Issue 001

KULTURE

Contents

february 2023/march 2023

FEATURES

14 An interview with a black witch

Black Witch, Marcelitte Failla, shares her experiences as a Hoodoo practitioner

25 the secret life of a white hbcu student

A world where white people are the minority

W e a r e l o o k i n g f o r a r t i c l e s

a n d s h o r t s i n t h e t o p i c s o f

f a s h i o n , h e a l t h & w e l l n e s s ,

b e a u t y , s e x &

r e l a t i o n s h i p s , a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t .

T h e s e t o p i c s m u s t b e

t a r g e t e d t o a y o u n g a d u l t

B l a c k a u d i e n c e .

K u l t u r e M a g i s c u r r e n t l y s e e k i n g w r i t e r s t o c o n t r i b u t e t o o u r s e c o n d i s s u e !

I f y o u l o v e w r i t i n g , t h i s i s a g r e a t o p p o r t u n i t y t o b u i l d y o u r p o r t f o l i o a n d p u b l i s h y o u r w o r k !

W r i t e f o r k u l t u r e m a g !

P i t c h u s a n i d e a , a n d i f i t s e r v e s o u r a u d i e n c e w e ' l l f e a t u r e i t i n o u r n e x t i s s u e !

S e n d y o u r p i t c h e s a n d a r t i c l e s u b m i s s i o n s t o : i n f o @ k l t r m a g a z i n e . c o m

Fashion Beauty Health & Wellness

Sex & relationships

E D I T O R ' S L E T T E R

W h e w ! I t ’ s b e e n a l o n g t i m e c o m i n g , b u t I a m s o s o s o e x c i t e d t o s h a r e w i t h y o u a l l t h e f i r s t i s s u e o f K u l t u r e M a g ! T h e i d e a o f K u l t u r e M a g f i r s t s t a r t e d i n 2 0 2 1 , a n d o r i g i n a l l y , I w a n t e d t o c r e a t e a b l o g w h e r e I t a l k e d a b o u t l i f e t h r o u g h t h e l e n s o f a y o u n g B l a c k a d u l t I r e a l l y j u s t n e e d e d a n o u t l e t t o d i s c u s s e v e r y a n d a n y t h i n g . T h e n I r e a l i z e d , n o b o d y o u r a g e r e a l l y r e a d s b l o g s . W e l l , I k n o w I d o n ’ t . R e a l l y I w a n t e d t o m a k e s o m e t h i n g f u n a n d r e l a t a b l e .

I ’ v e a l w a y s l o v e d r e a d i n g t e e n m a g a z i n e s w h e n I w a s y o u n g e r a n d t h o u g h t i t w a s s o c o o l h o w t h e y i n c l u d e d d i f f e r e n t t h i n g s l i k e q u i z z e s a n d w o u l d y o u r a t h e r -

p i e c e s , a n d I w a n t e d t o c r e a t e m y o w n v e r s i o n o f t h a t ,

b u t f o r u s . S o t h a t ’ s w h e r e t h e w h o l e i d e a o f K u l t u r e M a g c a m e a b o u t . A n d y o u ’ r e p r o b a b l y l i k e , “ D a m n , i t t o o k y o u 2 y e a r s t o p u t t h i s o u t ? ” A n d t h e a n s w e r i s , y e s T h i s p r o c e s s w a s

n o t e a s y a t a l l I t t o o k m e o v e r c o m i n g a l o t o f s e l fd o u b t , f e a r , a n d p r o c r a s t i n a t i o n t o g e t t h i s d o n e A n d

t h r o u g h o u t t h i s j o u r n e y , I ’ v e l e a r n e d a l o t a b o u t m y s e l f , a n d I ’ v e r e a l i z e d t h a t i f y o u w a i t u n t i l y o u ’ r e r e a d y , t h e

o p p o r t u n i t y w i l l p a s s y o u b y . S o f o r a n y o n e o u t t h e r e

t h a t h a s a d r e a m y o u w a n t t o p u r s u e , g o f o r i t . B e c o n s i s t e n t , s t a y p o s i t i v e , a n d k n o w t h a t e v e r y t h i n g w i l l w o r k o u t i n y o u r f a v o r . W i t h t h a t b e i n g s a i d , h e r e ’ s t h e f i r s t i s s u e o f K u l t u r e M a g , I h o p e y ' a l l e n j o y !

P s S h o u t o u t t o m y s i s t e r f o r m o t i v a t i n g m e t h r o u g h t h i s w h o l e t h i n g , l o v e y o u w h o r e !

T i f f a n y A d a m s , C E O & E d i t o r i n C h i e f

BY TIFFANY ADAMS

Who Decides War

Masha Popova

Blumarine

Foo and Foo

T I N T S T O S P R I N G I N T O

baby blue

vanilla cream

T H I S S E A S

exotic green

beetroot purple

Short Knotless Braids + Beaded Ends

SPRING STYLES

Take your protective styles to the next level this spring with one of these accessorized looks.

BY TIFFANY ADAMS

High Puff With Braided Bangs + Beads

Bantu Knots With Braided Parts + Beads

Marley Twists + Cowrie Shells

Photo from @SKAIJACKSON

Photo from @MAUD_AFROHAIR

Photo from @YARASHAHIDI

Photo from @IVIEBEAUTY

LOC IT UP!

In her Youtube video “Starter Locs: Dos & Donts From a Loctician”, natural hair stylist Courtney Grayton shares her professional advice to those who are starting their loc journey.

by TIFFANY ADAMS

Editor’s Pick

Tie your hair down at night: Protecting your hair at night will decrease the amount of lint and breakage in your locs

Pro Tip: Use a satin or silk scarf to prevent your hair from drying out.

Use a lightweight oil: Lightweight oils allow you to moisturize your hair more often, without the risk of buildup

Pro Tip: Some recommended oils to use are jojoba, almond, and peppermint oil

D o n ’ t

Wash with a cap or band: In the beginning stages with locs, washing with a cap or band reduces the amount of unraveling.

Use heavy products: Thick butters and creams can lead to build up in your locs

Pro Tip: Use thinner products that melt completely down like jojoba oil.

