The Life Letter February Edition 2022

Life Letter

THE

BLACK EXCELLENCE EDITION

LOVEBIRD CELEBRATES THE AMERICAN ICON SIDNEY POITIER LIFE LITERATURE FEATURE PASTOR JAUQUEMA JONES

The Life Letter February 1, 2022. Copyright Lovebird Publishing LLC

FEBRUARY EDITION 2022

THE LIFE LETTER

What’s Next for LoveBird?

A LITTLE BIT LOUDER WITH LOVEBIRD Spread the Love

PODCAST COMING SOON!!!

2 listen on Spotify & sounder

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INSPIRATION LoveBird’s Letter LoveBird’s Prayer LoveBirds Lyric: The Black Voyage

HOT TOPICS Exploration of The Black Dollar Less is More: Minimalist Tips to Help You at Home

ARTS N ACTION Tribute to Toni Morrison Megg’s Kitchen Featured Recipe Life Literature Book Review with JauQuema Jones

HEALTH & WELLNESS Bring Back the Midwives Profile of Dr. Sebi The Honduran Healer

THE LIFE LETTER

LoveBird’s Letter

conquered, and died to get me here. I owe it to them to excel.

Luckily I have countless examples of Black excellence to model for my children. In turn, they will be tasked with doing the same and adding to the rich legacy of powerful, influential, daring, and resilient people.

Most people think of Valentines Day when February comes. However my mind goes to

Every battle I win in life gets listed in the

Black History Month. I remember seeing the

innumerable accomplishments of Black people.

teachers in my schools decorate the hallways

Every day I leave a mark on this world, makes

and bulletin boards with people that look like

my presence here more valuable. Every title,

my father, mother, cousins and such. The pride

role, and assignment I assume reflects

I felt was indescribable to see images of public

positively on my community. Every good thing I

figures, activists, inventors, and freedmen

produce proves the naysayers, critics, and

decorate my very white washed school.

bigots wrong. Admittedly, that is the best part.

When I succeed I get justice for the voiceless

I noticed that my father a sharecropper from

ancestors that suffered, and died looking for the

Mississippi took much joy in telling of the great

day I would roam the Earth and live out their

accomplishments of our people. This was a

wildest dreams.

normal part of my everyday life.

Black excellence has many forms. The names As an adult I still feel giddy when Feb. 1st

of celebrities, politicians, public figures, artists,

comes, for 28 days I know my people cannot

athletes flood my mind. Now, we all can

be ignored. Our accomplishments are

envision what the White House looks like with a

acknowledged and celebrated by millions.

Black president. Bless God for the journey, the

Black people in the United States have left

progress, and for what is to come. My question

their footprint on every aspect of current

to you, what will you contribute to this world?

society. Personally, I love to reflect and thank God for all those who have lived, fought,

4

THE LIFE LETTER

HOT TOPICS 11

THE LIFE LETTER

LESS IS MORE: Minimalist Tips to Help You at Home written by: LoveBird

Buy your fresh produce as needed.

I know it’s tempting to purchase all of your fruits and vegetables in bulk as you do a food haul, but this is a sure way to waste your money and food supply. A good alternative to overbuying fresh produce is getting frozen produce or easy-steamable vegetable options and incorporate them into your meals.

Invest in a laundry sorter.

If laundry is a constant battle, investing in a laundry sorter could help lighten the load. The task of sorting and washing, drying, folding and storing away is monumental when you are overwhelmed by piles of dirty clothing. Sorting as you go can help you identify what needs to be washed first, and what load can wait. Once the sorter starts to fill up, you can then create time to clean the clothes.

Remember, not finishing the laundry in one day is not a failure. Make realistic goals for your routine.

Get a cook book.

Are you tired of eating the same foods? If you are looking to spice up your dinner options, buying a cook book can help you get creative. This can also help you with meal planning for the week. Picking out certain recipes can take the guess work out of getting groceries, especially produce as mentioned above.

Make time to unplug.

In a society where everything is digital and screens are everywhere, it is important to make time to unplug from it all. Log out of your social media on your phone, unplug your TV’s, let your tablet go dead, put your devices on DND and take a mental break from the work wheel. You’d be surprised at how clear your mind is when you sit in solitude. Your body is free to rest and recover as well. I suggest unplugging at least once a week. But if you find that difficult, at least sparing yourself time at night before bed.

Prepare for the mornings at night.

This tip is valuable whether you have a house full, or you live alone.

Gas up before you turn in for the night.

