Radiant No.13, The Taboo Issue by Radiant Health Magazine

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№ 13

I S S U E

Radiant Health Magazine is published by Radiant Rose Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior written permission of the editor, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the editor at EDITOR@RADIANTHEALTHMAG.COM

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Unafraid.

ta· boo / t 'bŌŌ' ta'bŌŌ/ noun: taboo; plural noun: taboos; noun: tabu; plural noun: tabus; A social or religious custom prohibiting or forbidding discussion of a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing. e

photography by Ahmad Barber model Atta of St.Claire Models styling by Ray C'Mone make-up by Christine Vasquez hair by Andy Buckmire dress and bow by Mysterious by NPN

MASTHEAD

Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola, PharmD MPH FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & PUBLISHER

Ahmad Barber ART DIRECTOR

Bianca Kipp DESIGN

Nikki Igbo FEATURES EDITOR

LeeAnn Nielsen COPY EDITOR

Cordialis Msora, R.D. NUTRITION EDITOR

Ray C’mone FASHION EDITOR

Chinyere Amobi DIGITAL EDITOR

Queendolly “Queenie” Verhoeven OPERATIONS MANAGER

Ken Nuarin WEB DESIGN & SUPPORT

Chinyere Amobi, Clarissa Bannor, Patrick Dale, AdeOla Fadumiye, Toyin Falusi (Adeyemi) MD, Gabriela Iancu, Festus Iyorah, Tiffany Lester, MD, Manseen Logan, Katie Schenk, Oreoluwa Ogunyemi, MD, Stanley Okoro, MD, Emily Rubin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tony Cash VIDEO

Akinloye Julius Makanjuola, MD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

CONTENTS

26– 51

healthy eating

fitness

THE GUT-SY WORLD WITHIN

INTERVIEW TULEKA PRAH

LOCAL CHAMP TEFF

RECIPES GLORIOUS GRAIN

76 – 105

features 78

BLACK WOMEN & EATING DISORDERS 90 Q & A WITH AFROSEXOLOGY

style 128

INTERVIEW ADE HASSAN

136

culture CULTURE ON THE GO

BLACK DON'T CRACK (A SWEAT)

WORKOUT CARDIO COMEBACK

INTERVIEW TRISH MILLER

106– 125

THE 411 ON 420: A CANNABIS Q & A 108 CBD OIL: A CASE STUDY

114

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO CBD

116

SURVIVING BOKO HARAM

120

144– 157

beauty

GENDERLESS FASHION

160– 161

THE TRUTH ABOUT CARDIO

health & wellness

COVER STORY ANNIE ILONZEH

126 – 143

52– 75

THE LAST BEAUTY TABOO

146

PLASTIC SURGEON SIT—DOWN

150

INTERVIEW NNENE MBONU

154

162– 175

body & mind

160

THRIVING AFTER DIVORCE

164

RADIANT WOMAN WATCH ENO GEORGETTE INWEK

2019—volume 1

170

EDITOR'S NOTE

New York City, 2006. I was walking down the street not too far from my apartment. I can’t recall now exactly where I was going, but I remember that I had just spent the previous night—and the wee hours of the morning—taking out my microbraids.

Now that the braids were out, I didn’t know what to do with my hair. The period between braids was always the most frustrating for me, as I wasn’t blessed with “good hair” (or so I thought then) and had never been able to style my noncompliant 4C tresses to save my life. I had stopped perming my hair years before because it always turned out to be a colossal waste of time and money. A single morning run and the hair was done for; one afternoon of tubing on the lake or swimming at the pool and I’d only have the chemical burn scabs as evidence of having permed just days before. But this natural hair life wasn’t doing me any favors either. My long, thick hair had a wild mind of its own.

The notion that hair is the number one impediment to black women engaging in cardio exercise, swimming or physical activity in general should come as no surprise. Even though we’ve been sold the Kool-Aid of natural hair as the be-all-end-all solution, naturalistas struggle with this dilemma as well. But the unseemly vanity of it all keeps us from acknowledging the larger implications.

And that’s how I unceremoniously began my lowcut journey. I loved it and lived hairpily ever after.

So when I attended the 2019 TEDx Atlanta conference, I was beyond thrilled to hear Trish Miller (interview on page 66) give a riveting talk on child drownings as a public health issue and what we can do about it. Speaking from her perspective as an African American woman, Trish was able to shed light on the role our hair plays in keeping many of us from learning to swim. Still, talking openly about how our hair impacts our health has become its own modern-day taboo.

Well, almost. After years of short fros, more braids, and traditional locs, I finally joined the sisterlocks

Taboos these days aren’t manifested in stonings or shunning, but in more subtle, insidious

While silently contemplating my hair-related frustrations, I walked past a beauty salon, and before I knew it, I was inside asking for a haircut. The stylist asked what type of cut I wanted. I told him I didn’t care: just take it all down and then we can talk about style afterward.

gang last year. It’s a decision I’m happy with, though the early months proved tricky. My much shorter front locks kept unlocking from sweat with my fairly intense workout schedule, and I stressed out when I had to do an underwater body composition measurement shortly after installing my locs. Even now, with summer here I’m low-key timing my pool time close to my lock-retightening appointments.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

Pregnant out of wedlock? Abomination! Divorced? God forbid. It is not my portion! Infertile? Tufiakwa! She must have had many abortions in her youth. Three miscarriages in a row? Witch!

patterns. They are public enough for community gossip, lamentation, and shaming, but never open enough to foster meaningful dialogue toward a collective resolution. We pride ourselves in having transcended the cultural biases of our parent’s generation, yet we still passively perpetuate them in silence. Meanwhile, all of these are everyday occurrences, even more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Yet we pretend they are rare events that should not be spoken of lest we risk unleashing their full force on society. This pretense hasn’t served us well. Our aim with issue 13, The Taboo Issue, is to start a conversation around cultural taboos both ancient and modern, and more important, to share stories of women bucking the trend so that others walking these paths can know they’re not alone. We figured if we were going to mess around with number 13, be it lucky or unlucky, we’d better make it something to talk about! In addition to Trish Miller’s story of her near-drowning experience, you’ll get the straight dope on cannabis from Sheena Roberson and Dr. Lakisha

Jenkins, learn the benefits of masturbation from the women of Afrosexology, and hear two powerful firsthand accounts of divorce from Eno Inwek and Dr. Toyin Falusi. This issue also delves into the genesis of nude hosiery for black women with groundbreaking entrepreneur Ade Hassan, as well as topics including eating disorders in black women, plastic surgery as the last beauty taboo, the rise of genderless fashion, and more. Topping it all off is our fabulous cover girl, actress Annie Ilonzeh, whose discipline and grit is out of this world and served up with a grace and charm that’s utterly refreshing. Her story will no doubt inspire you to take a chance on yourself. In short, every page of this issue will be a great conversation starter. I hope you run wild with it. To your health,

FO U NDE R & E DITO R-IN-CHIE F @ NNE NNAKALU M

2019—volume 1

NEWS & VIEWS

News

stay in the know

illustrations by Bianca Kipp

1. SICKLE CELL DRUG PATENT

born annually with sickle cell anemia, 200,000 are born in Africa and 150,000 are Nigerian. So it’s little wonder that Nigeria’s National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) took up the challenge of finding and developing a treatment. OF THE ESTIMATED 300,000 CHILDREN

Sickle cell anemia, a genetic condition, produces hardened, sticky red blood cells that become trapped within a person’s veins and arteries, blocking the passage of healthy cells and effectively starving the body of oxygen. While there’s no known cure for the condition, the Nigerian-developed drug Niprisan reduces the frequency and severity of sickle cell crises. That’s good news. Except it’s not news; Niprisan was patented more than 20 years ago. Through a series of management mishaps by the Indian-owned, US-based pharmaceutical production company, neither the needed quantity nor the desired cost was reached. Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there; pharmaceutical company May & Baker Nigeria has the production contract, which should bring this much-needed treatment back to market soon.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

SICKLE CELL DRUG PATENT

3. RAPE DECLARED A NATIONAL EMERGENCY IN SIERRA LEONE

IN RESPONSE TO THE HORRIFYING and ongoing

stories of child rape, President Julius Maada Bio declared rape a national emergency and lengthened the sentences of convicted rapists from 15 years to life.

This will mean big changes on many fronts. On a practical level, the special courts and police forces that the president plans to establish will need funding. And as only 1.3% of rapes end in prosecution, often with only the minimum sentence, there’s a societal change that must simultaneously occur.

2. TINY TEFF EXPOSES THE LARGER ISSUE OF CULTURAL THEFT IT SEEMS OUTRAGEOUS that a Dutch entity could hold a patent for Ethiopia’s staple grain, yet historically and culturally, we all know how it happens. It’s how precious Nigerian art and artifacts remain housed in English museums. Call it colonialism or imperialism, but essentially it’s out-and-out theft.

Formal amendments will also be required in addition to the presidential declaration in order to avoid legal confusion, especially as the president specifically states that life sentences are to be given to anyone convicted of penetrating a minor. Although this declaration does little to protect women once they turn 18, and despite the associated political and social challenges, it sets a precedent for gender equality that the world desperately needs.

This is why a recent ruling from a Dutch court is so important. In February, the court ruled that teff, an ancient grain grown for centuries in Ethiopia, cannot be patented in the Netherlands because the products created from it do not show any Dutch inventiveness. Ethiopia experienced a similar win when Starbucks repealed its proprietary claim to product names that referred to specific coffee-growing regions in the country. It was a rare blow to cultural appropriation for profit (unlike Disney’s successful trademarking of the phrase “Hakuna Matata”). Meanwhile, the French president is seeking to repatriate works of art stolen from African countries during their colonial era, and hopefully the cultural treasures currently claimed by the British Museum will make their way back to Nigeria within a matter of years.

2019—volume 1

NEWS & VIEWS

Bone Broth

Mother Nature's Botox? words by Oreoluwa Ogunyemi, MD

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

MOTHER NATURE'S BOTOX

BONE BROTH SEEMS to be everywhere these days, from

seasonal bowls at the local farmers market to the menu of your neighborhood restaurant. Yet this nutritious staple is nothing new. Bone broth is a centuries-old remedy that has long been used to warm a cold winter’s evening, ward off a cold, and serve as the base for delicious soups. But did you know that bone broth is also a great tool to rejuvenate your skin? Full of nutrients, bone broth contains all of the ingredients needed for supple and radiant skin. Read on to learn why adding bone broth to your diet can help smooth away fine lines and wrinkles. Nutrients Galore Bones are a rich source of essential minerals and vitamins. The bone marrow, the innermost part of the long bones, contains iron, fatty acids, zinc, calcium, manganese, and vitamins A and K. These micronutrients contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that decrease

gelatin also encourages our body to make more of its own collagen and other skin nutrients, multiplying the benefits. In addition, cooking bone broth with vinegar increases the vitamins, minerals, and proteins extracted from the bones. Homemade Is Best Like everything else, bone broth is better when it is homemade. While packaged varieties are available, they often skimp on quality by adding artificial ingredients like MSG and slashing cooking times. At home, you control the quality and can an easily add vegetables such as onions or leeks to increase fiber and improve the antioxidant benefits. And quality matters. It’s vital to choose organic bones from grass-fed or free-range animals, as the benefits of the broth depend on its source. In addition, animals fed GMO grain or feed containing herbicides or even

“The bone marrow, the innermost part of the long bones, contains iron, fatty acids, zinc, calcium, manganese, and vitamins A and K.” inflammation throughout the body and replenish skin cells. They can improve wound healing and decrease the signs of skin scarring, and can also help prevent anemia and improve blood oxygen in the small vessels of the skin, vital for the up to 20% of black women who have iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, the cortex (or outer part) of bone contains a wealth of proteins and other substances that provide structure and strength to our cells while supporting systemic function, including: Collagen a protein that maintains skin elasticity while improving hydration. Collagen is often used in facial creams.

lead tend to store these chemicals deep within the bone, which are then released into your bone broth. Best to choose organic! Here’s a simple bone broth recipe to try: • 1 pound organic bones (ask your local butcher) •

8 cups water

• 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar • 1/2 onion, finely chopped

Chondroitin an essential structural component. It is an anti-inflammatory and helps regenerate skin and minimize scarring.

• 1 stalk celery

Hyaluronic acid a hydrating skin component that helps maintain the integrity of our skin, but that decreases as we age.

•

• 1/2 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Glucosamine a combined sugar-protein that regulates inflammation. It is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid.

Simply mix all of the ingredients and bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 12 to 24 hours to release the nutrients. A slow cooker can simplify the process. The recipe can be multiplied and the broth divided and kept in the freezer for later use.

These components make bone broth a source of nutritious support for our skin, hair, and nails. When heated, bone broth turns mainly into gelatin, a hydrolyzed form of collagen that is easy to digest. Eating

Bone broth is an easily made, nutrient-dense food to add to your skin care regimen. Beauty radiates from the inside out, so why not give bone broth a try and see if you don’t notice a new glow to your skin!

2019—volume 1

NEWS & VIEWS

4, RESEARCH SHOWS VACCINATIONS ARE SAFE

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION has declared

the rising number of people choosing not to vaccinate their children to be a global health threat. Nothing makes this more clear than the 68,000 cases of measles in Madagascar between the end of 2018 and beginning of 2019, resulting in nearly 900 deaths. Measles can cause encephalitis (brain inflammation), deafness, and even death, with children under 5 the hardest hit and least likely to survive. There’s no standardized treatment or known cure, but it is preventable through vaccination (usually the MMR vaccine, which also prevents mumps and rubella) in children under the age of 2. Even with measles outbreaks being reported in the US, many parents still opt against potentially lifesaving vaccinations because of rumors linking vaccination to an increased risk of autism, even as research continues to show no link between the two.

5. STRAIGHTENING THE KINK IN DISCRIMINATION LAW

A 2019 Danish study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has shown that vaccinations do not increase the risk of autism, even in cases where a child carries additional risk factors for the condition, such as having a sibling with autism. This study looked at 657,461 children born between 1999 and 2010 and produced similar results to a previous study of 537,000 Danish children, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2002. The takeaway is clear. There is no link between vaccinations and autism, so it shouldn’t be a concern when it’s vaccination time for your children.

EARLY 2019 SAW the New York City Commission on Human Rights issue new guidelines outlining classification of what constitutes hair-based discrimination. Specifically, the commission wrote: “Bans or restrictions on natural hair or hairstyles associated with black people are often rooted in white standards of appearance and perpetuate racist stereotypes that black hairstyles are unprofessional.”

Effectively, per the New York City Human Rights law, New Yorkers now have the right to “maintain natural hair or hairstyles that are closely associated with their racial, ethnic, or cultural identities.” Employers are no longer allowed to enforce “grooming policies” that prohibit hairstyles such as locs, twists, cornrows, braids, fades, Bantu knots, or Afros. Employers also aren’t allowed to demand that their workforce chemically straighten or relax the natural curl patterns of their hair. Hence, after more than 300 years of people of African descent in America being told that their natural hair was inferior, unprofessional, and even criminal—which caused dire social, economic, and psychological consequences for generations—one city in one state has proclaimed that African hair is okay. As of publication, California is also moving to enact a similar statewide law. Just 49 more states (and perhaps 300 more years) to go.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

RESEARCH SHOWS VACCINATIONS ARE SAFE

6. WHAT CRAZY CAN DO

THE FIGHT FOR EQUAL RIGHTS is always difficult,

no matter which right you’re fighting for. It always seems like the finish line moves with the horizon, always so far away that you question whether it’s even worth it. Sometimes it helps to take a step back and look at how far we’ve come so you can be re-inspired to push harder. That’s just what Nike has done with their “Dream Crazier” ad featuring Serena Williams.

As images of women’s sporting triumphs and heartaches fill the screen for 90 seconds, we’re reminded that there was a time when women weren’t allowed to run marathons or play against the boys in male-dominated sports. It was considered crazy. Now not only are we past that point, we’re nailing it, winning it, pushing ever closer to the horizon. That’s what crazy can do. Watch what crazy can do at www.radianthealthmag.com/crazy.

7. A DECLINE IN FGM RATES

HAVING RECENTLY REPORTED on the fight and the fighters against female genital mutilation (FGM) in issue 12 of Radiant Health, we’re happy to follow up with some much-needed news. According to a 2018 study published in BMJ Global Health, FGM rates have declined substantially for East African girls aged 14 and under—from 71.4% in 1995 to 8% in 2016.

FGM is the process of removing a girl’s external sexual organs, and is sometimes referred to as “cutting.” Not only does this practice offer zero medical benefits, it can lead to serious health problems, including death. But it’s still a part of cultural tradition in the regions where it is performed. National legislation against FGM is usually no deterrent, often just pushing the practice deeper into the shadows. But as the statistics show, something is finally changing, and both West and North African FGM rates for the same age group have also decreased, albeit less dramatically than in East Africa. This decline is due in part to local activists taking the time to understand the cultural grounds for FGM and rallying entire communities to perform safer coming-of-age ceremonies. In parts of Kenya and Tanzania, some 16,000 girls have become women through ritual baths of milk and honey. Now that’s something we can get on board with; it certainly sounds more feminine than cutting, doesn’t it?

2019—volume 1

NEWS & VIEWS

Do Women Make Better Ministers of Health? words by Katie Schenk US Center for Biotechnology Information, women comprise over 75% of the global health workforce. Yet there have only been two female leaders of the World Health Organization, Dr. Margaret Chan of the People’s Republic of China and Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway, with similarly paltry numbers across national health ministries and organizations.

ACCORDING TO THE

Part of this underrepresentation may spring from the perception that doctors and deans of medicine embody stronger leadership qualities than nurses and midwives. (You can guess where most men and most women work within these fields.) But numerous studies and statistics demonstrate the benefits of women in leadership positions, both corporate and governmental. In 2015, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed a cabinet that was split evenly between 15 male and 15 female representatives. When asked why this was important, his laudable response was simply, “It’s 2015.” Digging deeper into the numbers, researchers have found that the greater the number of women in governmental leadership positions, the lower that country’s overall death rates. In 2003, Rwanda mandated a minimum 30% female representation in government, including parliamentary seats. Since then, the country has managed to increase healthcare coverage to 90% of its population, its infant mortality rate has dropped, and all adolescent girls are vaccinated against HPV. (This stands in contrast to the US, which can’t claim any of these gains.) While it is too early to draw a direct correlation between having more women in leadership positions and an increase in access to healthcare and reduced mortality rates, numerous studies have demonstrated that women do tend

to be more empathetic and collaborative. Together, these qualities lend themselves to increased spending in fields such as healthcare and education, whose projects often have life-changing effects on those who need them most. One example of this type of focus in action can be found in the appointment of Dr. Glenda Gray as president of the South African Medical Research Council. A first-of-its-kind organizational review initiated under her leadership revealed that the majority of the organization’s funding had been going to white men from Ivy League universities. This led to a complete overhaul of the system, and within five years, the majority of the Council’s grants were being given to black Africans, with half awarded to female applicants. Another example of female leadership achieving exceptional results is Rwanda’s former Minister of Health, Dr. Agnès Binagwaho, who has been the driving force behind many of Rwanda’s national health successes. In 2015, her work was recognized with the Roux Prize, given by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, for her use of specialized data to reduce infant mortality in Rwanda. That same year Dr. Agnès, as she is affectionately known, also received the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Award of Excellence for her ongoing work to help improve the health of children in Rwanda. Clearly, women in leadership positions can create an impact. But we must remember that women too are susceptible to political and financial pressures; they’re still affected by the overarching policies of their parties, and in many countries, educational and social changes are desperately needed to empower more women to pursue these positions. So, do women make better ministers of health? Only time— and real systematic change—will tell.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

DO WOMEN MAKE BETTER MINISTERS OF HEALTH?

“But numerous studies and statistics demonstrate the benefits of women in leadership positions, both corporate and governmental.”

2019—volume 1

NEWS & VIEWS

Can You Fight Your Way Back from Type 2 Diabetes? words by Oreoluwa Ogunyemi, MD

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

CAN YOU FIGHT YOUR WAY BACK FROM TYPE 2 DIABETES?

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE has ever been on the receiving end of the doctor’s diagnosis of diabetes, you may have resigned yourself to a lifelong battle. After all, cases of diabetes and prediabetes are rising rapidly and are much more likely to affect black women. The diagnosis often brings with it a lifetime of medication and the looming threat of kidney failure, heart and nerve damage, and even death.

day. At this level, the body becomes a fat-burning machine that utilizes ketones made from fats for energy rather than glucose. Research suggests that some patients with diabetes who choose the VLC lifestyle (which was initially used as a treatment for refractory epilepsy) are more likely to improve their glucose and cholesterol levels and may even reverse their diabetes.

