Masthead

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Washington CEO & Editor in Chief

In this state of turmoil, I know there is an opportunity for a greater commitment to my faith, which is driving me to my spiritual belief and practice. I’m seeking the balance to stay grounded and looking for a healthy spot to land. I know I can’t stay at the crossroads and arrive at enlightenment at the same time. I have to choose a path if I’m to find the generosity, joy and love that we all seek.

Michele Darr Associate & Copy Editor, Activist

t’s the end of the World as we know it and I feel FINE, thanks to the warriors and kindred spirits out there fighting the good fight. Black Lives Matter!!

Steven Christians Full Stack Creator

We are in a paradigm shift that is affecting everyone and every industry. This is really exposing the lack of equity communities of color have. I appreciate the fact that people are becoming hyper aware of these disparities, and are compelled to take on the fight with us. I hope we are stronger as a community at the end of this.

Donavan Smith Writer, Blogger, Activist

It’s unfortunate that it took an impossible amount of events to get here. The times have nonetheless been heavy and cautiously inspiring at the same time. I’m staying tuned, paying attention, building where I know how; we’ve never seen the empire shaken quite like this, so anything, for better or worse could be ahead.

Dr. Ayeesha Hankins, PhD

is an Educational Psychologist and the Founder and Capability Expert of Dr. Ayeesha Hankins LLC. Her business is dedicated to helping Black women build confidence in their capabilities, so they can have more, be more, and achieve more.

www.ayeeshahankins.com Author of We Have Agency, PG # 18

JoeCartwright

is Director of City Observatory, an urban policy think tank, and also serves as Chair of the Oregon Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers. He has lived in Northeast Portland for the past four decades.

www.cityobservatory.org Author of Restorative Justice, PG # 29

Fawn Aberson Executive Director & Managing Editor There is a presence moving in my spirit, motivating me to an ongoing cadence of flash bangs, fence rattling, rally cries and drum beats. No Justice, No Peace. The earth has been cracked and I feel like we are in a significant battle for the soul of humanity. It is time for us to decide what is truly valuable and worth doing, and then do it..

Jamaal Hale Art Director & Design Layout

While industries are trying to adapt to change, the world is responding to injustice in real time. I am curious to see the outcome of how many will remain steadfast.

Hailei Aberson- Holford

Brand Strategist Assistant &

Contributing Photographer Change is going to come whether we want it or not. I am now able, for the first time in my life, to be selfish with my time, energy, and spirit and best believe I am taking advantage of it.

Edna J Waters

Marketing & Outreach Assistant We are all experiencing a time that makes us think critically. Layers of history and the interconnectedness of health and equity are unfolding disparities that cannot be ignored. Through all of this, I am motivated to be intentional in my actions and words in order to progress the health and wellbeing of the greater community. Right now we have the power to address the past and better the future in a way that breeds greater equality amongst the community without the continuation of disparity and discrimination.

Dr. Johnny Lake, PhD

i s a n a t i o n a l l y c e r t i f i e d a n d internationally recognized educator and speaker in programs focused on equity, inclusion, leadership, diversity, community-building, cross-cultural interactions skills and ethics.

www.drjohnnylake.org Author of Joy is Power, PG # 54