BEHOLD MAGAZINE
A Laureate of Global Influence
JAKI SHELTON GREEN
BEHOLD MAGAZINE
EDITOR IN CHIEF
THE ESSENCE OF BEHOLD MAGAZINE
BEHOLD Magazine , a vibrant digital beacon, inspired by the rich tapestry of our Front Porch Conversations podcast, champions the stories and triumphs of extraordinary women of color who illuminate our pages with their resilience and wisdom—turning personal narratives into universal lessons of intentional living, self-care, strength and perseverance. Each issue is a celebration of their diverse contributions that shape the contours of our cultural and social landscapes. In this digital age, where narratives are often lost in the noise, BEHOLD Magazine offers a return to authenticity—a place to honor the unfiltered truths that define and enrich our lives.
It is in these pages that we foster an environment where candid discussions on pivotal life matters, such as health, wellness and holistic well-being, lead to positive change and meaningful action. BEHOLD Magazine is committed to illuminating paths of hope and transformation, not just for individuals and families, but for entire communities, thereby catalyzing a movement towards a more healthy, philanthropic and equitable society.
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
DEAR READER,
As we celebrate the achievements and narratives of notable figures like Jaki Shelton Green and Keaver Brenai in this special Juneteenth edition of BEHOLD Magazine, it is essential to delve into the historical significance and modern relevance of Juneteenth itself—a pivotal moment in American history that continues to resonate deeply across the nation.
Juneteenth, often referred to as America’s second Independence Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when US Army Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved persons were free by the decree of the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been signed by President Abraham Lincoln two and a half years
earlier. This announcement marked the actual end of slavery in the United States, as Texas was the last slave-holding state to acknowledge the Proclamation due to the lack of enforcement of Lincoln’s 1863 Executive Order.
Juneteenth is not just a historical marker but a celebration of liberation, freedom and African American culture. It symbolizes the enduring struggle against oppression and the fight for human and civil rights. Juneteenth is a day to remember the bitter history of slavery and a day to celebrate the resilience and cultural contributions of the African American community. It serves as a reminder of America’s promise of freedom, justice and equality for all its citizens.
Although Juneteenth is commemorated with parades, cultural readings, musical performances and family gatherings, the present-day celebration of Juneteenth is increasingly seen as a moment to address ongoing racial injustices and inequalities. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge how the trauma of slavery and the remnants of white supremacy racism continue to have a negative influence on the present conditions of Black people in America, especially in the areas of racial discrimination and disparities in health, education and economic opportunity.
As we reflect on the history of Juneteenth and its implications for today, let us also engage
in discussions and actions that promote a more inclusive and just society. Recognizing Juneteenth helps us to appreciate the depth of the struggle against oppression and inspires us to advocate for systemic change that ensures the well-being and prosperity of every community.
This exploration into Juneteenth offers BEHOLD Magazine’s readers a historical lesson and a call to actively participate in shaping a future that honors the dignity and worth of every American, ensuring that the shadows of the past do not obscure the opportunities of the future.
Juneteenth.” Her tireless advocacy propelled Juneteenth into the national spotlight and laid the groundwork for the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, expected to open to the public in 2026. This museum promises to be a bastion of cultural heritage and education, illustrating the historical and ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Ms. Lee’s dedication exemplifies the power of individual commitment to collective memory and progress, ensuring that the story of Juneteenth will inspire future generations.
Take a digital tour of the forthcoming National Juneteenth Museum at nationaljuneteenthmuseum.org.
Central to the realization of Juneteenth as a national holiday was Ms. Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “grandmother of
For more information about Juneteenth, the museum, and the people behind the national holiday, like Ms. Opal Lee, we invite you to visit The Juneteenth Legacy Project.
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress at https://www.loc.gov
JUNETEENTH
THE JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE
DAY ACT
(Public Law 117-17)
Public Law 117–17 117th Congress
An Act
To amend title 5, United States Code, to designate Juneteenth National Independence Day as a legal public holiday.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Juneteenth National Independence Day Act’’.
SEC. 2. JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY AS A LEGAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
Section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to Memorial Day the following: ‘‘Juneteenth National Independence Day, June 19.’’.
Approved June 17, 2021.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 475:
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 167 (2021): June 15, considered and passed Senate. June 16, considered and passed House.
DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2021): June 17, Presidential remarks.
Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. 5 USC 101 note. June 17, 2021 [S. 475]
THE SPIRIT OF JUNETEENTH
JAKI SHELTON GREEN
A Laureate of Global Influence
A LIFE AND WORK THAT EMBODY THE SPIRIT OF JUNETEENTH
It is a privilege to celebrate, in this special Juneteenth edition of BEHOLD Magazine, the phenomenal life, work and influence of North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green on the occasion of her 71st birthday. Jaki Shelton Green’s tenure as poet laureate, which began in 2018, highlights her as a beacon for diversity and inclusion within the arts. Her influential teaching roles at Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have nurtured a new generation of poets and writers, forming a more diverse and inclusive literary community.