Yet these dire predictions are not cast in stone. New research shows that diabetes does not have to be a life sentence, and that some people can actually reverse type 2 diabetes if they are committed to changing their lifestyle.

However, the type of carbohydrate is just as important as the amount. The American Diabetes Association recommends primarily whole and unprocessed grains (such as quinoa and steel cut oats) and colorful vegetables that are high in fiber and low in added sugars.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body stops responding to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. When this happens, blood sugar levels can rise abnormally, causing long-term damage to vital organs. Doctors typically prescribe medications to help patients manage their symptoms, and some patients may require insulin injections. Even with treatment, diabetes commonly progresses over time, and insulin and other medications often cause weight gain, another blow to our health. Choose Lifestyle Medicine What if we could stop or even reverse the steady progression of this disease? Well, now there may be a way. Type 2 diabetes usually takes decades to develop, often fueled by overindulgence in refined carbohydrates such as cereals, breads, white rice, desserts, sodas, and others. These foods cause blood sugar levels to spike quickly, and when eaten day in and day out, they eventually overwhelm the ability of insulin to affect blood sugar, leading to diabetes. Knowing the cause may be the solution to treating diabetes. New research suggests that two lifestyle changes—intermittent fasting and a low-carbohydrate diet—may be exactly what the doctor ordered. Give yourself a home-court advantage with the following tips: Skip the Carbohydrates When we drink sugary soda or fruit juice or eat foods like flour, rice, or pasta, our blood sugar levels rise, quickly followed by increased insulin production. By avoiding or limiting consumption of these foods, we give our bodies a respite from both continuously churning out insulin and the damage caused by high blood sugar. Reducing carbohydrate intake to under about 130 grams per day (compared to the commonly recommended daily allowance of approximately 300 grams per day) helps decrease blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. Some physicians and nutritionists go a step further; the very low carbohydrate (VLC) or “keto” diet suggests reducing carbs to between 20 and 50 grams per

Fast Intermittently We all naturally fast overnight, and new research suggests that voluntary fasting may improve type 2 diabetes. When we choose not to eat, our insulin levels drop and the body turns to stored glucose and eventually to stored fat. Since all foods raise insulin levels—even proteins and

“What if we could stop or even reverse the steady progression of this disease? ” fats—fasting is the only way to reset the body’s response to insulin so that it can reassert its control over our sugar levels. Studies reveal that intermittent fasting decreases insulin insensitivity (a precursor to type 2 diabetes) and heart disease. Educate Yourself If you want to change your diet to fight type 2 diabetes, it is important to first speak with your doctor and nutritionist. The changes you make can quickly affect your blood sugar and prescribed diabetic medications, so make sure your health team is on board. The research is new, and there are still many questions to answer. One thing seems certain, though: a lifestyle change to reverse diabetes must be permanent and requires commitment. Returning to old eating habits can quickly bring back diabetes. A great place to start your research is with The Diabetes Code, an excellent book written by Dr. Jason Fung. As a physician who personally champions lifestyle changes to reverse diabetes for his patients, Dr. Fung provides an overview of the most compelling research for fighting diabetes with your fork. With knowledge and determination, you may be able to turn back the clock on diabetes!

2019—volume 1

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RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

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The good stuff doesn’t have to stop when you close your copy of Radiant. On RadiantHealthMag.com you’ll find more inspiration, including feature stories, fitness tips, healthy recipes, behind-the-scenes videos & breaking news you won’t want to miss.

RESHAPING THE CONVERSATION AROUND MENSTRUATION

BEHIND THE SCENES EXCLUSIVE!

Sara Eklund, the founder of the Noble Cup menstrual cup, is on a mission to provide a safer alternative for girls in Ethiopia, as well as to reshape the narrative around menstruation and how we as women feel about and talk about our vaginas.

With a powerful drive to succeed and the talent to back it up, this issue’s cover star is a force of nature who is ready to take on anything that comes her way. Take a look behind the scenes of our photo shoot with Annie Ilonzeh and find out the origins of her amazing work ethic, as well as how basketball informs her strategy for success. You’re sure to be inspired!

Even the company’s messaging is working to take the shame out of menstruation, with its long-overdue affirmation to women: “Every Queen Bleeds.” This is the empowerment interview about menstruation that you need to read. Period. WWW.RADIANTHEALTHMAG.COM/NOBLECUP

WWW.RADIANTHEALTHMAG.COM/ANNIEBTS

FLYING OVER 50

Don’t worry, we’re not talking about the pros and cons of getting on an airplane after the age of 50—this is much more thrilling! We’ve taken a peek inside the world of pole dancing and its challenges and benefits for women. For black women. For older women. And the view from Makeda Smith’s position at the top of the pole is about as grounded and gorgeous as it gets. WWW.RADIANTHEALTHMAG.COM/FLYINGOVER50

2019—volume 1

01 SECTION

healthy eating page 28.

GUT HEALTH Taking good care of the world within page 34.

INTERVIEW TULEKAH PRAH Documenting the dishes that lead us home page 40.

LOCAL CHAMP TEFF The world’s smallest grain Is a very big deal page 42.

TEFF RECIPES A modern makeover for an ancient grain

2019—volume 1

HEALTHY EATING

GUT HEALTH

care of the world

within

words by Oreoluwa Ogunyemi, MD

What we put into our bodies each day matters. While many of us think of food in terms of calories (and their impact on our curves), the significance of our daily food habits runs much deeper. Food feeds our gut, and in turn, our gut is often the key to our well-being.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

HEALTHY EATING

Why Is the Gut So Important? The reality is that our gut takes up more of us than any other part of our body. The surface area of our intestinal lining could fill half a badminton court and is home to trillions of microorganisms, making us more microorganism than human. Despite the initial desire to sanitize and swat away these tiny bugs, the reality is that they are critical to our wellbeing since we are dependent on them for many aspects of our overall health. These tiny helpers improve our ability to digest and absorb our daily food, and we even need them to make vitamin K, some B vitamins, and other nutrients, such as plant antioxidants that help decrease inflammation in the body. Our gut also serves as a critical defense against disease. It houses the lion's share of our immune cells, secretes serotonin (the goal of antidepressants), and even affects our brain because of the large number of nerve cells it contains. Your Own Personal Ecosystem Scientists are still learning about the digestive system, and there is much we still don’t know. The standard tools we use to identify bacteria find less than half of the organisms that are actually there. In the past 30 years or so, our

understanding of these bugs has exploded as scientists have developed techniques to copy the bacteria’s genetic material so that we can study them more closely. The Human Microbiome Project is probably one of the most well-known of these efforts, with the goal of identifying the bugs not only in our gut but also in the bladder, skin, nose, vagina, and mouth. By studying these bugs, we can begin to understand just how vital they are. Despite what many of us may believe, it’s the rare bug in our gut that leads to problems like the stomach flu or diarrhea. In fact, research shows that a healthy microbiome actually cuts our risk of colon cancer and diabetes by excreting essential compounds, and is even instrumental in making sure that the medications we take work optimally. There is a wide range of bacteria in our gut— about 35,000 different species—and many of these are unique to each individual. These bugs came to live within us when we passed through the birth canal, and research shows that even identical twins can have different organisms living in their gut. We also know that the majority of the beneficial bacteria are the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus types, but there are many others that also have an impact on our health.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

CARING FOR YOUR GUT

A Direct Link to Well-Being

Common Warning Signs

A healthy gut is a balanced gut, with a diverse microorganism community, a strong immune system, and minimal inflammation. We have to remember that our gut has multiple functions

When our gut becomes unbalanced, inflammation easily spreads from the digestive track to other areas of our body. Both our intestinal cells and our gut microorganisms send out alarm signals to tell the body that something is amiss and to put the body on alert for a possible attack.

Our gut is our second brain. This shouldn’t be too surprising; after all, we often feel something “in our gut” before we recognize it consciously. Outside of the brain, our gut has the most nerve cells of any organ. It does its job with little input from our central nervous system and even exerts control over the brain.

The digestive tract holds the majority of our immune cells. The immune system is the part of the body that protects us from infection and disease and is constantly surveying our body to make sure all is well. Think about it: several times a day we put foreign objects (food) into our gut, which then has to ensure that none of those objects will harm us. Our gut needs a healthy immune system to make sure we don’t die after eating breakfast!

Our intestines are made up of complex cells that have to absorb valuable nutrients from food while making sure that nothing harmful enters. Accordingly, these cells have to be social butterflies, secreting hormones and other compounds that affect surrounding organs, responding to alerts from the body and the environment, and even sacrificing themselves for the benefit of the body. This job is quite tricky, and our gut cells last only about three to five days, continually making room for new ones.

We’re all familiar with the annoying bloating, flatulence, and constipation that commonly follow poor food choices. That’s our gut’s way of saying it isn’t happy and demanding better treatment. Yet stomach issues don’t always appear in the digestive system itself, and can include more subtle symptoms, including • • • • •

Persistent fatigue Insomnia Increased allergies (environmental and food related) Sadness Weight gain

Tip: If you’ve been dealing with some of these symptoms and can’t quite figure out the reason for them, it may be time to look at your dinner plate. Try keeping a food diary to sort these issues out. Record everything you eat over the next two or three days, as well as how you feel after eating. If you notice that your symptoms change depending on the foods you eat, you’ll need to investigate further. Try cutting out the most commonly irritating foods, such as dairy products, sugars, and highly processed foods, and see how you feel on the days you don’t eat them.

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Steps To Improve Your Gut Health In addition to keeping a food diary, there are other measures you can take to make your gut a healthier place. Incorporate probiotics and prebiotics Probiotics and prebiotics are fundamental for gut health. Probiotics are foods or supplements containing microorganisms that are good for your gut. They can be especially helpful when you’ve been dealing with a lot of stress or have just finished a course of antibiotics. Just as important are prebiotics, the foods that microorganisms eat. Prebiotics are high fiber foods that humans aren’t able to digest, but which are crucial to replenishing the intestinal microbiome (because just like us, these bugs won’t survive if starved). We Africans have been fermenting foods and eating prebiotics for generations, naturally shoring up the health of our gut. Here are some great traditional options •

Fermented foods like injera, kisra, and ogi.

•

Fermented drinks, including amahewu, borde, chibwantu, and shamita.

•

Prebiotics in dishes such as amala, moin moin, ful medames, matoke, and mugoyo.

Some other great sources of prebiotics and probiotics include the following •

Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, natto, miso, and yogurt.

•

Fermented drinks like kefir (which can be water-, dairy-, or plant-based) and kombucha.

•

Prebiotics in foods such as garlic, leeks, flax seeds, oats, beans, and dandelion greens.

Cut out processed foods and sugars Processed foods and those with a high sugar content are the exact opposite of prebiotics. These types

of foods feed the microorganisms that we want to keep out (including Candida, which causes fungal infections, and E. coli, which causes diarrhea) and can cause changes in a short period of time. These foods are also associated with serious diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and colon cancer. *Tip: Find ways to make healthy swaps by replacing processed foods and sugars with prebiotics. Want to add sweetener to your tea? Use a little stevia. Craving a quick snack? Choose higher fiber nuts or bean chips instead of traditional potato chips. Ditch the stress We all have stress from work, finances, and societal issues. Yet taking this stress home with us and mulling over it affects our gut health. Studies show that psychological stress has an impact on gut flora, often in harmful ways. This day-to-day stress can result in fewer healthy bacteria and a drop in the diversity of the microbiome. Finding ways to relieve stress is essential—not only for your mood, but also for your health. Give your body a rest Just like the rest of your body, your bowel needs some time to rest from the hard work of digesting food. Research suggests that getting up to 16 hours of bowel rest can help improve both gut and overall health. Even holding off on eating for 12 to 14 hours is a great option, and it’s simple to do if you incorporate the time into an overnight fast. Simply stop eating in the early evening and wait until you are hungry before you eat again, rather than pouring a bowl of cereal just because the clock says it’s time for breakfast. Of course, it’s vital to listen to your body and stop fasting if you feel unwell or have medical issues. What you eat and how you live matter. The foods you put in your body, as well as the daily stressors you encounter every day, can either nurture or hinder your gut. Take time to consider the effects of both on your life and your health. In the words of Tupac Shakur, “Let’s change the way we eat, let’s change the way we live.” Do this, and your gut will thank you.

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ARTICLE NAME ARTICLE NAME

2019—volume 1

Dr. Tuleka Prah THE CARTOGRAPHER OF AFRICAN CUISINE

TULEKAH PRAH

interview by Nikki Igbo words by Clarissa Bannor photography by Tulekah Prah

Dr. Tuleka Prah earned her Ph.D. in black film studies with a focus on how black identity is constructed and maintained through film. My African Food and African Food Friends are two film projects that she created to explore the ideas of identity, belonging, and African cuisine. Ghanaian comfort food. A Berlin-based filmmaker born in England to Ghanaian and South African parents, Tuleka craved a healthy helping of kontomire—cocoyam leaf stew—just like she’d had as a youth. In that moment, she knew it would hit the spot in a way that no other food could. She remembered the textures, spices, and savory flavors of the leafy green vegetable dish, but struggled to recall what exactly went into preparing it.

TULEKA PRAH WANTED

African Americans, black Europeans, and Africans on the Continent—everything we cook depends on who’s cooking it. So of course I expected those inconsistencies, but I just wanted to make kontomire and these pictures were terrible! I lost the inspiration just by looking at them.”

Determined to recreate the dish, Tuleka did what most millennial Afropolitan women do: she turned to YouTube. But after sifting through pages of arbitrary iterations of the recipe and unappealing videos, she lost her motivation— and her appetite.

Knowing how good the version of kontomire she’d enjoyed was, Tuleka was saddened by what her online search revealed. “I was looking for a consistent baseline because I learned from my dad, who kinda cowboyed his way through the kitchen, that there is an underlying base for most African recipes. That’s what I was looking for with kontomire, and when I didn’t find it I went on a spiral looking at other African recipes, but just finding that they were also consistently disappointing somehow.”

“Because it’s a cooked stew that looks like spinach stew, it can be difficult to make look good on camera,” Tuleka explained. “But it wasn’t so much that everything just looked unappealing—there was no consistency [in the preparation] and I didn’t trust what I was looking at. I was like, ‘Wait, I don’t remember that we had added this to it,’ which makes sense because of course in a lot of black kitchens—and by black, I mean diasporic Africans:

The internet plays a profound role in enabling people to share, seek out, and document recipes from around the world. Google any recipe and you’re instantly inundated with thousands of how-to videos, blog posts, and informational websites about your query. While African dishes are certainly being googled, they inhabit a smaller space on the world wide web of recipes, often profiled on obscure blogs or amateur YouTube videos. Tuleka saw

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this disparity as an opportunity, and in 2012 established My African Food Map, an online platform that beautifully catalogues recipes from Africa.

a long time ago and continues today. It’s no surprise to me that people don’t know and they don’t care.”

Tuleka believes that foodies who desire to expand their Tuleka uses her expertise in filmmaking to capture the food knowledge are becoming intrigued with African beauty, history, and spirit of African cuisine and ingredients. cuisine, but she’s wary of their motivations. Her mission has taken her to Senegal, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Ghana. As local food enthusiasts are “It’s not coming from a place of, ‘Ooh I see that I have filmed preparing a favorite local dish, viewers are brought been actively taught that the Continent has nothing to along on an educational culinary and cultural journey as offer, and I want to know more.’ It doesn’t come from they watch. Her work has been featured in numerous that. It comes from, ‘Ooh, what else can I do, how else international publications, on media outlets including can I stretch my foodie experiences?’ People can get to CNN and NPR, and most recently in Roads & Kingdoms, know the food, that’s fine. But once you get there and you a publication funded by the late chef, author, and food start to know [the cuisine], it would be nice if those people connoisseur Anthony Bourdain. Tuleka also intends to also continued to be productive in how they retell their bring the world closer to Africa’s food cultures through experience of African foods.” good food and great conversation with her ongoing series My African Food Map for viewers outside of Africa and Tuleka doesn’t want African cuisine written off as a brief Africans on the Continent as well. fetish in the culinary world, which is why My African Food Map is a thoughtful, connective, intensive, and relatable The Politics of the Black Palate study of African food, history, and culture. Ask any West African, “Who makes the best jollof?” and you’ll likely be in for a debate on the qualifying values of long grain versus short grain rice or the extolled virtues of tinned tomatoes versus fresh. That debate is also likely to end in a heated exchange between Ghanaians and Nigerians bashing each other to be crowned first place.

One type of African cuisine that has achieved a firmly rooted crossover appeal is Ethiopian food. Injera and wots are the mainstays of Ethiopian cuisine, and the demand for both increased exponentially after Ethiopians began

The goal is to make people on the Continent aware of their similarities and shared histories,

Jollof rice, a one-pot rice dish originating from the Wolof people of Senegal, is popular throughout West Africa, with each country having its own version of the ubiquitous tomatotinted rice. Thanks to “foodie culture” spurred on by social media, jollof rice is one of the few dishes from subSaharan Africa that’s crossed over into Western culinary conversation. But while jollof rice is an individual dish from Africa that’s been able to garner international favor, sub-Saharan African cuisine as a whole hasn’t had as much success. The reason for this limited exposure is complex and difficult to pinpoint, but Tuleka is clear that the long reach of colonialism is at the root.

which can minimize colonial borders and make room for awareness, understanding, and unity.

“There’s this consistent marketing campaign that needed to make Africa and Africans a place with no culture and nothing that can be recognizable as anything of value. The world we live in—and the systems that we’re currently trying to deal with—needed African labor or black labor, needed African resources, needed all the things that the Continent offers. Dehumanizing the people, starting with everything—the idea that they have food that they can be proud of, that they have [desirable] ingredients and knowledge systems that are of value. That whole systematic dehumanizing and devaluing of Africans started

migrating to the United States in 1974 following the Marxist coup. In major US cities, Ethiopian restaurants are as popular and mainstream as Indian food joints. Injera, a disk-shaped, spongy flatbread made from teff, an ancient African grain, has a slightly sour taste and is used to scoop up food by hand, like a spoon. Yet despite the unique way it’s eaten and its acquired taste, injera is embraced by Americans looking for an exotic or ethnic dining experience. Doro wot is another popular Ethiopian stewed chicken dish featured on My African Food Map. Tuleka describes the doro wot prepared for her by Chef Milian, an Ethiopian food enthusiast and chef who lives and works in Dubai, as one of the tastiest African dishes she’s filmed to date, “I was blown away ... the berbere, the Ethiopian spice butter that they use, is next level!” However, her admiration of Ethiopian food doesn’t eliminate her surprise at how quickly Ethiopian cuisine has crossed over.

