Lucid Voices Official Magazine

JULY 2024

INAGURAL ISSUE

LUCID VOICES MAGAZINE Hear Us Loud And Clear The inaugural edition

Brother Dawud Teaches you about yourself Sun

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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FROM THE EDITOR

BUSINESS PROFILE

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MEET THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

POETRY SPOTLIGHTS

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November 2025

FROM THE EDITOR Hello everyone! Welcome to our first official Magazine! I am super excited about this monthly publication and what we are going to bring to you! We are bringing community, integrity, honesty, and poetry to you! Stay tuned for all that we have to offer. Imagine a wonderful artistic experience that blends community, storytelling, and poetry. That's who we are.

I’m Adonis Richards, CEO and founder of Lucid Writers and Lucid Voices. Here’s a little about me, Adonis Richards, aka Sincerely, Donnie, is an Afro-Latino poet and writer currently the program coordinator for the Office of Intercultural Affairs at Union College.

Adonis began his journey of writing poetry in 2016 during a performance at his alma mater SUNY Potsdam during a hip-hop showcase of his creation. Since then, Adonis has pursued many poetic avenues, including self-publishing two poetry books, Confessions of a Hopeless Creative (2020) and The Quarantine Chronicles (2021). Adonis has also become a staple in the poetic community in the capital region since 2021, hosting 2 venues monthly for open mics each month. Establishing his media company in 2020, Lucid Writers, and his copyright Lucid Voices in 2021, Adonis has taken the selfproclaimed unconventional path to poetry and expression to inspire the world with his creative writing.

This is prevalent in his work within the capital region, facilitating creative writing workshops such as the young author's program in which he taught 7 Schenectady youth how to become self-published authors in 2021. As well as the Read Stretch Write program, where he collaborated with a friend to teach Schenectady elementary students how to become creative writers and stay healthy mentally and physically. Now finally publishing his 3rd book, Reflections of a Hopeless Creative, and further developing his media company into a full publishing firm.

Here at Lucid Voices, We pride ourselves on creating a safe space for creative writing. You’ll see a bevy of writers showcasing their talents all across the board. We hope you enjoy it!

Sincerely, Donnie

Adonis Richards EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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MEET THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

STAR KING

KAREEM TURE

MICHAEL OYELOLA

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MEET THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DAWUD MOHAMMED

MOJAVI JUSTIN CHAIRES

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DAWUD TEACHES YOU ABOUT YOURSELF SUN

BY ADONIS RICHARDS

Meet Dawud Mohammed the passionate man with a passion to help bring out the superpowers in everyone. A man who yearns to create a strong sense of belonging and family for all, Dawud has worn many hats in his years connecting to many people and places.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY he has made a name for himself in the capital region. Through his domestic violence work and powerful parables in his messages, Dawud has established a brand for himself that has helped uplift others for decades. Someone who has lived a lot in his life, he uses his knowledge to mentor and create safe spaces for everyone.

Dawud spent the first 20 years of his life in the Coney Island area of Brooklyn. Then moving to Albany, he spent much time being a minister motivating people and bringing them closer to god. He eventually transitioned into doing domestic violence work, moving to Schenectady where he has found a home for the past 7 years, running his locksmith and hardware business, as well as being a conflict resolution specialist.

A man prevalent in the Schenectady community, Dawud likes the connections that Schenectady provides. “there's much collaboration. The spirit of Schenectady is southern, warming, laid back, and peaceful.” Dawud states. To Dawud, there’s a light feeling in Schenectady. “if you need something someone will help you.” Dawud explains. Growing up in the heart of Brooklyn New York, Dawud enjoys the slow-paced and community vibe he gets from Schenectady.

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FEATURE CONT “It’s different than Albany and Brooklyn, I like it.” He likes the laid-back nature of Schenectady, it provides a safe space for people to feel like home to Dawud. “I love the friendliness, I live in a community where you gotta look for problems to find them. “Dawud states. That helps Dawud in his work as he can navigate the community. To Dawud, community means help. “Community is a group of people from diverse backgrounds, helping each other,” Dawud states. “People helping people, I always wanted that.”

Helping people is in his blood and making an impact is where his heart is.

