www.UjimaMagazine.com
Viewpoint
When I think of August, it means transition, change and getting back to a routine. I say this because during the summer most of us slow down in some way. Our businesses slow down because our customers are traveling and spending time with their families. But when August comes around people seem to calm themselves and get back to business.
Speaking of business, August is Black Business Month. It is a time to support and recognize black owned businesses in our
community. Black owned businesses contribute a lot to our economy, history and legacy of the black community.
Our Everyday Heroes Spotlight for August is Arnikia “Nicky” Robinson. She is the founder of ARNIKIA ROBINSON. She is a motivational speaker, author and owner of her new ROKU station which focuses on empowering, transforming and motivating people in our community.
I hope you transition yourself in August in a way you will grow,
motivate and enjoy life moving forward. Thanks for being a part of the Ujima Sunflower Tribe. Keep Blooming and Embrace Your Community
Damita Miller-Shanklin, Editor Damita@Ujimamagazine.com
Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. For Advertising Opportunities email UjimaMagazineAds@gmail.com
Sacred Silence
By Christina “Satya” G., Contributing Writer, Holistic Therapist, Herbalist, and Ayurveda and Meditation Teacher
Has life ever become so stressful that you feel you need a break in order to recalibrate? As an empath I often feel that way as my sensory awareness is more finely tuned than others. As a result, I often find myself needing to retreat fully from engaging in all senses in order to feel whole again. At the beginning of July I had an opportunity to do just that at Kripalu’s Silent Retreat. Kripalu is a spiritual sanctuary located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, hosting retreats and many different types of spiritual classes and workshops, including meditation and yoga.
Since I have attended retreats at Kripalu in the past, I was already aware of the beauty, stillness and peace that awaited me. Life had become too loud, fast and demanding and my nervous system was screaming for relief. I knew just the place that could provide the sense of deep rest that I desperately needed.
At a silent retreat, one is consenting to a period of time in which one retreats from all talking, using phones, watching tv and any other mindless activities. This can be especially difficult since we are accustomed to talking and responding all day long. This has become so automatic for us that we often don’t realize the amount of energy we utilize to engage in this process on a daily basis.
Imagine how much energy one can maintain if we intentionally practiced periods of time where we conserve this energy and instead tune into our inner voice.
During my time in silence, there were a few challenges that presented themselves at first due to withdrawing from speech. Initially I had to keep reminding myself that I had agreed to silence for the next five days amongst others who had not (there were other retreat experiences happening simultaneously). We were provided a name tag that said “In Loving Silence” to let others know our intention. I was instructed that if I needed to communicate a need to someone it was ok to speak briefly. Since I am naturally a more introverted person, not feeling pressure to talk to others was a welcome reprieve. I eventually settled into the Story continues on p8
Celebrating Black Business Month: We’re Rooted, We’re Rising, and We’re Ready
By Jacqueline “ooh” Johnson, Contributing Writer, Entreprenuer, Community Leader, Author
August is Black Business Month—and let me just say, it’s more than a moment, it’s a movement. It’s a celebration of resilience, innovation, and Black excellence in business. We’ve been building tables, launching brands, and showing up boldly in spaces that once tried to count us out. And this month? We’re giving all the flowers.
Let’s talk about Jacquie Ooh—my lifestyle brand that helps women think well and live well. From the Glow Collection (my all-natural skincare line) to Motivational Monday with Jacquie Ooh and even the Ooh Girl Yes! Self Care Coloring Book and Things, every product and platform I offer is designed to remind women to pause, prioritize their peace, and protect their glow. It’s not just business—it’s ministry, healing, and legacy all
wrapped into one.
And then there’s Kim Roxie, founder of LAMIK Beauty—a clean beauty brand made with women of color in mind. Kim is breaking barriers in the cosmetics industry and creating space for women to show up confidently in their own skin. From her H-Town roots to national recognition, she’s proof that when purpose meets passion, magic happens.
Let’s not forget S. Monique Smith, whose bold voice and powerful book are inspiring generations to walk in truth and resilience. Black business owners are dreamers and doers. We’re visionaries and vessels. And during Black Business Month, we don’t just sell products—we celebrate our purpose.
So here’s your reminder: Buy Black. Support your sister. Share their stories. Speak their names. We’ve been underestimated, but now we’re undeniable. And whether you’re in a season of launching, rebuilding, or thriving, know this—your business matters, your voice is needed, and your glow is contagious.
Let’s keep building, keep shining, and keep turning purpose into profit. Because when one of us wins, we all rise.
Shop the Glow Collection by Jacquie ooh. Use code UJIMA25 for 25% off your purchase for the month of August.
www.jacquieooh.com
She Speaks Wellness:
God Is Not Concerned About Your Title—He’s Concerned About Your Temple
By Minister Sonya Hosey
In a recent Beacons of Hope interview with Dr. T in Florida, I shared what many clergy quietly wrestle with: the disconnect between serving faithfully and living fully. Too often, churches focus on spiritual strength while ignoring holistic health—leaving leaders, especially women, exhausted and overlooked.