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TULEKAH PRAH

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“There’s a lot of flavor in [Ethiopian] food, but I find injera is like a shock to the taste buds if you’re not used to something so sour. Also the consistency of it is really far from what you’d normally be exposed to flavor-wise. I find it very interesting that [Ethiopian food] is the biggest crossover food palate from the African continent. To me, it’s what Korean food is to Asian cuisine, with all their fermented foods like bibimbap and kimchi, and how the food is arranged on the plate. Korean food is not the easiest food from the Asian continent to get into. For me, injera is like the kimchi of the African continent.” The hype about injera seems odd to some, especially those partial to the West African style of cooking. But a key reason Ethiopian food has crossed over into the hearts and onto the plates of Western diners is because it fills a need in changing dietary habits. As vegetarianism and veganism trend up, demand for vegetarianfriendly ethnic cuisine scales upward too, and teff is an allergyfriendly, nutrient-dense alternative to wheat. No matter the reasons for its mass appeal, Ethiopian food’s popularity presents an opportunity to learn more about the African experience, the African migrant experience, and the impact of the African diaspora on other regions. We can tell where people are from by the food they bring with them. Whole dissertations, blogs, and books are written about how food in the American South, the Caribbean, and South America are rooted in Africa. We share “culinary DNA,” a term coined by Michael W. Twitty, author of The Cooking Gene and founder of the blog Afroculinaria. Food travels and becomes interwoven into the fabric of the place and culture it finds itself in. We know that okra, groundnuts, watermelon, and black-eyed peas made their way from Africa to American kitchens in the South. We see how Cuban black beans and rice bears a distinct resemblance to a popular rice and black-eyed pea dish from northern Ghana called waakye. How jambalaya is basically just jollof and can be thrown into the running for “Best Jollof Rice.” From callaloo and collard greens to kontomire and bitter leaf soup, variations of cooked leafy green vegetables are culinary staples in the repertoire of black kitchens everywhere, a powerful testament to the cultural connectivity of African people and African food around the world. Yet we don’t hear much about the interconnectivity between African cultures on the Continent; My African Food Map hopes to change that with food. Reconnecting Africans Worldwide with Each Dish Food is a powerful bond. By exploring foods from all 54 countries in Africa, Tuleka aims to inspire curiosity about neighboring cultures and ethnicities by highlighting the connective thread that runs through dishes and ingredients from different countries and regions in Africa. The goal is to make people on the Continent aware of their similarities and shared histories, which can minimize colonial borders and make room for awareness, understanding, and unity. Each region in Africa is culturally distinct and few people get the experience of growing up in all of them—interacting with the culture, tasting the foods, and seeing how they all connect. Growing up, Tuleka lived in South Sudan, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa,

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

TULEKAH PRAH

Ghana, and Kenya. She credits this experience as the inspiration for the pan-African undertones that drive her project. “Because I grew up all over the Continent, I have a personal fascination with just how similar everybody’s food is in some way. For example, from the east to the southeast part of Africa they use a lot of the same ingredients, probably because of the climate, but also likely because of the type of colonialism they had and the interactions they had [through] trade. I remember growing up in Lesotho, we would eat this maize staple called pap, and in South Africa it's called pap. But when you go to Kenya, the same thing is called ugali. A lot of people in Kenya would never have guessed or even known that people in Lesotho eat the same thing. And they wouldn’t even know where that country was.” Tuleka’s exposure to and interest in the variety of cuisines on the Continent was something she eagerly wanted to share.

collecting stories from the African diaspora in Europe for another project. Tuleka’s African Food Friends is a docuseries about food and identity from the African diasporan perspective. Conversations over dinner with a diverse group of African-descended friends inspired her to add this layer of mapping out identity through food in addition to mapping out authentic African recipes. “We also have our own stories and experiences, and as a black European-slash-African person living in Europe, it doesn’t end when you leave the Continent.” Food is powerful. African Food Friends and My African Food Map resonate with Afrodiasporans because cultural curiosity and connection is an ever-present undercurrent for first-generation black Westerners with bicultural identities. Cultural differences melt away and conversations flow more easily without the burden of colonial borders and ethnic devotion.

“There were so many similarities. If people knew, it would be a fast and easier way to connect. So if someone from Lesotho wound up in Kenya, they wouldn’t be worried about what people there ate. It’s a kind of bridge. My African Food Map is an intro, and that’s why I mostly [film] the most popular recipes, because it’s just the tip of the iceberg. It brings the Continent together by showing each other that though we are different, we are the same and we should celebrate that. It sparks curiosity about each other through food.”

Jollof rice is jollof rice, no matter who makes it or how many tomatoes are used. There’s the kinship and pride of just being African and people bond over that, especially through food. Tuleka noticed that the story needed to be told, that in Europe and America, one could just as easily be a Ghanaian American who enjoys Gambian-style kontomire made with palm oil as one could be English with a penchant for Bolognese.

Tuleka lives in Berlin. When she isn’t traveling to the Continent to film and produce content for My African Food Map, she’s busy

To learn more about African cuisine and the rich cultural story it tells, visit myafricanfoodmap.com

But truth be told, we all know who makes the best jollof rice.

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Local Champ Teff

The World's smallest Grain is a Very BIG Deal Teff! It’s the world’s smallest grain, yet many have never heard of it. Its flour is used to make injera, the spongy, sour, oh-so-delicious flatbread synonymous with cuisine from Ethiopia and Eritrea. While relatively unknown throughout the rest of the African continent, at the start of 2019 this tiny grain, scientifically known as Eragrostis tef, was the subject of robust discussions on who owns indigenous foods and how we as Africans need to protect our heritage foods, which not only define us but which can be leveraged as resources to help current and future generations thrive.

›› Our Local Champ series celebrates the diversity of the African kitchen by highlighting a different traditional, indigenous food in each issue.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

LOCAL CHAMP TEFF

A Grain Worth Fighting For In 2003, a Dutch company filed a patent on the processing of teff flour. This meant that although the grain was native to Ethiopia and Eritrea, the countries could not sell the flour or any nontraditional products made with the flour, such as biscuits and dough, to the European market.

People who are sensitive, allergic, or intolerant to this protein may experience abdominal discomfort, distention, or even illness if they are exposed to foods containing gluten. In severe cases, these individuals may experience malabsorption and suffer nutrient deficiencies. One of the primary ways of managing gluten intolerance is to avoid gluten-containing foods.

To protect its heritage foods and intellectual property, as well as to capitalize on the rising global interest in teff as a superfood, Ethiopia sought the patent revoked and took the Dutch company to court. After a multiple-year battle, the patent was annulled and teff ownership was restored to Ethiopia.

Teff is naturally gluten free, and its versatility in the kitchen makes it a much sought-after ingredient in gluten-free lifestyles. It can replace wheat flour in most recipes and take the place of oats in porridge. It also has thickening properties that make it ideal for stews and soups.

But why the fight over a grain unknown to most of the world?

Slow Carbs Are the Best Carbs

Naturally Nutritious

Many an Ethiopian distance runner credits teff for providing the stamina to complete endurance races in record time. Teff contains slow-release carbohydrates, which are carbohydrates that are digested and absorbed slowly in the small intestine, thereby providing a steady dose of energy. In addition, this category of carbohydrate does not raise blood sugar levels as much as other grains, making foods in this group ideal for people with diabetes.

As with many other African foods, research on the nutritional value of teff has only started to emerge, but it is already apparent that teff truly is a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in protein, copper, zinc, magnesium, and potassium, teff is also one the best grain-based sources of calcium, which helps not only in the formation of strong bones and teeth, but also in heart, nerve, and muscle function. The miniscule grain is also credited as being an excellent source of iron and was cited as the reason for reduced rates of anemia in pregnant Ethiopian women in a study published by the European Journal of Nutrition. However, emerging research suggests that teff’s high iron content may not be from the actual grain but rather from soil contaminating the grain during the threshing process. Because teff’s tiny size makes it difficult to separate the nutrient-containing germ and bran from the starchy endosperm, when you eat teff you are eating the whole grain and gleaning the most nutrients from the food as possible. Whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet because in addition to providing important nutrients such as B vitamins and magnesium, they contain plenty of fiber, which helps clear the body of harmful substances. Whole grains have also been shown to help control blood sugar levels, prevent heart disease, manage weight, and reduce the risk of certain cancers. And It’s Gluten Free! Globally, the number of individuals with gluten intolerance and sensitivities is increasing. Gluten is a type of protein that gives starches such as bread their springy texture, and is commonly found in products that contain wheat, rye, barley, and oats.

An Eco-Friendly Food As climate change continues to affect the world, new crops and farming techniques are becoming increasingly essential for preserving our existence. Teff is capable of growing in the harshest of weather conditions, is drought resistant, and requires minimal supplements in the form of fertilizers or other chemicals. In addition, a little of the seed goes a very long way, and an entire crop can be sown with just a handful of seeds. It’s Part of Our History For many of us, teff has become a symbol of the many other heritage foods that we sometimes take for granted or look down on. Foods such as millet, sorghum, and fonio all hold significant value in our cultural diets, health, and identity, but are rapidly being replaced by foreign items such as pasta, potatoes, and even quinoa. The battle for teff reminds us that we must celebrate our traditional foods, share them, tout their benefits, and tell the story of how they fit into our cultural diets and heritage. Even something as tiny as teff is a very big part of who we are. Here’s to your health.

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HEALTHY EATING

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

TEFF RECIPES

A modern makeover for an ancient grain

recipes & photography by Gabriela Iancu

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HEALTHY EATING

Coconut Bowl Teff Genfo Serves 2 — Step outside the box with this East African breakfast staple, a simple porridge made with dry-roasted teff flour and served with a buttery berbere sauce. A contemporary alternative to the traditional Ethiopian genfo, this comforting, filling African-style dish is served in a coconut bowl with fresh fruits and seeds. Plus, it’s extra nutritious thanks to teff, a high-fiber, high-protein, gluten-free ancient grain whose nutty flavor and unique texture take this dish to the next level.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

COCONUT BOWL TEFF GENFO

NUTRITION FACTS

servings: 2

PER SERVING

% DAILY VALUE

CALORIES

262

total fat

10.4g

13%

3.7g

18%

cholesterol

15mg

sodium

287mg

12%

total carb

31.6g

11%

4.4g

16%

saturated fat

dietary fiber sugars protein

9.4g 4.6g

total mineral INGREDIENTS

1 cup teff flour, lightly oven roasted or pan toasted 2 cups almond or coconut milk 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar, pure maple syrup, or agave syrup 1 teaspoon berbere spice 1 tablespoon ghee 1 medium-sized coconut, split in half Fresh fruit, mint leaves, black sesame seeds, and coconut flakes for garnish

vitamin d

0mcg

calcium

295mg

23%

iron

3mg

15%

potassium

121mg

Daily percentage value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Data analyzed from verywell.com

PREPARATION

1. In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a boil, then add the teff and cinnamon, stirring until mixture is smooth and thick. 2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the teff is cooked, about 15 to 20 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, then stir in sweetener to taste and spoon into coconut bowls. Top with fruit, mint, black sesame seeds, and coconut flakes, and drizzle with a mixture of ghee and berbere. *Note: Genfo is traditionally served with a well in its center filled with clarified butter and berbere. It pairs deliciously with a subtle Earl Grey tea.

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RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

SUPERFOOD TEFF SALAD

Superfood Teff Salad Serves 2 — This superfood salad is nutritious, delicious, and super satisfying. Teff is a good source of iron and an excellent source of fiber, and adds texture and substance to this bowl of goodness. The salad is crunchy, cool, and spicy, and the semi-dried tomatoes are wonderfully soft and sweet. INGREDIENTS

Base: 1/2 cup brown teff 1 cup water 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 small pinch of ground cinnamon Salad Dressing: 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds, toasted 1 pinch dried chili powder 1 handful fresh mint leaves 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 handful cherry tomatoes, halved and roasted* 7 ounces (1/2 can) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup roasted hazelnuts, chopped 3 tablespoons coconut oil 1 lemon, juiced 2 tablespoons water Salt and pepper to taste

NUTRITION FACTS

servings: 2

PER SERVING CALORIES

569

total fat

34.5g

saturated fat

% DAILY VALUE

44%

18.9g

94%

cholesterol

0mg

sodium

965mg

42%

total carb

54.3g

20%

dietary fiber

14.3g

51%

sugars

8.1g

protein

16g

total mineral vitamin d

0mcg

calcium

130mg

10%

iron

5mg

25%

potassium

586mg

12%

Daily percentage value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Data analyzed from verywell.com PREPARATION

1. Pour the teff into a medium-sized pot, add the water plus a pinch of salt and cinnamon, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and allow to simmer until all the water has been absorbed, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit covered for 10 minutes before fluffing the teff with a fork. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the salad dressing ingredients, then add the teff and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. *How to roast tomatoes: Preheat oven to 210º F. Cut tomatoes in half and lay them cut-side up on a baking tray. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for about one hour or until soft and sticky. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

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Avocado Hummus with Dukkah and Injera Serves 4 to 6 — This avocado hummus is so refreshing in the summer, and it works beautifully with dukkah and injera. The spread is soft and creamy, and the traditional Egyptian dukkah spices up this incredible vegetarian meal with a fantastic nutty flavor. Healthy African-style fare at its best!

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

2 avocados 7 ounces (1/2 can) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 tablespoon tahini 1 clove garlic, crushed 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 lemon, juiced 6 small injeras 1/4 cup dukkah for sprinkling* Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste Extra virgin olive oil and lemon wedges to serve

1. Place the avocado, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, coconut oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a food processor and process until smooth. 2. Spoon the avocado hummus onto each injera, sprinkle with dukkah, and drizzle with oil. Serve with lemon wedges. *Note: Dukkah is a spice blend that typically includes toasted hazelnuts, sesame, coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds.

NUTRITION FACTS

servings: 6

PER SERVING

% DAILY VALUE

CALORIES

518

total fat

24.5g

31%

7.4g

37%

cholesterol

0mg

sodium

483mg

21%

total carb

63.4g

23%

13.8g

49%

saturated fat

dietary fiber sugars protein

4g 13.6g

total mineral vitamin d

0mcg

calcium

141mg

11%

iron

5mg

26%

potassium

631mg

13%

Daily percentage value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Data analyzed from verywell.com

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

AVOCADO HUMMUS WITH DUKKAH & INJERA

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HEALTHY EATING

Ethiopian-Style Chicken Stew with Injera Serves 4 — Dive into this hearty, Ethiopian-style stew whose bold ingredients, including fresh ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and berbere spice, give the chicken a real boost. This comforting African classic, with its delicious spiced sauce, is amazing served with teff injera, a spongy, crepe-like flatbread that is slightly sour from the fermented teff flour. Injera can be found in many ethnic grocery stores, as well as online. Once you’ve become addicted to the intense flavors, this is exactly the dish you’ll want to share with family and friends.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

CHICKEN STEW WITH INJERA

PREPARATION

INGREDIENTS

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika, then brown in the hot oil for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove cooked chicken pieces to a plate and set aside.

3 tablespoons coconut oil 1 large onion, diced 2 tablespoons berbere spice 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger 1 teaspoon cumin 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 14 ounces (1 can) crushed tomatoes 1 cup chicken broth 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes Salt and pepper to taste Fresh mint leaves

2. In the same pan, add the onions and cook slowly for 10 minutes until soft, adding the garlic, ginger, berbere spice, and cumin for the last 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and broth, season well with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. 3. Return the chicken along with any juices to the pan, then lower heat and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened. Serve warm with fresh mint and a dash of dukkah, with injera on the side.

NUTRITION FACTS

servings: 4

PER SERVING CALORIES

438

total fat

13.4g

saturated fat

% DAILY VALUE

17%

45%

cholesterol

64mg

21%

sodium

840mg

37%

total carb

47.5g

17%

dietary fiber

24%

sugars

5.4g

protein

29.8g

total mineral vitamin d

0mcg

calcium

137mg

11%

iron

4mg

24%

potassium

535mg

11%

Daily percentage value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Data analyzed from verywell.com

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02 SECTION

fitness page 54.

THE TRUTH ABOUT CARDIO What's old is new again page 58.

BLACK DON'T CRACK (A SWEAT) Is that hairdo worth dying for? page 66.

INTERVIEW TRISH MILLER Are you lacking this lifesaving skill?

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FITNESS

The Truth About Cardio Workouts worcds by Patrick Dale

CARDIO USED TO BE the queen of workouts. Go back in

time to the latter part of the 20th century and everyone was doing cardio—or as it was often known, aerobics.

We jogged, went to group exercise classes, and thought nothing of hopping on a bike or treadmill for 30 to 40 minutes and working out at a slow, comfortable, steady pace. We truly embraced the “fat-burning zone.” Fast forward to today, and steady-pace cardio has something of a bad rap. We’re told it’s pointless, useless, ineffective, and inefficient. Worst of all, we’ve even been told that it’s lousy for weight loss. Oh, the horror! Instead of cardio, high-intensity interval training (hitt) is now at the top of the workout charts. Fitness experts

say it burns more calories per minute, takes less time, and produces results that regular cardio can only dream of. Does that mean that cardio is dead and gone? Not so fast! Steady-pace cardio still deserves a place in your workout schedule, and its benefits outweigh any supposed drawbacks. Why Has Steady-Pace Cardio Fallen out of Favor? When compared to high-intensity interval training, steady-pace cardio looks like an inferior workout. Because of this, hitt is the champion and cardio has been relegated to the second division. The truth is, the effects and benefits of regular cardio are still noteworthy, and on closer comparison, these two very different workout methods are actually very evenly matched.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

ARTICLE NAME ARTICLE NAME

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FITNESS

Let’s examine some of the claims made about hitt and see how they stack up against steady-pace cardio. 1.

hitt burns more calories per minute. While this is undeniably true, hitt workouts are also shorter than cardio workouts. If you burn 20 calories per minute doing hitt but only do 15 minutes, you’ll burn 300 calories. However, if regular cardio burns 10 calories per minute but you work out for 30 minutes, you’ll burn the same 300 calories. Yes, hitt does burn more calories per minute, but if your workouts are shorter, that difference doesn’t really matter.

hitt triggers a greater afterburn effect. hitt is known for increasing your metabolic rate and calorie expenditure for up to 48 hours after your workout. Like a hard-driven car, your metabolic engine stays hotter for longer. Steady-pace cardio does not have such a significant afterburn effect. However, because hitt workouts are so intense, you can’t really do them daily. Try it, and you’ll soon end up exhausted and injured. Regular cardio might not have the same afterburn effect, but because the intensity is lower, you can safely work out several days in a row, burning more calories in the process.

hitt workouts are shorter. One of the greatest exercise truisms is that you can work out hard or you can work out long, but you can’t do both. hitt workouts have to be short because they are so challenging. Steady-pace cardio workouts are easier and therefore longer. Or so it appears on paper. In reality, hitt doesn’t really save you much time at all. A tough 20-minute hitt workout should be preceded with an injury-preventing 5- to 10-minute warm-up and end with a 5- to 10-minute cool-down. That means your short hitt workout will actually last 30 minutes or so — about the same length as a regular cardio workout. It’s also important to remember that most people already spend too little time exercising

and being physically active, which can lead to a condition of diminished muscular function and mobility called hypokinesis. If hitt helps you to free up extra time for more exercise or physical activity, then that time-saving benefit is worth pursuing. However, if doing hitt means you spend less time exercising per week and more time being sedentary, that time saved could actually be detrimental to your health. 4.

hitt workouts are more exciting. Some people find sprints, jumps, kettlebell swings, burpees, and all the other exercises associated with hitt very exciting. But for others, they are nothing short of torture. hitt workouts are only effective if you push yourself way out of your comfort zone. hitt hurts! Some people enjoy rising to the challenge of hittinduced pain, but others find it a major turnoff. In contrast, steady-pace cardio is often more enjoyable. You can put on your headphones, switch off your brain, and plod along feeling comfortable and happy. For many exercisers, this kind of workout also reduces stress and acts like meditation on the move. hitt also has that snappy name that makes for great headlines and memes. Part of hitt’s appeal is its image; it’s “hardcore,” making it very media friendly. The truth is that hitt is easier for people who are already fit, who are in excellent health, and who have high levels of motivation. For the majority of exercisers, hitt is just too hard to be enjoyable or sustainable. That’s especially true for people who are overweight, unfit, or older. hitt is not recommended for people with heart disease or certain health conditions. However, many of these same people can do low-intensity steadypace cardio (with their doctor’s approval of course). Doing hitt too soon in your workout career could be enough to put you off exercise for good. You have to earn the right do hitt, but cardio lays the fitness foundation.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

THE TRUTH ABOUT CARDIO

How to Get the Most from Cardio Like all forms of exercise, there is a right way and wrong way to do steady-pace cardio. Here are four rules to make sure your cardio workouts deliver the results you want. 1. Do it regularly Most experts agree that you need to clock around 150 minutes of steady-pace cardio per week for it to be beneficial. That’s 30 minutes, five days per week. You can do more than this, but you’ll soon hit the point of diminishing returns. More cardio is not necessarily better. Unless you are training for a marathon, you just do not need to do ultra-long workouts. 2. Monitor your intensity To get the most from your cardio workouts, you need to work hard enough, but also avoid working too hard. With hitt that’s pretty simple—just work as hard as you can! But you can’t use that approach with steadypace cardio. If you do, your workout will soon grind to a premature halt. Instead, you should monitor your heart rate and make sure you keep it above 60% and below 90% of your ageadjusted maximum. To calculate these figures, just subtract your age from 220 and then multiply it by 0.6 and 0.9. This will give you the correct range for your heart rate during cardio. For example, if you are 35 years old: 220 – 35 = 185 maximum heart rate 185 X 0.6 = 111 minimum training heart rate 185 X 0.9 = 166.5 maximum training heart rate

For most people, 60% to 70% of the age-adjusted maximum is ideal. You can exercise harder than this, but while your workouts will be harder, they won’t be that much more beneficial. 3. Don’t forget progression Your body responds to the stresses placed upon it, and exercise is a form of stress. If you always jog for 20 minutes

at 6.25 mph (10 kph), that’s as fit as you are going to get. To increase your fitness, you need to raise the difficulty of your workouts. To do this, you must manipulate the cardio training variables of frequency, intensity, type, and time — fitt for short. FREQUENCY: exercise more often INTENSITY: exercise a bit harder (increase speed or resistance) TYPE: switch exercise modalities (i.e. run instead of cycle) TIME: exercise for a longer period

4. Relax and have fun! Don’t waste time worrying about which workout is best. Instead, choose one that you enjoy and that is the most compatible with your lifestyle. hitt may be better for calorie burning, but if you hate sprints and burpees, and miss more workouts than you successfully complete, it will never work for you. In contrast, if your idea of workout heaven is heading out for a relaxing run in the countryside, don’t worry that it might not be the most efficient use of your time. Enjoyable workouts produce better results — fact! What About Cardio and Weight Loss? The main reason people compare steady-pace cardio to interval training is weight loss. Which is better? Which one burns more calories or more fat? The truth is that interval training is slightly better for weight loss, but the difference isn’t enough to worry about. We’re talking a small number of calories and not enough to make or break your weight-loss progress. As the old fitness joke goes: What is the best exercise for fat loss? The dining table push-away and the dessert fork put-down! (Well, I think it’s funny.) Steady-pace cardio and high-intensity interval training can both help you reach your fitness and weight-loss goals. Do the one you enjoy the most, and if you like them both, include cardio and hitt in your workouts. Don’t get hung up on the differences between them — they are much more closely matched than most people realize.