Iron or steam clothing at night (lay out your undergarments, shoes, and accessories too!).

Lay out bath towels for the morning.

Prep breakfast on the go and a nice energizing lunch before bed.

Pack all essentials in your purse or bag.

Write out or log a to do list for the morning. Make sure it is somewhere visible.

6

THE LIFE LETTER

BISHOP RODNEY & PASTOR STEPHANIE HUTTON

COVID GUIDELINES IN EFFECT FOR INPERSON WORSHIP MASKS ARE REQUIRED TEMP CHECKS UPON ENTRY!

RIVER CITY CHURCH 1413 EAST END AVE. CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL

8

THE LIFE LETTER

THE BLACK DOLLAR HOW SHOULD WE BE SPENDING OUR MONEY?

Many philosophers, political leaders, and activists of all eras expressed the value and power behind the black dollar. Black Enterprise reported just a few weeks ago that Digital Expert Lamar Tyler stated, “Black buying power was $1.4 trillion in 2019, based on the Selig Center for Economic Growth. per CNBC... and is predicted to swell to $1.8 trillion by 2024.”

In essence, the Black dollar has the power to influence an economic shift in our favor

regarding education, business, and politics.

So what should we be doing as a collective to ensure lasting change and production happens regarding the black community in the US? One extreme, yet effective way to improve the quality of life for our people is to take a page out of White Americas book. We should gentrify our own neighborhoods.

Black Americans watch the demise of our urban cities. We witness the investment bankers and developers come in and buy people out of their homes and businesses to usher in a new population, while pushing the families to the outskirts of their own city.

The black dollar has the power to stop the changing of the guards. First we must stop selling the houses that our parents and grandparents slaved, and sharecropped to secure. Even if the house is 8

THE LIFE LETTER standing in disrepair, there is still much value in owning the land that the house sits on. Once a family owns the land, they can then in turn become their own developer of said land. One could rebuild the neighborhood by constructing and remodeling the house.

Demolishing the home and assigning it for community use by turning it into a park or community garden is another way to revive the neighborhood. Another alternative is to sell the land to another invested party to jumpstart local black business, or becoming an investing partner in said business endeavor.

In most Black communities in the US, you see numerous gas stations, liquor stores, and toxic fast food restaurants, yet we lack local fresh produce, meat among many other necessities.

Most business owners in black communities do not live in the area, and are not overly concerned with improving the economic, educational, political, or health of the black populous in which they serve.

An influx of black owned and local enterprise who is invested in the betterment of the community would amplify the concerns to government officials, and evoke change in infrastructure, taxes, and community building initiatives.

continued from page 26 influence, power, and money to rebuild the community. Pastor Chris Harris, Senior Pastor of Bright Star Church of God in Christ, implemented a community outreach center for the youth and a trauma hotline to help victims of violence. These community specific projects can be applied to various communities across the nation. (for more information please visit brightstarcommunityoutreach.com) How do we as a people swing the pendulum of progress in our favor?

We stop being consumers and start being investors. The same power we have to singlehandedly support the billion dollar hair, fashion, and entertainment industry, we can redirect into purchasing and repurposing the land in our neighborhoods.

Buying the block is as easy as going to auctions, and purchasing condemned properties or lots of land as a family. We must create clear boundaries so other larger investors will think twice about pushing the people out of the hood.

Once the land is recovered the value of the land will be in the right hands, and the interest of the people will be preserved.

The Bronzeville community in Chicago, IL is a great example on how we can use our

9

LANE PROTECTION AGENCY-- MEET THE CEO Mr. Joshua Lane Sr. • Career security professional • Security consultant • BLS instructor • Certified armed security officer • Over a decade of professional security experience.

Joshua Lane Sr. specializes in • event security • commercial security • operations management.

CONTACT LANE PROTECTION AGENCY EMAIL: laneproagency@gmail.com WEBSITE: laneproagency.com

Now HIRING!!!

JOIN THE LPA TEAM Please send resume to laneproagency@gmail.com please include all relative work experience.

Lane Protection Agency CEO MR. JOSHUA LANE SR.