Jaki Shelton Green, a weaver of liberation and legacy through verse, transcends the boundaries of traditional poetry—infusing wisdom, love and hope into every line. Long before prestigious awards and titles were bestowed upon her, this humanist, activist, writer, truth-teller and steadfast advocate for social justice, was celebrated for her writings that taught us to take hold of life in all of its manifestations—even in the darkest of times.
“As I celebrate my birthday on Juneteenth, I reflect on both personal growth and the broader cultural dialogue,” Jaki shares.
Jaki’s works, such as “Dead on Arrival,” “Masks” and “Feeding the Light,” delve into identity, struggle and resilience. Her move into musical expression through her LP “ The River Speaks of Thirst“ signifies her evolving artistic journey. Furthermore, her initiatives like SistaWRITE and her editorial role at WALTERMagazine have enriched and diversified the literary landscape. Significantly, Jaki created the Youth Poet Laureate program in North Carolina’s public high schools, fostering literacy and civic engagement. This initiative underscores her commitment to the literary and cultural education of the next generations. Her multimedia exhibition, “ The Communion of White Dresses,” in collaboration with artist Monique Luck of the McColl Center promises to be a profound expression of Jaki’s poetic vision. The exhibit will open on September 6, 2024, at The Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC.
Jaki’s life with husband Abdullateef Fisher exemplifies a partnership built on mutual respect, shared experiences and a deep understanding of navigating life’s complexities. Their relationship stands as a testament to the sustaining power of love and commitment in times of joy and challenge—and hope birthed from selfless acts of kindness and compassion.
The Sacredness of Self-Care
by Pamela Perkins Carn
In a November 2020 article, “Hope is in the Holler,” by A. Elaine Brown Crawford published in MinistryMatters, she writes: “In my book HopeintheHoller:AWomanistTheologyof Hope, I discuss the resilient hope of AfricanAmerican slave women to persist in the midst of abuse and oppression. Their holler was a primal cry to God to come see about them. The holler was an appeal to God to comfort them and to provide solace in the darkness of spiritual and physical exiles. The hope deposited in the narratives of these slave women was a hope based on their trust in a faithful God who would see them through. It was a radical incarnational hope given by God. Their hope was a bridge between liberation and oppression.”
In a January 2021 panel discussion, Rev. Dr. Tori Butler, recounts her self-discovery of Brown Crawford’s concept of the holler: “When I learned how to holler … when I learned how to lament … when I learned how to name my
pain and not be ashamed of it … that’s when I became free.”
In Jaki Shelton Green, poet laureate, there is a sense of kinship with Brown Crawford and Butler in her ability to give voice through poetic expression to the holler—whether lament, celebratory shout or whispering moan—Shelton Green orchestrates the symbiosis of language and sound to produce the inner wailings of Black women. In this conversation, Shelton Green shares the lessons she learned from the many women in her life, directly and indirectly— from her grandmother, her mother, women in her community, front porch women—of how developing resilience and valuing and caring for oneself can bring about liberation and healing. To realize and honor the sacred in the ordinary, everyday conventions of life.
Finding the Muse in the Meadow
“I don’t have a muse, a singular muse,” Shelton Green responded when asked, “Do you have a muse?”
“I mean,” she continued, “[I’m] guided by James Baldwin’s words that the artists should make art about the times they live in, that the writers should write about the times they live in. So, as a documentary poet, … most of my work comes out of a framework or a lens of historical or personal events. I guess I’m guided by everything that’s happening around me. [The] natural world is probably one of my biggest muses. As a child growing up, I loved the woods.”
That love of the natural world is reflected in the way she has appointed her study. Sitting there, filled with treasured family artifacts and a lush assortment of decorative potted plants and
flowers, Jaki Shelton Green reminisces about her grandmother’s meadow—a “mystical” place—a place where she and her grandmother would gather herbs and roots that were transformed later into healing potions and poultices.
“I loved playing in the woods. I loved running through the woods. My grandmother would take me to the special place in the woods that she called “the meadow.” And it was very fragrant. You could smell the green. And it was a mystical space. And I remember on the hottest summer day, we’d go to the meadow, and it would be like chilly because of all the trees. We were in a deep forest. I have tried to find the meadow as an adult. I tried to take my mom, and she’s like, ‘You’re just making this stuff up.’ I was like, ‘No, she took me to this place.’ [My] grandmother would get herbs there. It was like a place where blood root grew and all of these herbs that she would use for potions, for cough remedies.”
“Environments are my muse. I believe that we’re all human museums. I believe that keeps us … my grandmother’s china or … my mother’s jewelry … those are artifacts that are holding a story. I don’t have any poem that there’s not a story about it. So, those are the things that serve as muses … my great-great-grandfather’s bill of sale when he was enslaved. [These] documents are things that have influenced my writing, informed my writing … old family photographs, prominent photographs that have been in my family forever. And I would ask questions about, ‘Who is that?’ You know, all families got secrets. They would never talk about certain photographs. And then, as [I got] older, I’d find out, ‘Oh, that’s a white person in our family.’”
Reaching for the Light of Resilience
Speaking of the natural world and its influence on her writings, the element of light seems to make a recurring, prominent appearance in Shelton Green’s poetry. And when that observation was broached during the conversation, specifically in regard to the line in Black Being, “so we swam towards the light because that’s what black women do,” she explained, in an emphatic voice, that light is a metaphor that represents the resilience of Black women, of Black people—the pushing through.