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SECTION NAME

photography by Ahmad Barber model Atta of St.Claire Models styling by Ray C. Mone make-up by Christine Vasquez hair by Andy Buckmire dress Mysterious by NPN

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

ARTICLE NAME ARTICLE NAME

Is that hairdo worth dying for? words by Clarissa Bannor

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. It is responsible for more than 17.6 million deaths each year, and according to the American Heart Association, that number is expected to rise to 23.6 million by 2030. Black women carry a sizable amount of the cardiometabolic risk burden. There are many reasons for our high susceptibility to cardiovascular disease: food choices are often cited as the reason 57% of us are obese and 48.3% of us are living with cardiovascular disease (compared to 32.8% and 31.9% of Caucasian women, respectively).

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FITNESS

REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY has been proven to be

a significant preventative measure against high blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks, but studies are showing that black women aren’t getting enough cardio exercise to reduce our risks for these deadly diseases. Could hairrelated issues be the underlying reason many black women aren’t getting the exercise we need? The Financial Burden of Sweating It Out Recent studies funded by the National Institutes of Health on why black women don’t exercise more in order to help prevent heart disease and stroke list not wanting to “sweat out” one’s hairstyle as the number one reason black women are not participating in cardio exercises. Hair is political; it influences how we’re seen and treated in the world. Historically, women with curly, coily, wavy, and kinky hair have used straightening techniques to alter their hair’s texture and assimilate to white beauty standards as a way to increase desirability, respectability, and status in society. And because hair is the first thing people see and judge us by, making sure every kink and curl is laid out has been a top priority for black women for centuries. The straightening techniques used in our pursuit of silky, straight locks necessitate an acute aversion to moisture of any kind—sweat, rain, humidity, pool parties—because moisture could threaten or destroy a fresh blow-out or chemical process that takes hours to complete. Having moisture undo our carefully coiffed crowns can be both inconvenient and expensive. And while protective styles like braids, cornrows, wigs, and weaves are often touted as being more forgiving for exercise, black women still see sweating out a fresh hairstyle as problematic in our efforts to “stretch out” time and expense. Natural Hair Is Not a Silver Bullet Since the turn of the 21st century, which ushered in the natural hair movement, our perspectives about hair have changed. We aren’t under the same level of pressure to adhere to normative white standards anymore. Black beauty and natural black hair have become mainstream and culturally accepted. It’s reported that since 2008, over 70% of black women and girls have been transitioning or made the leap to become fully natural. While relaxer sales continue to decline, natural hair care products and YouTube videos dedicated to natural hair styling are trending up. But most of us who’ve made the switch to natural hair know that maintaining the perfect ’fro or twist-out is just as time consuming as maintaining a perfectly laid perm. Logically, natural hair seems to be the best option in giving us freedom to work out, but even with natural hair there’s a sweat-limit a lot of black women are reluctant to push past.

When I started my natural hair journey ten years ago, my cardio regimen was an on-again, off-again relationship with running, spinning, and body-sculpt classes at the gym. Though I felt good after exercising, I dreaded having to deal with the “shrinkage” that came after a sweaty workout. I was super self-conscious about how shrinkage distorted my otherwise lovely facial features: my big eyes, my button nose, the gap between my front teeth—they all seemed out of proportion with my shrunken post-workout hair. I didn’t feel my best until I could wash, blow out, and retwist my mid-length natural hair into a neat twist-out style—but I hated that process too. This desire to maintain my look meant I would either be inconsistent with my workout routine, especially if I had a big event coming up, or I would be beholden to spending hours in the bathroom or in my stylist’s chair trying to fix the “sweat damage.” If I wanted to be healthy, something had to give. Turns out naturals are just as vigilant as our relaxed sisters in “stretching out” a hairdo to avoid premature wash days. Ironically, the time, effort, and resources it takes to maintain natural hair is the same as having relaxed hair, so it’s no wonder we opt out of any sweaty activities. 30 Minutes a Day Keeps the Cardiologist Away One option to consider is head wraps. Not your granny’s old silk wraps that never saw the light of day, but new sweat-wicking headbands that can save your edges from being snatched up by the sweat monster. If you need something for more than just your edges, check out a cooling cap. Cooling caps inhibit scalp perspiration by wicking away sweat and distributing it throughout the cap, which creates a cooling sensation— keeping you cool and dry during a workout. For women who are unwilling to engage in more sweat-inducing activities, exercising below their perspiration threshold might be the answer. For our sedentary lifestyles, any activity is better than none and can do a lot to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Walking at a slow and moderate pace so that you aren’t sweating, or engaging in gentler exercises such as yoga, Pilates, and resistance training are good alternatives. The heart of the matter is that we need at least 150 minutes of moderate cardio exercise each week to keep us healthy and less susceptible to heart disease, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Maybe one day we’ll get gyms equipped with full-service salons for black hair. Maybe one day we’ll finally stop caring about how frizzy our hair looks. Maybe one day we’ll realize that nobody cares how crisp your edges are at your wake. Something’s got to give; don’t let it be your heart.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

THE TRUTH ABOUT HEART DISEASE

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FITNESS

The Fantastic Five for Cardio

HEAT UP

YOUR HEART RATE W

IT H

THE

FIV

EA T W

O OU RK

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

THE FANTASTIC FIVE WORKOUT

1. The Out and Back This outdoor workout is ideal for those days when you can’t get to the gym. Lace up your running shoes, head out the door, and jog comfortably for 15 minutes. After that, stop, catch your breath, and spend a minute or two stretching your legs. When you are ready, run back the way you came, but this time pick up the pace and do your best to cover the distance as fast as you can. Note how much time you save on your return journey. Try to beat your time when you repeat the workout. *MODIFICATION: WALK OUT AND SPEED WALK BACK, OR REDUCE YOUR OUTBOUND RUN TO 10 OR 12 MINUTES.

2. The 3 x 3 x 3 Workout Gym-based cardio is convenient, but it can be boring too. With little to look at, the time can really drag! This workout puts an end to exercise boredom by moving you from one cardio machine to the next. Choose three different cardio machines: for example, a rower, a bike, and a treadmill. Hop on the first machine and go slow for a minute, a little faster for a minute, and then faster still for one minute.

Next, move to another machine and follow the same procedure: one minute slow, one minute a little faster, and one minute faster still. Finally, go to your third cardio machine and repeat the same sequence of one minute slow, one minute a little faster, and one minute faster still. That totals nine minutes. Repeat the entire sequence twice more to total 27 minutes—that’s three exercises, three minutes each, and three laps.

*MODIFICATION: IF 27 MINUTES IS TOO LONG FOR YOU RIGHT NOW, FEEL FREE TO DO JUST TWO LAPS TOTALING ONLY 18 MINUTES.

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FITNESS

3. The Indoor Triathlon Adding an element of competition can make your cardio workouts more fun and exciting. It also provides an excellent way to monitor your progress. As you get fitter, you’ll complete your workout faster. This workout replicates the sport of triathlon, but rather than swimming, you’ll be rowing instead.

Excercise 2: Cycle 5,000 meters

Excercise 1: Row 2,000 meters Start your stopwatch when you begin rowing and stop it when you finish the run. Your transitions between exercises count toward your finishing time, so no dilly-dallying!

MODIFICATION: REDUCE THE LENGTH OF EACH SECTION TO REFLECT YOUR CURRENT FITNESS LEVEL (FOR EXAMPLE, ROW 1,000 METERS, CYCLE 3,000 METERS, AND RUN 2,000 METERS).

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

Excercise 3 Run 3,000 meters

THE FANTASTIC FIVE WORKOUT

4. Two Steps Forward, One Step Back This workout includes a built-in warm-up. It gets harder over time, and it’s up to you how far to take it. Stop the workout when you feel you have had enough. Using a treadmill, increase the speed for two consecutive minutes, and then slow down for one minute. Speed up again for two minutes, and then slow down again for a minute. Keep going until you are unable to maintain this two-steps-forward, one-step-back pattern. Here’s one example (if tracking in kilometers, you may wish to begin at 5 kph): 3 mph 4 mph 3 mph 4 mph 5 mph 4 mph 5 mph 6 mph

5 mph 6 mph 7 mph 6 mph 7 mph 8 mph 7 mph 8 mph

9 mph 8 mph 9 mph 10 mph 9 mph 10 mph 11 mph

Modification: If speed isn’t your thing, you can do a similar workout by increasing and decreasing the treadmill incline while walking or jogging (for example, 1%, 2%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 2%, 3%, 4%, etc.). Keep your speed constant throughout. 5. Scale the Heights Most stepper machines tell you how much vertical height you have climbed. Use this feature to set yourself some fun workout challenges and scale the height of some famous tall buildings. Start with some of the smaller buildings and build up to the real skyscrapers, the tallest of which is over half a mile high! Good options include: 1. Independence House, Lagos: 103 meters/338 feet 2.The Leadenhall Building, London: 225 meters/738 feet 3.The Eiffel Tower, Paris: 324 meters/1,063 feet 4.The Marina Torch, Dubai: 352 meters/1,155 feet 5.30 Hudson Yards, New York, 386 meters/1,266 feet 6.Willis Tower, Chicago, 442 meters/1,450 feet 7.Lakhta Center, St. Petersburg: 462 meters/1,516 feet 8.Lotte World Tower, Seoul: 554 meters/1,818 feet 9.Shanghai Tower, Shanghai: 632 meters/2,073 feet 10.Burj Khalifa, Dubai: 828 meters/2,717 feet

2019—volume 1

TRISH MILLER

Trish Miller: To Be in the Swim Again words by Nikki Igbo

Empowering kids with the gift of swimming

Trish Miller, MPH, didn’t like the public health data she was reading on drowning rates among black children. The figures were staggering, the reasons inexcusable. What gave the Sara Blakely Foundation and Civic Innovation Fellow even more of a sinking feeling was the lack of awareness surrounding this epidemic. To directly address the issue she launched SwemKids, and in doing so set a course to eradicate the swimming taboo throughout the black community once and for all.

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FITNESS

But Black People Don’t Swim Trish Miller once was a black girl who didn’t know how to swim. Her mother didn’t know how either, and Trish never ever saw her in a bathing suit. While Trish’s father taught her brothers how to swim for survival’s sake, Trish never ventured out of the shallow end of the pool. Despite her upbringing along the beaches of Virginia, she never went to the beach until she was of driving age. A day on any coastal grounds consisted of sunbathing and socializing, not playing in the ocean.

Once Trish had her own children, she thought back to that fateful day and didn’t want the same experience for them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, three children drown per day worldwide. “A lot of children suffer because their parents don’t know how to swim. And to overcome this lack of awareness, parents take their children to splash parks or shallow pools or keep them out of the water altogether. The children aren’t learning what is otherwise regarded as a recreational activity. They don’t know it is a lifesaving skill until it’s too late.”

“I did not actually get in a water space where my As a public health professional, Trish was especially feet didn’t touch the bottom until I was 19 and alarmed by the drowning rates among black on spring break,” shared Trish as we sat together children, rates that aren’t widely publicized or at Georgia Tech’s bookstore mere weeks after discussed inside or outside of the black community. her Atlanta TEDx Talk. “My girlfriends and I were chilling at the beach having a great time “This is actually a crisis that’s affecting us more than any other group or demographic. when they wanted to go to the pool.” For every white child that drowns, ten black After Trish revealed to her friends that she could children drown. Your 11- and 12-year-old not swim, they were all too eager to teach her. black children drown at a rate of ten to one They spent 15 minutes showing her paddling compared with white children. Your black basics, all the while proclaiming how easy children that are under 4 drown at a rate of six and simple the practice was. Trish took in this to one as compared with white children.” minimal information and was able to maneuver through the water from one place to the other. As the traffic of the bookstore buzzed around us, She felt confident as she emerged from the I was taken aback. I knew our children drowned shallow end and followed her friends to the more. I knew our children tended to be at greater risk, period. But that ten to one number deeper side. floored me. I thought of my own toddler boys “They jumped in and I went ahead and jumped and my eagerness for them to know how to too. I was cool until I bobbed down and came swim. I didn’t want them to become a statistic. back up and then bobbed down and came back Trish hadn’t wanted her children to become up ... and then bobbed down again.” statistics either. She saw to it that they received My stomach dropped as I listened to her. Trish, swim lessons at an early age. Still, she wasn’t who’d jumped in feet first, had been unaware of comfortable with not having the knowledge herself. how to reorient her body to float, tread water, or “I didn’t like that I couldn’t save them, so I got get to either side of the pool. back into the water myself and stayed there “I panicked when I couldn’t stay up. I was until I conquered that fear. It was a journey drowning. There was no question as to what and it wasn’t something that was very easy for me. Also working in public health and dealing was happening.” with my own fears around it, I started to dig Imagining frantic calls for an ambulance and into the data, and that’s where I saw that my hurried CPR applications, I was relieved to experience wasn’t unique.” hear that her friends were able to pull her out of the water to safety. Still, enough damage had I leaned back and thought of how much I personally enjoyed swimming. The many times been done. I’d played in the California coastal waters, the Bay Area’s swim-friendly lakes, and the public “It was years before I tried again. I was afraid.”

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

TRISH MILLER

pools throughout my hometown. It was fun. So why weren’t more black people doing it?

in swimming and diving.”

It made no sense to me that middle-school-aged black children were drowning at higher rates than black toddlers until Trish explained.

To prevent future escapes from happening, both during the middle passage and anywhere in America where waterways could serve as escape routes, slave owners and traders restricted Africans and their descendants from learning or practicing swimming in any way, shape, or form. The consequences of violating these restrictions were severe punishment or death.

“When children are under 4 years of age, parents keep them closer. It’s only when they arrive at a situation where they look around and wonder, Where did little so-and-so get off to? That’s when the

Meanwhile in coastal African communities, chiefs and tribal leaders urged their fellow citizens to stay away from the water to avoid capture and kidnapping. Parents warned their children with tales

I soon found out. We Don’t Swim Because of Fear

“We choose basketball as a sport for our children thinking that they’re going to be NBA stars one day. We prioritize that sport over swimming because we don’t see black people swimming.” child has fallen into a pool. But 11- and 12-year-old children are spending time with friends, going to parties, and generally away from their parents more often, so they’re drowning more often.” It’s impossible to watch over any child 24 hours a day, hence it is not so much a lack of supervision that leads to these deaths. Rather, it’s the lack of exposure to water safety skills. The reasons for that lack of exposure are both complex and multifaceted. In the West, the history and the legacy of slavery and prejudice is a major culprit. Prior to the slave trade, Africans living in coastal communities were incredibly strong swimmers, and these swimming talents were well-documented. An example of this history can be found in The Blind African Slave by Boyrereau Brinch, an African who was captured after having enjoyed an afternoon of swimming with his peers. More history on the prowess of African swimming was recorded in the journals of explorers and surveyors Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. During the trans-Atlantic slave trade, many captured Africans, particularly those transported to the Caribbean, were able to escape bondage by leaping from ships and swimming to safety. Dutch trader and explorer Pieter de Marees once said that Africans hailing from the Gold Coast “swim very fast, generally easily outdoing people of our nation

of dangerous water spirits and deities such as Mami Wata and Mamba Muntu. As time went on, warnings on both sides of the Atlantic spread from generation to generation and normalized the idea of blacks having a “natural” aversion to water. The incidence of blacks engaging in swimming, in America especially, was further stymied by racism. “Jim Crow segregation kept a lot of black people out of pools and made it clear that we were not invited,” Trish noted. “There’s a famous photo of a pool manager pouring bleach into a pool after blacks swam in it.” Those stories are quite familiar. Trish and I were able to swap plenty of them, most notably the one of famed entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. daring to swim in a whites-only pool at the New Frontier Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. After Davis emerged, casino managers drained the pool. “Those kinds of things made it clear that swimming was not for us. And now we kind of joke and laugh about it, saying ‘I ain’t gettin’ in no water’ instead of really addressing the reasons why we don’t do it.” Perhaps we’re still too afraid.

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We Don’t Swim Because of Cost and Access

Additionally, many blacks have come to believe that swimming is a pastime reserved for people with lots of money. In her research findings, Trish observed that the cost of swim lessons was a barrier for some, but that the perception of the cost was more problematic than the actual cost itself.

No matter where you go in the world, pools are expensive to install and maintain. For many blacks in the West, wealth disparities combined with an artificially inflated cost of living for black households prevent those households from having such luxuries as a home pool. That same systemic racism results in community pools “Where many parents put their money in terms of being built in predominantly white communities instead of extracurricular activities for their children — basketball, football, baseball — cost way more than a swimming lesson predominantly black ones. ever will,” Trish pointed out. “Because it’s not perceived to In Africa, though there are many lakes, rivers, and streams, us as a lifesaving skill our children need to learn, we’d rather not all are safe for swimming due to strong currents choose baseball or basketball over swimming lessons.” and tides. Inhospitable inhabitants such as crocodiles and hippos or health dangers such as parasites are also Cost, imagined or not, creates a lack of access. And lack of deterrents. Under those circumstances, as well as for those access creates a twofold lack of exposure. who don’t live in close proximity to water, man-made pools “We choose basketball as a sport for our children thinking are an alternative — but again, an expensive one. that they’re going to be NBA stars one day. We prioritize Within larger American cities such as New York and that sport over swimming because we don’t see black Chicago, public pools tend to be scarce. It proves to be a people swimming.” And for black communities with public logistical burden to frequent pools that are inconvenient to pools, we may see blacks in or near water, but we still don’t see them swimming there either. home, work, school, or public transportation.

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TRISH MILLER

As Trish explained, “The pools are only so deep. Children’s feet can touch the bottom. We’ve also done a disservice by creating splash pads and by renovating what used to be beautiful natatoriums into splash parks. These water parks have jets, buckets, and slides that go into three feet of water. The parks have now taken away the need for children to learn the skill because they can still enjoy the water without actually having to learn how to swim.” Yet even when we live in communities that have managed to overcome all of these barriers and obstacles to swimming, many of us still won’t do it. That reason is purely cosmetic. We Don’t Swim Because of Hair “One of the most communicated obstacles or barriers in the literature speaks to hair, and hair is one of those very sensitive topics for black women,” Trish pointed out.

area pool during the school day for two weeks of swim lessons. It’s treated as a field trip. Parents can elect to continue lessons. While in the program the children are introduced to and given skills for water safety.” The SwemKids pilot program partners with an Atlanta Public School elementary and middle school for ten days of swimming and water safety lessons at local pools. Capitalizing on metro Atlanta’s wealth of aquatic resources, program participants learn introductory water skills such as floating, breathing, and dog paddling. “If they are pushed in the water for some reason, whether proficient swimmers or not, they will at least know how to get to the side of the pool or stay there until someone can come to them. The model is successful. And the data shows that states with these school-based training programs have half the drowning rates of states without.” Trish expressed excitement about the program’s progress and its future growth.