“I use the Alodia Hair and Scalp Oil, for all-day moisture to my locs and scalp. And, it smells like Fruity Pebbles!”

Wash as normal: Wait at least 4 weeks before washing your hair to avoid reversing the loc process.

Pro Tip: Stay away from deep conditioners as these products detangle hair

D o n ’ t

Separate your locs: Between retwists, separate your locs at the root, to prevent them from fusing together

Retwist too often: Wait at least 4 weeks between each retwist

Wear tight styles: Tight styling puts too much tension and stress on the scalp, which can lead to irreversible damage to your loss Pro Tip: Use headwraps or scarves to give the appearance of a fresh retwist

locs.

YouTube: Courtney Grayton

Youtube: Courtney Grayton

Buttah Vitamin C Serum, $39

Bevel Shave Kit, $89.95

Aaron Wallace, Hydrating Hair & Beard Shampoo, $17

Aaron Wallace, Deeply Nourishing Hair & Beard Conditioner, $17

Enjoying the Mag?

follow us on Instagram! follow us on Instagram!

3D Animal Jeans + Layered prints

Investigating a$ap Rocky’s Best Looks

Suspect seen wearing a Gucci scarf as a babushka

Evidence:

• Lacy blouse

• Metallic pants

• Chunky sneakers

Graphic tee + Cheetah print pants

YOUTUBE: Juice & Toya

15 minute full body dumbbell workout

What is it: full body workout with dumbbells

What it does: targets most muscle groups

What do I need: yoga mat and a pair of dumbbells

EAT YOUR HEART OUT!

TRY THESE AFFORDABLE MEAL PREP RECIPES FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER

breakfast

LOADED OATMEAL BOWL: oatmeal, unsweetened coconut chips, almond butter, black chia seeds, and fresh berries. FOR SWEETENER: add honey and brown sugar.

GET FIT!

YOUTUBE: Juice & Toya

20 minute full body cardio HIIT workout

What is it: high intensity strength, cardio, and plyometric workout

What it does: builds endurance, builds strength, burns body fat, and increases cardio output

What do I need: no equipment needed!

Watch personal trainer couple, Juice & Toya’s two most popular workout videos, to help reach your fitness goals.

lunch

SWEET POTATO BOWL: roasted sweet potatoes, rice, black beans, roasted canned corn, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, lime, chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeño, FOR SAUCE: mix sour cream, lime juice, hot sauce.

dinner

FISH TACOS: tilapia, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, corn tortillas, sliced avocado, and lime. FOR SAUCE: mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, and sriracha.

A N I N T E R V I E W W I T H

A B L A C K W I T C H

b y T i f f a n y A d a m s P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f M a r c e l i t t e F a i l l a

M a r c e l i t t e F a i l l a i s a s c h o l a r a n d p r a c t i t i o n e r o f A f r i c a n h e r i t a g e r e l i g i o n s . S h e i s i n h e r 6 t h y e a r o f a P h D p r o g r a m a t E m o r y U n i v e r s i t y , a n d a p p r o a c h e s h e r w o r k a s a p r a c t i t i o n e r a n d a s c h o l a r .

M a r c e l i t t e c o n s i d e r s h e r s e l f a B l a c k w i t c h , a n d l i f e l o n g l e a r n e r o f A f r i c a n a r e l i g i o n s I w a s a b l e s p e a k w i t h M a r c e l i t t e t o g a i n a d e e p e r u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e s e A f r i c a nd e r i v e d r e l i g i o n s .

W h i c h A f r i c a n - d e r i v e d r e l i g i o n d o y o u e n g a g e w i t h , a n d h o w d o y o u e n g a g e w i t h i t ?

I p r a c t i c e H o o d o o A r e l i g i o n t h a t o r i g i n a t e s

i n t h e A m e r i c a n s o u t h o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s

I t ’ s a b l e n d i n g o f w e s t a n d w e s t - c e n t r a l A f r i c a n r e l i g i o u s t r a d i t i o n s , b e l i e f s , a n d p h i l o s o p h i e s . I t ’ s a r e l i g i o n t h a t w a s d e v e l o p e d b y A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n p e o p l e t o b e o k a y , t o s u r v i v e , a n d t o t h r i v e , d u r i n g s l a v e r y a n d t h e J i m C r o w E r a

I w a s i n t r o d u c e d t o H o o d o o b y m y m o t h e r , b u t I w a s a l s o i n t r o d u c e d t o i t t h r o u g h t h i s b o o k , J a m b a l a y a b y L u i s a h T e i s h , i t ’ s k i n d o f a f o u n d a t i o n a l t e x t f o r a l o t o f p r a c t i t i o n e r s

M y p r a c t i c e l o o k s l i k e m y a n c e s t o r a l t a r , H o o d o o i s r e a l l y a r e l i g i o n o f v e n e r a t i n g t h e a n c e s t o r s . S o i t l o o k s l i k e m y a n c e s t o r a l t a r , w h i c h I f r e q u e n t r e g u l a r l y . I h a v e f l o w e r s o n m y a n c e s t o r a l t a r I o f t e n m a k e o f f e r i n g s o f

f o o d i n w h a t e v e r m y a n c e s t o r s e n j o y e d

T a k e a p e e k i n t o t h e l i f e o f a B l a c k w i t c h , a n d h o w s h e u s e s h e r p r a c t i c e t o p r o m o t e h e a l i n g i n B l a c k c o m m u n i t i e s

I n H o o d o o i f I ’ m d o i n g d i v i n a t i o n , I ’ l l u s e t a r o t , o r s o m e t i m e s d r e a m m a g i c , j u s t a s k i n g m y a n c e s t o r s t o c o m m u n i c a t e t h r o u g h d r e a m s . "

"

Marcelitte Failla is a practitioner of Ifá and Hoodoo

I a l s o d o d i f f e r e n t k i n d s o f r i t u a l w o r k . S o m e t i m e s I d o c a n d l e w o r k , s o m e t i m e s I ’ l l d o s o m e c o n t a i n e r m a g i c , a n d I ' v e b e e n d o i n g a l o t o f s p i r i t u a l b a t h s a s o f r e c e n t l y I a t t e n d a l o t o f H o o d o o e v e n t s a n d t a l k t o a l o t o f p e o p l e a b o u t p r a c t i c e s a n d s t u f f