With a mission to impact lives, Dawud is a Domestic violence counselor. Working in DV for 7 years, Dawud has made a significant impact on people’s interactions with each other over the years. “I think my impact is helping people and showing them there’s a different way to embrace conflict. Dawud states. A lot of his domestic violence work was influenced by his ministry work. Dawud has served as a minister for a great deal of his life bringing many people closer to god. However, it was by working with community fathers that Dawud found a community that allowed him to practice his gift of conflict resolution. Working Tuesdays and Wednesdays working on groups to help with domestic violence work, Dawud found a passion that he created into a movement for himself.

As a child of DV, Dawud grew into a man who wanted to help others. “All my experience with men helped me into the work I do.”

From Domestic violence work, his work evolved into conflict resolution. Thus crafting one of his businesses, Conflicts and Resolutions. “In my experience doing DV, it evolved many times, and now is a part of my Facebook lives,” Dawud states. Since starting his DV work, Dawud has been nominated by the Schenectady Human Rights Commission twice in 2018 and 2019.

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FEATURE CONT Outside of conflict resolution work, Dawud is a second-generation physical security integrator. This includes locksmith, fire, and camera security. He worked for his dad who at 80 years old still works in the business. “My dad worked on the World Trade Center” Dawud states. Dawud’s son also works in the business, making it a third-generation business. Outside of his business, Dawud does marketing, a passion he has. “I want to teach people how to sell their own business,” Dawud states. “You have to attract people.”

Something that Dawud is passionate about is writing and storytelling. As a child, he loved comics and created his comic book collection. “I went to college for commercial art, I wanted to be a comic artist,” Dawud explained. His goal was to create stories for people to find the superhero within them. “To motivate people to be their best selves and save themselves, that’s what I help people,” Dawud explains.

With a desire to connect and the powerful ability to bridge gaps to create family and community, Dawud Mohammed has established himself and his voice. Helping others, and being a superhero in his own right, Dawud has helped many through his work in domestic violence and beyond, becoming a man of integrity, honesty, and compassion throughout the years. A storyteller with many talents, Dawud is an honest man, who has built families and created safe spaces for all those who come across his path.

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POET SPOTLIGHT: MEET SHAKEEMA Hi, my name is Shakeema Cochrane but many know me by Keem or Sk! I’m a girl mom times three, a creative director, and a poet who’s finding her way in the spoken word community.

I am an Afro-Latina in her early thirties born in Manhattan and raised upstate! When I say I love the 518! I mean it!

We have so much talent here and I love that for us!

My poems are typically about my experiences and emotions on my spiritual healing journey!

I’ve studied so many different avenues of spirituality and took bits and pieces of what I've learned and been applying them ever since!

In January 2021 I started consistently journaling and I realized how much it truly helped me grow overall as an individual. I felt like I had to share and help those find a healthier mental coping mechanism because honestly journaling has changed my life, Especially with all the stresses that come in your late twenties beginning thirties.

I wish I had started journaling younger but realized it’s never too late! When you're being true to yourself you end up attracting and connecting with all types of people! I’ve had people reach out to me for advice or tell me about them starting their spiritual journey and I would constantly recommend journaling but most have no clue where to start! So I created a guided journal with 6 sections to help those who feel they need a little push start. After all the time and energy creating the CTMN x KEEM Spiritual Healing Manifesting Journal, I decided I needed to create a poetry book and another journal. I am currently in the process of working on those projects.

So be on the lookout for those!

I want to reach more people and connect on a different level. The visions and ideas I have in my head are too crazy to not share! In 2024-2025 y’all will be seeing me whether it’s on the stage, in stores, or behind the scenes in some creative way!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sscochrane Ig: Shakeema_Sherry Tiktok: xo.skbby

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POET SPOTLIGHT: MEET ANTONYA My name is Antonya Barnes but my poetic name is Nya Renee. I’m 29 years young and have selfpublished my 1st poetry book. I strive to be the best version of myself always and share my knowledge with others. I'm very goal-driven and wear many hats including being a mom of 3. My life goal is just to be happy within myself and the goals I’ve set for myself to achieve .

Poem: A Woman To be a woman is to be afraid every time I walk out my door Because of the uncertainty that awaits me beyond my doorstep.

It's a reality we face, To live as if I’m under a microscope and someone is always watching Because the slightest thing I do may hinder my reputation or invite unwanted attention.

More on the next page

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POET SPOTLIGHT: MEET ANTONYA PT.2 That I’m reminded that what I wear may make me easily accessible And to never set down my drink because it’s now no longer mine To simply exist as a woman in a society that scrutinizes our every move.