“[W]e were drowning when we were enslaved. We were drowning during Jim Crow. But we never stayed in the water. We never stopped pushing forward as a people—and especially, Black women, Black mothers. When you think about what Black mothers have endured in
terms of ancestrally and generationally—even up to now—burying sons, burying children, but still reaching for the light.
I come from generations of women [through] whom I’ve seen what resilience looks like. I’ve seen what pushing through looks like. And just about every elder woman I know…they’re all gone. I mean, the women that nurtured me … who I grew up with … some of them (though unrelated) who I called “aunties” treated me just like their own child … they’re all gone. But the lessons that they planted inside of me— many of them about what it means to take care of yourself—[that] self-care is a form of resilience. So, I’ve had those models. I know what they look like.”
won’t you celebrate with me by Lucille Clifton
won’tyoucelebratewithme whatihaveshapedinto a kind of life? i had no model. borninbabylon both nonwhite and woman whatdidiseetobeexceptmyself? imadeitup
hereonthisbridgebetween starshineandclay, myonehandholdingtight myotherhand;comecelebrate withmethateveryday somethinghastriedtokillme and has failed.
Observing Self-Care as a Sacred Practice
Offering self-care as a form of resilience invited the question of whether these women saw self-care as a sacred practice or even if they interpreted what they did as “self-care?” Shelton Green was quick to respond with a tongue-in-cheek quip: “Self-care ain’t a new thing!” Taking a deep breath, she drew from her life experience to illustrate what she meant.
“You know, I look at all of this hype around how people are throwing around the words ‘selfcare,’ and I’m like, people have been doing this, at least women I know, have been doing this for generations. It’s what they did. It was as natural as them getting up, putting on a pot of beans for dinner. I say that because my mother worked hard. My father had a stroke when I was five, and they were in the process of building a house. My mom was a domestic and worked at the laundry from time to time. My grandmother and my aunt and uncle next door, my mother’s oldest sister … they took care of us while my mother worked. And I remember [my mother] saying, ‘I will work five jobs so I can
pay for this house.’ So, from first grade to 12th grade, [my mother] paid off that house.
[T]he point I’m making is every Saturday night, my mother got her little pumice board and all her nail stuff. And she retreated to the bathroom and was in there for hours—having a long, luxurious bath, soaking. And my mom’s bathroom was full of lotions and bath salts. And I just thought it was like so cool. And all of my aunts pampered themselves. It was like their Saturday night ritual before church. And especially in the summer when you were wearing pumps that had the toes out or sandals—my mother did a manicure and a pedicure on herself every Saturday night. And [it] wasn’t a rush thing. Saturday night was her time. She got us away. I got my hair done for Sunday morning. We got our little baths, and then, it was her time. And nobody disturbed her.
And now, everything has to have a name. But I have models of what that nurturing looked like—when you know women in our community who just gathered on each other’s porches. No agendas, but gathered and had foot washes and
bought each other little gifts and sat around and passed out little tomato sandwiches or little canapes. And somebody always had a pound cake. And if they were drinking, you didn’t know it because they didn’t smoke and they didn’t drink in public.
But I saw all of that modeled. I saw them coming together and putting a pause in life. And I think probably the most classic form of self-care to me is—what I witnessed in the Black community growing up—is when I went to the beauty parlor. [The women] went to the beauty parlor, and they were relaxed. They put their feet up. It was more than just getting their hair done. [It was] gossip time. It was finding out the 411 on everything that was going on. They shared recipes. They affirmed each other. They adored each other.
So, they probably didn’t call it sacred, but it was sacred to their spirits. And I say that because it was ritualistic. It didn’t happen once a year. It happened all the time. They took those spaces and those times for themselves to put a pause and to be still with each other. So, I believe in the sacredness of the pause, the sacredness of understanding how to be still.
[N]ow, everything has been commercialized and capitalized because you and I both know that self-care is a multi-billion-dollar industry. I mean, do I really need to buy a book on how to draw a proper bath? But you can buy that book. The ordinariness of things that people have been doing forever have suddenly become a lifestyle. I hear a lot of women talking about myself-care, [such as] ‘I make sure I get me a manicure and pedicure.’ And, yeah, that is a form of self-care, but what are the self-care things you’re doing that don’t require money?”
Creating home as a sacred space
In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy declares, as she clicks the heels of her ruby slippers, “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” Yet, just repeating the words was not enough for her to be transported back to Kansas, it had to be the desire of her heart to be back at home. Dorothy learned on her journey that home was a sacred space for her, where her aunt and uncle and friends—those who loved her most—were waiting for her. Where she felt safe in the routine, everyday occurrences on the family farm.
As the conversation continued, Jaki Shelton Green delved into the question: “How can you create your own home?” as a form and space of self-care.
“A lot of my friends will say to me, ‘I just don’t like being at home.’ And I’m like, you need to create a nest that you want to be in more than you want to be somewhere else. ‘At home’ is your sacred space. It begins with creating a space that’s like a womb that nurtures you back.
