May/June Issue 2018
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Black Women In Business
“WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!” Rose Smith founded Black Women In Business (BWIB) in 2014 after years of sharing the desire to create a platform designed specifically for Black business women. She has now launched Chapters in Austin, San Antonio, Killeen, Dallas, San Marcos, Texas City, Waco and Houston.
the organization is to expand across state lines and is currently planning to launch in South Africa. If you are interested in joining this powerful group of women, visit their website at www.blackwomeninbusiness.org.
The mission of BWIB is to unite, educate and inspire businesswomen to excel in leadership and entrepreneurship. It is a 501 ©(3) Non-Profit Organization, that is committed to enriching lives, families and communities by providing tools for business and personal growth, productivity and profits. Their motto is “We Are Better Together.”
Words of Wisdom The Villager celebrated their 45th anniversary on May 12th. He honored trailblazers in the Austin area. Each recipient spoke and gave tidbits of wisdom that I wanted to share. Nelson Linder, President of NAACP Austin Branch shared we need to remember to have humility and take care of our community always. Outwork, outthink the opposition. Meme Styles, Measure Austin wants us to own our stories, act on our passions and say “yes” sometime. Judge Yvonne Williams, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 encourage people to advocate to get things done, be creative in the jobs we do and think outside the box!
Black Women In Business is known as “The Movement” dedicated to a journey of selfconfidence, sisterhood and success. The goal for
Marva Overton, Executive Director Alliance for African American health in Central Texas ask to remember everything impacts the health of our community. Gregg Smith, President of the Austin Revitalization Authority continues to work on development within the 11th and 12th street corridor. Steve Savage, Station Manager of KAZI 88.7FM was not in attendance but continues to ensure the station work hard to keep the community informed. Congratulations to all of the honorees and to The Villager!
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EN T ER TAIN MEN T
H EALT H & W EL L N ESS
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Damita’s Corner
Wear Purple for Lupus Awareness
Founder/Publisher Damita Miller-Shanklin
What exactly is lupus?
Are You Suffering From News Overload? I don’t know about you, but when I take in too much news, I find myself feeling very low and sad. I allowed myself to be sucked into the Austin bomber news which included watching all the APD live news updates, reading every pop-up news alert. Taking these actions gave me news overload. When I experience news overload, I become anxious, a little paranoid and unfocused. I decided that for me to be focused, less anxious, yet informed I needed to return to getting my news through my simple updates on my phone and one morning news update via the television. Once I returned to this routine, I have been calmer, able to think of more than what is happening in the news and less anxious about the world around me. I know there are people who live for the news, but I find it to be overwhelming and too consuming. How do you manage your news overload? Damita
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. This results in symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, blood, the heart, and lungs.
By Zenobia Joseph
What Are the Symptoms of Lupus? • Achy joints (arthralgia) • Unexplained fever (more than 100 F) • Swollen joints (arthritis) • Prolonged or extreme fatigue. • Skin rash. • Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation. • Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy) • A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose. If you have any of the listed symptoms or if you just want to be sure consult your doctor regarding Lupus or any related condition.
It’s finally time to relax by the pool!! Make sure you stay and have lots of fun!! Here are a some safe tips for swimming. Enjoy! • Learn how to swim • Supervise children • Do not swim under the influence of alcohol • Never swim alone
Opportunity To Join Ujima’s Team Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. Visit online at Ujimamagazine.com. For Advertising Opportunities email us at UjimaMagazine@gmail.com
Capital Metro is Overhauling Its Bus System on Sunday, June 3, 2018
Ujima is looking for a writer. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume to Damita@Ujimamagazine.com.
Many neighborhood buses are going away like Rogge Lane. Before CapMetro can get federal funds, Federal Transit Administration requires that minorities and low-income riders aren’t discriminated against [under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964]. If you have concerns, send comments to the Federal Transit Administration at lynn.hayes@dot.org or fax concerns to Robert Patrick (the Region 6 Administrator) at 817.978.0575. You can submit Public Input through May 24, 2018.
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C O MMU N IT Y
Food, Food, And More Food! ATX Food Truck Festivals Austin is a food lover’s paradise. Now, every month you can participate in a fun food series by the ATX Food Truck Festival. The next Food Truck event is being held on May 27th from 10am-5pm. The festival is being held at Barton Creek Square at 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, Texas 78746. Mark your calendar and support the ATX Food Trucks series. Enjoy the different food choices and well as the fun activities. Good Food. Good Times. Good Fun.