The Issue:
We lead well but live weary. Ministry becomes performance. We pour into others while neglecting ourselves. God is not impressed with burnout—He desires obedience that includes honoring the body and mind He gave us.
The Action:
Leadership begins in private. If your public ministry thrives while your personal health crumbles, it’s time to realign. God’s order is spirit, soul, and body—not title, task, and todo list.
Start with permission: permission to rest, to feel, to heal.
• Spiritually: Return to God as His child, not just His worker.
• Emotionally: Create space for counseling, sisterhood, and reflection.
• Physically: Sleep, nourish, and move—your body is sacred.
Scripture:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit...? Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
3 Tips to Move Forward:
1. Prioritize rest as obedience.
2. Seek professional and spiritual support.
3. Establish boundaries that protect your temple.
When you lead from a whole place, you don't just carry a title—you carry transformation.
GRADUATING THE UNKNOWN
By Aubrie Edmond, Contributing Writer
For the past six months, I have been working on writing, recording, and producing an album called All Dogs Go to Heaven. I have been making music since I was a child, but I’ve never tried to release my work even though it has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Recently, I have been trying to live my life without limits. I’m doing things for myself, and I’m stepping out of my own way. Having recently graduated college, I’ve been wrestling with the future and finding my niche. I’m going to law school, but I never want to exist in a world in which I am not creating art. All Dogs Go to Heaven is less of a last hurrah and more of a new beginning. I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no reason that I can’t do it all.
All Dogs Go to Heaven is simultaneously the most personal and impersonal project I have ever made. It’s eleven songs long, and one and a half of them at most are truly based on my life. The rest are based on my real emotions but inspired by the various media I’ve been consuming throughout the past year. I wrote songs about King of the Hill, America’s Next Top Model, South Park, The Girls Next Door, I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!, and so many more things than I could ever put words to.
As someone who writes about themselves all the time, it was an interesting creative exercise to take on new perspectives. Before I started working on this album, I hadn’t worked on music in years. I had been on a medication that almost completely stifled my creativity, and I did the one thing that all doctors tell you to never do. I just stopped taking it. I’d been on it for about two years, and after my junior year of college, I decided I wanted to get back to myself. It was rough, but I think that this album got me through it, and I’m making something that I’m truly proud of.
Arnikia “Nicky” Robinson
*There’s no elevator to success you have to take the stairs *
By Damita Miller-Shanklin, Editor
I met Arnikia “Nicky” Robinson when she wrote her first book. At the time, my sister and I had a podcast called Sistah’s Radio show produced by DeMarco McSwain. I have followed her and watched her grow into a “you can’t stop me business woman.” As we celebrate Black Business Month, I wanted to shine a light on her story and how she has become an author, motivational speaker, advocate and TV show Executive Producer and Host. Let’s get into it.
Ujima: Your book Bendable but Unbreakable—started your journey. Can you share the moment in your life when you realized you needed to ‘bend’ without breaking, and how that moment shaped your mission?
Nicky: The moment I knew that I had to bend without breaking was when I started going through the motions of having my last son (my baby boy) getting in so much trouble. I had to completely surrender it all to God.
Ujima: As a domestic violence expert and advocate, what are the most common misconceptions you encounter, especially within the Black community, and what message do you want survivors to hear?
Nicky: The most common misconception is that we stay because we feel like we can eventually change them; or that we’re the reasons for the abuse. The Black community seems to put it off on the woman asking “why didn’t you just leave?” When in reality they should be asking the abuser “why don’t you just stop hitting on her?”
Ujima: What role does creative writing—and platforms like Arnikia Robinson TV—play in healing and rebuilding Black families and communities? Can you talk about the TV show? How did that come about?
Nicky: My platform for my streaming channel on ROKU, Arnikia Robinson TV #ARTV is about inspiration, motivation, determination, love, and positive energy or outcomes. My documentary series “Purposed” will be shining light on individuals that went through a struggle (of any kind), may have fallen but didn’t stay there. They did some self reflection and found their purpose in life.
Ujima: You have been honored with the 2025 Stream‑Her Award for your Roku channel and recently featured at the Juneteenth Film Festival. What inspired you to build a media platform, and how will these awards shape the future of ARTV?
Nicky: I’ve always thought BIG! Anything that I’ve seen done I have always told myself “I can do that too!” No matter how big or hard it looked. Every time I subscribed to an app, I wondered “How did they start off?” So when the opportunity presented itself, I told myself “Now I get to actually see how they started off.” That award means way more than how I can express. These awards are another way of stressing the importance of that I’M HERE AND I’M HERE TO STAY!
Ujima: In your work as a domestic violence advocate, how are you using your platform and
media projects like AR TV to spark awareness and community healing—especially in Black families?
Nicky: I plan on having movies, series, etc., that’ll help continue to shine light on Domestic Violence. My platform is another way for our voices to be heard. Ujima: What's one piece of advice from your journey that you’re eager to pass on to Black youth and survivors across Austin and beyond?