I m o s t l y p r a c t i c e H o o d o o b y m y s e l f , s o m e p e o p l e p r a c t i c e w i t h i n a c o m m u n i t y . O c c a s i o n a l l y f r i e n d s o f m i n e w i l l c o m e o v e r a n d p r a c t i c e w i t h m e , b u t t y p i c a l l y I p r a c t i c e b y m y s e l f I ’ m a l s o a p r a c t i t i o n e r o f I f á , w h i c h i s a r e l i g i o n t h a t A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n s a d a p t e d , o n a b r o a d e r s c a l e , i n t h e 1 9 6 0 s , f r o m t h e Y o r u b a p e o p l e o f N i g e r i a I f á p e o p l e h o n o r t h e O r i s h a s w h i c h a r e d e i t i e s t h a t r e f l e c t t h e n a t u r a l w o r l d S o m e w o u l d s a y t h a t t h e y ’ r e p e r s o n i f i c a t i o n s o f t h e r i v e r , t h e w i n d , t h e l i g h t i n g ; s o m e m i g h t s a y t h a t t h e y a r e a n c e s t o r s , b u t t h a t ’ s a d e b a t e [ L a u g h s ] . O n e i t e r a t i o n o f t h e r e l i g i o n i s A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n I f á , c a l l e d t h e I s e s e p r a c t i c e , w h i c h m e a n s t h e y [ p r a c t i t i o n e r s ] t r y t o g o b a c k t o a s c o n t i n e n t a l A f r i c a n p r a c t i c e s a s p o s s i b l e ; t h e y r e p l i c a t e t h e c o n t i n e n t a l

A f r i c a n p r a c t i c e s a s m u c h a s p o s s i b l e M y p r a c t i c e w i t h I f á i s m o r e c o m m u n a l , I h a v e a n I l e [ s p i r i t u a l p l a c e ] h e r e i n A t l a n t a I t h i n k t y p i c a l l y I f á t e n d s t o b e m o r e c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d . B u t , t h e r e ’ s a l o t o f I l e s e v e r y w h e r e . T h e r e ’ s a n I l e h e r e i n A t l a n t a c a l l e d I l e O r i A f r i c a n C u l t u r a l C e n t e r , w e ’ v e b e e n m e e t i n g o n l i n e l a t e l y s i n c e c o v i d B u t b e f o r e c o v i d , w e w o u l d m e e t r e g u l a r l y a t o u r t e m p l e a n d w e w o u l d h o n o r t h e O r i s h a W e w o u l d a l s o h a v e m o n t h l y c e r e m o n i e s h o n o r i n g a p a r t i c u l a r O r i s h a a s w e l l a s p e r f o r m c e r e m o n i e s a n d d o i n g c e r t a i n c l e a n s i n g s S o t h a t ’ s m o r e o f m y I f á p r a c t i c e

W h a t r o l e d o y o u r a n c e s t o r s p l a y i n y o u r l i f e ?

E v e r y t h i n g . T h e y ’ r e t h e r e a s o n I ’ m h e r e . I s e e t h e m a s g u i d e s I h a v e t h e i r p i c t u r e s o n m y a l t a r I r e g u l a r l y m a k e o f f e r i n g s t o t h e m T h e y c o m e t o m e i n d r e a m s a n d g i v e m e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t h o w t o p r o c e e d i n d i f f e r e n t a r e a s o f l i f e , o r i f I h a v e a q u e s t i o n a b o u t s o m e t h i n g . A n d I u n d e r s t a n d t h e m t o b e s p e a k i n g t h r o u g h m e i n t h e c a r d s , s o I ’ m v e r y c o n n e c t e d t o t h e m w h e n I d o t a r o t

I a l s o g o t o t h e m f o r g u i d a n c e , I g o t o t h e m f o r t h i n g s . . . w h e n I ’ m i n n e e d o f a j o b , m o n e y , p a r t n e r s h i p , a l l t h e s e t h i n g s I f r e q u e n t l y w i l l g o t o m y a n c e s t o r s a n d m a k e o f f e r i n g s a n d j u s t s p e a k t o t h e m a n d d o r i t u a l s a r o u n d w h a t i t i s t h a t I w a n t I f I ’ m d o i n g w e l l , i t l o o k s g o o d o n m y g r a n d m a m a , i t l o o k s g o o d o n o u r p e o p l e ’ s l i n e a g e , s o i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t h a t I d o w e l l t o k e e p o u r b l o o d l i n e g o o d I t ’ s a n i n v e s t m e n t i n t h e f a m i l y l i n e , a n d l i k e a n y g o o d f a m i l y r e l a t i o n s h i p , y o u m a k e o f f e r i n g s , a n d y o u t r e a t y o u r a n c e s t o r s w i t h r e s p e c t . S o i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t h a t i t ’ s a r e c i p r o c a l r e l a t i o n s h i p . M a n y p e o p l e w i l l s a y i t ’ s i m p o r t a n t t h a t y o u ’ r e n o t j u s t g o i n g t o y o u r a n c e s t o r s w h e n y o u n e e d s o m e t h i n g , b u t t h a t y o u r e a l l y f o r m a r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h t h e m A n d t a l k t o t h e m h o w y o u w o u l d t a l k t o a n y o n e .

I r e a d t h a t y o u r m o m t a u g h t y o u h o w t o h e a l y o u r d o g u s i n g e n e r g y w h e n y o u w e r e 1 0 W h a t w a s i t l i k e g r o w i n g u p w i t h a m o t h e r w h o w a s a p r a c t i t i o n e r o f e c l e c t i c s p i r i t u a l p r a c t i c e s ? W h a t o t h e r k i n d s o f s p i r i t u a l e x p e r i e n c e s d i d y o u h a v e g r o w i n g u p ?

