Le Charme Magazine "The Justice Issue"

the

J U S T I CIssue E

DEIIR A SMITH-COLL AR D Founder/Editor-In- Chief/Creative Director

JOSEPHIN E SLOAN Managing Editor

JUSTICE IS SUE CONTRIBUTING W RITERS DANA PIT TMAN

TOR RIAN FERGUSON

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

TAM EK A “ M EEK” JACKSON

LULU BOTELLO

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

KIM BOB Contributing Writer

DESIGN & PHOTOGR APHY Depictions of Life Photography & Design MAILING ADDRESS Le Charme Magazine 340 N. Sam Houston Pkw y E Ste. A263

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2020 S P E C I A L E DI T I ON

THE JUSTICE ISSUE ALWAYS BET ON BLACK WHY DO THEY HATE US FOODIE REVOLUTION: THE ART OF FOOD & SPEAKING UP

ARE YOU WOKE? POLITICAL AF THE BOND OF THE APRON

SPIRITUALITY TAKE CARE OF YOU

FEATURE

LIBERTY AND

JUSTICE?

CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Le Charme Magazine started with a vision and has evolved into a tangible force and source that encourages, educates, and motivates.

Our team set out on a mission to impact and empower women. We will continue this mission in the years to come. It was once said by a blogger that our magazine spotlighted the ordinary woman, but I believe this publication shines a light on extraordinary women and gives them the platform to encourage others through their experiences.

The fourth quarter issue marks the completion of our first year of publication. In this issue we celebrate the beauty of survivors. Many women encounter trials that most of us would find unthinkable, but the spirit of a survivor pushes through to persevere.

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deiira@lecharmemagazine.com FACEBOOK

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@deiira

Thank you to the readers that continue to support the magazine and our mission. We will continue to bring thought provoking articles and imagery, as well as continue to connect with our community to make things around us just a little bit brighter. Keep reading, we’ll keep writing.

MEET THE TEAM

Josie Sloan Managing Editor

Kim Bob Contributor

Khahelah Thornton Contributor

Chole Leviston Contributor

LuLu Botello Contributor

Dana Pittman Contributor

JUSTICE ISSUE

By: Josephine Sloan #Blackout2020

Let’sexploresome ways we can “Always bet on black” a line made recognize our faults, and educate famous by Wesley Snipes in his ourselves on ways to support our 1992 film, Passenger 57. Of course community better.

Snipes was talking about himself A black entrepreneur can start a and not the game of roulette. business nose wide open eyes filled Always bet black is now a phrase with dreams and riches. It will be that is used amongst gamblers on their people to beat them down the roulette tables in casinos across into saying just forget it or settle America. The phrase indicates for whatever. In my opinion this that you have a fifty percent starts with parents and what they better chance of winning if you teach their children. My husband bet on black than red. So why is is from Shreveport Louisiana. He it so hard for the black community moved to Houston after his high to follow this same slogan when it school graduation to work with his comes to supporting black owned uncle in his auto title business. His businesses? father worked for his uncle as well.

His father talked him into finding another job because this didn’t pay as much. And that he would be better off finding a regular 9 to 5. So he left, and hopped around until he found something substantial.

I think he knows now, that his father was a tad bit jealous of the attention and jobs the uncle was giving him and no longer giving to his dad. His father should have been way more supportive and encouraging when his son came to live with him. Showed him the ins and outs of the business like his uncle did.

There was room for everyone to eat. Yet his pockets felt threaten and he taught his son that working for someone is better than working for yourself.

I’m glad that something like that didn’t break him, as it would have others. He didn’t continue the cycle either. Our son has shown interest in owning his own business.

My husband told him that it takes hard work, dedication,and motivation. Make sure you know what you want to do with your life and map out a path to get there.

Giving Respect to Black Owned I believe we all saw the hot dog price meme, where the advertised

price for the hotdog is $3.50, for Caucasian, Indian, Asian, & Hispanic entrepreneurs; but for the African American the price was too high. How many of you own or work for a black business? I know most of you have heard and hate these comments.

•

Your prices are too high.

• You got me right? Or my favorite,

•

Can I use your discount?

These are the problems that black entrepreneurs experience on a daily basis. When are we going to realize that we can build an empire just as great as our white counterparts by giving the same respect to black owned businesses.

Some of you may think well it’s just a hot dog. Why do you think you’re better than everybody else? I can eat at home. I can go to so and so and get it for way cheaper.

