www.UjimaMagazine.com
Viewpoint
Welcome to our summer issue. Memorial Day marked the beginning of summer. We all know our summer will be hot and humid. I was able to enjoy a nice family vacation and I got to rest and relax while enjoying good food and adult beverages. It was good to be with my family. I look forward to our next trip together.
We all enjoy the arts. When I think about the arts, I think music, acting, singing, artists and much more. Music in the park is a favorite for a lot of people. There is also a summer production each year at Zilker Park that is a family favorite as well. This issue of Ujima is about entertainment and the arts. We are helping to celebrate our feature Everyday Heroes story Millhouse Entertainment. Mildred Batts is the CEO of the company.
We hope you enjoy this issue. We hope you find something that touches you.
Damita Miller-Shanklin, Editor Damita@Ujimamagazine.com
Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. For Advertising Opportunities email UjimaMagazineAds@gmail.com
Gratitude For Water
By Christina Gobert, Contributing Writer, Holistic Therapist, Herbalist, and Ayurveda and Meditation Teacher,
We are in the full swing of summer, which means staying hydrated is at the top of most people’s minds. Of course one of the best ways to stay hydrated is by replenishing our physical body with water and high water-content fruits. It is said we are unable to survive more than three days without it. And yet, we often take its presence for granted.
Water holds infinite intelligence, consciousness, and life force energy. Water is said to be able to respond to words and emotions. This idea was brought to fruition by
Japanese author, Masaru Emoto who famously studied the molecular structure of water and how sounds, words, and pictures exposed to water create a “complete geometric crystal”. The crystal is in perfect alignment with other forms present in nature
Story continues on p8
Why Fine Arts Matter: Your Soul’s Favorite Self-Care
By Jacqueline “ooh” Johnson, Contributing Writer, Entreprenuer, Community Leader, Author
Ooh girl, yes! Let’s take a moment to give fine arts the standing ovation they deserve. We’re talking about music, dance, painting, theater, poetry—yes, ALL the things that make our souls do a little happy dance. The fine arts aren’t just for the elite or “super creative” folks. They’re for everybody, and trust me when I say, they are essential to a healthy, glowing life.
Here’s the thing: fine arts give us room to breathe. Whether you’re watching a ballet, belting out your favorite song in the shower (yes, that counts!), or getting lost in the strokes of a paintbrush, you are healing, releasing, and expressing parts of you that words alone just can’t reach. The arts improve mental health, boost confidence, and even help with problem-solving and communication. Basically, fine arts are the original self-care.
Now let’s talk about getting involved. You don’t need a fancy background or an MFA. Take a dance class at your local rec center, join a community choir, or grab a paint-and-sip ticket with your girls. Support your city’s local theater, visit art galleries, or attend open
mic nights. Better yet—host your own creative night with friends! (You know I love a good theme and playlist!)
If you're raising little ones, expose them early. Kids who experience the arts become adults who feel deeply and think creatively. And adults? We still need to play too, sis!
So, whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or stepping back into a creative hobby you let go, the arts are calling—and it’s time to answer with a “Yes and thank you!”
Let’s glow creatively, always.
She Speaks Wellness:
Healed
in Every Layer:
Becoming Whole While Becoming Her
By Minister Sonya Hosey, Contributing Writer, Founder of She Speaks Wellness-Iron Sharpens Iron 4MySisters
I often tell women: You are like an onion.
Life adds layers—trauma, heartbreak, anxiety, burnout, church hurt, survival mode. We carry so much in our minds, bodies, and souls. But healing doesn’t happen all at once. God peels us back gently— layer by layer.
Some layers come off easily. Others bring tears.
But with each one removed, God doesn’t just expose—He restores. Mentally, He replaces chaos with clarity. Emotionally, He turns silent suffering into strength. Physically, He teaches us to rest and honor our bodies. Spiritually, He calls us back—not for performance, but presence.
And in our soul, He uproots shame and plants purpose.
As each layer falls, God pours oil—not to hide the wound but to heal it. Therapy, prayer, sisterhood, and rest are tools He uses to make us whole.
“He restores my soul…” — Psalm 23:3
Sis, healing isn’t the pause before your purpose—it’s preparation for it.
You are not broken. You are becoming. This is your season to breathe, reset, and walk forward— healed in every layer and whole in every way.
Step Into Your Healing and Wholeness
Start where you are.
Make the appointment.
Join the circle.
Take the walk.
Pray the prayer.
Drink the water.
Say yes to healing.
Let God meet you in every layer.
You are worthy. You are ready. Walk boldly into your healing—whole, anointed, and becoming her.