I ’ m g o n n a b e h o n e s t I g r e w u p i n a v e r y c o n s e r v a t i v e , r u r a l t o w n o u t s i d e P o r t l a n d , O r e g o n W h e n y o u t h i n k o f P o r t l a n d y o u k i n d o f t h i n k o f l i b e r a l b u t o u t s i d e o f t h a t i t ’ s v e r y c o n s e r v a t i v e . I w a s t r y i n g r e a l l y h a r d t o a s s i m i l a t e i n t o k i n d o f , w h i t e , c o n s e r v a t i v e c u l t u r e S o h o n e s t l y w h a t I f e l t a t t h e t i m e w a s a l o t o f s h a m e a n d e m b a r r a s s m e n t a r o u n d t h e p r a c t i c e s I d o n ’ t k n o w i f I w a s t r y i n g t o b e C h r i s t i a n , b u t I w a s r e a l l y t r y i n g t o f i t i n a n d b e l i k e d . I w a s h o m e s c h o o l e d u n t i l 6 t h g r a d e , s o b e f o r e I s t a r t e d s c h o o l i t [ s p i r i t u a l i t y ] w a s v e r y m u c h a p a r t o f w h o I w a s I l i v e d i n a f a r m h o u s e o n f i v e a c r e s o f l a n d , s o I w a s v e r y c o n n e c t e d w i t h n a t u r e S o n a t u r e w a s a p a r t o f m y s p i r i t u a l p r a c t i c e . I w o u l d g o a n d I w o u l d s i t o n t h i s g i n o r m o u s t r e e s t u m p i n f r o n t o f o u r h o u s e a n d I w o u l d s p e n d h o u r s t a l k i n g t o t h e t r e e s a n d t a l k i n g t o t h e m o u n t a i n W y ’ E a s t , o r w h a t t h e w e s t c a l l s M o u n t H o o d , j u s t i m a g i n i n g s t o r i e s

A n d w h e n I s t a r t e d s c h o o l i n t h e 6 t h g r a d e , t h a t ’ s w h e n t h e s h a m e c a m e a b o u t w h e n I w a n t e d t o a s s i m i l a t e i n t o t h i s k i n d o f w h i t e C h r i s t i a n w e s t e r n c o m m u n i t y

But the practice stayed with me because I would see my mom do energy work She’s a chiropractor and she had a practice, and I would see her do energy work to heal through moving energy, what some people call reiki. And she was one of...I think she was the first Black woman chiropractor in the state of Oregon And so she’s only served the Black community in Portland, which was small And it’s interesting that she was not only serving them through chiropractic but also through these healing modalities that are very ancient and intrinsic to our people through energy, healing and natural methods, and so forth So yea, I have a lot of respect for her in that way but it was very much a part of who I was. And then when I moved to New York when I was 19, the shame started to go away, and these practices became more of my understanding of myself

S o c o n t i n u i n g w i t h t h i s s h a m e t h a t y o u f e l t w i t h y o u r p r a c t i c e s , w h a t d o y o u t h i n k a r e s o m e c o m m o n m i s c o n c e p t i o n s p e o p l e h a v e a b o u t w i t c h c r a f t ?

I m e a n t h e o b v i o u s , t h a t i t ’ s d e v i l w o r s h i p r i g h t ? [ L a u g h s ] I h a d a s t u d e n t , I ’ l l s h a r e t h i s , w h o I d i d a h e a l i n g w o r k s h o p w i t h , a n d I f o u n d o u t r e c e n t l y t h r o u g h I n s t a g r a m t h a t s h e i s v e r y m u c h a p a r t o f t h e c h u r c h , a n d i s v e r y m u c h o p p o s e d S h e s a i d t h a t I ' w a s i n t e r e s t e d i n t h i s w i t c h c r a f t ’ , I d o n ’ t w h a t s h e c a l l e d i t b u t , ‘ w i t c h c r a f t s o m e t h i n g s o m e t h i n g ’ . A n d s h e s a i d ‘ n o n e o f t h a t a n y m o r e , I f o u n d J e s u s , w h a t e v e r w h a t e v e r ’ . S o t h a t w a s a s a d d a y [ l a u g h s ] .

A n d a l s o t h a t w i t c h c r a f t i s a w h i t e t h i n g T h a t ’ s a m i s c o n c e p t i o n W i t c h c r a f t i s r e a l l y j u s t t h e u s e o f w o r k i n g w i t h s p i r i t u a l e n e r g i e s , t o a c h i e v e s o m e k i n d o f r e s u l t . O r w o r k i n g w i t h a n d m a n i p u l a t i n g t h e n a t u r a l w o r l d

T h i s w o m a n D a i z y O c t o b e r L a t i f a h f i r s t p o i n t e d t h i s o u t o n F a c e b o o k , a n d f r o m h e r p o i n t i n g t h i s o u t I d i d s o m e f u r t h e r r e s e a r c h a n d f o u n d a l o t o f o u r A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n a n c e s t o r s , c o n j u r e r s c a l l i n g t h e m s e l v e s w i t c h e s , a n d u s i n g t h e t e r m w i t c h c r a f t t o d e s c r i b e t h o s e p r a c t i c e s S o i t w a s a t e r m t o d e s c r i b e h e a l i n g p r a c t i c e s , a t e r m t o d e s c r i b e m a n i f e s t a t i o n p r a c t i c e s , k i n d o f i n t h e s a m e w a y w e u s e c o n j u r e o r H o o d o o . B u t a g a i n , t h e s e a r e E u r o p e a n - d e r i v e d t e r m s t h a t w e a p p r o p r i a t e d , t o d e s c r i b e A f r i c a n - o r i g i n a t e d b e l i e f s y s t e m s a n d p r a c t i c e s

During slavery, Black witches used conjure magic and other African-derived traditions to promote resistance, protection, and healing from their oppressors. How do Black witches use magic today to promote healing in Black communities?

So, lots of ways. I will shout out Iyalosa Olaomi Akalatunde who has a Youtube channel [Got2BOshun], and she does a lot of healing work for Black women She encourages Black women to love themselves and find their power. So that’s one way.