Then guess what that’s exactly what you should do with that line of thinking. We have to get to a point where we appreciate quality vs quantity. The African American put just as much time and effort into producing a quality hotdog to serve to his or her community.

If you are not going to question the Caucasian, Indian, Asian or Hispanic salesman, why give your own people such a hard time.

Stop Looking for the Hook Up We need to stop looking for the hookup amongst our family and friends who own their own business. It’s normally something they extend to you to get their business off the ground. It should only be offered not demanded. I have heard so many horror stories from Photographers, Caterers, Bakers, Wedding Planners, Real Estate agents, etc., of how friendships have ended; or family not speaking for years, because of disagreements on how to handle business.

Many years back, to earn cash on the side I sold Avon products. Not my own business, but something I thought would be very lucrative if done right. I ordered all these books. Type up a label with my name, email, and telephone number on it and attached it to the books. I placed the books in the bathrooms of the building that I worked in. I use to work in the Child Protective Services Building in the Greenspoint Division. So I knew a lot of women would browse and want to purchase. I emailed my friends and family letting them know what I was doing, and that was the downfall.

Nobody wanted Avon products no more and if they did, they wanted the price I pay to purchase and sell to them. So please tell me what’s wrong with that. How am I making money, if I’m buying and selling to you for the exact same price? I’ll tell you, I’m not. What should have happen in that situation was, 1) Oh I’m not interested but let me send you some people who are, and 2) I can’t afford it right now, but can you offer me something for sending some people your way? Needless

to say, I got a few hits off of the building, but nothing major to keep my Avon career afloat.

Blackout Day 2020 On May 25th, we all witness the murder of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, that was televised via social media, local and national news platforms. As a former resident of the third ward area of Houston, Texas; we watched in horror as someone’s father, uncle, or brother’s life was taken in a senseless preventable crime.

The lack of respect that the police and political figures have for the black community is uncanny yet true. In the wake of the injustice bestowed on the black community, peaceful protest were started to bring attention

to racial inequality.

Blackout Day 2020 is a social media promoted protest to use economic power, or the black dollar to fight racial injustices. It is reported that black consumers account for an estimated $1.2 trillion in economic spending, or economic power. If you divide 1.2 trillion by 365 (days in the year) we are looking at 3.2 billion dollars to be put in the black community and taken away from the American economy. With a hit like that, we should be able to encourage stronger efforts to stop police brutality and put an end to institutional racism in the United States.

July 7, 2020 is Blackout Day. Please use this time to unite in solidarity to support black owned businesses.

Don’t tear each other down. Don’t complain about a product or skill level. Black businesses should use this as a time to promote quality and not take advantage of your community. Most importantly do not purchase anything that is not black owned. If done correctly, we can support black businesses while showing a united front on the seriousness of inequality among the black community.

By: Torrian Ferguson

A

very simple question but the answer is anything but simple.

Two days after watching the lynching of George Floyd on national television, my 16-year-old son asked this very question. My first instinct was to spew the same hatred that some white people have been teaching their children for generations.

I wanted to tell him that THEY believe, we are less than human, not worthy of the same air THEY breathe or water THEY drink. They believe that our rightful place is beneath them and we deserve only what THEY give us and allow us to do. I wanted to say that THEY believe THEY are smarter, more cultured, more educated, better mentally equipped to deal with a crisis than any African American. Simply put, THEY think THEY are just more human than you. THEY feel you don’t deserve the same rights, education, due process, benefit of the doubt, or honor that the great God almighty has blessed them with! But, I thought about the damage my words could do to his innocent mind and if my teachings would be any different than theirs.

After gathering my thoughts and looking my son directly in his eyes I said to him “because we want what they’ve always had. A level playing field and they are not willing to do that.” To have my son ask me that question bothered me. I’ve always had “the talk” with my children.

But, never did I think they would ask me that. As an African American father, that question ripped through me. He asked that question with honest concern.

He asked that question really trying to

understand why someone that doesn’t know him, hate him so much. He asked that question really wanting to know why. And, not knowing the feeling of having to answer that horrible question is White Privilege.

It’s a shame that in the year 2020 we continue to have “the talk” with our children. We have to explain to them why they have to be three times better than any white person just to get half of what they’re given just by walking in the door.

We still have to have those conversations.