GRADUATING THE UNKNOWN
By Aubrie Edmond, Contributing Writer
Today, I graduate from college. It doesn’t feel real, especially as someone who has transferred schools countless times. The end of college always felt like a goalpost that was just slightly out of reach, but by 9:00 pm today the journey will be over. I have a lot of mixed emotions about it. Part of me is excited for my new life to begin, I’ll be going to law school in Boston in the fall, back in a city that is so familiar to me in a situation that is so new. Another part of me feels nothing but fear.
I’m scared of the unknown, I always have been. Something about the fact that the fear has been constant is comforting, I know that I’ve overcome it before. It’s something that I’ve faced through every new opportunity and conquered, but this time it feels different, more final somehow. Of course I’m happy, there’s no part of me that wants to continue working solely on my undergraduate career, but there’s another part of me that feels like the story is unfinished.
That may be because I have to go on a weeklong camping trip as a class requirement directly following graduation. I don’t necessarily enjoy camping. I love spending time with my friends in nature, but at the end of the day, there’s nothing I want more than a warm bed and a shower. The idea of depriving myself of those things for a week in the middle of the desert is daunting. My fear of the unknown is gripping me tight over this, but I know that if I am able to get through it, I can get through anything. I am excited to graduate from university, but hopefully over time I will finally be able to graduate from my fear of the unknown as well.
Heroes Feature: Milli’s Mission: Where Art Meets Purpose
By Damita Miller-Shanklin, Editor
There are many talented young people in our communities that are artists, singers, poets, and enjoy writing songs, singing, drawing, painting, and more. Sometimes, it is difficult to connect with the right person that may help launch their art business, their ability to act in a play, etc. But today, Ujima introduces you to Mildred “Milli” Batts, CEO of Millhouse Entertainment. Join us as we celebrate their 5th anniversary helping young people find success in the arts.
Here is our virtual conversation.
UM: Can you take us back to the beginning—what inspired you to create Millhouse Entertainment, and how did your journey in radio shape its foundation?
ME: Millhouse Entertainment was inspired by the number of random radio listeners in the Memphis, Tennessee area who called the request line seeking artist management in the early 1990s. These random radio listeners were mainly local rappers in need of talent representation. Initially, I did not take notice of the first few inquiries, but after receiving numerous inquiries while working at various radio stations in Memphis, I noticed a vast need for this type of assistance. Although I had very little experience in the area of artist repertoire, I believed that I could at least assist in jump-starting these individuals' career path due to the working relationships I had established in the field of radio broadcast/entertainment.
UM: Millhouse Entertainment has evolved since its early days as Millhouse Production—what prompted the transition, and how relocating to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area helped you grow the mission?
ME: Yes, initially, the company was called Millhouse
Production. It was meant to be a production company for recording artists seeking independent recording management in Memphis but after losing both of my parents in the mid 90s and later going through a divorce, trying to launch a company at that time as a single-divorced parent while grieving the death of my parents almost seemed impossible. After relocating to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area in 2002 due to a job offer from Disney/ABC Radio Networks, the vision did not seem as impossible. Through prayer, God made the vision clear to me with the idea to convert Millhouse Production into a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization that specializes in enhancing artistic development of youth through educational awareness of the arts/entertainment industry. This was the birth of Millhouse Entertainment in 2008 in Irving, TX.
UM: Your mission focuses on enhancing artistic development in youth—what kinds of programs or experiences does Millhouse offer to support young people interested in the arts and entertainment industry?
ME: Millhouse Entertainment offers ongoing internships for high school seniors and college students who intend to pursue a career in the field of broadcasting/public media/film or related fields. In addition, Millhouse Entertainment offers
Ujima’s
Annual Academic Scholarships, Art of the Arts Educational Youth Seminars, opportunities to be featured on our weekly podcast show, "Bring it In the House".
UM: For those in the community who may not be familiar with Millhouse Entertainment, what do you want them to know about the impact and opportunities your organization is creating?
ME: Millhouse Entertainment serves as a liaison between local artists and industry professionals in an effort to help jump start the career path of those interested individuals. Making seemingly impossibilities possible.
UM: You have done many positions in entertainment, what advice do you have for youth pursuing careers in this industry—and how can the community help support their journey through Millhouse?
ME: Youth pursuing careers in the entertainment industry should continuously perfect their craft through ongoing research and training, stay connected to and abreast of community activities involving career opportunities in the entertainment industry. The community can help support their
journey through Millhouse Entertainment by donating to our organization (which can be made on our website), sending guest referrals our way for podcast appearances, aid in spreading the word about our ongoing internships and annual academic scholarships opportunities.
UM: I understand you are celebrating your anniversary. How many years? What does it mean to you?