My home heals me when I’m grieving. When (and we all hit those moments) it’s just not a good day. It’s my house that heals me. I don’t want to go out. I struggle inside my home. I have my favorite mug and my favorite tea. And sometimes, maybe it’s a book, but maybe it’s curling up under my mother’s afghan. I love that my house heals me. My house is very much where sacredness begins. It’s metaphysical. It begins [there] first. It’s how you embrace it.”
Holding the body and heart as sacred
Childlossisnotanevent,itisan indescribablejourneyofsurvival.—(Outof theAshes/FB)
“For me, [self-care] has always begun with my inner core being. How am I taking care of my heart? How am I taking care of my spirit? And I believe, and I’ve always been taught, that the body itself is sacred. It’s your temple.
My husband and I have six children between us, but my oldest daughter died at the age of 38 in 2009. And then I got really sick in 2011, like on my deathbed sick. And my prayer every day was, ‘Not now, please, not now,’ because I didn’t want my two children, younger children, to think that, ‘Well, when our sister died, Mama just gave up. She wanted to go with her.’ I know we all came here to die, but, please, I [didn’t] want them to think I just gave up.
[Initially,] when I was sick, the doctors were like, ‘It’s all in your head. This is posttraumatic stress syndrome.’ And I kept saying, ‘You’re right. I probably do have some posttraumatic stress syndrome going on.’ I said, ‘But I also know my body. There’s something going on with my body.’ Two years later, it was discovered I had Lyme disease, which was shutting down all my organs. Because [the doctors] said it was all in my head, they never tested me for Lyme disease.
I remember my doctor telling me, ‘You’re in the fight of your life.’ And she said, ‘You’ve got to be selfish and you’ve got to fight.’ I knew what she was saying, but I also knew I didn’t have the strength in me to fight. (And somehow, I did. And I think, first of all, that ain’t about me.)
And I [was] trying to think why was I there… what was the reason? At the time, I was working with a woman who did energy work. She had gone and studied under this famous doctor. And when she came to see me in the hospital, she told my husband, ‘Your wife’s heart is totally closed up.’ And she said, ‘The only time I have seen this before [is] when I have worked with women who’ve just lost babies in childbirth. This is the only time I’ve seen this before.’
Then, she said, ‘But it makes sense because she just buried her firstborn.’ And she said, ‘Her heart is totally closed.’ She worked with me to help me reopen my heart.
Yeah, those are the things that I think about, and especially, even in my work, I do a lot of retreats with women. And I always tell them, ‘I’m not here to teach you craft. Anybody can teach you how to write a poem. But my question to you is, what’s holding you hostage?’”
Taking ownership of your relationship with yourself
Society has long since relegated women to be the primary nurturers in all relationships. An April 28, 2024, article in The Conversation, states that, “In societies worldwide, women are frequently expected to assume the role of primary caregivers, and too often, that means putting the well-being of others before their own. This expectation transcends cultural boundaries and manifests in various forms.” At a point in the conversation around intentionality, Shelton Green admitted that she struggled for years with giving herself away to others and leaving nothing for her own self-care. And then, she discovered that intentional living required her to see herself worthy of being at the front of her own line.
“Everything is about intentionality and mindfulness because I don’t care how many manicures [and] pedicures you’re getting if you don’t know where the pause is. You have to have a relationship with yourself the same way you have a relationship with other people—with your spouse or your children or your colleagues at work. Your relationship with yourself should be the most sacred relationship, other than your relationship, if you’re a believer, with a higher being. The sacred starts with me. So, for me, it’s not something that I go to. It’s something I practice every day.
Self-care is having boundaries. Self-care is not inviting a whole lot of toxicity into your life. Understanding boundaries is another way of taking care of your spirit because as my grandma used to say, ‘Everything good to you ain’t good for you.’ Spiritual bankruptcy was probably the biggest [problem] I had to learn to fight. [That is,] knowing your own boundaries and not allowing yourself to be used up. I would just give myself away in relationships. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned. But in my younger days, I was that person that gave everything. It was all or nothing. I’m still that way in a lot of ways. But I didn’t realize that it was okay to save some for yourself.
That was perhaps one of the biggest lessons I learned around self-preservation and selfcare because self-preservation is also an act of self-care. And I think as Black women, sometimes we get caught up in trying to save everybody. And I think that sometimes we create our own diseases. Stress is powerful. You can grieve yourself to death. You can mourn yourself to death. I guess this whole notion of self-care is more about the internal relationship that I have with myself and how I
value my life—that I am worthy of joy, that I am worthy of all the goodness.
And when you honor yourself that way, you can honor other people. I’ve always said, when I look at another Black woman, I should be looking at my own face. So, why would I want to harm myself? I should see myself in you. I should see myself in little Black girls. I should see myself in older Black women. I should see myself really in any woman.”
Allowing the light to heal us in the broken places
As the time was drawing quickly to a close, Shelton Green, introduced kintsugi into the
conversation, which is an ancient Japanese art form of repairing broken pottery with gold filling.