To always watch my surroundings and to remain grounded.

To have to validate all of my feelings because “Women are too sensitive” To be taught that my dreams don’t really matter because a maid or a mother is all that I will ever be.

These are the daily burdens we carry, the weight of our existences often overlooked.

A woman is powerful and resilient, exuding confidence and determination with every step she takes.

She is unfazed by the challenges that lie ahead, her gaze fixed squarely on the path before her.

Her strides echo with the strength and wisdom of her mother, carrying the torch of empowerment and breaking barriers with each step . She leaves a trail of inspiration igniting a fire in the hearts of those who witness her journey.

She is worthy of all the love and admiration this world has to offer.

Her presence commands respect, and her voice demands to be heard.

Because to be a woman is to carry the weight of tomorrow, a burden woven into the fabric of being, a responsibility to uphold the legacy of resilience.

She walks with a sense of purpose, her determination unwavering as she defies the expectations that seek to confine her.

She is beautiful like a force of nature, each step a testament to the strength and spirit that resides within her.

I am a woman of power and purpose, shaping the world with every purposeful stride.

My words lying upon one’s ears are not mere whispers, but mighty declarations of strength, echoing with the power of my mother that runs through me.

I walk with the certainty of my convictions, paving a path of endless possibilities for those who follow.

What it’s like to be a woman in a world that seeks to define and limit her This world can be ugly to something so beautiful I am a woman

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SHAVONNE BRINGS US MDME! MY DAUGHTERS AND ME MY SONS AND ME

BY ADONIS RICHARDS

My Daughters and Me MDAM and My Sons and Me MSAM INC, is a nonprofit committed to empowering youth and families. Through a range of programs that promote selfawareness, self-esteem, and self-love MDAM and MSAM dedicate themselves to curating honesty, integrity, compassion, and fun for mothers and their children. Their organization offers one-on-one and small group mentorship, volunteer services, and advocacy, resulting in positive community impact. Some programs provided include Ready Set Go, Master My Mind, Mingle and Munch, Health and Wellness, and The Prince and Princess in Me. Each provides a unique experience that is devoted to excellence and a good time.

Founded in 2017 by Shavonne Sanders, MDAM MSAM INC is a grassroots organization providing services to the community for a long time. “We have been on the frontline for 7 years,” states Shavonne Sanders, CEO and founder of MDAM MSAM INC.

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BUSINESS PROFILE CONT. “Drawing inspiration from my mentors and afterschool programs, I realized the importance of mentorship in making a positive impact on our girls and youth.” Shavonne served as an educator for 27 years and was able to transition the lessons as a teacher to create a successful business. “I recognized the need for more mentors and programs to create a difference in our community,” Shavonne states. With a bevy of mentors and people rallying behind her grassroots project, Shavonne has created a staple in the community that helps everyone The philosophy behind MDAM MSAM is to unlock people’s potential. They are open-minded to empowering people to develop skills, create healthy relationships, communicate, and create a strong sense of community. It is a transformative experience that promises a journey for positive change!

Change is not only for those who participate, MDAM MSAM also looks to create inspiration for the next generation and those who follow from afar. Inspired by the younger generation, Shavonne seeks to return the favor by inspiring others. “I also draw inspiration from seeing families bond and enjoy each other's company without financial strain, and watching the seeds we have sown grow and bloom,” Shavonne states. “Impacting this region requires being a resource for youth and their families, collaborating with other organizations, and consistently showing up for them.” The dedication to this area and helping everyone exert their best selves is reflected in MDAME MSAM’s impact on the larger community.

With the addition of being a black-owned business, MDAM MSAM showcases the creativity and inclusivity necessary for job creation and networking in the community at large. Outside of that, watching the seeds of growth planted and blossoming to bloom lasting connections is the pride and joy of MDAM MSAM.

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With a desire to impact change in the community and help others, MDAM MSAM showcases what community values are. Building a network dedicated to a mission of change and cultivating pure genuine connections, MDAM MSAM’s holds a sacred space in the community that is meant to stay for generations to come.

Learning more about the founder, I got a chance to ask her some awesome questions and get some cool answers, here’s what she stated.

Are there any fun stories you have about your business?

Let the kids stay? Check. Volunteers and I have the best laugh when it's time to go home and the little ones put on their best drama show. It's like they're trying to win an Oscar for 'Most Reluctant to Leave'!