I tugged on my locs as she spoke, and recalled what I did to protect my freshly groomed roots as I swam. It took an “We’d love to have a cluster where there is a middle school elastic-edged head tie covered by two rubber swim caps. with a pool and all the elementary schools within that And even then, sometimes I wouldn’t swim with my head cluster have swimming lessons during the day. Taking below the surface. advantage of this program would serve a lot of different purposes. First, it would demonstrate Atlanta Public In Trish’s experience, even when free lessons are available Schools’ commitment to affecting Georgia’s drowning to black children, they or their parents opt out because they statistics for their students.” don’t want to mess up their hair. Georgia is ranked second in the United States after “A father once told me that his ability to take his daughter Florida for drowning deaths in children. to the pool relies on whether or not his wife wants to do her hair after they swim. Hair is a deep-rooted cultural issue for “[The program] would introduce parents to the middle black people. And it takes a considerable amount of time to school into which these elementary schools are style our hair. There isn’t currently a way for us to protect matriculating. It also would introduce the children at an our hair so that we can spend more time in the water more earlier age rather than middle school age to the water, so frequently. Not with the swimming caps currently on the once they get there they’d already know.” market. They’re not designed to keep hair dry but rather to keep hair out of the pool. They aren’t designed for our In addition to dispelling swimming myths within the black [hair] volume either.” community (yes, we can float and no, our bones are not too dense), SwemKids highlights black Olympic swimmers To eliminate this barrier, Trish partnered with fellow such as Cullen Jones, Maritza Correia, and Simone Manuel. entrepreneurs in Atlanta’s 2019 Civic Innovation Residency And because the SwemKids team is black, children see program to develop a patent-pending cap specifically black swimming experts live and in person. designed to keep curly hair dry while swimming. Finally, the program articulates the health and physical The Many Benefits of Swimming benefits of swimming as exercise. “It’s easier on the joints and it’s the best workout you can do, period. It works The SwemKids program model Trish launched in every muscle and it’s a great resource for changing our Atlanta isn’t a new concept. overall health picture as a community, as a lot of our most chronic illnesses result from a need for improved fitness.” “There are models in other states that make it mandatory for children to learn how to swim before they can Swimming has been shown to develop and support heart matriculate to other grades,” Trish explained. “They and lung health. It also promotes improved flexibility, typically teach them in elementary school by going to an coordination, balance, and posture.

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FITNESS

“It’s a great summer job for children,” Trish continued. “I grew up in Virginia, and Virginia did have this swim “These jobs require lifeguarding certifications which program in its school system. I participated but I didn’t include knowledge in CPR and first aid. They pay better learn to swim. I couldn’t identify with the person who was than your standard fast food work. Plus, developing teaching me. I didn’t learn how to swim until I had a black lifeguarding skills helps children grow into adults who trainer. She taught me how to swim in less than a week, are able to recognize emergencies with people both and I realized that it was a trust factor.” inside and outside of the water. For centuries, Africans and their descendants have been Swimming is another opportunity for children to gain told by others what to do with their bodies. How to dress more athletic scholarships. Basketball and football them. How to use them. How to view them. Frankly, we’re are saturated. If we’re looking for other ways for our tired of it. These bodies are OUR bodies. Nothing feels children to stand out, this is a prime option.” better than to receive positive, inspiring, and informative guidance from others who understand what it’s like to live Like Moving Meditation in this skin. Trish and I spent another good half hour swapping tales about our experiences as confident swimmers. Trish shared, “The first time I did a lap, I told my trainer I felt like I just smoked a carton of Newports. I go to the gym, but I had never before been in a space that literally worked every piece of me.” As for me, I felt like I’d been beaten with a bag of nickels. But I also felt strong, energized, refreshed, and something more. Trish agreed. “Once I learned not to fight the water but instead give in to it, I experienced this weightlessness. I let the water take my body, and as I maneuvered, I simply did what the water asked me to. It was a very meditative place,” she said. Trish had spent a lot of time being afraid of the water. It was a fear that had been passed down from her parents, persisted before her spring break experience, and deepened despite the formal swimming instruction she initially received.

I shared with Trish how I’d turned to swimming to reclaim my body. Following the birth of my children, my body became foreign. I liked neither the way I looked nor the way I felt. I decided to love my body again, especially since it was the only body I had. I did so by challenging myself to swim, to move into an unfamiliar space and remain at peace. For the first time ever, I swam in water 12 feet deep. Once I got into the water, I was amazed by the difference in buoyancy. The more I relaxed, the higher I floated. I realized that in trusting my body, I had to also trust the environment of the water. I floated in the deep and felt as if I’d returned to the womb. Nothing else existed but the here, the now, and the potential for greater things. I emerged from the water as if baptized. Renewed. Refreshed. Ready to face the world again. As we completed our talk, Trish and I regarded each other with a smile, recognizing and appreciating the absence of fear. I felt a great sense of comfort and wished the best for Trish, SwemKids, and all of our children near and far.

For more information on SwemKids, visit swemkids.com.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

We desire to bequeath two things to our children; the first one is roots, the other one is wings. - Sudanese proverb

FITNESS

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RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

RADIANT FINDS

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2019—volume 1

top by Dries Van Noten pants by Tootsies

03 SECTION

features page 78.

ANNIE’S ALL GOOD The irrepressible intensity of Annie Ilonzeh page 90.

WHEN YOUR MIRROR LIES The silent shame of African women struggling with eating disorders page 98.

OWNING YOUR SEXUALITY Q & A with the women of Afrosexology

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Annie's ALL

Good

FEATURES

THE IRREPRESSIBLE INTENSITY OF ANNIE ILONZEH

Annie Ilonzeh. Maybe you’ve noticed the name in show and movie credits. Or seen it on a best-dressed list. Or heard it while watching a red-carpet event. But whether you recognize the name or not, you’ve seen Annie’s face. Whatever the case, you’ll likely not forget her from now on.

words by Nikki Igbo Photography by Ahmad Barber Model Atta of St.Claire Models Styling by Ray C'Mone Make-up by Christine Vasquez Hair by Andy Buckmire Dress Mysterious by NPN

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

ARTICLE NAME ARTICLE NAME

dress by Tootsies earrings by Humans Before Handles

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earrings by Humans Before Handles 80

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

ANNIE ILONZEH

Who’s That Girl?!

make it. I’ll get that show, that movie. I’ll get that role. I just keep it moving and never look back.”

She was the awesomely fit Becky slinking past Barney on How I Met Your Mother. The curly coiffed Natasha Yes, Annie is driven, but her drive is matched by her on Melrose Place. Charlie’s Angels’ Kate Prince. General humility and her willingness to be a constant student Hospital’s Maya Ward. She made recurring appearances of her craft. on Switched at Birth, Drop Dead Diva, Arrow, and Person of Interest. She was the tempting journalist Harper “I’ve been fortunate to be on a lot of sets and learn a Scott on Empire. Tupac’s main squeeze Kidada Jones in lot of different lessons from many different professors, All Eyez On Me. And today she plays heroic paramedic good and bad. I’ve heard horror stories that are lessons Emily Foster on Chicago Fire, a show with a weekly on how to do better and then I’ve gotten people like this current project, Chicago Fire. I’ve never been on a set that audience of 11.7 million viewers. was so dedicated to family, both on the set and off.” Remember her name: Annie Ngozi Ilonzeh. She works. Annie credits famed television producer Dick Wolf Raised by a dedicated, doting pair—a Polish mother with cultivating the show’s culture and she definitely with a proactive attitude and a Nigerian father with a appreciates the opportunity to work on it. strong work ethic—this lifelong player of competitive sports went to Hollywood to hustle and win. As the “Wolf has created so many shows—the longest-lasting firstborn of five girls, Annie knows she’s got to set the shows in history; this man knows what he’s doing. To be a part of that and to have an influence like that, he’s right example. basically my coach. He’s like a Phil Jackson. Him and JJ “My sisters are my babies, and it’s important to me to be Abrams. I trust these people because they’ve been in the a legit point guard to the team and control the game,” game for so long. I’m lucky. All I can do is work hard and Annie explained during a break in our cover shoot. hope that everybody respects it and sees it.” “They need to see me first and foremost doing it from Oh yes, Annie. We see you. the bottom and working hard and not giving up.” She jumps on smart opportunities. Attacks each assignment with grace and alacrity. Believes in keeping her word to a fault. And she’s just plain nice to work with. She’s not just a breath of fresh air—she’s a steady, cool breeze. Her PR team loves her. Her costars love her.

“I don’t care about don’ts. All I want to talk about is do’s. I want to talk about the fact that I will be successful. I will make it. I’ll get that show, that movie. I’ll get that role. I just keep it moving and never look back.” We at Radiant love her. Seriously. She’s on her way to household status because she’s a genuine sweetheart and she went to Hollywood to do the damn thing.

Part Kujichagulia ... Hollywood success is a lofty ambition. According to the Actors’ Equity Association, an American theatrical performance labor union, less than 14% of actors were employed in 2016. The same organization notes that the average unemployment rate of actors at any given time is 90%. Despite a projected employment growth of 12% between 2016 to 2026 by the American Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pool of successful actors and actresses who do and will work consistently is about 1%. And those odds tend to favor aspiring professionals with college degrees in theater arts, drama, acting, or performance. In spite of all that, Dallas-native Annie, a collegiate basketball player majoring in finance at the University of Texas at Arlington, decided to leave in her senior year to go to Hollywood.

“Chasing and going after what I want is so legit. You perfect your shot, you perfect your craft,” Annie said, breaking in and out of her b-ball vernacular. “I don’t “I remember telling my manager when I met him,” Annie care about don’ts. All I want to talk about is do’s. I want explained. “‘Look, I’ve never done this. I don’t know to talk about the fact that I will be successful. I will how to do this, but I guarantee that I’ll compete. I

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dress by Akris boots by Jimmy Choo

FEATURES

won’t get taken to the hole too many times or allow anybody to score on me too many times without figuring out how to stop them. I’m not going to go to the hole too many times and miss, you know?’” The young lady who’d spent so much of her youth aspiring to be the next Sheryl Swoopes or Lisa Leslie—while also following in her dad’s accounting footsteps—had been bitten by the Hollywood bug. During a chance getaway with college friends in Los Angeles, she was invited to a music video set. That was the first time she’d gotten a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Hollywood magic, and what she viewed there made sense of a past she’d never really considered before. She watched how the director orchestrated the whole project. Deciding on the best angles and lighting. Urging the players to express certain energies and emotions. Making sure hair, wardrobe, and makeup were just so. As she watched, she was taken back to childhood memories of coordinating home productions with her four sisters. It was all fun and games then, nothing serious— little girls simply make-believing their own plays and shows. But she’d been in the director’s seat leading the way, just as she witnessed the music video director do. And she recalled that what she’d done with her sisters had felt natural and good. She couldn’t shake the desire to be in that same creative space again. Simply put, Hollywood called to her and she answered despite her lack of formal training or professional experience. But pursuing it just made sense, and it was Annie’s mother who urged her to take the leap. “Mom said, ‘You’re young and if you don’t do it now, you might not do it.’ She said to do it now because eventually if I didn’t, then every year I would talk myself out of it. I needed to just go for it and I did.”

beginning to realize and address another obstacle Annie faced, above and beyond her limited experience: diversity. Between 2011 and 2016, there was a net gain in award-winning minority films, leads, and television shows. We saw the Oprah Winfrey Network launch, which ushered in a host of all-black television projects, including Greenleaf and Queen Sugar. Both streaming platforms and broadcast networks exploded with a buffet of diverse projects, from Orange is the New Black and Chewing Gum on Netflix to Scandal and Black-ish on ABC. Black directors Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele produced minority-cast mega hits that demonstrated the appeal of diverse projects to both American and global audiences. And so, as Annie’s acting chops grew and elevated her to lead roles in Charlie’s Angels, Til Death Do Us Part, and the forthcoming Staties, Hollywood opportunities for minorities also leveled up. Though we do have miles to go. … And Part Ujima The 2018 Hollywood Diversity Report—a comprehensive study of theatrical films and television shows airing or streaming across broadcast networks, cable networks, and digital platforms—revealed what we already know: minorities are underrepresented in the industry. Only 1.4 out of 10 lead actors in film are people of color. That underrepresentation continues across the board, with minorities making up 12.6% of film directors, 8.1% of film writers, 18.7% of cable-scripted leads, and 20.2% of broadcast reality leads. Annie definitely recognizes these challenges, which is why she never misses an opportunity to promote both her own projects and those of others who are rewriting the statistics. Her Instagram page showcases “the culture” and its creators—Ava Duvernay, Malcolm X, Chance the Rapper—every bit as much as her beloved parents, sisters, friends, and personal projects. She sees the work that needs to be done and she’s game for it.

Hence, in 2006 Annie relocated to Los Angeles, began taking acting classes, found a commercial agent, applied the same drive she’d had with basketball, and started booking ad after ad. “We are and we were suppressed. We didn’t Payless. Nissan. McDonald’s. EA Sports. Kay have the same opportunities as other races— Jewelers. You’ve seen her in all those spots and white in particular. However, it’s now our more, diligently perfecting her delivery. duty, in knowing the problem and the issues, to go for a solution. We can do better across Her timing couldn’t have been better. As the board. What we can really do better is she was honing her craft, Hollywood was support our own.”

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ANNIE ILONZEH

dress by The Ivy Showroom earrings by Anthropologie

“I’ll hear of people not going to see a movie because it’s Nipsey Hussle’s economic self-empowerment strides, an all-black cast or it’s led by a black director. Many it’s been an uphill push. Annie knows this and is of us are instantly shutting it down and not going to inspired because of it. see it. Or we can sit here and say that we don’t get the opportunity [to support black creators], but Ava, “Hollywood has not given us the same opportunities, Jordan and Tyler aren’t the only black creators out the same roles. That’s a fact. But we can start our there. It’s our job to do the research and see others movement for sure. That starts with us joining like Deon Taylor and Chris Stokes. They’ve been in hands. Example: Nipsey being shot by a black the game but aren’t as glamorized or glorified by us. person? Like Malcolm X being shot by a black The more ticket sales we have, the more support we person. Unacceptable. Whether violence is gang-, give each other, the more we’re heard. There’s no hate-, or jealousy-related, it has to stop. I always stopping us. I do think we tend to stop ourselves, and think the first thing I can do when I explain or we can’t use that as an excuse.” express to my fellow person, regardless of color, race, gender, is to look in the mirror and ask how Black Hollywood’s history has been fraught with I can change and influence the same issue or the struggle. Since 1918 when Oscar Micheaux’s Black problem I’m talking about. Roadshow Cinema independently delivered 44 black films to black audiences, all the way to the late “It always starts right here with self.”

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FEATURES

“Look, I’ve never done this. I don’t know how to do this, but I guarantee that I’ll compete. I won’t get taken to the hole too many times or allow anybody to score on me too many times without figuring out how to stop them. ”

D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F. I have never understood the folks who get tattoos on a whim—heading down to a parlor, drunk on peppermint schnapps, picking out the prettiest design on the tattoo artist’s wall. But I knew the mysterious tattoo on Annie’s right hand certainly would not have a similar origin story. I imagined the meaning behind it and its strategic placement were both deep and deliberate. And I also figured her explanation of it would make me appreciate her all the more. After politely asking me if it was okay to swear (to which I said, “Shit, yeah!”), she replied:

and ever-expanding. It’s silly to think we’re the only blue dot that claims life. An alien is extra-terrestrial. Extra means above and terrestrial means ground. Think ‘elevated,’ ‘rising above,’ or ‘pioneering spirit who hovers above the chaos of the human experience to see and do something brighter, bigger, better.’ Maybe there are little green beings with big heads and huge luminous eyes from unknown planets. Or maybe we shouldn’t limit what constitutes an alien to any singular idea. “Even if someone doesn’t agree [with my belief], it’s that thing of agreeing to disagree or allowing for a level of expansion and open-mindedness to all the things we think of as weird. It just helps me to expand my mind, to know that there’s more to this and it’s bigger than me and always will be. There has to be a level of comfort in knowing that you don’t have all the answers.

“It means, ‘Do I look like I give a fuck?’ I saw it on something and I just had to get it on my dominant hand to see it all the time, because I can tend to get heady and give a fuck too much to where I censor "You can relinquish a lot of control. Just let it go.” myself and don’t go for it.” What if we all dared to think without limitation? What if The passion with which she said this was so intense we valued possibility and potential over failure, fear, and and heartfelt. It came from a place of self-recognition, the status quo? Isn’t that what we creators are supposed self-acceptance, and self-love that is perhaps the most to do? difficult aspect of this existence, whether millions of There's Something About Annie eyes are watching us on television each week or not.

“I’ll self-sabotage or I won’t the pull the trigger when I could have easily chatted with Annie for the rest of I just need to get over the fuck, not have any, and the day, picking her brain on what it was like to work keep it moving. At some point it’s really all about on the set of Empire. Gabbing with her about her Virgo letting go and letting that creative process happen. tendencies toward perfectionism and how to cope with I’ll tend to left- or right-brain it and say ‘Two plus the same behavior in my eldest son. Ribbing her about two equals four. How do I get to four?’ But with this how she was totally about to ignore her doctor’s advice so creative process and just being free and allowing for she could make it to our original shoot date. my weird, I can dare to ask the question, ‘Can two “We’re a health and wellness magazine,” I chided. “There’s plus two equal seven?’” no way we were going to let you get on that plane when Annie’s comments called to mind all of the things you weren’t feeling your best.” mankind once believed as fact. Sneezes are demons escaping from your body. Twins are evil. The earth is “I know,” Annie said with a bashful grin. “I just don’t like to at the center of the universe. Then someone “weird” let anyone down. I really strive to keep my word.” came along, bucked convention, and gifted us all with wisdom and new possibilities. Annie is of that ilk, I was getting so comfortable with her when it hit me that those thinkers who dare to see beyond. And here’s a this woman had worked with Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Taye Diggs, Jennifer Garner, Dick Wolfe, JJ fun bit of Annie trivia: she also believes in aliens. Abrams. She had dropped their names all throughout our “I think it’s so simple-minded and small to believe that conversation like nothing. Because she knew them and we’re the only creatures in a cosmos that is both infinite they knew her! They, like ... hung out.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

ANNIE ILONZEH

Annie is a true Hollywood insider, I realized. Cool as a fan, but still kind of a big deal. She’s a star on the rise, still working her way to that special kind of fame. That “no need to say her last name” fame. Like Oprah and Rihanna. Therefore, her willingness to speak out about everything from #MeToo and domestic violence to Cyntoia Brown and Hollywood race disparities is still a little risky. Which is why I am loving her all the more and especially appreciated when she said: “I don’t know why our brothers and our sisters tend to condemn anyone who has figured out how to be completely comfortable and free in their sexual preference, sexuality, or gender. Everyone should be free to do so as a free human in a free world. I don’t think we talk about it enough. You know? People go on the down low and hide, and it’s still that way in Hollywood. If a person is out then they believe they won’t work again or Hollywood won’t hire them or everyone will judge them. There’s plenty of actors who believe male fans will no longer support their work if their homosexuality was revealed. That’s so sad.” I nodded in agreement, thinking of all the members of the African diaspora around the world who can’t live their truth. Imagining how difficult it must be to hide in plain sight for fear of risking everything. “I also wonder why it is somehow accepted a little more for women to be lesbian. Where is that coming from? Why is it okay for one but not okay for the other? Vice versa exists too. Certain things are okay for a man but not for a woman. There has to be equality and openness no matter what. If you love who you love, you and everyone else should be fine because it is fine. It’s happiness. At the end of the day, we’re here to connect. If we’re not making those connections then we’re doing something wrong.” I had to dap it up with her on that one. Real talk. Thankfully we can all look forward to connecting more with Annie on both the small and silver screens soon. And eventually—most likely sooner than later—we’ll see her claim the director’s seat to see her own Hollywood visions come to life. Oh yes, Annie’s got more up her sleeve. We just need to continue to be on the lookout. Cause that girl is good, and she’s definitely going places.

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RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

ARTICLE NAME ARTICLE NAME

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WHEN YOUR MIRROR LIES

When Your

words by Clarissa Bonnor

Mirror Lies

The silent shame of African women struggling with eating disorders THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE WORLD LIKE VEGAS. Everything

about Sin City is grandiose—from the flashing lights and spectacular architecture to the 24-hour partying and gambling, Vegas is the ultimate getaway.

However, the infamous slogan “Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” shines light on what the city represents for many aside from a getaway: the permission to lower their inhibitions and indulge their carnal senses. People trudge to Vegas to indulge, and it was to this city that Selam Kebrom, an Ethiopian-born Eritrean, and her family immigrated when she was 13 years old.