“I keep coming up on all these passages around how we’re all cracked so the light can come in,” she started. “We’re all damaged so the light can get inside and heal us.” And then, she began to explain kintsugi. “There is something called kintsugi, which is an ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. They fill in the cracked areas with gold. So, you have these beautiful cracks that are filled with gold. They repair [the pottery] because they say that in our lives, it’s a powerful metaphor for human resilience. We all come here with our wounds and with our pain and suffering. But the light comes in if we allow it to come in. We become that broken piece of pottery, and we become golden.
First of all, I think it’s very powerful when one can say, ‘My spirit, my body, my soul have been cracked wide open by life, and I’m still here. I’m still here, one by the grace of God, but also by the grace of the power of healing energies that come from light.’
The light beings who show up in our lives as angels, as guides, the kindness that comes from them. I had many, many instances, oh my gosh, when I got sick. When I look back on that, [it] was just such a powerful, surreal journey. I was very ill. I was in a wheelchair for about three or four years. I couldn’t talk. My mind didn’t work right. I couldn’t have had this conversation. And it was the generosity of people I knew … [and] strangers. I remember this woman, [and] I have no idea to this day … who she is. This woman sent a get-well card. And it had about $70 of $10 grocery store gift cards.
And she wrote, ‘Somebody told me that you eat only organic food. I live in a very small town. There is no Whole Foods or anything like that. But I looked up where you are. Your grocery store has organic food. I’m a massage artist. When you are well enough, you have your husband bring me to you. I want to give you free massages.’ I don’t know who this woman was.
When my daughter was in hospice, one night, this family—I didn’t know them, [but] they knew my husband—brought so much food to the hospice place that we invited all the nurses, all the doctors that were there and all the other families. It was that much food.
The light is these people that come through the cracks. And when we let the light in, we also say to ourselves, ‘We’re worthy.’ And if you can receive light, you can also bring light to others. If you can receive it, then you can give it.
So, you know what I’m saying? It’s like that light comes in different forms. But the first time I heard about this was through the pottery. And I really liked the metaphor. In our lives, we all experience moments of pain, loss and trauma that can leave us emotionally wounded. But like kintsugi, we can choose to repair those wounds and transform them into something beautiful and valuable.
That’s probably been the most sacred for me. To understand that I am not the things that I have experienced in life, the heartaches, the tragedies, that I am what I decide to become.”
Jaki Shelton Green is a once in a lifetime experience. Actually, I’ve encountered her light more than once and am thankful for every encounter. She is the epitome of grace … I’m part of her SistaWRITE network of women writers. She boldly promotes and motivates others as she carries her light across North Carolina, our state, with truth, wisdom and passion. Jaki has been instrumental in the growth of so many. I celebrate her for holding my own hand as a writer and friend.
DONNA BEAL Writer, Hayesville, NC
“what do you drink at dusk from the hands of an angel”
Jaki Shelton Green
“at the edge of your river we join you in a moonbath. prepare for the washing of your feet. gather poetry for libations.”
Jaki Shelton Green
Jaki Shelton Green is a race woman. A human race woman. When I met her, I already knew her. She reminded me of Sunday mornings when my mother played gospel music on the radio in the kitchen while cooking scrambled eggs with tuna—and grits on the side. Jaki is like home. Not a physical location, but a tender ancient spot in your soul. I have witnessed her turn a workshop room into a safe and sacred space in a snap of time and listened to people share with her intimate beliefs, holy memories and unfulfilled dreams. People look at her and see a place they can trust. I think it is because she has such respect for life, and they see themselves noble, healed and beautiful in her eyes.
PATRICE GAINES Writer and award-winning veteran journalist, Wylie, SC
Jaki Shelton Green’s poetry has been a beacon of light and a source of wisdom in my life. I will treasure always the poem she composed for my bride and me as our wedding gift. The verses were infused with wisdom, love and hope—encouraging us to “fold away our fears and trust the footprints of those who walked before us.” She reminded us to “trust the hearts of those who love us, who gathered with us at our wedding, for they would hold our hands with their hearts.” These words have been a source of strength and comfort—supporting us daily in our journey together. I am in awe of your magnificent artistry, Ms. Shelton Green, and I cherish your extraordinary and universal love for me, my bride and all of humanity.
JOSEPH CALVO Designer and Photographer Paris, France
“i am a new poem. skipping. flying. giving life. leaving no marks.”