Tell us about yourself and your family As a multi-faceted leader, I proudly wear many hats, including wife, mother of six, grandmother of eight, businesswoman, mentor, life coach, and advocate for youth and families. My unwavering dedication to education has spanned over 27 years, fueled by my love for empowering the next generation. Through MDAM MSAM INC, our grassroots team offers free monthly events, workshops, mentorships, and a summer youth program, helping families find their voice and thrive. My ultimate goal is to provide youth and families with the necessary tools to succeed and flourish in healthy communities, fostering positive change and optimism for a brighter future.

What else would you like to share?

I would like to share today's quote. As young women and men, we are actively contributing to our community's growth. Let's remind ourselves that raising our children to be successful takes a village, and we need that same village to help shape and mold them to reach their full potential.

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Lucid Voices

POET SPOTLIGHT: MEET LINETTE I am a Virgin Islander with roots in the British and United States Virgin Islands. I have been writing since 1996 after being encouraged by Dr. Vincent Cooper in an English course at the University of the Virgin Islands.

Since then, I have amassed over 200 pieces. I published a Kindle book, Be Inspired: Poems by Linette Rabsatt in 2023. You can also find my work on my blog, Words of Ribbon, in Virgin Islands Callaloo: Poems from the Caribbean, on the Visual Verse: An Anthology of Art and Words website, in the CAPS Poetry 25th Anniversary Anthology Paperback.

I was recently nominated for Best International Artist in the National Spoken Word Awards and participated in the online Pour Your Heart Out Open Mic Competition. I also participate in online poetry events, including the Allographic Open Mic, Calling All Poets Series, and the Prickly Pear Open Mic. I aim to use my words to inspire readers across the world.

More on the next page

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POET SPOTLIGHT: MEET POETIC PURPOSE

I go by the name of Poetic Purpose (PoeticP) I enjoy helping in my community and making things better for the greater cause of our families and youth. I am a published author and I enjoy writing and helping others as much as I can. “You have to believe in yourself with a full heart for the people to see the whole you.”-Kychell

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POET SPOTLIGHT: MEET SIERRA Sierra DeJesus was born and raised in the south end of Albany, NY. Her life story is what inspires her to write. She is a writer who specializes in self-discovery poetry.

Often focusing on introspective and reflective writing. She uses these pieces as means of exploring her inner thoughts and emotions. Delving into topics such as personal growth, healing, and self-awareness. Her poems touch on themes of empowerment, resilience, and finding one's true life purpose. Through her words, she aims to inspire and uplift others on their own journeys of self-discovery and transformation.

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POET SPOTLIGHT: MEET SHADI WOODWARD Key-Notez is a budding star in the making, ready to conquer the world she wears many hats including a parent of 8, grandmother of 3, poet, hostess, Currently located in the Atlanta, GA area Key-Notez first got into & started writing poetry between the ages of eight & nine years old. March 11th, marked the one year anniversary of her first open mic performance.

One of her favorite saying is, “2 blessed 2 stressed” & she’s just that, bless to find her purpose thanks to her mom.

Even at her sickest, she felt Key-Notez’s voice was important & it was time to use it before losing it. Remembering her mother’s words, “Don’t let your words die!”, she conquered her nervous energy, walked on stage, & spit a poem. The energy felt after that experience was what made her fall in love with performing. It gave her life. That’s why she keeps writing & performing today. It also gave her an outlet to express herself. It’s been the one constant in her life that’s always with her, her mistress.

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POET SPOTLIGHT: MEET SHADI WOODWARD PT2 The love of family gives her passion to pursue her purpose. She’s on a mission is to change the lives she comes across. Wanting to get positive messages out & teach others through sharing her words. She’s created a space to showcase not only her own poetry but others as well on YouTube. ‘Papi’s Poetry Corner’ has been on online since January 2023. It was nominated for NSWA Best Radio, TV, or Online Show & airs every Wednesday night at 9 PM EST. You should definitely join us because it’s always a good time.

You can find her on Instagram, TikTok, & on Facebook she has the club, Papi’s Poetry Corner, to come share your poetry also. KeyNotez’s ENERGY would have you hype, & super charged. She’s definitely contagious & a whole experience. Catch her positive daily reels she post that will definitely motivate you.

Lucidvoices.org