There's also this incredible Black witch LaReina who is a Hoodoo practitioner She encourages healing through her teas: Queenly Conjure And her teas promote healing physical, spiritual, and emotional healing. And she infuses all kinds of herbs that have magical purposes and also physical healing purposes

Another Black witch who does similar work, her name is Angel, and it’s Hoodoo Hussy, and she does stuff around healing and nutrition.

So in all kinds of ways; in terms of empowering other women, in terms of physical healing And I think also in terms of daily regular hangouts of reading your friends’ tarot cards [laughs] Like if they’re going through something, and you’re just reading their cards...And also through conversation, there’s been so many times when a friend’s been going through something and we lit a candle for healing or banishment, or to bring in something So kind of in those more personal interactions as well.

As a “scholar-practitioner”, how do you use spirituality within the classroom?

I’ve been trying to find ways to incorporate spirituality into the classroom without, being like, well, ‘ you have to believe in this, this, and this’ And also in a way that doesn’t give out information and ritual practices to people who are not in our diaspora

So with that, I’ve done Hoodoo-inspired practices. So for instance, I recently taught a class where we were talking about meaningmaking, and how when enslaved Africans got here they really had to assign spiritual meaning to objects that they encountered So, rose to bring in love; these were the kinds of associations that were developed.

So in class, I gave students different rocks, different stones, different herbs, colors, and asked them to do their own assignments to these objects So if they had a Tiger’s Eye stone, what does the name mean? Do you think about sharp focus, or clarity, or strength? Or if you smell lemongrass, what does that smell like to you? When you think of lemons, what does lemon do? Lemon cleanses, so maybe this could be used in a spell for cleansing

I’ve also done classes where students have meditated and wrote down petitions [a written wish] and called in their desired results, and that’s always powerful And it’s fun and it makes class more fun [laughs]

T I P S

F O R B L A C K W O M E N

L O O K I N G T O

R E C O N N E C T W I T H

T H E I R A N C E S T R A L

P O W E R

" T h i n k o f t h e p e o p l e t h a t y o u h a d a g o o d r e l a t i o n s h i p w i t h w h e n t h e y w e r e a l i v e . Y o u c a n u s e t h e i r p i c t u r e o r y o u c a n u s e a n o b j e c t t h a t r e p r e s e n t s t h e m . M a k e a n a l t a r , y o u c a n d o o n e o n t h e f l o o r , o r o n a d e s k U s e t h e p i c t u r e s o r o b j e c t s o f y o u r a n c e s t o r s , s o m e F l o r i d a w a t e r , a n d a w h i t e c a n d l e , a n d s t a r t b y m a k i n g s o m e o f f e r i n g s I a l w a y s u s e f l o w e r s , f r e s h f l o w e r s , a r e a l w a y s g o o d O r i f t h e r e ’ s a n y t h i n g y o u k n o w t h a t t h e y l i k e d I h a v e I t a l i a n a n c e s t o r s , t h a t l i k e d m e a t b a l l s [ l a u g h s ] . "

" I j u s t r e c e n t l y t o o k a c l a s s w i t h t h i s B l a c k w i t c h , M a m b o L i z A n d h e r s h o p i s B i g L i z C o n j u r e , a n d s h e h a s c l a s s e s o n i n t r o d u c t i o n t o H o o d o o , c a n d l e m a g i c , a n d c o n t a i n e r m a g i c "

Marcelitte Failla teaching her students

1. Wash Your Hair

This one ’ s not rocket science. You always want to start off on clean hair when starting a new style. So grab some shampoo and scrub that scalp real good.

2. Part Your Hair

This is probably the most dreaded part of doing hair, but I promise it doesn’t have to be so complicated. Using the end of a rat-tailed comb, part out a section of hair. Use a clip or hair tie to separate the rest of your hair. And don’t worry if it’s not perfect, it’ll come with practice. Just take your time and be patient.

3. Moisturize Your Hair

Please don’t try to braid your hair without moisturizing it, we don’t need any crunchy braids. Take the section of hair you just parted and spritz it with water. Once the hair is damp, add some leave-in conditioner, and an oil of your choice to it.

4. Apply Gel And Braid

Now that your section of hair is nice and moisturized, it’s time to braid it! Apply some edge control along the perimeter of your part for sleekness, then braid. Once you ’ ve completed your braid, start on a new section and repeat steps 2-4 until you ’ re done!

SEX ED for guys

A G U I D E T O A W O M A N ’ S V A G I N A …

B C S I T ’ S T I M E Y ’ A L L L E A R N W H I C H

H O L E I S W H I C H .

BY TIFFANY ADAMS

Y e s , j u s t l i k e y o u r 7 t h - g r a d e b i o l o g y c l a s s , b u t w e ’ r e n o t t a l k i n g a b o u t t h e m i t o c h o n d r i a h e r e T h e c l i t o r i s i s t h e m o s t s e n s i t i v e p a r t o f t h e v u l v a I t c o n t a i n s t h o u s a n d s o f n e r v e e n d i n g s a n d i s t h e p o w e r h o u s e o f s e x u a l p l e a s u r e a n d o r g a s m s I n f a c t , m o s t w o m e n c a n ’ t o r g a s m t h r o u g h

p e n e t r a t i v e s e x a l o n e , ( o n l y 1 8 . 4 % c a n ) . S o g u y s , y o u ’ l l h a v e t o p u t i n s o m e e x t r a w o r k w i t h y o u r t o n g u e a n d f i n g e r s t o r e a l l y p l e a s e y o u r g i r l .

ALL ABOUT EROGENOUS ZONES

THE EARS

A gentle trace on the ear with your tongue can spice things up in bed.

THE LOWER BACK

Light kisses on the lower back are great for sensual pleasure.

THE NIPPLES

We can’t forget about the nips. A gentle squeeze, lick, or bite, is all it takes for some extra pleasure in the bed.