These are the same conversations that we as African-Americans have taught our children for generations. They’ve been teaching theirs they are better than, and we’ve been teaching ours how to make it home after being stopped by the police and how to work for what you rightfully deserve. Two totally different conversations. One is about teaching

survival the other is teaching White Privilege.

We know that racism is a taught behavior.

White Privilege, is the same. Not having to worry about the things every other American that does not have a hyphen in front of the word is a privilege. Not having to try to explain why a total stranger locked their car door when they see you coming is a privilege. Not having to explain to your child, to make sure they have their receipt in their hand when leaving a store is a privilege.

Not having to explain to your child why when wearing a hoodie in a store they shouldn’t put anything in the front pocket, is a privilege. Not being scared when your child goes for a jog is a privilege. Not worrying yourself to death because your child stopped by a bodega walking home to pick up Skittles and an Arizona Tea is a privilege. Not wondering if while you sleep in your bed that the police will burst through your door and shoot you eight times is a privilege.

Screaming I can’t breathe while a police officer kneels on your neck for eight minutes and forty-six seconds is never a thought in your wildest dream is a privilege that African-American are not afforded. Not getting that uneasy feeling in your stomach when you drive past a statue of a Confederate General or soldier, Christopher Columbus, Andrew Jackson, John C. Calhoun, Uriah Rose, Alexander Stephens, Zebulon Vance, Robert Milligan, Jefferson Davis and all of the other “Great People” that enslaved, raped, killed, and tormented African-

Americans and any other race that’s skin is not white is a privilege that we will never know.

Being able to stand in a police officer’s face and scream that you are tired of being locked in your home for fear of a virus killing you knowing that cop is not going to touch you is a privilege.

Burning the American Flag in the ’60s was a privilege.

Moving thousands of NativeAmericans across the country simply because you wanted what was rightfully theirs and not losing a second of sleep is a privilege. Telling us to go back where we come from when your ancestors were either forced out of their native country or voluntarily came here from another country where they were looked at as second class or steerage is a privilege we have no idea about.

So to answer that simple question my son asked “Why do they hate us?”

The answer is, that’s all they know how to do. They’ve never been taught any better.

THE ART OF FOOD AND SPEAKING UP By: Tamika (Meek) Jackson

Have you ever walked into a restaurant and smelled what your palate was about to taste? Picture walking into a completely empty restaurant and the tables and chairs were put away to encourage social distancing. Let us go even further than restaurant behaviors during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Let’s examine the industry’s reaction to the racial injustice movement sparked by police brutality in recent days. I say in recent days, but my community has seen this issue knock on our doors far too often. If not through police brutality, but by outright racial discrimination, and

the ugliness of racists harassing Black people doing normal daily tasks, or just sleeping at home in their beds. I have chosen to briefly spotlight efforts of a coffee shop that has taken steps to make moves in the right direction of doing the work of an Ally.

(Ally: Those who are White, or a part of another People of Color group, who show up and speak up for racial justice of another group; in this case, specifically their Black sisters and brothers.)

to good food or drinks. Supporting locals was never a question for me within a city like Houston, wherein diverse culture and cuisine are a niche, and I am always down to try a new spot. The process of supporting small business and the underlying story behind their business inception, history, and heritage is golden to me.

Knowing that COVID-19 would hit restaurants financially, I knew that local business support was ever so needed.

During some visits to some of my favorite places to eat, I spoke to managers and employees about the climate of business in an era, in which increased dining from I have always had a fascination home was the new normal. with the diverse flavors of food, how they cohesively pair to provide A new normal including ordering synergistic outcomes, how they by phone or online with curbside align with beverages, how they pick-ups. Many businesses stated tingle our five taste buds and the that they were terrified that they alluring wholesomeness that food would not sustain much longer if consumer traffic continued to inherently presents. diminish.

I bet everyone’s familiar with the exhilarating feeling that resonates Being aware of this, I ordered out in the pit of our stomach when a bit more than usual as a means navigating a new menu that to help where I could. I began tickles our eye and stirs thoughts to notice changes in the food of delight for the incoming food being presented, such as reduced ordered. Maybe it’s just me. I am portion sizes, and shabby customer that lady at the table, tapping her service. As a foodie, I frequented toes, humming, or even shoulder these places, and developed a shimmying with friends and family sense of what to expect. When Follow me as I take you on a foodie journey, explaining why I support local, and the importance of standing for what is right.

times are hard, and the city’s people voluntarily help, be ethical and honest wherein you don’t cheat them through dismal quality in the end.