Jaki Shelton Green
no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry
no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry jaki shelton green no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry no poetry
no poetry for these hands. no poetry for these trees. no poetry for these men. no poetry for the time you chase. no poetry for dreams that hold you hostage. no poetry for the truth brewing inside crooked hallways crooked courtrooms crooked jailhouses. no poetry for the fog covering the blood. no poetry for the noose flapping against the wind’s tongue. no poetry for the words that make it happen. no poetry for the accused. no poetry for the accuser. no poetry for confederate matchsticks. no poetry your wild horses storming foreign shores. no poetry for your god who is always late to every funeral of every black child. no poetry for the war guns. no poetry for the hidden ones. no poetry for the nameless
corners that claim us over and over again. no poetry for the songs that break apart. no poetry for old stories crawling under locked doors. no poetry for your collection of tongues and burned out moons. no poetry for the make-believe stars in your crown. no poetry . no poetry . no poetry . for the days in between all the years you remembered. no poetry for the days in between all the years you forgot to loosen the noose. no poetry for Juneteenth midnights when you refused to kiss the neck of newborn freedom. no poetry dripping from beneath your slashed armpits. no poetry to erase from the smoke of a M-16. no poetry to sew inside my son’s pockets. no poetry to bury in between my son’s ribs. no poetry
to bury inside my son’s mouth. no poetry to bury inside my son’s ears. no poetry to bury beneath my son’s feet. no poetry. no poetry. no poetry. to bury inside my son’s heart. no poetry. no poetry. no poetry. to feed the crows feasting upon his limbs. no poetry for the last breath that cracks into a thousand moments inside a mother’s tear. no poetry for the light inside our children’s eyes trying to find their way home. We are all the poems kissed by the Beloved. We are all the poems daring to grow inside empty bowls. We are all the poems lurking in the shadows. We are all the poems that cannot be forced into cages. We are all the poems holding up the sky. We are all the poems that will no longer sacrifice our seeds to a toxic wind.
We are all the poems rattling the ghost bones of the Middle Passage. We are all the poems pissing on bloodstained flags. We are all the poems peeping in windows. We are all the poems dressed to kill. We are all the poems that will not be quiet. We are all the poems waiting to sharpen our oyster knives. We are all the poems wrapped up in dangerous hair waiting to strangle history. We are all the poems that dance and sing us beyond the currency of our skin. We are all the poems becoming dangerous medicine. We are all the poems our ancestors carried from sea to shining sea. We are all the poems unwritten uncensored unworthy of your memorials constitutions air water land. We are all the poems We need to start a revolution.
THE SPIRIT OF JUNETEENTH
KEAVER BRENAI
A Symphony of Voice and Virtue
KEAVER’S VOICE
In the quiet dawn of morning light, A voice arises, soft and bright. Melodic whispers fill the air, A symphony of tender care.
Each word a note, each breath a song, To whom does this harmony belong? Where soulful tunes greet jazz’s embrace, And rock’s bold cry yields to lullaby’s grace.
A chorus strong, a solo pure, The voice can wound, the voice can cure. It carries tales of joy and pain, A vessel for the heart’s refrain.
With power vast, yet soft as lace, It shapes our world, it finds its place. It cries for justice, it liberates, It lights a path for the desolate.
A voice that thrills, a voice that frees, Like a birdsong in the gentle breeze. This voice so melodious to the ear, I can’t but praise it, Keaver dear!
— Lisa C. Williams
In the vibrant world of the voice-over industry, Keaver Brenai stands out for more than her melodic and charismatic voice—her presence is a beacon of uniqueness. As a Black woman, she has thrived in an industry where diversity is not fully realized. Keaver planted her seeds with intentionality in often unyielding soil, continually watered them by honing her craft, and meticulously removed naysayers and other obstacles, allowing her talent to flourish and bloom. According to Zippia.com, an online career site, “The most common ethnicity among voice-over artists is White, which makes up 57.0% of all voice-over artists. Comparatively, 16.1% of voice-over artists are Hispanic or Latino and 13.4% of voice-over artists are Black or African American.” Keaver’s journey is not just about her voice but about breaking barriers and inspiring change.
Residing in Los Angeles, Keaver uses her voice to transcend simple narration, bringing stories to life across a diverse array of projects that include everything from electrifying movie trailers to intimate narrations that resonate deeply with listeners. Her comforting yet commanding, honey-laced voice has the power to captivate and move people, making her a sought-after voice-over artist in the industry.
Keaver, an award-winning singer and multiinstrumentalist, has shared the stage with iconic figures like Michael Jackson, U2 and Andraé Crouch. These experiences have enriched her career and honed her ability to evoke deep, emotional responses from her listeners. Her integration of music and voice-over allows her to create narratives that resonate at a personal level, reinforcing her belief in the power of voice.
Keaver Brenai became an eight-time platinum award winner in August 2018 for her work on EPIC’s Michael Jackson album, “HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.” Adding to her accolades, on May 21, 2024, Keaver was presented with the Distinguished Telly Award for her WNBA NIKE TV Promo voice-over work. The Telly Awards is an annual show that recognizes excellence in video and television across all screens. Established in 1979, the Telly Awards receives more than 12,000 entries from around the world each year, judged by a council of 200+ industry leaders. Winning a Telly Award is a prestigious honor, signifying outstanding achievement in the field of video and television production.
In a highly competitive and demanding industry, these awards underscore Keaver’s exceptional talent and solidify her standing as an undisputed rock star in music and voice-over artistry!
Keaver is dedicated not only to her performances, but also to her decade of artistic involvement with the Circle of Friends: Living Water for Girls organization and now the Brenai Foundation. This charitable organization supports veterans transitioning to civilian life. Keaver’s commitment to social causes is reflected in her voice-over roles, which often highlight themes of justice, hope and resilience. Born on June 19, she embraces her identity as a Juneteenth “freedom baby.” This connection to her ancestry has significantly influenced her life and work—integrating themes of liberation and justice into her artistic expression.
Q Could you share how your musical background influences your voice-over work?
