in my memory. When I think about what I’m nostalgic for, it’s a sense of adventure and whimsy that I don’t get from scrolling on my phone or watching TV on my laptop. It’s a sense of community and slowness. Things move so quickly nowadays. I find my patience wearing thinner and thinner, my attention growing more scattered, and my thoughts getting heavier. I have been trying to practice being less attached to technology, to cultivate that feeling of whimsy I’m so nostalgic for. 2000s nostalgia isn’t about owning all the fashion and trinkets, it’s about a return to form, a return to slowness.
From Caps to Crowns: May Reflections on New Beginnings, Generational Love, and Rising Through Change
By Damita Miller-Shanklin, Editor
May is a month of beautiful change. It brings celebrations and challenges, tears of joy and moments of quiet reassessment. As we step into this month, Ujima shines a light on what it means to begin again—whether you're crossing a stage in cap and gown, stepping into motherhood, or navigating life in a world that feels like it's shifting beneath your feet.
Graduation season always
fills our hearts with pride. Across the country, Black students are walking boldly toward new beginnings. Their accomplishments are more than academic—they’re personal, generational, and deeply rooted in resilience. Each diploma
handed out is a victory not just for the student, but for the family, the community, the generations before who dreamed of this day.
New graduates, this is your time to shine with promise and hope. You are stepping into a world that is full of challenges, but it is
also full of hope and possibility. The foundation of your journey has been laid, and now you have the opportunity to build something great—not just for yourselves, but for the communities that raised you. In this next journey, you have the ability to create stability,
solutions, and growth wherever you go. You have the possibility to make a difference in the world and in your communities. Whether through leadership, innovation, or acts of kindness, you are the ones who will shape the future. We are rooting for you every step of the way. My family is especially proud of Tia Miller, who is graduating with honors from University of Texas-San Antonio. You may not remember but she was featured a lot when she was a little girl in the magazine because we had a reading section that focused on books for young people. She is all grown up and ready to start her new life journey. Congrats Tia!
We honor the mothers and mother figures whose sacrifices paved the way. And this year, for me, Mother's Day carries a much deeper weight. I recently lost my own mother—and the emptiness left behind is overwhelming. My mother was a strong woman. She loved her family fiercely and walked with a deep, unwavering faith in God. She didn’t just talk about love—she lived it, every day, in the way she showed up for me, prayed for me, and poured into me. She did this for her grandchildren as well. Her absence is felt in every quiet moment, every memory, every place she once stood. This Mother’s Day isn’t just about celebration—it’s about holding
”
Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.
onto the memories, navigating the loneliness, and finding new ways to honor her in the way I live and love. As the seasons change, so too does life for me and my family. This May, we begin a new chapter—rooted in her legacy, and wrapped in the strength she left behind.
And while we celebrate, we also recognize the hard truths of the times we’re living in. Our communities are navigating rising costs, political shifts, and the erasure of our stories from textbooks and timelines. The weight of racism, economic hardship, and cultural dismissal is real—but so is our ability to rise. We’ve always found a way forward. We’ve always found joy in the cracks.
As Maya Angelou once said in her famous poem, “Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I’ll rise.”
We are paying tribute to all of that. To the new journeys being started. To the fierce love of our families. To our community’s unwavering ability to push back, speak up, and care for one another. May we continue to wear our crowns with pride and help the next generation place theirs on a little straighter and stronger.
Mary Linnen, Editor
MARY’S TIPS & IDEAS
Honoring Our Legacy: Memorial Day and the Black Community
Mother’s Day
The month of May is really a busy month. We have Proms, school graduations, Memorial Day, and the best one is Mother’s Day!!
Planning can become a little stressful. Stay focused and plan ahead. There are lots of options for Mothers Day gifts. Purchase or homemade it should reflect on your Mother, you know her best.
Homemade gifts are now very popular. Research your ideas based on her likes and hobbies.
If cooking is something she loves , here is a tip, a basket with her favorite seasonings, utensils, a recipe book, oven mitts, and kitchen apron. Actually anything can go in your basket.
If your Mother is no longer with you, focus on all your good memories. Make a happy scrap book. She will always be in your heart.
Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers
As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, it’s important to remember that the roots of this solemn holiday are deeply intertwined with the Black community’s enduring fight for freedom and justice.