Now, the focus is shifting to supporting Black businesses in the advent of the protests that have ensued. I do respect these initiatives as I have never shied away from all forms of support, especially supporting my fellow Black establishments. I wanted to know if some of the restaurants I have supported in the past, truly supported people of color.

I wanted to sever ties with any company that believed my Black dollar would knowingly continue to stand for anyone keeping silent at a time such as now. My hope at this time, is that people of all colors experience what other cultures have to offer.

Common Bond is by far one of my top cafés to get a great cup of coffee.

With a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, goodies that pair well with a special date, or meeting up with friends. In fact, I have taken myself out on many “Treat-yourself” dates there. I couldn’t imagine having to let them go for principal reasons, but knowing what I stand for, was more important.

I spoke to Common Bond Bistro & Bakery in an attempt to find out what view they had on the current racial injustice climate. They sincerely replied to me about participating in the “Bakers Against Racism” Worldwide Virtual Bake Sale on June 20th, 2020. Bakers Against Racism is an organization that stands against racism in all of its forms through a community of bakers around the world. Common Bond gave all proceeds from one hundred and fifty mocha

tarts sold, to the NAACP. They will also donate all July sales from their heavenly baguettes on behalf of the Minority Mental Health to Mental Health America. The two charities they are donating to were methodically selected by their employees through a poll.

Currently our world is facing a whirlwind of a time. A global pandemic has left us to redefine what we thought was our normal.

Sadly a civil rights movement birthed by younger generations began. The charge of helping one another stabbed a bit deeper in our hearts after seeing brutal attacks right before our eyes. My hope in this moment, is that people of all colors experience what other cultures have to offer.

Adventures of trying new foods from around the world has allowed me to transport myself back to bakeries in London, to roadside eateries in Montego Bay. My friends, this is only part of the beauty of food and appreciation of different cultures. I leave you with this challenge; the next time you eat out make your dollar count, spend it with greater meaning.

w

Becoming Her Presents

ARE YOU WOKE? By: Kim Bob

T

he last four years of the Trump presidency has sobered my reality and opened my eyes to things I was once ignorant too. I began hearing the term woke quite frequently. I realized I wasn’t as woke as I wanted or needed to be. It has never been more important to be woke.

It is 2020 and although slavery ended in 1865, black people are still the most marginalized, disenfranchised and oppressed race in America. As I watch yet another recording of another unarmed black man being murdered, I go through a range of emotions. I can’t pinpoint just one because there are so many feelings involved.

Merriam Webster defines woke as being aware and actively attentive to important issues, especially issues of racial and social injustice. We can no longer afford to be ignorant or sleep on issues that continue to plague the black community.

So, I will attempt to reflect that which I can articulate. I feel helpless after watching video after video of members from all branches of law enforcement profile, Harass, brutally beat and kill black people with no repercussions. Protect and serve? Who? We need protection

from a corrupt judicial system that allows law enforcement to operate like a gang with a badge with the law at their disposal. Our fear of law enforcement is justified. I am furious at a biased justice system that was strategically put in place to oppress and enslave black people.

The 13th amendment forbade slavery and involuntary servitude, “except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted”.

suspects. I feel rage every day that we have a racist president that uses the highest position in the land to lie, spew hate, create division, and use his office to enrich himself and people like him.

I seethe with fury when I see Trump’s blatant disregard for truth and law. Not only is no one holding him accountable, but they also celebrate him. While the color of our skin is being weaponized daily.

The 13th amendment fueled the mass incarceration of black and brown people.

The USA has more incarcerated people than the rest of the world combined.

More than 60% of the prison population are people of color. Prison has ripped apart families & marriages.

Last, I feel hopeless that despite the plethora of evidence, facts, and statistics of why we need Black Lives Matter movements, there are still a great deal of people that need to be convinced that Black lives actually do matter, not more than anyone else but just as much as everyone else.