T H E C L I T I S

C O V E R E D B Y A

H O O D

T h e c l i t o r i s i s s u r r o u n d e d b y f o r e s k i n t h a t p r o t e c t s i t f r o m o v e r s t i m u l a t i o n I m e a n , c a n y o u i m a g i n e h a v i n g t h o u s a n d s o f s e n s i t i v e n e r v e e n d i n g s r u b b i n g o n y o u r c l o t h i n g a l l d a y ? T h i n k o f L i t t l e R e d R i d i n g H o o d T o s e e h e r p r e t t y f a c e , s h e h a s t o p u l l b a c k h e r h o o d . W e l l , f e l l a s , t o g e t t o t h a t p o w e r f u l l i t t l e b u d w e c a l l t h e c l i t , y o u ’ l l h a v e t o g e n t l y p u l l b a c k t h e c l i t o r a l h o o d .

T H E C L I T I S M O R E

T H A N M E E T S T H E

E Y E

A t f i r s t g l a n c e , t h e c l i t m i g h t l o o k l i k e a s m a l l b u d a t t h e t o p o f t h e v u l v a , b u t s h e ’ s b i g g e r t h a n y o u t h i n k . T h e c l i t o r i s i s a m u c h l a r g e r o r g a n t h a t e x t e n d s i n t e r n a l l y b e h i n d t h e v a g i n a l w a l l . T h i s m e a n s t h a t t h e r e i s m o r e t h a n o n e w a y o f s t i m u l a t i n g t h e c l i t T r y e x p l o r i n g o t h e r a r e a s o f t h e v u l v a , l i k e r u b b i n g t h e i n n e r l i p s ( l a b i a m i n o r a ) a n d t h e v a g i n a l o p e n i n g

According to sex expert Jane Greer, Ph.D., “An erogenous zone is anywhere on the body that has a heightened sensitivity and can elicit a sexual response when stimulated”.

Graphics by: Nadia Snopek & Iryna Shkrabaliuk

ToxicBlack Paren Let's Talk About

nting

W h e r e d o I e v e n b e g i n w i t h t h i s t o p i c ?

F o r s t a r t e r s , I ’ v e b e e n a r o u n d B l a c k p a r e n t s a l l m y l i f e . F r o m b e i n g r a i s e d b y a s i n g l e m o t h e r a n d g r a n d m o t h e r , t o g o i n g t o m y c o u s i n s ’ h o u s e s , t o w i t n e s s i n g B l a c k f a m i l i e s i n p u b l i c . A l l o f t h e s e e n c o u n t e r s , s o m e p e r s o n a l a n d s o m e s e c o n dh a n d , h a v e s h o w n m e t h a t t h e r e a r e a l o t o f h a r s h p a t t e r n s i n B l a c k p a r e n t i n g s t y l e s . I t w a s n ’ t u n t i l I g o t o l d e r , h o w e v e r , t h a t I r e a l i z e d t h e s e u n h e a l t h y p a r e n t i n g c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s w e r e a f f e c t i n g m e i n m y a d u l t l i f e .

I t w a s a l w a y s c o m m o n t o j o k e a b o u t t h e s e t y p e s o f t h i n g s i n h i g h s c h o o l , I r e m e m b e r w e u s e d t o

j o k e a b o u t w h o g o t b e a t w i t h t h e w o r s t “ s w i t c h ” .

I t w a s l i k e w e k n e w o u r e x p e r i e n c e s w e r e b a d ,

b u t i t w a s a l l w e k n e w , a n d l a u g h i n g a t o u r p a i n

w a s t h e b e s t w a y t o m a k e l i g h t o u t o f t h e

s i t u a t i o n .

BY TIFFANY ADAMS

N o w a d a y s , y o u c a n f i n d v i d e o s o n s o c i a l m e d i a

w h e r e p e o p l e j o k e a b o u t t h e d i f f e r e n c e s b e t w e e n w h i t e a n d B l a c k p a r e n t s . . . j u s t a n o t h e r w a y t o l a u g h a t o u r p a i n .

B u t w h e n y o u r e a l l y t a k e a l o o k a t t h e s e v i d e o s , y o u ' l l n o t i c e t h a t t h e B l a c k p a r e n t i n g s t y l e s a r e r o o t e d i n a g g r e s s i o n . A n d i t ’ s p r e t t y c o n c e r n i n g h o w w e m i s t a k e t h e s e b o r d e r l i n e a b u s i v e t r a i t s f o r e f f e c t i v e p a r e n t i n g .

I t h i n k i t ’ s a b o u t t i m e w e t r u l y a c k n o w l e d g e w h a t t h i s t o x i c B l a c k p a r e n t i n g l o o k s l i k e , a n d d i s c u s s w a y s t o b r e a k t h e s e g e n e r a t i o n a l c u r s e s .

3 TOXIC PARENTING TRAITS THAT ARE PLAGUING THE BLACK COMMUNITY

I got a lot to say about this! One common thing associated with Black parenting and discipline is spanking. Growing up, I was a pretty unhinged child, so I got beat, a lot. The main way I found myself meeting with the belt was through behavioral problems at school. It felt like every day I was writing, “I will not disrespect my teacher and my classmates,” 100 times on a sheet of paper before picking out a belt when my mom came home from work. The gag is I endured all that pain and suffering just for me to go back to school the next day and act out again.

See, what parents don’t understand is that beating your kids is not an effective behavioral management strategy, like, at all. Not only is it not practical, it teaches children to use aggression to solve conflicts. And in a world where Black people experience more violence and discrimination than other races, all spanking does is send messages to Black children that they don’t have a safe space in society or at home. And according to Jorge Cuartas, a Ph.D. candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, “Preschool and school-age children — and even adults — [who have been] spanked are more likely to develop anxiety and depression disorders or have more difficulties engaging positively in schools and skills of regulation….”

Not only should we end spanking, but being aggressive towards children as well. There are some universal sayings that have been used in Black households that are just as toxic as beatings.

The infamous: “Stop crying before I give you something to cry about”, is just one example of the disturbing language Black parents use when talking to their children. Not only do some Black parents threaten their children, but they yell at them too. And just like beating your children, yelling at them has long-term effects. I have friends that were yelled at as children that don’t do well with confrontation and get overwhelmed when dealing with conflict.