A—My experience with instruments like the organ and piano enriches my voice-over work by deepening my understanding of timing and emotional delivery. This musical foundation enables me to convey nuanced emotions in each character I voice, enhancing the storytelling impact.
Q What are some career highlights from working with musical legends?
A—Working with icons like Michael Jackson instilled in me a profound appreciation for precision and passion, which I bring into every voice-over project. These experiences taught me the importance of infusing intention into every performance.
Q How do you ensure your vocal health given the demands of your career?
A—Maintaining vocal health is critical. I adhere to a routine that includes diligent hydration, regular vocal exercises and adequate rest, along with mindfulness practices to keep both my voice and mental health in peak condition.
Q—Can you describe any upcoming projects or roles you’re particularly excited about?
A I am working on several innovative voice-over projects that push the boundaries of traditional voice acting, particularly in animation and interactive media, which allow me to use my voice in new and exciting ways.
Keaver Brenai with Jimmy Jam of Flyte Time Productions, Inc. in 1995. Photo courtesy of Keaver Brenai
Q—Reflecting on your birthday coinciding with Juneteenth, how has this impacted your personal and professional life?
A Being born on Juneteenth imbues my life with a profound sense of history and responsibility. It inspires me to use my voice for advocacy, to champion stories of resilience and freedom, and to contribute positively to the community and the broader social narrative.
Q—What long-term goals do you have for your career as a voice artist?
A I aim to expand my presence in the voice-over industry, particularly in roles that challenge and utilize my skills in new ways. I’m also focused on projects that offer opportunities for meaningful community engagement and education.
Q—How do you balance and integrate your work in music and voice-over?
A—Balancing these two careers involves harmonizing the skills from both fields. Each discipline enriches the other, allowing me to remain creatively inspired and professionally versatile.
Q What advice would you offer to aspiring musicians and voice artists?
A—I encourage relentless dedication to your craft, continuous learning and adaptability. In both music and voice-over, versatility and persistence are key to navigating the industry successfully.
Q—Can you tell us about your work with the Brenai Foundation and its impact on veterans?
A The Brenai Foundation, which I lead, is dedicated to supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life. We focus on linking veterans to resources that aid in employment, housing and health, ensuring they have access to the support they need to build stable, fulfilling lives. This work is not just about aid—it’s about justice and giving back to those who have served, ensuring they are not forgotten and have every opportunity to succeed. This is a vital part of my legacy and embodies my commitment to health, wellness and community well-being.
Q—Are there any parting words you’d like to share with our readers?
A Thank you for exploring my journey with me. I hope that my path encourages others to use their talents to effect meaningful change and to help build healthier, more equitable communities.
Please visit keaverbrenai.com to learn more about Keaver’s captivating journey and the vibrant stories she brings to life.
Notable work from Keaver
Children’s Hospital - Philadelphia
Michelle Obama Documentary
The Paige Winter Story
All Light, Everywhere
Pfizer National Commercials
Sylvie’s Love
Nations Capital PSA
Telly Award winning spot Nike WNBA
As Juneteenth approaches, it is crucial to consider historical freedoms in the context of contemporary quests for health autonomy. Similar to the delayed awareness of emancipation among the enslaved Blacks in Texas, too many Black women, today, lack access to information and resources that delay their efforts to seek and acquire quality health care. Lack is disempowering and impedes the realization of one’s freedoms.
However, there is hope. Analogous to how the announcement on June 19, 1865, transformed the status of an entire people in Texas from enslaved to free, health and wellness coaches are critical messengers who redefine narratives around health autonomy.
Health coaches who are culturally competent and understand the systemic barriers faced by women of color are essential in this transformative process. They provide not only the necessary tools and knowledge for individuals to take control of their health but also empower them to effectively navigate and advocate within the healthcare system. This empowerment is vital in a society where health disparities often correlate along racial lines.
Through personalized guidance and evidencebased strategies, nationally board certified health and wellness coaches assist persons, regardless of their background, to attain healthier, more fulfilling lives. By deepening their clients’ understanding of personal health and the healthcare system, these coaches help them realize that they indeed have the agency to initiate the positive changes needed in their lives, as well as in their communities.
My journey to becoming a health and wellness coach was born out of my personal captivity to excess weight, body pain and generational trauma. Sometimes liberation and freedom look like shedding 108 pounds from a 5’0” frame and overcoming health challenges through lifestyle changes. My journey illustrates the effectiveness of health and wellness coaching in fostering sustainable health outcomes. And my experiences have equipped me to impart valuable insights on the importance of self-care, especially for those burdened with extensive community and familial responsibilities. By sharing my journey and the clinically-proven strategies that facilitated my transformation, I serve as a living model of what can be achieved.
Understanding and addressing the unique health challenges faced by women of color is not merely a matter of personal well-being, but a crucial aspect of social justice and equity. Therefore, this Juneteenth, as we celebrate freedom and equality, let’s make a commitment to embrace the liberating messages of good health, wellness and community uplift. It’s a call to action for women and communities of color to seek out information about health and wellness coaches and engage in accessing health information and services for better life outcomes.