When inmates are released, they can’t vote, they can’t pass a background The death of George Floyd sparked a check to get decent employment. They massive worldwide protest, however, can’t rent a home. this is not anything new to us. It is way past time that we stop allowing our Some of these factors, just to name oppressors to write our narrative and a few, contributes to high recidivism define us by their limited views. rates. The world has been taught and conditioned to fear and hate black The same oppressors who want us to people by continuing to perpetuate forget about 400 years of slavery are negative stereotypes of minorities. the same ones who want to keep their flags and statues for a confederate that It pisses me off that racist feel entitled only lasted four years. and they have the right to detain and question us as if we owe them an Read that again. explanation for our existence. The same white privilege that gives white the Slavery lasted 400 years and the benefit of the doubt is denied to black confederacy only lasted 4 years. I have people and automatically makes us never heard anyone tell a Jewish person

to forget the holocaust. I might add that have been there for 30 years and were it is hard to forget history when it keeps groomed by their prejudice and racist repeating itself. predecessors. The word of God says in the book of Hosea “ My people die from a It is way past time that we stop allowing lack of knowledge”. So let us continue to our oppressors to write our narrative. elevate our minds and educate ourselves.

Here are a few suggestions I believe will Condition ourselves to walk in love and keep the momentum. Continuing to pray for all races, religions, and cultures protest. Recognizing our allies. Not every for a better world we can all enjoy. white person or cop is racist. Making our voices be heard and advocate for the Be Blessed! Kim Bob voiceless. Doing our civic obligations of jury duty. More black and brown people are convicted because they don’t have a jury of their peers. Invest in black-owned business. Invest in our youth. Vote! Don’t just vote in presidential elections, vote in every election. Continue recording and exposing corrupt law enforcement.

The prejudice white people in Senate

TAKE CARE OF By: Dana Pittman

T

he world as we knew it doesn’t exist. Not anymore. Not like the one we’ve normalized in our minds.

Not like the one housed in every single memory.

Can you imagine explaining the year 2020 five years from now?

Ten years? Twenty?

I can’t imagine it, and every time I try, I’m overtaken by a storm of emotions. Emotions that I used to stuff them, like I’m packing for a girl’s trip and I can only take one bag. But the moment anyone dares to fiddle with the zipper of said bag, everything explodes.

Multi-color. Lounge wear and underwear. Exposed to onlookers to see.

So, now what?

Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m the only one wrestling with being a wife, mother, daughter, friend, human. Maybe I’m the only one still stuffing my emotions, praying no one fiddles with my triggers— ahem my zipper.

But maybe, just maybe, this will be the gift of the year 2020. That all those triggers, those emotions, that I hide so well are exposed.

Then what? Everyone will see my unmentionables. What’s the worst that can happen? They’ll see I’m human.

I laugh. I cry. I hope. I love.

I think through the pandemic and the unabashed pursuit of justice in the Black Lives Matter movement we are seeing the humanity in all people. But I must warn you, to

get to through this and turns. This year year it will require something has taught us to expect the monumental, unconventional, unexpected. So, you’ll need a and, I daresay “selfish.” neatly packed bag with your favorite sweater and your cutest bathing suit. But most of all, this You must take care of you. trip requires you to arrive whole.

This trip requires you to take I’m a fan of Pretty Woman. Don’t care of you. Buddha said, “You roll your eyes. I like it. There, I said yourself, as much as anybody in it. Vivian and Kit are friends, and the entire universe, deserve your their parting farewell was “take love and affection.” care of you.”

This is as simple as journaling, reading, crafting, coloring with It’s become one, I say often. your favorite music, or even having a day of pampering. wFind something— This year has taught me the value something—your of managing and maintaining my that nurtures, fills your cup, that sanity when the world around me makes you feel like you. And is unrecognizable. And I’ve learned before you wave a that taking care of myself is vital disapproving hand or dismiss it to getting through the rest of as something not worthy of securing a spot on your To Do this year.

Because sis, this “girl’s trip”— list, consider this: we need you called life—will take many twists whole.

The moment someone tampers with your zipper and you explode, we—the world—loses someone vital to our existence. We, humanity, were created to live together. Each with gifts and unique talents to contribute to the world.

This means if we want to tackle the issues plaguing our world and our country, I must start with me, and you must start with you. Then maybe, just maybe, we won’t struggle so much with becoming us.

I speak life, love, wellness, wholeness, and blessings over your life.

And until later, take care of you.

Dana Pittman is a USA Today Bestselling author and editor with Danja Tales, a creative space for storytellers eager to write better stories. For more information visit www.danjatales.com.

By: DeiIra Smith-Collard

I

n the current 2020 political climate, I have a minimum of at least one hundred WTFs a day. Division in politics is at an all-time high. For those of us who are watching, it seems that the balancing scale of sense and sensibility will at any moment tip over, sending us plummeting into a dark abyss of descending chaos. Perhaps, we’re already there. Many feel that their voices aren’t heard. Why even care? Why does it even matter?