As young Black adults, we must point out harmful parenting behaviors instead of making fun of them because there’s real trauma behind them. Understanding the effects of aggressive parenting on children will allow us to make a positive impact on future generations.

This type of parent thinks being a parent means being a dictator. Their favorite line to hit you with is: “Because I said so.” Dealing with these types of parents is hard because they establish a hierarchy between you and them, and it feels like you have no say in anything.

Parenting is bidirectional, meaning the child and the parent impact and influence each other (that Parentology class I took last year coming through). However, in some Black households, parents only view a child as a subordinate and don’t respect the child’s autonomy. Their relationship is based on: “I am the parent, you are the child.” These parents think they’re always right, and if a child voices their opinion, they’re being disrespectful.

This parenting style pushes a child away and makes them secretive. Children are people too, and the line of communication between a parent and a child should be open and should flow both ways.

Sigh. The amount of ignorance I've witnessed while being around my cousins is massive. Way too often did I see my adult family members correcting my male cousins for their behavior because it was deemed 'too feminine.' From a young age, many Black boys learn to be "tough" and shut out their emotions. They are taught that expressing emotions, like crying, are associated with femininity. Anything associated with femininity is seen as gay, and if a Black boy exhibits anything close to homosexuality, he will be humiliated. This mindset leads to a hypermasculine man, who's aggressive, emotionally unavailable, and lacks respect for women. It's no wonder many Black men treat Black women so poorly because they were taught to reject women their whole lives.

But this doesn't have to continue. If we take the pressure off Black boys to act a certain way, they can grow into men on their own.

IT'S OUR JOB TO BREAK THESE GENERATIONAL CURSES

But how? When you’ve seen the same habits and behaviors your whole life, it may seem impossible to unlearn them. I think the first step to breaking these generational habits is to become selfaware. We first have to acknowledge the destructive patterns that have affected us and how they are affecting us today. From this consciousness, we can start to heal ourselves, allowing us to become positive models for future generations.

promote yourblack-owned brand on our next issue

The Secret Life of A White HBCU Student

Written by Tiffany Adams Interviews by Daphnee Saint Juste

The white population at HBCUs has grown in recent years, and at Howard University, these non-traditional HBCU students are proud of the school they attend.

Howard University's demographics have been changing as more white people are enrolling in this predominantly Black University. Many of these white students feel welcomed on campus and inspired by the experiences of the Black students they meet

"I honestly love it," said Olivia Quinlan, a white student, when asked about her experience at Howard.

Howard University, founded on March 2, 1867, started as a training facility for Black preachers The school then expanded its academics to liberal arts and medical training.

HBCUs, like Howard University, were initially created to provide Black students an education in a culturally safe environment during racial segregation.

However, Howard University is among the HBCUs that are shifting to a more diverse student population. In 2021, the percentage of white students at Howard was 1.17 percent. Now, for the Fall 2022-Spring 2023 semester, the percentage is at 2 26 percent Though the percentage is small, the main concern is if this number will continue to increase.

Interestingly enough, several of these white students picked Howard University as their first college choice; they believe attending an HBCU is essential for understanding issues from multiple cultural/ethnic groups.

"Being a student at Howard has definitely educated me I feel that I have been taught far more in-depth about the struggles of the Black community than I would've at another institution," said Corinne Kedge, a second-year white student

Some Black students feel that white students do not belong at Howard and argue white students are ruining opportunities for other Black students.

Let's go back to 2020 when a newly enrolled Spelman student posted about attending "the home of Black girl magic." This white student received a lot of backlash for her post, which sparked a conversation about whether or not these students should attend HBCUs

However, the white students enrolled in Howard are proud of attending this University and believe they deserve to be there

"When I got accepted into Howard, I felt like the work I had put in and the dreams I had made were coming to fruition," says Quinlan.

Ashley A. is a senior at Howard University and feels strongly against white students attending HBCUs

"I don't think white students should attend [HBCUs] because they are taking away spots for other Black students." Ashley is on a national 3year scholarship, and this competitive scholarship awards more than 4,000 winners nationwide from roughly 25,000 applicants each year.

"HBCUs are supposed to be a safe space for Black students," says Ashley

Although the white student body at Howard University is the minority, most of them embrace their position at this HBCU.

"I can't complain There are ups and downs, but I wouldn't change anything", says Quinlan.

Olivia Quinlan, a second-year student, in front of Founders Library at Howard University

let's kiki!

DRAKE ORDERED TO SIT FOR DEPOSITION IN XXXTENTACION'S MURDER TRIAL ON FEBRUARY 24TH

who said dat?? I'm good in the west.

Ja Morant

This one of them quotes that didn't age well, after Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving got traded to the Suns and Mavs.

Did Latto just confirm dating rumors between her and 21 Savage with her new tattoo?

The new ink appears to say "Sheyaa", which just so happens to be 21's first name.

WHAT Y'ALL THINK?

Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka'oir

Welcomed Their Second Baby, Iceland Davis, on February 8.

Rubi Rose leaked dms that are allegedly between her and DDG.

LIKE?

Chaos broke out at a NYFW after party hosted by Ice Spice at the Bowery Showroom. Videos from the party show fans pushing and trying to touch on our Princess Diana.

Fans defend Halle on Twitter, leading to a new trend: HALLE GET BEHIND ME.

Music Shuffle

Specific Songs For Specific Vibes

Lemme PYO

Music, Books, And Entertainment. For Us, By Us.

For The book Lovers

Open up some of the best fiction novels by contemporary Black authors.

1. Memphis

by Tara M. Stringfellow

In her beautifully written debut, Tara M. Stringfellow tells the story of the women in the North family, spanning three generations. Tara M. Stringfellow does a great job celebrating the strength and resilience of Black women as they face many of life’s traumas and challenges.

2. Don’t Cry For Me

by Daniel Black

This poignant read is told through a series of letters written by Jacob, a father on his death bed, trying to make amends with his estranged, gay son, Isaac. The writing is raw and filled with emotions; a recipe for an impactful novel.

N*ggas drinking wine.