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“ The Play for All Park has Good News!! The Play for All Park has more than doubled in size and now features 3 additional themed play spaces and 4 current play spaces have been greatly expanded. The park now features the all new Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships Speedway, a new Nolan Ryan Foundation Train Pod, an all-new Adventure Hill, an allnew Nature Pod featuring a Seton/Ascension all abilities Tree House, a zip line and Mason’s Monkey Ranch Nature free play area. The park has truly become a treasure from opening day in 2012 millions have visited the park from Central Texas and across the nation. Throughout the year, children are bussed in from surrounding communities to enjoy this one of a kind park.
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Now that the weather is nice make your way over there and enjoy knowing that any child can play!! The Play for All Abilities Park is located at 151 North A.W. Grimes Blvd. The park entrance is located under the railroad bridge.
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H EALT H AN D W EL L N ESS
Prostate Cancer The Most Common Cancer for Men Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Symptoms of Prostate: Trouble urinating Decreased force in the stream of urine Blood in semen Discomfort in the pelvic area Bone pain Erectile dysfunction Causes and Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer What causes Prostate Cancer is not very clear. But here is a list of risk factors you may want to consider.
Age. Your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age. Race. For reasons not yet determined, black men carry a greater risk of prostate cancer than do men of other races. In black men, prostate cancer is also more likely to be aggressive or advanced. Family history. If men in your family have had prostate cancer, your risk may be increased. Also, if you have a family history of genes that increase the risk of breast cancer (BRCA1 or BRCA2) or a very strong family history of breast cancer, your risk of prostate cancer may be higher. Obesity. Obese men diagnosed with prostate cancer may be more likely to have advanced disease that’s more difficult to treat. If you are having any symptoms or have concerns, please see your physician immediately. Ask your physician how often you should have your Prostate checked to avoid severe consequences. Information provided by Mayo Clinic
Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting Black People Are Dying! Mental Health is a quiet cloud that affects individuals, families, and anyone close to a person who is affected by Mental health issues. Many people are suffering from different type of mental health situations. In the Black community many sufferers are silent and cope with their symptoms and clouds all alone. The one thing that some people feel is no one else is going through the pain and darkness. There is a book that is recommended that you may want to add to your book list. The title of the book is Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting by Terrie M. Williams, the headlines read “Black people are dying. “ Everywhere we turn,looking in the faces we see and, we are feeling in our gut that something is wrong, but we don’t know what it is. It’s time to recognize it and work through our trauma.” In Black Pain, Terrie has inspired the famous and the ordinary to speak
out and mental health professionals to offer solutions. The book is a mirror turned on you. Do you see yourself and your loved ones here? Do the descriptions of how the pain looks, feels, and sounds seem far too familiar? Now you can do something about it? Black Pain encourages us to face the truth about the issue that plunges our spirits into darkness, so that we can step into the healing light. You are not on the ledge alone. This book is an easy read and very helpful in understanding where your Depression may be and how you can find a community to help you through the tough times of a dark cloud.
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EN T R EPR EN EU R S/ B U SIN ESS T IPS
Vox Me Please…
Congratulations Mr. Joe Hodge Ujima would like to share a story with you about a teacher that loves what he does. Joe Hodge is a first year teacher at Connally High School in the Pflugerville School District. He received the Newcomer Teacher of the year Award at Connally, he received the Above and Beyond Award . He was nominated for the Rookie of the Year Award in the Pflugerville School District. At the awards ceremony he received the Rookie of Year Award for the District.
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church he feels this was confirmation for his calling. This is what God has prepared him to do.
When asked about his award he felt surprised, honored, and very blessed. Working with children has always been a part of his life he can remember being a babysitter at a young age and felt he has always enjoyed sharing and teaching children. Mr. Hodge, also felt privileged to run the video as well as being a photographer for his
Before joining Pflugerville ISD, he was with Manor ISD where he was the ISS ( in school suspension) teacher as well as a PAL advisor (Peer to Peer Mentor program) not a counselor but a person to give students advice. Hodge feels strongly about PAL stating he was in this program when he was a student himself.
r. Hodge is the Audio Visual teacher.
As a business owner or entrepreneur, you always need to find way to make your job easier and find ways to be more efficient in getting task done. Voxer is an app that is a walkie talkie app for team communication or just communication with friends and family. Voxer allows you to talk vs. calling and texting. When you need to give an assignment or let someone know about a upcoming deadline, you can hit a button and talk. Your team can communicate with you instantly. You can see in real time who has seen or heard your message. Voxer offers a paid plan or you can start with a free plan with limited functioning. But whatever you choose, it will make your work life and your team function at a higher lever. No more waiting on return emails. Just push a button and talk. To learn more about Voxer, visit https://voxer.com/.