Politics matters because it is the people’s voice. Voting is how we speak to a nation, it is how we change legislation, it is your right as an American citizen and one that should be exercised with thought and responsibility. I know, I know, this is nothing you haven’t heard before, and with the voting goal post constantly being moved (voter suppression is real), it appears to be harder for our collective statements to be understood. So, when you feel muted and disenfranchised, what do you do?

My answer, get political AF. Now being political af, doesn’t mean being unnecessarily consumed by politics. That is neither logical nor healthy. However, it does mean knowing your constitutional rights, it does mean understanding what your community needs, and it definitely means advocating for putting those who serve your interest in office.

important. It could be any number of excuses but we want different we must act differently. If you want a different candidate to show up and vote in the primaries; you don’t want to wait in line, then maybe you try early voting to avoid the crowds, and if you feel it’s not that important don’t whine when your rights and freedoms are being threatened.

Giving up your right allows others to choose for you, and I don’t know about you, but I choose for me. Period.

Politics is a touchy subject, and I know it can cause heated arguments and break up friendships, but at the end of the day, a healthy, purposeful dialogue is what moves us forward. No matter our party lines or affiliations we have to be open to listen and look for ways to create meaningful effective change.

Often times, when we think politics we think of government on a national level. National is indeed important, but state and local governments cannot be forgotten. Who we put in office will affect our day to day lives, from the top Voting is a doorway. It’s not the end all be all to everything, but it’s definitely all the way down to the very bottom. a pathway. Make your voice heard. Get In addition to making sure our political AF! communities have the right voices speaking for us, we cannot become complacent. I believe all too often we believe, it doesn’t matter so we simply abdicate our rights. I’ve had many conversations about a person’s right to choose not to vote, and you definitely have the right and free will to give up your vote, but why would you want to?

Because your candidate didn’t advance?

Maybe you don’t want to wait in line, or maybe you simply feel it’s not that

By: LuLu Botello

My ancestors are my entourage.

We are blessed daily by the women who provided us with comfort, values, and spiritual healing. We are taught by our ancestors who wore aprons that held the ties of protection and guidance for every family member. Most importantly, the strength of unity and gatherings make our traditions what they are today.

Generations of memories surrounded by food, music, and culture bring the soul to happy times and comfort in times of pain and struggle. Every life-altering moment is made of a recollection of what our ancestors taught us and stories told of heritage and our place in history. Our mothers’ sayings repeated to our children serve as a lesson for times to come.

My only friends growing up were my cousins. If you were with family they could keep their guard down a little. We shared clothes (hand

me downs) and we danced for hours until we were called in to eat. At a certain age, we were even allowed into the kitchen to help prepare food. Unless you were moody, then you were sent away because food had to be prepared with love. There was always enough food to feed anyone who blessed your table Blessing upon blessing.

Our grandmothers spoke of strength and told stories of our people who tried to belong in a time where many still didn’t see equality. Proud hard-working women in the home as well as working jobs that would provide for the family and future of the next generation. We were taught to mind our elders, not be heard in public, so that we wouldn’t be judged and most of all shared a sense of belonging when we were all together, all this to shelter us from the small minds that found our uniqueness, our soulful upbringing, a threat to their world. Strong traditions to help push forward in strength by numbers and keeping a stance for the family name.

We are living in shocking times

of violence, hatred, and chilling fear. People are being assaulted with vicious language, physically attacking innocent people, and obsessed with taking power into their own hands.

White supremacist believing they are privileged is being fed by words of bad leadership, desensitizing the actual brutal actions by so many as we speak, and the media being selective in showing just how hate crimes are actually out of control. They are outraged and demonstrating power with assault weapons and looking to attack anyone.

Monsters Our people are being tortured by intimidation for actually still existing and growing in numbers making some white supremest believe they are superior because they don’t recognize they are in fact immigrants as well. Who raised these evil spirits? The onesided history lessons taught in schools covering up the beauty and essence of the black and brown cultures and not releasing the stories of murder and abuse to people of color brought to America to use for personal slaves to build foundations of historical buildings, laborers and yes most important to nurture their children.

Why are we a threat? Why do they hate us, yet mimic us by stealing our colorful blueprint? Why do they judge by the color of our skin? Why do they continue to treat blacks like slaves?