Memorial Day, originally known as “Decoration Day,” began after the Civil War to honor the soldiers who gave their lives. One of the earliest recorded Memorial Day ceremonies took place in 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina, organized by newly freed African Americans. They honored Union soldiers who fought and died for their liberation, decorating their graves and holding a parade to celebrate the new hope of freedom.
Today, as we remember all those who served and sacrificed for this nation, we pay special tribute to the countless Black soldiers who fought with courage and dignity—even when their own rights were denied at home. From the United States Colored Troops in the Civil War to the Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the brave men and women serving today, our community has played a critical role in defending the ideals of liberty and equality.
This Memorial Day, let us not only honor the fallen but also recognize the enduring resilience, contributions, and sacrifices of Black service members throughout history. Their legacy is a testament to our strength, our struggle, and our unwavering hope for a better tomorrow.
It’s Time for Summer Travel
If you plan to travel out of the country check several things to be safe during your trip.
Tips:
• Make sure you have a valid passport and visas if required. ...
• Check if there is a travel advisory for the area you plan to visit. ...
• Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. ...
• Make two photocopies of your passport identification page.
Safe Travels
Roasted Asparagus and Tomatoes
There’s something so satisfying about transforming fresh asparagus and cherry tomatoes into a vibrant, flavorful side dish with minimal effort.
Preheat oven to 400 Ingredients
•Asparagus: You can substitute with green beans or broccoli florets
•Cherry Tomatoes: You can substitute with cocktail tomatoes or grape tomatoes.
•Parmesan Cheese: Feel free to use Pecorino or Grana Padano as alternatives.
•Salt and Pepper: Season the vegetables to taste, bringing out their natural flavors.
•Balsamic Vinegar: Creates a rich, tangy glaze that ties all the flavors together beautifully. You can also use store bought balsamic reduction.
Breathwork: We live in a modern world where we are often disconnected from our bodies. Starting and ending the day with taking intentional breathing breaks can have a profound effect on our nervous system, which is responsible for how we perceive the world and others. See below for a quick breathing practice you can incorporate into your day.
I encourage you to pause what you are doing and complete the following Box Breathing practice as you read along:
Inhale through the nose for a count of four
Pause with the breath for a count of four
Exhale through the mouth for a count of four
Pause for a count of four
Repeat 4 times
Mantras: Mantras are positive affirmative statements that can express a state of mind or way of being we aspire to achieve. Repeated use of mantras can be powerful vehicles for change requiring our mind to rest in awareness around this new thought. When constructing your mantra, consider the following:
- Snap off the tough ends by gently bending
- Add two cups of halved cherry tomatoes
- Season with salt and pepper
- Place baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for about 15 minutes
While the vegetables are roasting, pour ½ cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Cook it over medium heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar reduces and thickens into a syrupy consistency.
Once the asparagus and tomatoes are roasted to your liking, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the prepared balsamic reduction over the warm vegetables and serve immediately. Enjoy!
• “I am” ___________ add the trait, behavior you aspire to as if you are already embodying it, ex “I am courageous”, “I am strong”
• Repeat your mantra throughout the day for best results as where our attention goes, our energy flows
• It can be helpful to write down your mantra and put it in places you can see it in your home, put alerts on your phone to remind you of your mantra
So as you can see, supporting our mental health from a holistic perspective provides additional tools that are proven to support you on your mental health journey.
What additional ways are you supporting your mental health? Are there any approaches from this article you would like to incorporate in your wellness routine?
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult with your medical doctor, naturopath or herbalist. Please also consult with a licensed mental health professional for more in-depth mental health support, including the use of 988 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Mental Holistic Mental Health Support continued from p2
Before We Go…
Don’t forget that May is Women’s Health Month. The goal of the holiday is to empower women in such a way that they can make health a priority. Women are at times, caught up in taking care of their family, working that they don’t take care of their health. When your health is neglected, you can miss important health issues that can become severe.
During Women’s Health Care Month get in touch with your doctors for a full-body medical check-up and the steps you need to take to treat an ailment. Timely medical intervention will not only save your health from deteriorating further but also detect illnesses that you may have overlooked.
Pledge to yourself that you will take care of your health now rather than later. You can live a longer life and be available to your family, friends and work. Self-care and Health-care is very important. (nationaltoday.com)