THE LIFE LETTER

LIFE LITERATURE SECTIONFeatures BUSINESS DIRECTORY: January Ascending Essentials: LAUNCHING SOON

Honest Guys Heating & Cooling

Beauty & Skincare Brand

Professional HVAC Company

FB @LavishEssentials20

FB @honestguyshvac HonestyHVAC.com

Brianna Je’ Artistry

info@honestyhvac.com

Visual Arts & Beauty Brand FB @UltimatelySkilledbyGOD

Megg’s Kitchen: LAUNCHING SOON

briannajeartistry@gmail.com

Catering Company meggan_harris@yahoo.com

Cover’d Customs Custom Clothing & Consultation Brand FB & IG @coveredcustoms coveredclothingandcustoms@gmail.com Empowering YOUNG Lives Early Learning

Lane Protection Agency Professional Security Services FB @laneproagency laneproagency.com laneproagency@gmail.com

Academy

Sydnie Lau’Ryn Beauty

Private School

Beauty, cosmetic, and personal care

Address: 32 E 34th St. Steger, IL

Enterprise

Follow on FB @Empowering YOUNG Lives

FB & IG @sydnielaurynbeauty

Early Childhood Academy

sydnielaurynbeauty.com

Fashioned Brand Lifestyle and Clothing Brand

Do you wish to be featured in The Life Letter’s Business Directory?

FB & IG @fashionedbrand fashnd.com sales@fashnd.com

Send all business info and contact information to lovebirdpublishing1@gmail.com ALL INQUIRES WILL BE REVIEWED!

11

THE LIFE LETTER

Need a Host for your next event?

Contact Me Directly!

Email me for all inquiries lovebirdpublishing1@gmail.com DM me on FB & IG @she.is.lovebird DM me on FB & Twitter @lbpublish

•Event Hosting •Motivational Speaking •Poetry Performance •Professional Background Vocals

12

THE LIFE LETTER

ARTS N ACTION

SECTION

13

THE LIFE LETTER

Eve Remembering Toni Morrison 1931-2019

1 I tore from a limb fruit that had lost its green.

My hands were warmed by the heat of an apple Fire red and humming.

I bit sweet power to the core.

How can I say what it was like?

The taste! The taste undid my eyes And led me far from the gardens planted for a child To wildernesses deeper than any master’s call.

2 Now these cool hands guide what they once caressed; Lips forget what they have kissed.

My eyes now pool their light Better the summit to see.

3 I would do it all over again: Be the harbor and set the sail, Loose the breeze and harness the gale, Cherish the harvest of what I have been.

Better the summit to scale.

Better the summit to be.

14

Chosen Children of Destiny VIRTUAL CHILDRENʼS CHURCH

THE LIFE LETTER

LoveBird’s Lyric to The Black Voyage

My first cousin on my daddy's side found out we, I mean she was Nigerian. I mean if her daddy and my daddy were brothers surely I can rock a Gele with confidence right?

Oh, but what if she Nigerian on her mama side? These were the thoughts in my head as I tried desperately to find a clue of who I am, or was in a past life.

A piece of me wanted desperately to send my DNA off to a lab so I can get some insight on my ancestry, yet conspiracy theories of cloning halted me.

Why is it so hard for me to pinpoint my origin story when they have records of their folks coming over here by boat, fleeing the persecution that they eagerly inflicted on my folk?

But how can I really know if this test is the truth? Most of them are executed and orchestrated by the children of oppressors, and last time I checked they were in no rush to preserve my culture.

So I sit here. With very little answers.

I sit here. I imagine what their life was like before the ship anchors dropped into the rich soil of mother Africa. I wonder how many people lived, loved, survived and died to ensure I would be alive. Whoever they were, wherever they were from, whatever dialect they spoke, whatever food they roasted, boiled, and smoked I know that the connection cannot be broken.

Even if I don't know their names. They live in me and I in them. I owe them to succeed, and exceed their wildest dreams for me. I want their fantasies for me to live free to be true in every sense of the word. So, when I can't do it for myself I remember somewhere, sometime long ago, a beautiful indigo mother and father came together to jumpstart a legacy that leads to here and now. And that itself is a miracle.

But I could at least do the DNA test tho.

21

THE LIFE LETTER

NOW STREAMING ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS.

DOWNLOAD NOW

PLAY IT AGAIN 17

THE LIFE LETTER

Sidney Poitier’s first feature film, No Way Out was released in 1950. Poitier starred as a young doctor who was tasked with treating a bigoted patient.

ICONIC INFLUENCE: Sidney Poitier

In 1963, He became the first Black actor to win Best Actor at the Academy Awards for his performance in “Lillies of the Field.”

In 1974, Queen Elizabeth II conferred a knighthood on Sidney Poitier to commemorate his accomplishments.

His official title in his homeland of the Bahamas and the British Commonwealth, was Sir Sidney Poitier.