Lisa C. Williams is a national board certified health and wellness coach and author of ReshapedbyTruth:26DaysofLiving Intentionally, a guided journal to acquaint you with yourself.
For more insights and to explore Lisa’s diverse initiatives aimed at fostering wellness and empowerment, visit lisacwilliams.com
Creating an Empowering & Supportive Environment for Black Women’s Health and Wellness:
Guidance and Resources
As a national board certified health and wellness coach, I am dedicated to facilitating empowering experiences for Black women through the tools, knowledge and skills I possess that will improve their health, well-being and quality of life. Understanding the unique health challenges faced by Black women and providing culturally competent care is primary to addressing health disparities and promoting long-term wellness.
Currently, Black/African Americans represent only 4.5% of nationally board-certified health and wellness coaches in America, compared to 77.08% of white Americans (source: National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching). Despite our small numbers, we strive to make a significant impact by creating supportive and safe environments for Black women where they feel heard, understood and respected. This means addressing barriers to care, such as lack of access to culturally competent health care providers, financial constraints and mistrust in the medical system. Health and wellness coaches can bridge these gaps through:
1. Personalized Coaching: Developing customized wellness plans that consider each client’s cultural, social and economic context.
2. Education and Awareness: Providing education on disease prevention, healthy eating, physical activity and stress management tailored to the specific health concerns of Black women.
3. Advocacy and Resources: Advocating for policy changes that promote health equity and connecting clients with resources such as community health programs, support groups and financial assistance.
Promoting Holistic Health
A holistic approach to health and wellness considers a number of factors, including the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals. For Black women, this approach is vital in addressing the cumulative effects of systemic racism, discrimination and socioeconomic disparities. Health and wellness coaches can help with:
1. Mental Health Support: Encouraging clients to seek mental health support and providing referrals to culturally competent therapists and counselors.
2. Stress Reduction Techniques: Teaching stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation and yoga, can help manage the psychological stressors associated with health disparities.
3. Community Building: Fostering a sense of community among clients, encouraging participation in group activities and support networks that promote social connections and collective well-being.
Practical Health and Wellness Tips
1. Increase Water Intake: Drinking more water helps to keep the body hydrated, supports key bodily functions and can improve skin health. Aim for at least eight glasses a day.
2. Prioritize Sleep and Rest: Quality sleep is vital for physical and mental well-being. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night to enhance mood, cognitive function and overall health.
3. Regular Movement: Incorporating regular physical activity, such as walking, yoga or strength training, can improve cardiovascular health, boost mood and increase energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
4. Practice Meditation: Meditation can reduce stress, improve concentration and promote emotional health. Even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference.
5. Eat More Whole Vegetables, Fruits and Grains: A diet rich in whole foods provides life-giving nutrients, supports digestion and can help maintain a healthy weight. Include a variety of colorful vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and legumes in your daily meals.
6. Limit Processed Foods: Reducing the intake of processed foods can decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Focus on consuming fresh, whole foods as much as possible.
7. Stay Connected with Community: Engaging with a supportive community can enhance mental well-being and provide a sense of belonging. Participate in local groups, events or online communities that promote health and wellness.
Together, we can work towards a future where health disparities are eliminated, and all women have the opportunity to thrive.
If you wish to engage Lisa C. Williams for individual, group or organizational coaching services or attend her Reshaped In-Residence Women’s Wellness Training and Development Retreat at the Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Dallas, TX, from March 19-21, 2025, please connect with her at lisacwilliams.com or by email to engagementcoord@lisacwilliams.com
Helpful Sources:
1. Office of Minority Health - Cardiovascular Health
2. American Cancer Society - Breast Cancer
3. American Diabetes Association
4. CDC - Stroke Statistics
5. National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching
Thanks to our Front Porch Conversations team, Pamela Perkins Carn, Mo Reilley, Joseph Calvo and Soluria Pearson for your invaluable contribution to this first double special edition of BEHOLD Magazine .
Writer & Editor
Creative Writing Unlimited, LLC creativewritingunlimited.com
Founder & Product Designer Calvo Graphics calvographics.com
Founder The Go-Between thegobetween.agency
Voice Over Artist & Editor SoundCraft
JOSEPH CALVO SOLURIA PEARSON
PAMELA PERKINS CARN MO REILLEY
Celebrate the Unsung Heroines: Share Their
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BEHOLD Magazine honors the extraordinary women of color who grace our pages with their resilience, wisdom, and impactful narratives. These women transform personal stories into universal lessons of intentional living, self-care, strength, and perseverance, shaping the contours of our cultural and social landscapes.
We invite you, our cherished readers, to join us in this celebration by sharing the stories of remarkable women who inspire you and significantly impact your communities. Your contributions are not just stories; they are the lifeblood of our mission. They help us learn more about the inspiring actions happening nationally and globally. By sharing these powerful narratives, you will help us continue to foster a space for authenticity and unfiltered truths that enrich our lives and communities.
We look forward to receiving your inspiring stories via our website at frontporchconversations .com . In future editions, we may feature and celebrate some of your contributions, amplifying the voices of those who embody BEHOLD Magazine’s tenets. Together, we can catalyze a movement towards a healthier, more philanthropic, and equitable society.
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