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FEATURES

If you’ve ever been to Vegas, then you are familiar with the omnipresent images of half-naked women. From billboards to buildings to sidewalks to front desk counters, women’s bodies are displayed everywhere. This was the backdrop to Selam’s eating disorder journey. The images of these women informed a thirteen-year-old Selam what a woman’s body is supposed to look like. “I grew up seeing the naked bodies of women in my family every now and then, but when I moved to Vegas, the bodies of women were constantly in my face,” says Selam. She remembers thinking, I don’t look anything like these women. As a teenager, Selam’s new awareness of her body, coupled with the stress of having uprooted her entire life, took its toll. At age 15, two years after she moved to the United States, she found herself on an eating disorder roller coaster. First it was bulimia, a serious and potentially lifethreatening eating disorder characterized by consuming large amounts of food and then purging with selfinduced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, weight-loss supplements, or diuretics. The goal is to get rid of extra calories and prevent weight gain. Selam’s bulimia habits continued for a few months until one particular purging session when she almost choked to death from throwing up. “I saw my life flash before my eyes, and I knew I did not want to die, especially not with my face over a toilet. After that episode, I stopped purging after every meal.” The Role of Westernization

Today, the introduction of Instagram doesn’t help. It is the new MTV.” However, many developing cultures probably also have cases of eating disorders that are misdiagnosed or untreated because of stigma and lack of awareness. This makes it difficult to know how deeply Westernization has impacted eating disorder rates worldwide. Africans have historically, and even in the modern day to a large extent, seen excess body fat as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Africa has changed and is changing—socially, politically, and infrastructurally. The Continent is experiencing rapid urbanization and the collision of Western, Eastern, and traditional African cultures. This convergence comes with cultural changes, and the impact affects the sense of identity, body image, cultural attitudes, and related issues that can trigger eating disorders. Researchers suggest that the global rates of eating disorders will rise rapidly. Societal pressure also plays a role, especially for Africans and black people. We care about how we are perceived for a myriad of reasons. Africa is a communal culture, and each individual is part of a collective and represents a family, a tribe, a culture, sometimes even a nation. Because of this, there is a constant drive to project an image of prosperity in order to honor and elevate the group. This sense of pride and responsibility reaches outside the Continent as well; it plays into the cars we drive and the clothes we wear, and it seeps into our concern for how our bodies appear. Although Selam quit the purging related to her bulimia, she replaced it with calorie restriction—an excessive preoccupation with the calorie content of food. And she kept all of her struggles hidden from her family and friends.

It isn’t surprising that Selam’s self-consciousness about her body started in the United States. Although it is difficult to ascertain the rate of eating disorders on the African continent and among African women due to the scant research available, many beliefs about eating disorders in “It was easy to do, because I’ve always had a slender and developing and non-Western societies are based on the lean stature, and no one assumed I was secretly purging,” assumption that an increase in eating disorders is directly explains Selam. “I would research the calories in each related to the acceptance of Western ideals. food item my mom was cooking and would use the information to determine what I was going to eat and “Exposure plays a role in eating disorders,” says Dr. how much of it. Also, as a black and African girl, having Judi-Lee Webb, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and an eating disorder is not something we see a lot of or talk the founding president of the Atlanta chapter of about in our communities and homes.” the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals Foundation. “My doctorate dissertation No Group Is Safe was on cross-cultural comparison of eating disorders. One of the studies I read looked at the correlation The media generally portrays eating disorders as in the rise of eating disorders and exposure to affecting middle- and upper-class white girls and Westernized culture through TV and magazines on women. However, no race, culture, or ethnicity is the Fiji islands. The introduction of Western culture exempt, because all are prone to mental illnesses such meant the idolization of the Westernized body, and as eating disorders. Risk factors include a genetic link, led to a sense of loss of both authenticity and heritage. particularly from a parent, sibling, aunt, or uncle who

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

WHEN YOUR MIRROR LIES

“ For the first five years, it was easy to be under the radar and not have anyone notice, ... because eating disorders have this one face and it does not look like me. ” has or has had an eating disorder, or the presence of other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety within the family. According to Dr. Webb, “Aside from genetics and other underlying mental health issues, exposure, societal pressure, and of course the individual’s own mental illness or trauma from moving across continents or losing a loved one can all lead to an individual developing an eating disorder.” While conversations about eating disorders, like many mental health issues, are taboo in the African and black communities, there are African and black women living with eating disorders all around us. They work with us, live with us, and love us. Raising awareness about eating disorders in African and black women is critical to increasing research and improving treatment. The causes are as varied as the treatment options. Dr. Webb always starts with the individual culture’s relationship with food. “My treatment approach starts with how food is viewed in your culture, community, and in your family of origin,” she says. “Was food scarce or available in abundance or was it used for celebration? Food plays specific and different roles in different cultures. I usually recommend starting from there and taking into account the cultural elements of a person’s life, because you can’t assume that just because a patient is from Africa that they identify with their African culture. They may identify more with the white American culture, and they may look at food through that lens. In addition, Dr. Webb recommends pulling family and friends into the treatment plan. “It is particularly important if you have a relationship with your family or spend holidays together. Your family may not get it, but we’ve got to keep educating the family. It’s the same with an addiction, say alcohol; for the person to remain sober, they need community and family to understand. For eating disorders, if the family needs to be educated for ten years then that’s what we do until they somewhat get it and understand that an eating disorder is a disease. It’s an illness and getting rid of it is not just a matter of willpower.”

Hiding in the Shadows The study of eating disorders in Africa is still in its infancy. A 2016 first-of-its-kind review of studies on the epidemiology of eating disorders on the African continent found a total of four studies with data on specific, formally-assessed eating disorders. The review found that the prevalence rate of bulimia nervosa in women in Africa is within the range reported for Western populations, including African Americans and Latin Americans. However, there were no cases of anorexia nervosa in the African epidemiological studies, which is in accordance with the very low prevalence rates of anorexia nervosa in Latin Americans and African Americans in the US. However, even very low rates do not equal no cases at all. In her senior year of college, Damola Akintunde, a 23-year-old Nigerian American woman, was diagnosed with anorexia, an eating disorder characterized by abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight. People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, and undertake extreme measures that tend to significantly interfere with their lives, such as not eating. They may also try to lose weight by exercising excessively, and they continue to fear weight gain no matter how much weight is lost. People with anorexia often equate thinness with self-worth. Damola’s symptoms started when she was 16, but it was easy for her to stay in the shadows. Many people dealing with an eating disorder develop the skills to keep it hidden. This can be especially easy as a black woman with an eating disorder because of the race factor. “For the first five years, it was easy to be under the radar and not have anyone notice,” says Damola. “Part of the reason was because eating disorders have this one face and it does not look like me. It does not have my skin or my body type.” Also, no one called her out. “I didn’t think I was necessarily doing anything wrong,” she explains. “I just stopped eating and I wouldn’t bring my full lunch

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to school. When I got home, if I was offered food, I Jamella Stroud is an African American business consultant, would say I wasn’t hungry. I stopped eating. I would speaker, and author of the book Bulimic to Believer. Her restrict for events. I would also restrict when I was bulimia symptoms began when she was 21 years old, stressed out about school or stuff at home or in my about a year after she gave birth to her daughter. Shame life. No one necessarily called me out or knew I was kept her from sharing. almost about to pass out most days from not eating. A friend of mine in college once mentioned that I don’t “I was innocently trying to lose weight after I had my eat, but by that time it was normal for me not to eat or daughter and I started exercising a lot,” says Jamella. “I to restrict my eating.” became obsessive compulsive about exercising, then I started taking laxatives. Within that same year, I made a It wasn’t until Damola’s junior year in college that a goal to lose 50 pounds in five months. I was determined counselor told her she had an eating disorder. In her to lose weight by any means necessary. I can’t remember senior year, she was diagnosed with anorexia by a the day I started purging, but I found myself in the cycle psychiatrist. “I had gone into the counseling center for of binging and purging within that same year.” anxiety and other stuff that I was dealing with, and they told me I was dealing with anorexia at the time.” However, she didn’t have a name for what she was experiencing until she was 22. “I was watching a movie The Shame That Isolates on Lifetime and a white lady in the movie had the same behavior of binging and purging. Things that she was Both overeating and refusing to eat are common doing were similar to everything I was doing. They responses to stress, anxiety, and depression; however, mentioned that she was bulimic and it was the first time eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge- I had a name, because I did not know that what I was eating disorder are mental illnesses that tend to experiencing had a name or that it was even something.” coincide with issues of stress, anxiety, and depression in a lot of women. She kept her symptoms to herself for another three years. “I didn’t tell anyone immediately, because there Eating disorders show up emotionally and physically. was so much shame that comes with it. I didn’t know The condition includes extreme emotions, attitudes, what this thing was, but I wasn’t ready to really let it go, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues, though I had an awareness that it was something that and can have life-threatening consequences. Anyone could kill me from watching the movie. can develop an eating disorder, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, culture, size, socioeconomic status, “I finally told my friend almost three years after and she or sexual orientation. had no idea what to do either. However, after I shared it with her, I strong-willed myself into stopping. I was “I can’t think of any race, culture, or ethnicity that gets able to stop the purging before I got help, however I a pass on eating disorders,” says Dr. Webb. “It may still had the mental part that comes with bulimia—the not be identified as an eating disorder or may not be negative self-talk and the distorted way I saw myself and spoken about because of stigma, culture, or lack of my body. I still had that to work through even though I education and awareness. I didn’t know about eating had stopped purging.” disorders myself until my doctoral program. I went to Howard University for my master’s in counseling A Change in Perspective psychology, and it was never spoken about.” Body dysmorphia is a mental disorder in which you can’t This is not surprising. The effort it took to find stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or African and black women willing to share their flaws in your appearance—flaws that are either minor or experiences for this article was quite indicative of the unnoticeable to others. It is an issue that both Jamella lack of attention given to the issue in the African and and Damola have had to deal with even after their black community. Adding to the lack of awareness is bulimia and anorexia symptoms stopped. the widespread stigma of mental illness, and with that comes shame and silence. “I’m recovered completely,” says Damola. “I don’t feel like I need any sort of validation from how much food I eat or Of course, this social stigma is not limited to don’t eat. I just eat and I feel comfortable eating. I will say communal cultures, but one of the disadvantages of that body dysmorphia is still something I struggle with.” living in a communal culture is that silence, shame, and the importance of community and familial pride For many, having an eating disorder is a lifelong journey. often take precedence over individual freedom. Selam, who is now in her late thirties and many years

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from her last purging episode, still has to stay aware and alert. “I restricted my meals and counted calories for many years after I stopped purging, and I am probably going to manage that for the rest of my life,” she admits. “I can easily fall back into restricting my calories and what I eat when I am stressed.”

In addition to seeking adequate treatment, being aware and having the knowledge that you have an eating disorder is a good starting point. Unfortunately, because eating disorders are seen as a white woman’s disease, many black women do fall through the cracks when it comes to diagnosis.

However, her perspective of what a woman’s body should look like has changed. “I know that it is more important for me to have a healthy body above everything else, and I am also aware that many of the bodies I saw growing up in Vegas were not real. Many, if not all, were either digitally or surgically altered. It is a whole new perspective to have.”

Racial bias exists in the diagnosis of eating disorders in black women; these disorders are simply not thought to impact us. Many non-black medical professionals may not be familiar with eating disorders in black women, while at the same time there is a shortage of black researchers and medical practitioners who specialize in

This change in perspective is one thing Jamella hopes to share and teach about her journey with bulimia. “I know what I experienced was not just for me or about me. I wouldn’t have known what this was if I didn’t watch that movie, but people on that show did not look like me. I share my story as an African American woman so black women and other women of color know that this is not an upper- or middle-class white woman issue.

“ I sat in many support groups, and I would be the only black woman in the room. ”

“I came from the inner city and grew up in a single parent eating disorders. An increase in the latter and education home, and this happened to me. I sat in many support for the former could lead to increased efforts to uncover groups, and I would be the only black woman in the room. I how these issues affect black women and lead to more want to bring this issue to light in our community. We need culturally sensitive treatment. to have more conversations about eating disorders amongst black people. I want us to seek and get adequate treatment.” “I know of one black physician, Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, who treats eating disorders,” says Dr. Webb. “Others may Treatment Options for Us come across some patients in their patient population and may have to refer out. In terms of black physicians in Treatment options can determine if a person will the Atlanta area where I practice, I am not familiar with struggle with the disorder for a lifetime or be able to live any black physicians who treat chronic eating disorders. a normal life. I am, however, familiar with black therapists that treat eating disorders.” “The severity of the eating disorder and how long they’ve had it can determine success rate,” says Dr. Webb. “The Truth is we can’t win without awareness, education, kind of treatment a person participates in and for how and access. Unlike other addictions, the goal is not to long also determines success rate. People who have really eliminate food but to help black women establish a good treatment or do more intensive treatment and then healthy relationship with food and their bodies and step down properly into outpatient may have a better develop tools for dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, success rate. and trauma. People with eating disorders, like those with any mental disease, are most likely to thrive within “I’m an outpatient psychologist in a private practice, and a strong support system, and it is up to us to create an some of my clients come to me with a pretty severe eating environment where support thrives. disorder but refuse to get intensive treatment, which is what they need. Seeing me once a week for 45 minutes is not Let’s be honest, being of African descent does not sufficient when you need to be in residential treatment or make us impervious to mental illnesses such as eating go in three to four times a week. They are going to struggle disorders. Accepting that fallacy is dishonest, ignorant, because they’re not getting adequate treatment. Response and a disservice, and sweeping the problem under the to treatment is always a case-by-case situation.” rug does not make it go away.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am. - Janelle Monáe

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owning your sexuality (The revolution starts here)

words by Manseen Logan WHEN MY EDITOR EMAILED ME AND ASKED, “Do you think you’re up for writing

about masturbation?” I realized that I had never had a conversation about masturbation. In fact, before this assignment, I don’t remember even saying the word out loud. At first I thought I might not be the right person for the job, but speaking with Dalychia Saah and Rafaella Fiallo about the topic came as natural as the act itself, even for me, a grown Liberian American woman who had never talked to anyone about masturbation. (Now look at me, I’ve already written the word three times in one paragraph.)

Dalychia and Rafaella have a way of stripping all the hypersexual layers from the term. In the end, just an idea remains—Afrosexology. The pair comes from two different backgrounds, with Dalychia hailing from Houston, Texas, with Liberian parents and Rafaella from Queens, New York. Each has a master’s degree in social work from Washington University, where they met and created the concept. They’ve spent the last four years together, educating, exploring, and reclaiming black sexuality all across the United States. The sex experts recently sat down with me to explain how masturbation and black liberation go hand in hand.

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Radiant Health: Let’s get into it. The topic today is your masturbation workshop. I’m curious, what are some of the myths you break down in the workshop? Dalychia Saah: We have three different masturbation workshops to meet you on every level. But the one we do the most is “Unpacking the Masturbation Shame.” The typical myths we address are that masturbation can make you go blind or make you grow cancer on your palm. I think now we’ve been able to look at those and see that they’re kind of ridiculous, but there are still some myths we [people] hold as true: Masturbation is unnatural for people with vulvas. If you have a partner you’re not supposed to masturbate. • Masturbation is a replacement for “the real thing.” • You only masturbate when you’re desperate. • Masturbation is something we should hide and be ashamed of and not talk about. • •

Afrosexology's masturbation workshops explore masturbation as vehicle of personal empowerment through self love and pleasure.

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We also talk about how the goal of masturbation doesn’t always have to be about orgasming. It can be for the purpose of soothing yourself, getting to know your body, or exploring your body. Also, the other myth—that masturbation

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always includes your genitals. We know that people have nipplegasms, braingasms, can experience orgasms in so many different ways and experience pleasure from their bodies in so many different ways without actually touching their genitals. RH: So extending on that topic, would you say the goal of masturbation is selfpleasure or self-gratification? DS: We want people to figure out what the goal is for themselves, but we do talk about pleasure. And pleasure does not always equal orgasm. People should have the room to say, “Tonight, I kind of want to feel my body and massage oil all into me” and “Tonight I really want to play with my clitoris” and “Tonight I really want to explore my nipples.” We say self-exploration, self-pleasure, self-knowledge could be one of the key purposes of masturbation. RH: How did you both come up with the structure for the workshop? Rafaella Fiallo: First we identify what the concern is and what issues we want to address. Then kind of ease it out by having a clear understanding of why there is a belief around

OWNING YOUR SEXUALITY

“I think masturbating is like the one tool to remind you, I am so powerful, I am so f***ing beautiful and sexy and lovable and happy and worthy and enough.”

that issue. We can’t just go into a space and say, “Everything that you learned is wrong.” We want it to come from a place that’s based in facts and education. We’ve had people think that we’re going to have a masturbation workshop and we’re going to be demonstrating or having live demonstrations of masturbation tips and techniques, which is not what we do. It’s just very much based in education and exploration. So we’ll have worksheets and things like that. In every workshop we have a section where we talk about how we’re going to move forward and continue to grow and educate ourselves. How we’re going to apply this information. Or how we are going to have this conversation with other people. RH: How does masturbation benefit a person, and why does Afrosexology make it one of the focal points of sexual liberation? RF: Self-love, masturbation, and sex-positivity is kind of the “in” thing to talk about right now. But it’s just so true. Masturbation is such a powerful action behind self-love and acceptance. We live in a society that wants us to believe and accept that pleasure is something we should seek from other people; that’s what we’re really relying on. If we know that there are things that we have within ourselves, it is a challenge to that belief. When you take the time to love yourself, you are quieting those messages that say you’re not enough, because you are taking care of yourself and that is enough. Dalychia always says, “It’s right at the tip of our fingers or the palm of our hands.” And a lot of times, we talk about sexual liberation. It’s not just about sex, because our bodies have always been a very political aspect of our identity within the United States and other places where slavery existed. Knowing that when your body is taken from you, your power is taken from you, the way you can work to get your power back is to reclaim your sexuality [and] your identity in the same way. When you know what you like and know how to ask for what you want, you start to see those same characteristics transfer into other settings. Masturbation is just another way of developing or maintaining a practice that can be really transformational for

a lot of people. And even if you’re not doing it for touch and pleasure, it can be a sleep aid or to garner creativity. When you look at all the benefits that come from masturbation, for me that is kind of a high note on why you should do it. This is why it’s so powerful. It goes beyond the sexual identity and sexual practice part. RH: You’ve answered why sexual liberation is important for Africans and the diaspora. When you tie it into the history and ownership of our black bodies, taking power and authority over our own bodies and well-being is a part of that liberating process. That’s what I would say based on what you both have mentioned. DS: Yeah, and I think being honest and transparent about the world that we’re in now. We’re in a white supremacist world that is based on the exploitation and oppression of black and brown bodies. It’s based on us believing that we’re less than, that we’re unlovable, that we are ugly, that we are hypersexual and sexual deviants. These myths are present in the United States, but they’re also very much present on the continent and throughout the diaspora. There’s a reason why people are still bleaching their skin, there’s a reason why people are still leaving the continent to be educated in the West. Because they think the West is better. So, I think reclaiming our bodies, reclaiming our sexuality, reclaiming that self-love of your black self counters all of that. And then when you’re able to love yourself, love other black people, and see the beauty in yourself, you see the beauty in your people. It’s a very direct way of opposing these systems that want us to believe that we are less than human. I think masturbating is like the one tool to remind you, I am so powerful, I am so f—ing beautiful and sexy and lovable and happy and worthy and enough. That mental practice on an individual level could really start to shift the way you interact with the things that the world is throwing at you. For us, this is really about black liberation. We want everyone to have great sex lives, but we really want people to feel the sense of power and freedom that we often do not get to feel, navigating in a white supremacist world.