In 1980, Sidney Poitier published an autobiography, This Life. He went on to publish three other notable books titled; The Measure of Man, Life Beyond Measure, and Montaro Caine.

Poitier received his star of the Walk of Fame in Hollywood in 1994.

Poitier was presented with the Academy Honorary Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2002.

August 12, 2009: Poitier was awarded the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, from President Barack Obama.

Mr. Poitier died January 6, 2022 in Los Angeles CA surrounded by family.

Sources: www.achievement.org, LA Times June, 14 1989

Actor Sidney Poitier promoted a positive image for the Black community amidst the Civil Rights Movement.

Actor and Icon Sidney Poitier is pictured with his Honorary Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2002.

18

THE LIFE LETTER

Life Literature Book Review Section Pastor JauQuema Jones is a charismatic, energetic and captivating WARRIOR. Throughout the last ten years of preaching the gospel, JauQuema Jones has radically impacted the lives of thousands. JauQuema lives her truth as a life-strategist. She enjoys coaching women and young girls on how to achieve success on God’s terms. Jones commits significant time to help members of Christ, fellow pastors, and leaders to advance the Kingdom of God. She is the acclaimed author of ‘Fighting to Stay Current’ A Woman’s Devotional for Riding the Waves of Marriage Her strategies to strengthen marriages will equip all people to establishing a solid foundation for home life and raising children. Additionally, her unique perspective is relative to the building of the black family structure, which in return will uphold the standard of black excellence in society at large.

Check out her book Fighting to Stay Current on Amazon & Kindle today!

20

LoveBird Wishes You a Very Happy Valentines Day!

#spreadthelove

FOLLOW MY LIFESTYLE BLOG ON FB & IG

#lovebirdbits #lbpublish

@she.is.lovebird 21

THE LIFE LETTER

HEALTH & WELLNESS SECTION

14

THE LIFE LETTER

Dr. Sebi The Honduran Healer Was He on to Something?

Dr. Sebi, a self-proclaimed herbalist and healer was born Alfredo Bowman in Honduras. It was said that he healed people of various diseases such as cancer, asthma, diabetes, and AIDS. He came into fame for treating an extensive list of celebrities, including Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez, Joh Travolta, and pop king Michael Jackson, which Dr. Sebi stated he healed Jackson of his drug addiction after being hired by Michael’s brother Randy. The California rap artist Nipsey Hussle believed in Dr. Sebi’s holistic healing abilities and was set to release a documentary on his life before his untimely death. Many people testified to his healing abilities, but big pharma remains unconvinced.

According to BBC, In 1987 Dr. Sebi was charged with two counts of practicing medicine without a license after posting in the newspaper he was able to cure AIDS, through his holistic lifestyle, herbal supplements and strict vegan diet. While he did not have a Phd, he studied to be an herbalist from his grandmother and a Mexican naturalist that healed him of asthma, diabetes, obesity, and erectile dysfunction. Sebi sought out western medicine for cures to no avail, yet he found a savior in more natural remedies.

Scientists say that his claim that an alkaline diet reduces mucus in the body, thus eliminating disease was misinformed. The medical industry affirmed that while his diet was good for weight loss, it could not be sustained for long periods of time due to lack of vital amounts of protein, and other vitamins being missing. They also argue that the acidity or alkalinity of your blood cannot be altered through diet alone. Dr. Sebi asserted that his healing methods were designed for people of African descent, and proved to be especially effective in comparison to modern Western medicine.

On the other hand, many people took solace in Dr. Sebi’s philosophy, for medical disparities for Black people in the United States enlarge by the year. His clients praised his healing methods and his children have carried their father’s legacy on by building upon his healing strategies. In 2016, Dr. Sebi died of pneumonia in a Honduran jail after being convicted of money laundering. He lived to be 96. His”cell therapy”, dietary guidelines and herbal supplements are still available for purchase. It would be best to 23

THE LIFE LETTER

CONTINUED FROM PG. 22

research and gain more understanding on how it will affect your individual body, before indulging in such a drastic lifestyle change.

Dr. Sebi’s diet closely mirrors what Christians know as the Daniel Fast. Daniel in the bible convinced King Nebuchadnezzar’s guard to let him eat only pulse and drink water, instead of eating from the King’s table, which was full of defiled food according to Hebrew religion. In doing so, Daniel proved that his diet strengthened him more so than the others. The bible defines “pulse” as vegetables, fruits and some seeds. Dr. Sebi practiced similar principles in healing himself and others.