Ujima: What’s one piece of advice from your journey that you’re eager to pass on to Black youth and survivors across Austin and beyond?
Nicky: Think BIG, no matter how small you think your world may be, color outside the lines cus nothing will ever be perfect, never settle, and don’t give up on your dreams.
Ujima: How do you celebrate yourself when no one is looking?
Nicky: I speak over myself a lot (encourage myself).
Ujima: What keeps you going on the hard days?
Nicky: I take mental notes and written notes. I go read & refer to them on the hard days. Most importantly, I have a lil talk with God.
Ujima: Is there anything you want our readers to know that I have not asked?
Nicky: That I really am my biggest critic. People see me smile a lot without complaining but I really work my butt off. Nothing came easy, but I wouldn’t trade nothing for my journey.
Make sure you follow Arnikia at: ArnikiaRobinson.com Arnikia Robinson TV Roku Channel Facebook Nicky R Robinson
Mary Linnen, Editor
MARY’S TIPS & IDEAS
Organizing the Emergency Backpack
SAFE WALKING IN THE SUMMER
Friendly Reminders…
Drink before, during, and after your walk: Don't wait until you're thirsty to start drinking
Consider electrolyte drinks or supplements: These help replace electrolytes lost through sweat, especially during prolonged or intense walks.
Walk in the early morning or late evening: Temperatures are generally cooler during these times.
Wear light-colored, loosefitting clothing: Light colors reflect sunlight, and loose clothing allows for better airflow and evaporation of sweat.
Even in the summer walking is good for your health.
This season has been a whirlwind of floods, and other serious weather conditions. Many families lost their homes and personal belongings.
How can I be prepared? One way may be to use a backpack to store essentials. Keep it where you can access it easily. This is just a small way but it may help during tornado and flood season as you prepare to evacuate. Being able to find what you need quickly is of utmost importance during any emergency.
Things you may want to pack:
• Water
• Ready-to-eat food, a warm drink in a flask and bottled water (hydration reservoir)
• Seasonal clothing (and an emergency blanket or similar, e.g. sleeping bag)
• Mobile phone and charger
• First aid kit and any essential medication
SCHOOL DAYS ARE HERE!!
School starts in August 2025. Always slow down and look out for the bus riders and the crossing guards.
Make this a fantastic school year.
• Personal toiletries and items, such as spare glasses or contact lenses
• Cash and credit cards
• A list of emergency contact numbers. This should be a paper copy, in case your mobile phone loses power
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Baby and pet supplies if needed
This list can be tailored to individual needs and lifestyles. Check it and add items during off season and have it ready when needed. Discuss this with the family. Maybe others that can start a backpack, the more the better.
Stay Safe
Homemade Ice Cream
Easy homemade vanilla ice cream. Perfect way to cool off in the evenings as you relax after a long summer day!
Ingredients
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp vanilla
Instructions
1. Mix heavy cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla with a whisk.
2. Pour into an ice cream machine and churn ice cream from 30 to 45 minutes or until it is a soft serve consistency. Serve immediately and store the rest in a sealed container in the freezer.
Tip: add your favorite fruit
idea that for the next five days I could get away with just turning inward and not feeling the pressure to engage in small talk with others. Once I gave myself permission to do so, it became such a beautiful and sacred experience. I sat with myself and journaled about any feelings that had been coming up. What I discovered is that when I gave myself time and space for sacred silence with no distractions, I was able to more freely receive impressions from Source in the form of intuitive thoughts, synchronicities and conformational nudges. I was able to resolve mental challenges I had been holding onto much easier during this period of sacred silence.
Since Kripalu is nestled in the Berkshires’ lush forests and terrain, I spent plenty of time cradled by Mother Nature by engaging in grounding, sun gazing, bird watching, and being enveloped in an overall feeling of expansiveness. During retreat we engaged in mindful practices of yoga, meditation, breath work and journal writing to facilitate nervous system regulation, which resulted in a feeling of deep rest.
When I returned back to the world after five days of being unplugged, I was instructed to return gradually to the distractions of everyday life as my current state would be more raw and sensitive. Upon my return to my family and obligations, I have felt an increased sense of space. A space is present before responding, space for increased thinking and a space for awareness. I have been less likely to grab my phone to fill time and space and instead use that time to allow my mind to wander. I walk more slowly and with no need for urgency. I notice more of the things around me and the beauty in life.
If you are needing a nervous system reset and renewed mindset, I highly recommend attending a silent retreat. You can learn more about Kripalu’s offerings, including scholarships for BIPOC communities here.
In the meantime, I challenge you to discover where in your life you can create your own sense of sacred silence.
Story continued from p2
Before We Go…
Guess who came to town? It has been two and a half years since our team has been together in person. Eliza came to town and we enjoyed having her back in the States.
We had brunch and caught up and she and I went to our favorite gelato spot (Dolce Neve) and our favorite coffee shop (Opa!). We hope she visits again soon.