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RH: Amen. That was a message. Now shifting to a different frame, I want to talk about the typical age when folks begin exploring masturbation. Based on your research, what is the normal age? RF: In the womb. DS: Yup. Seriously. RH: Is that a medical reference? Does it actually start in the womb? RF: Yeah. I’m dead serious. I’ve seen the research and I’ve seen the articles where researchers have identified certain fluids in the womb which would suggest that. I think a lot of times we try to dismiss the sexual exploration of children because that’s how we see it. But that is not what children are identifying. They just see themselves as pleasuring themselves or maybe exploring their body. I’ve worked with really young kids and I’ve been around a lot of children. I’ve seen kids rubbing against the arm of the chair, grinding their hips. And again, they don’t know what they’re doing. They just realize this feels like something. What’s the difference between that and scratching something or sucking their thumb? They just realize it’s soothing in some way, they don’t understand why. To me, that’s an indication of how early people start exploring themselves and what feels good. DS: There have definitely been doctors who have made “sonographic observation of uteral fetal masturbation.” And we do know that babies just put their hands in their diapers because it’s a self-soothing thing. I think the issue is that, as adults, we project a sexualized experience onto it. So when children are 4 or 5 years old and realizing it feels good, it’s just important to set boundaries. So that people understand it’s not a bad thing to explore your body, there’s just a ... RH: Time and a place? DS: Yeah. A time and a place. So much of our work is unpacking the shame for people who got shamed as children. It would be so much healthier if, as little people, we were told that exploring our body was not a bad thing. So many of us are taught to fear our bodies. Especially when you’re black. Black in America, you’re raised in a country where black is seen as dangerous. So there’s all these other messages that are telling us black is bad, black is a shame, black is scary, and then you have your own people in your household telling you it is not safe for you even to explore your own body. RH: At a young age, we know it can be selfsoothing, but then there comes a time during puberty when we start to learn about sex education and we learn about puberty and other topics. Of course, masturbation is never covered

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in any sex education. Do you think masturbation should be integrated into sex education? DS: Joycelyn Elders was the surgeon general of the United States when Clinton was president. From a medical perspective, her suggestion to improve sex education was to teach masturbation in schools, and she was asked to leave her position. This is not new information. I think we have our own personal fears, thoughts, and shame around masturbation, but I think incorporating masturbation into sex education is so important. It’s so important to teach people that they have a right to explore their bodies and get to know their bodies. It’s important to teach people all the pleasurable things their bodies can feel, because sex education is so often focused on all the painful stuff our bodies can experience, like STIs, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. And I think it’s important for young people to know they don’t have to seek out a partner to sexually explore themselves. The message we are getting is that sex is only allowed to be experienced in partnership. I think a lot of people are seeking out partnership because they’re trying to get a sexual release, not knowing they can do that for themselves. Then you also have people who are in partnerships seeking a sexual release and have no idea what they need to feel aroused, to get off. They don’t know how to tell their partners, they don’t know how to communicate. I think it would be so empowering for people to be told to get to know their bodies first. Definitely get to explore your bodies and then bring that knowledge into your sexual experiences. RH: I can see us as a culture opening up more as time goes on, so maybe one day masturbation will be a part of sex education. How can African and black women gain from talking about masturbation and masturbating now? DS: I know for me, as a first-gen American, I don’t take lightly the fact that I am the first generation of women in my family who have had this much autonomy and choice over my life. By my age, my mom, my grandmother, and aunts had kids [and] were already very much indoctrinated into this belief of sex being for their partner. The conversations I’ve had with my mom and grandmother, whom I love so much—we have such different beliefs and values, and it shows me what they were surrounded by. The women in my family have normalized the reality that all men cheat, and if you give your partner sex before you’re married they’re not going to want you. They’ve normalized this idea that sex is not pleasurable, that sex is for your partner, that sex is something you do as your wifely duty. I feel a sense of freedom to be able to say,

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OWNING YOUR SEXUALITY

“I actually get to explore my body.” I’m always trying to get my mom and my grandmother to explore their sexualities in whatever way I can. I think for a lot of black and African women, we’ve normalized a lot of those beliefs because of the situations we’ve been sold into. Because of colonization, enslavement, oppression, class, and poverty. Our sexuality has been co-opted to be used for others. For the white man, for the black man, for whatever reason. So this reclaiming our bodies, reclaiming our power, reclaiming our sex, for me has been so life-transformational. It has been so empowering to really feel like my sex and my pleasure is for me, and it just makes me really sad that a lot of black women don’t feel that way and don’t get to experience that. So, I’m hoping the work that we’re doing, and that other people are doing, is creating a space for so many people to let go of those cultural beliefs, those survival mechanisms, that we had to hold on to for the time, so they can know their own bodies. RH: Rafaella, do you want to chime in? RF: Yeah. I don’t have the same experience [as Dalychia] but I do concur with it because I think that experience is common. My grandmother

is our biggest fan. She likes everything. She comments on every post. I really haven’t had any backlash. I think overall the message that we’ve been trying to get out in terms of masturbation is that self-love is the key to more understanding of your body and working towards acceptance. If you can do that and add a little pleasure in there, with maybe an orgasm or just figuring out a little bit more about what you like and how to explain that to other people, why not? Why not do that thing? A lot of times, we feel like it’s really hard to seek out happiness because there’s so much pain in our world. We’ve been surviving in a society that so often has told us that same message. At what point do we say we’re not going to accept that anymore? That’s not enough and there are things we can do to make a better life for ourselves, and then to pass that message and education on to little folks. RH: I hear that. You both touch on a word that kind of stuck out to me— “surviving.” I think we are in survival mode, but we should be shifting into thriving mode. We should be happy and we should seek happiness and fulfillment in whichever ways we decide.

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I want to ask a personal question because I read that you both come from religious upbringings. In most religions, masturbation is frowned upon. How did you both become comfortable bringing this topic to the mainstream? DS: For me, I realize my family is very religious. I grew up going to church, but it just never really sunk in for me. Despite feeling like it never sunk in, I had a lot of shame. It took me a really long time to get comfortable masturbating. My parents are both analytical people. My dad’s a doctor, my mom’s a scientist, and so they taught me good research skills. So I was the nerd researching everything about sex and kissing and relationships and whatever. So, that just made me this inquisitive person who wanted to understand things. To be completely honest, one of the reasons we started Afrosexology was because we wanted a community so we could learn. The work we’ve done has been so affirming for me because I didn’t have this place that I could openly talk about masturbation. It has totally been self-serving and I have grown tremendously just doing this work. RF: For me, I felt propelled into doing this work because of my own trauma and experiences. So, it was more like a healing journey for myself to explore my body in a way that was affirming. I was researching online and reading books and asking Jeeves, which was not reliable. RH: Wow. That was back in the day. RF: Way back in the day [laughs]. Realizing the comfort and care that I needed for myself honestly led me to jump into this thing regarding sexuality and education in a way that I became the person that other friends talked to. I’m the oldest of four siblings, but I also was the youngest of some cousins, so I hung out with a lot of older people. I mis-learned and had to relearn a lot of things. It comes out of the healing space of curiosity and trying to learn more about my body in a way that would reject the [negative] things that I experienced.

RH: My last question, why is it important for you both to teach about masturbation and are there any last words you both would like to give? DS: For me, when I stopped having shame about my masturbation it was one of the first things in my life that really taught me about my internal guide. There was this thing in me that was like, “I desire this,” and I would do it. I was aroused, then I would masturbate, then I’d get gratification. That voice was in me and I didn’t realize how many times in my life I was ignoring that voice. In my work, in relationship with friends and families and partnership, I was ignoring the voice in me that was telling me what it is that I desire. Masturbation was the first place I was confirming that voice, and that voice has gotten so much louder and I’ve allowed it to direct lots of my life. I feel good about the places I’m in and how the people around me make me feel. Masturbation is so important to me because I want people to feel that voice and that power that is within them. I think [with] capitalism, white supremacy, even religion and racism, the voice and power is external. But also learning to trust and acknowledge the voice within is something I have not been told. Masturbation was putting me back on the path to really listen and affirm and honor and acknowledge that voice, and it’s guiding my life in a way that feels really beautiful. I love talking about masturbation because I’m hoping it starts, or enhances, that journey for people in knowing their own power that they possess. RF: Everything Dalychia said is the true essence of what this work aims to be. Literally going from a place where you not only realize that you were silenced to unpack that and do things that are healthy for you. It feels amazing, it’s powerful. We try our best to make sure that the things we write about, the conversations we have, and the workshops that we create come from a place of curiosity or experiences that we’ve had or want to have. So that it can be useful to everyone in their own way. At the end of the day, something I tell people is get out here, get you a mirror, see what you’re working with.

To learn more about Afrosexology and the programs it offers, visit www.afrosexology.com.

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When you know yourself you are empowered. When you accept yourself you are invincible. - Tina Lifford

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health & wellness page 108.

THE 411 ON 420 A cannabis Q&A page 114.

CBD OIL A case study with makeup artist Brandy Gomex-Duplessis page 116.

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CBD CBD is everywhere, but is it for you? page 120.

SURVIVING BOKO HARAM Helping survivors put the pieces back together

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A Cannabis Q&A: THE 411 ON ALL THINGS 420

by Chinyere Amobi

THE 411 ON ALL THINGS 420

The war on drugs ravaged communities of color across the United States for decades, disrupting lives and breaking up families as countless futures were put on hold due to charges stemming from the possession and cultivation of marijuana, among other drugs. But ironically, as many still sit in prison cells on these years-old charges, recent legalization has transformed marijuana into a $6.6 billion industry, lining the pockets of a largely white male investor base. Black women are leading the charge as people of color fight for their space in the industry, opening dispensaries, shaping policy, and educating the public on the medicinal and recreational benefits of cannabis. Radiant Health recently spoke with two women who are making big strides toward ensuring that this time around, people of color are included in the conversation.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

SHEENA ROBERSON, founder of Cannabis Noire

and co-owner of Dashuri CBD products, is on a self-ordained mission to ensure that people of color can access equal opportunities in the exploding recreational and medicinal cannabis industry. Through Cannabis Noire, Sheena and her team provide resources, education, and opportunities to underrepresented groups, with the goal of a more inclusive cannabis industry. Traditional naturopath Dr. Lakisha Jenkins is a founding member and the first elected president of the California Cannabis Industry Association. Dr. Lakisha is considered a subject matter expert in the endogenous cannabinoid system and the use of herbs such as cannabis to combat the symptoms of illnesses. Serving on multiple policy councils internationally, Dr. Jenkins has been especially involved in shaping the cannabis industry in California and Jamaica. (This interview has been edited for clarity.) Radiant Health: There are black women breaking new ground in the cannabis industry, but it hasn’t been easy. What kind of obstacles have these women been facing? Sheena Roberson: [The cannabis industry is] a very small space, so the number of minorities who are in it tends to be an obstacle in itself, because we have people intent on making a name for themselves and using the inclusivity and diversity strategy to do so, but they aren’t really reaching back out to make sure they’re helping the community. It’s very appealing when you get invited to the table and you’re actually in those rooms and spaces, but you have to remember that you’re there to leave the door open for everybody else. That message gets lost with some of us. There’s also not enough black men in the space. I think black women are doing a hell of a job leading the charge, but we are missing the mark in making

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sure we are incorporating black men. A lot of that has to do with incarceration, but there are people out there and we need to be making sure we’re pulling them along as well. A lot of black men aren’t in the space because of the war on drugs. This was a business that many people used to feed their families and make ends meet, and now they’re adversely impacted and can’t get housing and jobs. RH: Can you tell us about your work in the cannabis field, and how you’re trying to make it more inclusive for minorities and others who have barriers to entrance? SR: There’s a stigma that’s been put on cannabis that people are still fighting against. Education helps predicate that by allowing us to see cannabis’ benefits, not just financially, but medicinally as well. I think the cornerstone of everything we do [at Cannabis Noire] is education, whether it’s advocacy or criminal justice reform. We do medicinal registration events hosted at a local church so that people are less apprehensive to be part of the space and come learn about it. We also do trainings around business education and different ways to enter the industry. RH: I’ll admit I’m surprised to see that you’ve successfully partnered with churches. SR: The church has been an awesome partner of ours because a lot of our demographic has been seniors. They’re apprehensive and scared, but tired of all the pharmaceuticals. It helps that they feel they have a safe space where they can ask questions. Maybe you’ve had a record, or you’ve tried cannabis but you’re not registered yet, or maybe English isn’t your first language, or you’re not comfortable providing documentation. We just want to offer a space for people with no barriers or judgement.

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“This is the same stuff that has always been sort of dangerous for my community, my peop le. There are so many people serving time for cannabis charges, and they’re literally selling the same stuff in those neighborhoods now; it’s just corporatized.” RH: Seniors have been your main demographic? SR: Seniors are definitely a booming demographic in the cannabis space right now. They actually get the most medicinal benefit. A lot of our senior population is on pharmaceuticals. They’re getting unnecessary surgeries or therapies, and it’s unfortunate because a lot of that generation is still apprehensive about cannabis. A lot of them don’t know there are so many different opportunities and consumption methods for using cannabis, things that they can do that don’t feel as offputting as smoking. We’ve been able to provide education in terms of consumption methods and benefits, with experiential opportunities through events such as a CBD-infused tea parties for the older folks where we chat and answer questions. They get to see that cannabis is safe, and they’re in a comfortable space while trying it. They feel a little more empowered to learn and try things out. RH: Can you discuss some of the different consumption options for cannabis? SR: There are topicals, which are rubs or salves or lotions. These are great for precise pain. Even if you have a centralized pain like a sore knee or a

painful back, or are sore from a workout, and you don’t want to digest anything, you can easily add a topical. We also have people who have had knee surgeries and still have random flare-ups who use topicals to get around the pain so they’re not downing ibuprofen or Percocet. Depending on the dosage, you can get some strong topicals that will do just as much as any pain narcotic. Cannabis is an anti-inflammatory, so it literally works the same way as these medications. Most of the pharmaceutical options are mimicking what cannabis does for the body. Tinctures, which are oil drops, come in CBD (non-hallucinogenic) form or THC form. These oils are usually sublingual, meaning you take one to two drops as needed under the tongue, and they help with anxiety, stress, tension, and pain relief. Cannabis flower is usually combusted to inhale and used to smoke or vape through a pen. This form is really good for all your basic needs and offers a more immediate effect. Edibles are pretty much oils or a powder form of CBD or THC, and they are used in smoothies, comfort foods, infused drinks, and more. With edibles, depending on how much you use (and

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CBD vs. THC), there’s a range in terms of the effects. You have to be especially careful with THC edibles because it’s more of a body high and lasts longer going through your metabolism. Making sure we empower people in understanding the different methods is super important. That’s also why we try to have people get registered with specialists who can walk them through the best options or the best strain, dosage, or method of consumption. It usually takes about two weeks for all these to regulate into your system, and they work better after you use them for a while. RH: Even with all these related products and uses, is there still a stigma around cannabis use? SR: I think a lot of the stigma comes from the fact that we’re still trying to get past years of poor education and misguided information, and then you have the stigma surrounding minorities who are just afraid of cannabis because that’s the same thing that imprisoned their dad, their neighbors, their brothers, or their cousins. This is the same stuff that has always been sort of dangerous for my community, my people. There are so many people serving time for cannabis charges, and they’re literally selling the same stuff in those neighborhoods now; it’s just corporatized. The stigma is undeserved, but not enough is being done to disband it. So that’s why we’re trying to help the cannabis industry do a better job with branding and messaging, to create marketing that appeals to different audiences to show that the industry supports different types of inclusive communities being a part of the cannabis space. If you look at the cannabis industry right now, it doesn’t look like it’s for us. The language doesn’t speak to us, the images aren’t of us, so naturally you would assume the product is not for us. This is why we’re so adamant about educating people and providing experiential opportunities for people to see how these products work and what they do. RH: Many cannabis companies tout their products as strong anti-inflammatory agents. Is there any truth to this?

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Dr. Lakisha Jenkins: The anti-inflammatory properties would be dependent on the cannabis and on what strain is being used. But in general, there are anti-inflammatory properties in the botanical profile of cannabis. It really works on an individualized level. We have an endogenous cannabinoid system in our bodies, and it regulates things like inflammatory responses, cognitive function, digestion, sleep patterns, and other things: it’s a regulatory system in the body. Since it regulates our inflammatory response, if you supplement that system with a botanical that has a phytocannabinoid profile, it could address inflammation issues and a number of health issues. RH: What can cannabis do for mental health issues such as depression or anxiety? Dr. Jenkins: Seeing as it regulates cognitive function, it depends what your anxiety or depression is stemming from. There’s a lot of things that could incite feelings of depression or anxiety, and half of that could be diet. If you think about cannabis supplementation as a nutritional supplement, it addresses those issues by helping to bring homeostasis, or balance, to the body. For instance, with clinical depression, you’re dealing with a chemical imbalance in the body. Since phytocannabinoids work towards creating balance in the body, they would address that issue. RH: Can people successfully replace pharmaceutical medicines with medicinal cannabis? Dr. Jenkins: With pharmaceuticals, you’re really just addressing symptoms. The way the conventional medical system addresses dispensing pharmaceuticals is by grouping symptoms and by the way they express themselves, giving them a disease diagnosis title. Based on how that diagnosis is categorized, you have a treatment protocol addressing symptoms, not the root cause of health problems. With cannabis, you’re really speaking to the endogenous cannabinoid system that regulates other systems in the body and supplementing that system so it functions properly, so the other systems

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in your body can function properly. So, you’re actually experiencing homeostasis and balance and healing because your body is performing at optimal levels. You’re not just addressing the symptoms, you’re addressing the problem. RH: Currently millions of dollars are being made legally off the cannabis industry, but in the past marijuana convictions have always disproportionately targeted people of color. Can you speak on any work that’s being done to rectify this imbalance or any laws being proposed in other areas? SR: California’s Proposition 64 and Senate Bill 420 are probably the biggest ones. The focus with those is, in my opinion, to make sure we’re reading these laws and understanding each part of the legislation. I think they’ve built some loopholes that may not benefit as many people as they present themselves to. There are some portions of both of those bills that still leave out a demographic that affects mainly minorities. The criteria of some of the provisions that surround it in terms of the expungement of records will only fit a very small group of people. For example, Proposition 64 only eliminates possession and cultivation charges for people 21 and over. So, if you’re younger, this doesn’t include you. Which is very scary. It reduces the penalties for very specific marijuana offenses, but you have to go into the bill and read the particulars. So, I think it’s important for us to push the cannabis industry professionals who have the ability to do so to put their money behind the advocates and lobbyists who are fighting for the provisions of these bills, and fighting for better legislation and for criminal justice reform.

RH: Final question, we’ve all heard that cannabis can impact the quality of sex (i.e., make it better). Is there any science behind this? SR: Cannabis can make sex really good in the same way that you can use it for meditation: it helps you lose yourself in a way that eliminates anxiety and apprehension. When you’re feeling more confident and loose, it optimizes your sexual experience with your partner. You’re also very sensitive, because you have cannabis receptors in your pleasurable places. When you’re using cannabis, you’re exciting those. There’s currently a lot of people in the market of creating products like cannabis lubricants and massage oils that increase sensitivity overall and create the opportunity for you and your partner to be a little more open about the experience. A lot of people say the sex feels so good and different, but in reality they just had more of an ability to feel it because they weren’t thinking about how they looked or what they said—they’re lost in the moment. It creates a space for a more pleasurable experience. Dr. Jenkins: From a scientific standpoint, cannabis can enhance the sexual experience because it regulates endocrine function, which is your hormones, and helps to regulate circulation, which is also a factor in experiencing good sex. Hormonal imbalances are the reason people have dryness or erectile dysfunction or other things that make sex uncomfortable. So, when you’re supplementing with phytocannabinoids, you’re essentially addressing the hormonal imbalance, which can make sex more enjoyable.

For more on cannabis-related education, advocacy, and investment, visit www.cannabisnoire.com.

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HOW CBD OIL GAVE MAKEUP ARTIST BRANDY GOMEZ-DUPLESSIS HER LIFE BACK

i n t s e g

ou r el s

words by Chinyere Amobi

INVESTING IN YOURSELF

THE BACKDROP OF Hurricane Katrina’s devastating aftermath in Louisiana, New Orleans-based makeup artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis found herself in and out of doctors’ offices. Despite her young age and healthy appearance, certain antibodies in Brandy’s blood were elevated and the doctors were stumped for a diagnosis.

AGAINST

self again. Just for that day, it was like somebody lifted the pain off of me.” Brandy’s husband joined her on her first trip to a vape shop, where a store owner helped her select her ideal dosage of CBD oil. Brandy and her family saw an immediate difference in her energy levels, mood, and general well-being. She eventually began to blog and post about the positive effects online to help others.

“I had an aunt who had passed from lupus, and that’s what made me want to find out what was going on with me,” explains Brandy. Her instincts were correct. In 2010, nearly five years after her first irregular lab results, she “I feel like the people who talk about marijuana the most was formally diagnosed with lupus, which provided her smoke it, but the people who are in pain every day need great relief after years of fear and frustration. to have a spokesperson for what it does for them,” says Brandy. “It’s going to help minimize the pain to get you But along with the mental relief came a physical pain so back to normal. It’s not going to stop your disease, but debilitating that it forced her to clutch bannisters as she at least you won’t have the pain anymore. At least you climbed stairs, desperately hold on to the shopping cart can sleep.” at the grocery store, and suffer through sleepless nights, her body so sensitive that even the touch of a blanket Taking Self-Care to the Next Level could set off the pain in her legs. As a professional accustomed to working television shows with 4 a.m. call times and back-to-back assignments during fashion weeks, all while lugging a 95-pound makeup bag through the streets of New York City, Brandy was forced to do an immediate 180.

Brandy’s health team was not pleased when they learned that she had stopped taking her prescribed pain medications, and warned that any benefits she was seeing from her CBD oil wouldn’t help her long-term.

“Of course, I still have lupus. CBD oil doesn’t stop me from being tired and having flare-ups,” Brandy explains. No Easy Answers “I take medication for what the cannabis can’t do for me, and I take my CBD oil for what it can do for me. Brandy was forced to slow down, while becoming more The CBD oil just minimizes everything so that I can entwined in the vague and complicated system of drugs function again and move around. Whereas before I felt that many with lupus eventually encounter as their like a 90-year-old woman trying to live my life, work, doctors struggle to deal with a disease that is essentially and be a wife, it’s given me my life back.” a collection of symptoms that look like other diseases.