In comparison to Western food, there is not debate whether Sebi’s food is the better choice. In today’s time, western food can be likened to the king’s table, and is the leading cause to the United States having the highest obesity percentage in the world. Dr. Sebi ate from nature’s table often and while scientists denounce his radical practices and the science behind them, no one can argue the benefits.

According to healthline.com Dr. Sebi’s nutrition guide: • Fruits: apples, cantaloupe, currants, dates, figs, elderberries, papayas, berries, peaches, soft jelly coconuts, pears, plums, seeded key limes, mangoes, prickly pears, seeded melons, Latin or West Indies soursop, and tamarind •

Vegetables: avocado, bell peppers, cactus flower, chickpeas, cucumber, dandelion greens, kale, lettuce (except iceberg), mushrooms (except shiitake), okra, olives, sea vegetables, squash, tomatoes (only cherry and plum), and zucchini

•

Grains: fonio, amaranth, Khorasan wheat (Kamut), rye, wild rice, spelt, teff, and quinoa

•

Nuts and Seeds: Brazil nuts, hemp seeds, raw sesame seeds, raw tahini butter, and walnuts

•

Oils: avocado oil, coconut oil (uncooked), grapeseed oil, hempseed oil, olive oil (uncooked), and sesame oil

•

Herbal teas: elderberry, chamomile, fennel, tila, burdock, ginger, and raspberry

•

Other drinks: water

•

Spices: oregano, basil, cloves, bay leaf, dill, sweet basil, achiote, cayenne, habanero, tarragon, onion powder, sage, pure sea salt, thyme, powdered granulated seaweed, pure agave syrup, and date sugar It should be noted this diet does not reflect the required amount of protein, vitamin D, B12, and C according to Western medicine.

24

MEGGʼS KITCHEN RELAUNCH THE LIFE LETTER

MARCH 19, 2022!

FOLLOW MEGGAN ON FB FOR MORE INFO @MEGGANMONIQUE Spread the Love 7

THE LIFE LETTER

Bring back the MIDWIVES

According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women in the US. There are many factors that would create such a horrific reality for Black mothers and their children. The history of medical atrocities can be traced back to the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

J. Marion Sims an American physician, developed foundational gynecological practices that we use currently, by savagely experimenting on African slave women. He was a known bigot who believed slaves could not feel pain, so his barbaric tactics were often imposed upon his subjects with no anesthesia. These unethical medical practices become the norm and resulted in the other medical experiments like the Tuskegee syphilis experiment. Surprisingly, the racial bias that Black people feel less pain, or can take more pain than their White counterparts is still alive today, especially in the labor and delivery room.

I was subject to this during my delivery of my son. My doctor actually told me to stop getting upset and to calm down after she gave me some devastating news concerning a change in my birth plan. I was also pressured into having a caesarian birth. Looking back I needed an advocate to acknowledge my needs and confront the racial bias I was experiencing.

My plea for us beautiful Black mothers is that we recognize the signs of racial bias in the delivery room and act quickly to expose it to get the medical treatment we deserve, and not what others deem necessary. Doulas and midwives can be our secret weapon. They are trained to

support, encourage and advocate for our health rights and to see our birth plans through our way.

Many times postpartum care can be provided as you heal and adjust to a new life with the baby.

Birth planning is essential if you want to hire a midwife or doula. Make sure to include all birth expenses as you prepare to have a new baby. I must say, it could be the difference between a happy life with your family, or experiencing a preventable loss.

If your doctor exhibits these behaviors seek out a new physician.

They minimize your symptoms.

Your discomfort is explained away without medical examination.

Your thoughts or feelings about your treatment is ignored.

You often feel pressured into accepting treatment or medication you didn’t ask for.

Your doctor seems to be in a rush when consulting you about your progress in labor.

No alternatives to treatment is offered to you.

You are told, “It’s not that bad” or anything relating to diminishing your pain level.

Your questions seem to agitate or bother your physician.

THE LIFE LETTER

LOVEBIRD’S PRAYER God,

You are an all knowing God, endowed with all wisdom and knowledge of all things. Lord you knew who we were destined to be, and we thank you for creating us in your image. As we celebrate our culture, people, history and future we ask that you lead us in your ways. Our heart’s desire is that you be pleased in all that we set out to accomplish. Let your glory shine through every legacy, empire, and enterprise we will establish in the Earth.

And we thank you in advance for these blessings. in Jesus name, Amen.

Life Letter

THE

The Life Letter. February 1, 2021 Copyright Lovebird Publishing LLC

28