Business Spotlight
Vegan Condiments Michael Lloyd, a Ph.D. student in the food science department at NC State, is the creator of Num Num Sauce: a vegan, healthful alternative to everyday condiments. The tasty sauce is sold in local Whole Foods Markets and Fresh Markets alike. Lloyd also hosts an entrepreneurship intern training program, where he trains interested students in entrepreneurship. Students in the program learn about what’s going on in today’s market, and about things that relate to their own particular business interests. For more information go to: https://numnumsauce.com/.
Mr. Hodge enjoys his students, the tools used in this class are like toys to him and his students, they enjoy using them and exploring the many possibilities that the knowledge in this class can bring. Mr. Hodge is the owner of Audio Vision Productions. Looking for many great things to come for Mr. Hodge!
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H APPEN IN G S AN D MO R E
“Your Secrets My Lies.” by Theodore Mosley Theodore Mosley has been a contributing poet to Ujima for several years. His poetry always gives a great perspective on what is happening in today’s world. I am so excited to share his new book with you. Mr. Mosley was asked what inspired him to write the book and where his inspiration came from. He responded that “as a child I always loved reading and writing. My gift of writing developed through my love for poetry. As I began writing poetry early on, I knew someday I would eventually write a book.” As a child Mosley read a lot of thriller and murder mystery novels. The day he sat down and decided to begin writing his book it began to take shape. His pen along with his mind just started flowing. It took him four months to complete this book. He has two more books that he has started on. So look for them in the future.
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Your Secrets My Lies is a fast moving dramatic novel that examines the maze of possibilities that can exist between people who hold deep secrets, harbor lies as reality, and battle the freak nature of the darkness that lurks within. When a mother, daughter and her circle of friends bring their similar dysfunctional experiences to the table of life, it is very interesting how their inner struggles, secrets
and lies spiral aimlessly out of control. Through one shocking revelation after another they are brought to a point of retaliation, retribution and reconciliation. Mosley is a mastermind at capturing raw human emotions and challenges. The reader will be taken into a world where everyone’s motives appear normal and innocent. But the secrets and lies will come to a day of reckoning, judgement and fierce consequences. Tell us how you like the book at Damita@Ujimamagazine.com.
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AR T / C U LT U R E/ L IF ES T Y L E Artist Spotlight
Cornelius Carter is an Austin-based, classically-trained artist. He was born and raised in 1970s Memphis but left the South to attend the prestigious Minneapolis College of Art and Design on a partial scholarship. After a stint in New York selling paintings as a street artist in Greenwich Village, Carter returned to Memphis before eventually settling in Austin to raise his son. In 2015, Carter was chosen from some 1,250 entries submitted by more than 300 local artists and art organizations to be featured at Austin City Hall. At the opening press event, he unveiled “The Death of the King,” a large-scale portrait of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, part of the “People’s Art Gallery.” For the duration of the year, “The Death of a King” was displayed at the Austin City Hall. Carter’s work, though rooted in the traditional portraiture paintings of European masters, often depicts societal struggles involving race and class. People and their relationships are one of his central themes. Carter weaves together imagery from history, mythology, childhood, and life experience to create images that are thought provoking, captivating, and beautiful.
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WO N D ER F U L WO R L D O F FO O D AN D D R IN k S
Hamburger Soup This should make any celebration very exciting! Hamburger Soup is a quick and easy meal loaded with vegetables, lean beef, diced tomatoes and potatoes. It’s great made ahead of time, reheats well and freezes perfectly. INGREDIENTS: 1 lb lean ground beef 1 onion , diced 2 cloves garlic , minced 2 medium potatoes , peeled and diced 3 1/2 cups beef broth 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice 1 can condensed tomato soup 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon italian seasoning 1 bay leaf salt and pepper to taste 3 cups mixed vegetables , fresh or frozen
DIRECTIONS Brown onion, ground beef and garlic until no pink remains. Drain any fat. Add potatoes, broth, tomatoes, tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning and bay leaves. Simmer covered 10 minutes. Stir in vegetables. Simmer 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Courtesy of cookingwithpennies.com
Healthy Hawaiian Blizzard INGREDIENTS: 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk 1 banana 1/4 cup ice cubes 2 teaspoons honey, optional pineapple wedges, for garnish DIRECTIONS In a blender, combine the pineapple chunks, coconut milk, banana, ice and, if desired, honey. Puree until smooth. Pour into 2 large glasses. Garnish each serving with a pineapple wedge. Courtesy of Jazzy Pixley