ME: Yes, we are celebrating our 5-year podcast show anniversary on July 5th this year at Rocket Coffee ATX, 8701 W. Parmer Lane, #2127, Austin, TX 78729 from 1 pm - 3 pm. We just confirmed the event location. So, we will need to update our promo flyer. This 5-year podcast anniversary celebration simply speaks of success. To see and experience 5 years in the podcast arena is truly a blessing from God. It was not my idea to even launch a podcast show initially. After a number of years went by of not being on-air, previous listeners/ followers and previous radio colleagues from my former radio career reached out and encouraged me to launch the podcast. It was not until May of 2020 during COVID-19 that I answered the call and launched our first podcast episode Saturday, July 8, 2020, with local Austin rapper Black Light Hip-Hop. 'Bring it In the House' is a 30-minute Weekly Talk/ Entertainment Podcast Show that
spotlights (M)usicians, (E)ntertainers, (A)rtists, and (L)eaders...get your M.E.A.L.!
UM: What is the most important thing you want our readers to know about Millhouse Entertainment?
ME: Millhouse Entertainment was built on providing services to youth stemming from low-income families who dare to dream BIG.
UM: Where can our readers learn more about your company and follow you on social media?
ME: Readers can learn more about Millhouse Entertainment on our website at Millhouse Entertainment, our Millhouse Entertainment YouTube channel, our "Bring it In the House" Facebook page and Facebook group page, and on Instagram @theoriginalmillimills.
UM: If there is anything that wasn't asked and you want to make sure people know, please feel free to share it with our readers.
ME: I want everyone to know that I love God for I am nothing without him. I thank God for my immediate family here in Austin which includes my daughter and son-in-law, Paul and Rumill Maldonado, and my beautiful granddaughter, Maya plus all the lives I have been able to touch through the media ministry that God granted me. I am truly blessed!
Ujima thanks Milli and Millhouse Entertainment for being a part of the Ujima Community and allowing our readers and community know you better.
Mary Linnen, Editor
MARY’S TIPS & IDEAS
Swim Safely Things to Remember
Keep this in mind for a fun time.
SUN TIPS FOR EVERYONE
Detailed Sun Safety Tips:
• Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.).
• Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, generously, and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Cover exposed skin with long sleeves, pants, a widebrimmed hat, and sunglasses.
• Seek Shade: Find shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially during hot.
The sun can be fun, but you have to be safe to enjoy it!!
Always swim with a buddy, avoid swimming alone, and be aware of your surroundings, including potential hazards like currents and drop-offs. Learn to swim and practice water safety skills, and never swim under the influence of alcohol.
A Safety Reminder
• Supervise Children: Closely supervise children in and around water, even in shallow areas.
Hello friends!! I was viewing the month’s celebrations for June and discovered that June is the African American Music Appreciation Month.
Created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates the African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage. This celebration covers all genres, which is part of American history.
Check your local listings for the up coming celebrations in your area.
FUN TIMES BEGIN!
My Favorite Salad
It’s a salad that can be made with no recipe or a dressing. It has every fruit I like mixed in a bowl! Easy and delicious.
Here is a small tip to get you started.
Choosing Fruits:
Try to think about colors and make sure to include as many colors/textures as you can!
If possible, check out your local farmer’s markets to get the best seasonal fruits. If not, many grocers bring in local produce during the summer months too.
This can be a meal or a snack!! Enjoy.
(flowers, spiderwebs, etc). When the water was exposed to negative words or music, it appeared polluted and without form.
Since we are 70% water, imagine the effect saying positive things, listening to positive music and overall exposure to life-affirming energy can have on us.
While we are out finding ways to cool us from the summer heat, we can also utilize this precious mineral to support us in a number of other ways:
• Brew an herbal infusion using spring water
• Take a spiritual bath
• Make Florida water (water used by our ancestors for cleansing purposes)
• Place a bowl of water on your altar to represent and pay respect to it as one of the five elements
• Take a swim in a natural spring
• Tape positive words or a prayer on a glass jar overnight and drink the next day (see this video for more info)
So the next time you are grabbing a glass of water, take time to give thanks and gratitude to the source for this amazing life energy elixir.
Story continued from p2
Before We Go…
In June and July, families are going on vacation , soaking up the sun and spending time enjoying family and friends. There are a couple of events we wanted to mention so you can add it to your calendar of fun.
• Stay Black and Live will run from June 10-19 at the Carver Museum.
• Black Lives Matter Month starts on June 1st.
• National Ice Cream Month starts in July
CELEBRATING JUNE 19TH- IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
Make sure you celebrate June 19 this month. There is a very large and visual movement to remove our history and our people from the map. Any of you that have been reading Ujima know I’m on a mission to ensure our history and legacies are not erased or forgotten…EVER!.
I hope you will barbeque, dance, and enjoy the company of family and friends while remembering the meaning of June 19th and how it changed generations forever. We thank our ancestors.