Why do they still see women as less than? Why can’t they see we stand on the values of our ancestors and the bravery of our fathers?

I am scared by the thought of so many beautiful black and brown people being tortured daily with angst just to belong in a society that is of all races. It’s times like this that our culture must keep us strong and fearless. They are bitter that we are growing in numbers with beautiful soulful families, finally coming into our wealth, and able to lead with tenacity even though our history was bleak.

My name is Maria Botello, aka Lulu for short, and I am Mexican American. Blessed with multicultural family members brown, black and white. I wanted to write about the most beautiful thing about our people. The strength of the woman who taught us never to judge but yet was silenced and made to act “so-called white”. Pre Judged by our names and made to work twice as hard. This is what makes us the target. Never forget who stands behind you.

That apron we cling to for protection was a symbol of armor for years to come. Our “sayings” will be what will show our children dignity. The most powerful thing about being black and brown is knowing that we are the original queens and kings and they cannot take that away from us.

One of my favorite lessons is my grandmother saying “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are’’. She said stand on principle, be kind but never let your guard down. When people show you who they are, believe them. Actions speak louder than words.

Please be safe and remember that you are loved and beautiful human beings. Keep bringing tradition to your homes for the next generation. Change is here and we must all stand together in solidarity.

Be Blessed Lulu Botello

By: DeiIra Smith-Collard

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

O

ne nation,under somehow tricked ourselves into God, with Liberty believing things were changing. and Justice for But the more I began to consider all? the state of black and brown This is America. To some, the people, I recognize that the United States is a shining beacon changes were minuscule, minimal of hope. A place where there is effort is put forth, and we as a ceaseless opportunity. It is the people were somehow accepting land of freedom and a melting the crumbs being left at the pot of hope. It’s a place where table for us. we love God and are all about self-made success and wealth We are paid less, valued less, and for our family, but like any family, victimized at a much higher rate this country has its secrets. It’s than our white counterparts. dark past that some don’t talk When does it stop? about.

The answer, it doesn’t stop unless With each passing day, I begin to wonder more and more is the world losing it’s f*** mind.

It seems that in the era of Trump, the thinly veiled covering of our country’s racism has been ripped away, exposing our countries inequalities, injustices, and systematic oppression.

we make it stop. I know we all felt the pain and anguish as we’ve watched lives lost month over month, year after year simply based on the color of one’s skin.

There have been so many that have died at the hands of police brutality and racial profiling, whose murderers have not been What we thought was years held accountable. of advancement and forward There are so many families movement of our people was shattered because of inept and nothing more than a charade of callous prosecution. I’m tired masked emotions hiding, tucked of seeing our people devalued, away so deeply I believe we had hunted down like prey in the

streets, and constantly criminalized. We have to teach our sons and daughters to always be cautious, never make any sudden moves, don’t be too loud, don’t use your hoodie. These are conversations that white people don’t have to have with their children.

When some white people are asked if white privilege exists, they will deny it. Unable to see what they do not experience, because it does not penetrate their world, therefore it does not exist. For some, the question of unchallenged advantages is not palatable.

So how do we make a change? How do we demand the equality granted to all citizens as a constitutional right? How do we make them see what is invisible to them?

It is my belief it starts with action. It is not enough to sit idly by and allow this country to hold us hostage. We must shatter the glass ceiling placed above us. We must demand equality. We’ve heard it before, silence is not an option for any of us, and for our allies, stand with us. To straddle the fence is to accept the inequity.

We must be diligent in our protest and unyielding in our stance.

We must not get tired or weary when we do not get immediate change. This has been a long journey, a marathon that our parents, parents, parents once ran and we must continue so that we secure

a world different for generations to come.

We must use our vote, and not discard our constitutional right. Let the ballot be the doorway to change, and if an official cannot see to the advancement of communities, then we must leverage our vote.

Simply put, either do the job or get fired.

Let’s build our cities and pour into our businesses. The black dollar has power and we have to learn to use it to evolve our community.

While some communities keep their dollar circulating throughout their communities for as long as twenty days, on average our dollar only circulates for approximately six hours in black business. We account for massive amounts of spending, consider using it to cultivate our economic development. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.� These words were spoken by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and they still ring true today. MLK had a dream, but it has not yet been fully realized.

If we want justice we must seek it, we must stand for it, and we must be relentless in our fight.