3. You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty

by Akwaeke Emezi

Whew chile, this was a messy read! The story follows main character Feyi, who starts dating again after grieving the loss of her husband who died in a tragic car crash. All I can say is, this book was pretty unhinged.

N*ggas selling and smoking crack.

Bel air

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but make it a drama.

You just have to watch it to understand.

Kulture | 28

Double StandardFousheé Pop My ShiiQuezz Ruthless

Do 2 Me- Grimm Lynn, Flwr Chyld

Rap Shit

Snowfall

Grand crew

JT & Careesha?

A black lady sketch show

SNL, without the white

people.

BY TIFFANY ADAMS

Graphics by: Nadia Snopek

HEAD HORROR STORIES

" THIS GIRL SCRAPED HER TEETH UP AND DOWN MY DICK. I KNOW MY SHIT BIG, BUT DAMN, SHE COULD’VE USED GRANDMA LIPS OR SUM. I DIDN’T EVEN CUM AND SHE LEFT ME WITH A SCRATCHED UP DICK. "

-A, 20

"SHE THREW UP ON MY DICK"

-D, 25

"OMG. THIS GUY I WAS MESSING WITH LEGIT BIT MY CLIT. I UNDERSTAND SUCKING ON IT, BUT NO, HE NIBBLING ON IT LIKE ROAST BEEF. 0/10, DO NOT RECOMMEND. "

-S, 21

PEOPLE SHARE THEIR WORST EXPERIENCES OF GETTING HEAD

Would You Rather…

Black film edition

fight Deebo from Friday

marry Angela from Why Did I Get Married

go out like Cleo from Set It Off

eat Minny’s Chocolate Pie from The Help

get a radio thrown in your bathtub (I Can Do Bad All By Myself)

have Janet Jackson from Poetic Justice as your girlfriend

have Morris Chestnut from The Best Man as your boyfriend

get beat up on the school bus by Madea (Madea’s Family Reunion)

have sex like Tommy and Kisha from Belly

get sat on by Rasputia from Norbit

have Sabrina from Madea’s Big Happy Family as your baby mother

go out like Ricky from Boyz N The Hood

drink the water Celie spit in from The Color Purple

slip on baby oil after getting out the shower (This Christmas)

have Nia Long from Love Jones as your girlfriend

have Tupac from Juice as your boyfriend

have Madea wreck your car by dropping it from a forklift (Madea Goes To Jail)

have sex like Jason and Lyric from Jason’s Lyric

What two female R&B singers argued over which boy was theirs, in this 1998 song?

KULTURE QUIZ

Who was the first Black woman to become a millionaire in the United States?

How much sugar do you put in Kool-Aid?

Monica and Brandy 1 cup

1 & 1/2 cups

Till it taste like diabetes

Oprah Winfrey Rihanna Madam C. J. Walker

What fictional HBCU did the characters in A Different World attend?

Hillman College Georgia A&M University

Bringston University

You Should Watch This Black History Month To Celebrate and Honor Black Culture

1. Love Jones

2. Coming To America

3. Bad Boys

4. Don’t Be A Menace To South

Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood

5. Black Panther

6. Waiting To Exhale

7. Do The Right Thing

8. Moonlight

9. Summer Of Soul

10. Friday

11. New Jack City

12. Soul Food

Beyoncé and Rihanna Kulture | 35

1.

a b c

2.

a b c

4.

3.

Life Without Black

Let's take a look at the impact Black Americans have made over the past century.

Black people live and breathe individualism and creativity. Look around you, you'll see hoop earrings, long nails, and streetwear styles; these are only just a few fashion & beauty contributions made by Black people. Ahhh, it feels great to be Black.

From the three-light traffic system to peanut butter, without Black inventions, America would be shaking in her boots.

Pan

When it comes to music, Black people are quite literally the blueprint. Without Black contributions to music, we wouldn't have jazz, hip-hop, rock and roll, funk, nor R&B.

No John Singleton? No Poetic Justice, no Boyz N The Hood, no Snowfall. No Chadwick Boseman? No Black nther. No William Dorsey Swann? No Ballroom, no drag.

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Strain of the Month This That? or

Pineapple Express

This hybrid strain is great for anyone looking for a happy and energetic high. With 18% THC, you can expect to have some giggles while on this potent strain. I love Pineapple Express because it helps me with creativity.

Take a T-Break

Whenever you smoke, the amount of mucus in your system increases. As weed smokers, It’s important we take care of our lung health. Implementing habits like drinking tea, can help break up the mucus in our lungs. I recommend Mullein Leaf Tea, to help cleanse the lungs.

Feeling Fruity?

Whether you smoke papers or cigars, I think we can all agree that the main goal is to get high. Well, a growing trend on TikTok shows that there is a new contender when it comes to wraps. People are smoking DIY wraps made from banana and mango peels. The process involves scraping the inside of the peel until it’s thin, rinsing it with cold water, patting the peel dry, and then letting it sit out to dry (or microwaving it for a few seconds). I’ve never tried these wraps out myself, but if I’m ever down bad, I’ll definitely be running to my kitchen.

What are your weed preferences?

Blue Raspberry Jungle Juice

Henny Juice

What To Mix:

• Hennessy

• Blueberries

What To Mix:

• Blue Raspberry Minute Maid

• Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka

• Ole Smoky Moonshine- Hunch Punch

• Ice

• CalypsoOcean Blue Lemonade

• Pineapple Juice

• Lime Juice

• Ice

Bottoms Up!

These four drink mixes are cheap, easy to make, and taste great! A perfect combination for your pregaming needs! I’m not a bartender here, so go as crazy or careful as you’d like on the measurements. Drink responsibly!

Starburst Infused Titos

What To Mix:

• Pink Starbursts

• Tito’s Handmade Vodka

• Simply Lemonade

• Ice

Gone head and plop some pink Starbursts into a mason jar, or straight into the Tito’s bottle. Let the candy sit for a few hours, or overnight. Then, strain the mixture and add some lemonade to it.

Beach Buzz

What To Mix:

• Vodka (your choice)

• Malibu Coconut Rum

• White Cranberry Juice

• Sprite

• Ice

Kulture magazine