“I would expect my doctors to know more and have more medications for people with lupus, but they give us medication not to treat the disease, but just for similar symptoms,” says Brandy. “I was so disgusted and annoyed with that, so I started to do my own research.”

Cannabis can be an expensive addition to a self-care routine, especially because it’s not covered by insurance. This hasn’t stopped Brandy from recommending it to others with autoimmune problems who are frustrated that doctors can’t seem to help them manage their symptoms.

A chance encounter at a beauty event led Brandy to “Treat yourself to your old self,” Brandy says. “It can try a sample of CBD-infused lotion. CBD, short for be expensive—don’t buy the coffee or get your nails cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring, non-high-inducing done, because this is going to be a purchase that you compound of the cannabis plant. The experience won’t regret.” immediately changed her life. “I told one of the vendors about my lupus, and she said her infused products would be perfect for me,” Brandy recounts. “I put it on right in front of her, and for the rest of my day I wanted to cry because I felt like my old

In terms of any stigma one might feel using a cannabisbased product, Brandy adds, “Knowledge is power, so don’t be ashamed if you have to take it. You’re not taking it to get high; you’re taking it to live, and that’s all the difference.”

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A Beginner’s Guide to CBD By Dr. Tiffany Lester, MD

words by Tiffany Lester, MD

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO CBD

SINCE MOVING TO Northern California in 2016, I have become increasingly curious about CBD and its effect on our bodies and minds. Now CBD is everywhere. It has become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, popping up all across the country in places ranging from gyms to coffee shops. It’s also big business, with the product estimated to skyrocket into a $22 billion market in the next four years.

While CBD is often touted as a miracle cure-all for any ailment, it is worth taking a more detailed look at the substance that looks like it will be on the health landscape for years to come. What CBD Is ... and Isn’t The cannabis plant, which is used to produce both hemp and marijuana, is the source of hundreds of naturally occurring compounds. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of these compounds. CBD differs from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that comes to mind when people think of marijuana. CBD does not contain THC, which means you won’t get high from using CBD. Many products on the market are hybrids containing both CBD and THC at various ratios, but it’s important to remember that products containing THC are only available in states where cannabis has been legalized. The sativa variety of cannabis typically causes an alert and energetic high, whereas the indica strain is known to produce a more relaxed, lethargic effect. CBD is extracted from the resin of cannabis buds and flowers and usually diluted with another oil, such as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Terpenes are another class of naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant. Their aromatic properties impart a variety of flavors and fragrances to the different strains. Terpenes are also thought to work synergistically with cannabinoids to have therapeutic effects on mood, inflammation, and pain.

Our Endocannabinoid System Both CBD and THC work by acting on the body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system’s main job is to help the body adapt to outside stressors in order to maintain homeostasis (equilibrium). Our cannabinoid receptors are found in the digestive, reproductive, nervous, and immune systems. Because cannabinoids interact with almost every system in our bodies, they’re often touted as a cure-all. While they are not truly able to heal everything, they do regulate neurotransmitter function, inflammation, mitochondrial function, and metabolism. There is still much for us to learn about the ECS and how it interacts with our bodies. There are two main types of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids, which occur naturally within the body, and phytocannabinoids, which are produced from plants. CBD is one type of phytocannabinoid. Because phytocannabinoids mimic the effects of endocannabinoids, they can serve as a kind of supplement, giving your body a boost beyond what it can achieve on its own. Phytocannabinoids act on two main receptors in our brains, known as CB1 and CB2. CB1 is highly concentrated in the limbic system, basal ganglia, cerebellum, and nervous system and plays a role in regulating the brain’s GABA and glutamate neurotransmitters, which affect our mood, sleep, and learning functions. CB2 is active mainly in the immune system. CBD boosts the body’s own natural cannabinoids, improving overall well-being. The endocannabinoids that we humans naturally produce include anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine) and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol). Both anandamide and 2-AG are involved in binding THC and CBD to our endocannabinoid receptors, and 2-AG also affects neuromodulation in our CB1 receptors.

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What Is CBD Good For? INSOMNIA

PELVIC DISCOMFORT

While more research is still needed, anecdotal reports of CBD aiding in achieving a better night’s sleep should not be taken lightly. With a favorable safety profile, especially compared to medications like Ambien and Lunesta, the entry-level risk for experimentation is low. The causes of insomnia are varied and complex, but I have found CBD to be most effective for patients who experience difficulty falling asleep due to a ruminating mind, as it helps to calm the nervous system. DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Many women have turned to CBD for relief from both menstrual cramps and sexual discomfort. CBD suppositories may help address the root cause of pain and inflammation during painful periods. The suppository form directly delivers a dose of CBD through the vaginal tissue lining where the pain originates without affecting either the liver or the kidneys, and can induce vaginal relaxation, lower inflammation, and reduce uterine cramping. SEIZURES

CBD can help heal the leaky, tight junctions that contribute to intestinal permeability and decrease the spasmodic activity common in irritable bowel syndrome. INFLAMMATION

In June 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, a cannabidiol-based drug designed to treat severe forms of epilepsy.

MOOD DISORDER

CBD suppresses cytokine production and induces T-regulatory cells to protect the body from attacking itself, which can help patients with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

CBD works directly on the brain receptors 5HT1A (a serotonin receptor) and GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) in order to help reduce anxiety and depression.

*At the end of the day, CBD oil is considered a supplement only and should be used as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO CBD

What Else Should I Know About CBD?

Potential Side Effects

CBD is now widely available in edibles, topical balms and patches, capsules, suppositories, tinctures, oils, teas, bath bombs, and vape pens. Similar to other supplements, the production and distribution of CBD are not regulated by the FDA, which means it’s important to choose wisely in order to know exactly what you’re getting. A new study in the journal Pediatric Neurology Briefs tested 84 CBD products purchased online and found that 43% contained more CBD than listed, 26% contained less CBD than listed, and 21% actually contained THC.

CBD has few side effects and is considered a safe substance to take; however, some of the known potential side effects of CBD include:

In the future, all cannabis products should undergo rigorous testing and chemical analysis and produce a certificate of safety that includes the cannabinoid and terpene content as well as the presence of any pesticides, heavy metals, or other contaminants. This will help support consumer safety and trust in what is currently the Wild West! If you are lucky enough to live in California, much of the review process has been done for you, as dispensaries there must meet specific safety and quality guidelines for every product they carry. The best way to find out the quality of your CBD is to communicate directly with the company you are purchasing from. Seek out companies that do extensive third-party testing to ensure the highest standards. In addition, look for broad-spectrum CBD, which contains a full complement of terpenes and cannabinoids. And remember that where the cannabis plant grows also matters, as plants absorb toxins as well as nutrients from the soil. Be just as diligent about the sourcing of your CBD as you are about the food you put in your body. Because of the wide range of variables and lack of FDA regulation, dosing recommendations are still a bit of a gray area. The best advice is to start low and go slow, because so much depends on each person’s individual endocannabinoid system. One option is to start at 5 mg and then slowly increase by 5 mg increments up to about 40 or 50 mg. And of course, always consult your doctor.

∙∙ Nausea ∙∙ Dry mouth ∙∙ Vomiting ∙∙ Diarrhea ∙∙ Bloating All of these are usually mild, dosage-dependent, and short-lived, typically resolving in two to four hours. If you experience any of these side effects, stop using CBD and see your doctor. In addition, some individuals may show abnormalities in liver function tests. CBD also interacts with many medications, so you should consult with your doctor if you are taking any prescriptions, especially for mood disorders. The Future of CBD A recent law that went into effect on July 1, 2018, requires marijuana products sold in California to undergo extensive testing, including new safety regulations for companies. Keep in mind that every state has different regulations and that THC is still not legal for recreational use in all states. Zero-THC CBD is currently legal in all states, however. Though it is a much larger issue than can be addressed in this article, I would be remiss not to mention the cultural stigma associated with CBD and marijuana use, especially in the African American community. It’s worth being aware that when it comes to this billiondollar industry that has moved quickly from underground to mainstream, we can choose to seek out and support companies and dispensaries owned by people of color. Finally, remember that while popular, CBD is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so tread carefully. A recent report from the World Health Organization lists CBD as safe for almost everyone, but it is still important to check with your doctor before starting any CBD product, especially if you are pregnant or on any medications.

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Bringing Crucial Mental Health Treatment to Survivors of Boko Haram Terrorism words by Festus Iyorah

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RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

SURVIVING BOKO HARAM

In the early hours of the day, just a few minutes after 9 a.m., Hauwa Sule, a tall, dark woman in her late fifties sits hunched forward on a plastic chair. She is waiting for a counselor to attend to her at Neem Foundation, a counseling center located in Wulari, a bustling town on the outskirts of Maiduguri in North East Nigeria.

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HAUWA, WHO WEARS A SILKY deep blue hijab over a “We discovered that a greater number of people who need green head wrap and wrapper, waits for a lay counselor psychosocial interventions are in these communities, alongside 15 other women, all survivors of the Boko and people don’t reach out to them,” says Bem Tivkaa, Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria. When the a clinical psychologist at Neem Foundation, adding that counselors arrive, the women take turns booking a private most of these returnees reside in hard-to-reach areas. session. Soon it is Hauwa’s turn. To help meet the need in these communities, Neem Ever since losing her husband and three sons to the Foundation’s Counselling on Wheels initiative was born 2014 Boko Haram insurgency in the agrarian town of in 2016. In a bid to reach out to Boko Haram survivors Zabarmari, Maiduguri, Hauwa, a soft-spoken woman suffering from PTSD or other mental illnesses in with wiry hands that are firm and dry as a result of long communities blighted by bad roads, Neem Foundation years of farming, has been suffering from post-traumatic takes mental health interventions to survivors’ doorsteps, stress disorder (PTSD). using tricycles popularly known as keke marwa in the local slang. Now seated with a counselor, her hands supporting her jaw, Hauwa recalls the death of her husband and sons “We offer psychology services with the help of our as though it had happened yesterday. Her husband, a psychologists and highly trained lay counselors,” farmer by profession, and her three sons were working, explains Neem Foundation Programme Manager cultivating maize for the new planting season, when the Ashraf Usman. “They go to hard-to-reach areas and insurgents invaded the farm and shot at them. Their spend about seven weeks where they address, treat, and bodies were riddled with bullets, she remembers. evaluate the clients. Last year we saw about 8,000 clients, and since 2016 we’ve assisted 20,000 survivors with Hauwa might have been with them on the farm that day, mental health interventions across the three affected but she was at home looking after her grandchildren states [Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe] in North East. Some when disaster struck. She escaped death by a whisker, but of them have mild cases of trauma which were treated she’s lived with pain, stress, anxiety, and depression in the with psychosocial support, improved therapy, and oneaftermath of the traumatic incident. on-one counseling.”

“This is what I’ve been battling since I lost my family,” says Hauwa, now sitting upright. “I have not been sleeping. I’ve always been crying.” The Toll of Returning Home In the heat of the crisis in 2014, the Boko Haram sect captured key towns in the North East region and established a caliphate in each of them. Many residents were displaced, with the vast majority seeking refuge in the capital city of Maiduguri. But as the Nigerian military recaptured the towns from the jihadists, many of the displaced survivors left the city and went back home to rebuild their lives. The decision to return home has come with a price, however, as they are plagued with PTSD and other mental health illnesses.

Delivering Help Where It Is Needed Every day, lay counselors, most ferried on tricycles and armed with Samsung tablets used for collecting client data, visit these remote communities to treat clients suffering from PTSD or other mental illnesses for free. Nicholas was selected as a lay counselor after completing a nine-month training course in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in conflict and postconflict services at Neem’s MHPSS training center. He has a background in psychology and a native familiarity with the host communities where survivors reside.

“Our lay counselors are a mix of various people, and every single one of them is educated,” says Dr. Abiye Mark Ivayenama, lead psychologist and the director With more than 20,000 people killed by the insurgents, of the MHPSS training center. “They understand the another 2 million people displaced, and more than 5 conditions of people suffering trauma in their community. million living with food insecurity across North East These people also understand the area and the conditions Nigeria, an untold number of survivors of the insurgency for offering services.” are suffering from PTSD. There is no data to reflect the exact number of people suffering from this malaise, In North East Nigeria, Neem discovers communities in but a report from the United Nations Office for the need of mental health treatment through the foundation’s Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) explains community liaison officers, who are also saddled with the that returnees may be psychologically impacted by their responsibility of negotiating and engaging the opinion return to places where they were involved in or witnessed leaders of the community on the need to provide mental traumatic events. health treatment to survivors in the community.

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SURVIVING BOKO HARAM

“I thought the flashbacks and trauma I had were spiritual so I’d visit the mosque to pray that it will disappear, but it didn’t until my counselor told me the real problem I was facing,”

“We explain to them our mission: to offer mental health and psychosocial support to people who are suffering as a result of the Boko Haram crisis,” says Bem Tivkaa. “We also have a sensitization visit to be sure that they understand what we are coming to the community to do, and that is very key so that they get their expectations right.”

Bem Tivkaa says that this situation has left the foundation overwhelmed. Apart from Neem Foundation, there is only one mental health facility in the whole of North East Nigeria—the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, which also collaborates with Neem Foundation in diagnosing cases of severe mental illness, such as psychosis.

Through this sensitization, survivors like Hauwa Sule who are suffering with mental health conditions can discover their real predicament.

“We are both affected by pre-existing mental health challenges [preceding the Boko Haram insurgency in 2009] and the crisis-induced mental health challenges,” he says, adding that the number of clinical psychologists in North East is not more than ten—not nearly enough to cater to the massive population in need of psychosocial support.

Diagnosis and the Road to Recovery Nafisat Danjuma, a survivor whose brother was killed in 2014, frequented the mosque and imams for healing after suffering from depression, flashbacks, and anxiety. “I thought the flashbacks and trauma I had was spiritual so I’d visit the mosque to pray that it will disappear, but it didn’t until my counselor told me the real problem I was facing,” she says. Nafisat’s initial approach to finding a solution to her mental illnesses is prevalent in a country where the vast majority holds the belief that there are supernatural or preternatural causes for mental illness and turns to clergy or imams for spiritual healing, according to a 2008 study in the African Journal of Psychiatry. The study also notes that many spiritual leaders attribute mental illness to witchcraft, the use of cannabis, or sinful behavior. The dearth of mental health interventions in a region in dire need of assistance in this area also contributes to these beliefs.

Back in Wulari, Neem Foundation continues working to provide psychosocial support with Counselling on Wheels. And for six weeks, Hauwa Sule and other survivors of the Boko Haram crisis have been making a slow march to recovery. They have gone through a wide range of tests and assessments, including mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), preventive violent extremism assessments (PVE), cognitive behavioral tests (CBT), and PTSD tests. These assessments enable the lay counselors to group the survivors according to their symptoms and levels of severity and to schedule those with similar symptoms to meet at a particular venue and time. The apportioning of survivors into groups has proven beneficial. Hauwa, whose group meets every Sunday, has taken solace in listening to other survivors’ traumatic stories and how they’ve accepted it as a reality.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that only 3% of Nigeria’s national health budget is spent “When I listened to other survivors’ stories I discovered I on mental health, and a 2016 study indicates that am not alone, and some people have similar problems— there are fewer than 200 psychiatrists in a population even far worse than mine,” she says, her voice rising of 180 million, or just one for every million people. over the din emanating from other survivors outside. And in the region, more than 2.7 million children “With the group sessions and treatments I’ve received affected by conflict are in need of psychosocial since I started visiting here, I’ve learnt to accept my support, according to UNICEF. loss as a reality and move on with my life.”

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

radiant finds cool. calm. & collected OUR TOP PICKS FOR CANNABIS INFUSED PRODUCTS

1. Pot d'Huile Hemp Infused Olive Oil $37 (125ml) Proudly based in San Francisco, Pot d’Huile pairs the highest quality CBD with certified extra virgin olive oil, sourced from family farms in Northern California, marrying the West Coast spirit around local and sustainable products. www.pdhcbd.com

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RADIANT FINDS

2. Endoca CBD Oil – 1500mg 15% $129 (10ml) One of the best ways to get maximum absorption of CBD is by taking hemp oil in liquid form. In every bottle of Endoca's 15% Hemp Oil, you’ll find 1500 mg of CBD, made from organic certified hemp plants free from pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. www.endoca.com

3. KIVA Confections Blueberry Terra Bites $22 Blueberry Terra Bites are the latest innovation in KIVA Confecton's line of best-selling Terra Bites. Using a traditional 24-hour panning process, dried US-grown blueberries are dusted with cocoa powder and finished with a generous coating of delicious milk chocolate. Each 5MG bite is polished to sweet, tart, irresistible, perfection. www.kivaconfections.com

4. Medterra CBD Rapid Cooling Cream $50 (3.4 fl oz) The Rapid Cooling Cream is a powerhouse combination of CBD and certified organic ingredients. Medterra’s topical provides a rapid cooling effect, perfect for sore muscles and tight joints. Each 3.4fl oz. bottle contains 100mL’s of cream, allowing for ample applications of long-lasting relief for all of your soreness needs. www.endoca.com

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style page XX.

GENDERLESS FASHION Gender-free fashion makes a comeback page XX.

INTERVIEW: ADE HASSAN Her underwear is showing (what we've been missing)

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Gender-free fashion makes a comeback

words by Emily Rubin

While the truest origins of unisex dressing began in early Hollywood with the likes of Marlene Dietrich and Kathrine Hepburn, the non-cinematic debut really didn’t leave the starting line until the 1960s. When Yves Saint Laurent released Le Smoking jacket in 1966, the world wasn’t quite prepared for what was to come. The menswear-inspired tuxedo jacket sparked a revolution, and with it, a freedom from the constraints that many women had come to know in fashion. Gone were the exclusive demands for tight form fits, flounces, florals, and light shades of “feminine” colors. The scene was set for a fresh landscape in women’s dress—one which would put choice into play.

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ARTICLE NAME ARTICLE NAME

photography by Ahmad Barber model Janel of Mp Management styling by Ray C'Mone make-up by Christine Vasquez hair by Andy Buckmire top by Helmut Lang boiler suit by Urban Outfitters shoes by Comme des Garçon Play x Converse

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OVER THE NEXT FEW DECADES, pop culture was hit with

many different takes on androgynous dressing, from the iconic Annie Hall played by Diane Keaton in the late ’70s to the equally iconic supermodel Grace Jones in the early ’80s. Annie Lennox went on to show the music world her personal interpretation, and David Bowie and Prince demanded that the new trend for unisex style be applied to both men and women. Even into the ’90s, Kurt Cobain and Jared Leto continued to reinvent the style and pave the way for fashion lovers to dress in what felt best to them. Through the aughts and the years to follow, society continued to expand on the concept, putting nearcostume into the commonplace. We saw the pantsuit earn plunging necklines, the tuxedo beg for a little curve-in at the hips, the loafer pair with a cropped pant for a suggestive peek of skin. Everything was altered for a new time and a growingly tolerant world. What once belonged to the arts and a fringe pocket of confident dressers grew to be seen across all avenues. From influencers to influencees, supermodels to stylists, nearly every woman came to own several men’s-inspired items as part of their core closet items: a button-down shirt, a boyfriend blazer, maybe even a men’s tailored pant.

It’s all about levels and what you hope to accomplish with the look. It can be done in full chromatics, with a dash of ’80s prom flair and a hint of ’70s accessorizing. The style can be achieved by means of a black suit with tailoring in all the right places, a dangerously high stiletto, and the perfect shade of red lip. It may be done simply with a pair of old Chuck Taylors, a reliable pair of Levi’s, and a men’s white V-neck tee. There’s no hard and fast rule for how to own this style more than there is with any other. Complete It with Confidence With streetwear dominating genderless fashions, the trends are spreading at unprecedented levels, jumping up the ranks to claim real estate from the catwalks to

“True of any style persona, the unisex mode looks to accomplish self-confidence, self-expression, and perhaps a hint of sexy.”

Selecting Le Look But if small integrations are as common today as catching someone sporting yoga pants while not en route to the gym, then where do the true genderless dressers sit in the style segment? We look to the once cruelly ridiculed “butch” aesthetic which encompassed the fashion-wearer from undercut shaved head to oxford-sporting toe. We speak of the Dandy women or their arguably more ornate sapeur cohorts clothed in brightly colored suits with all the accoutrements. True of any style persona, the unisex mode looks to accomplish self-confidence, self-expression, and perhaps a hint of sexy. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own second skin. For those looking to adorn a full look of genderless garb, what is the best approach? As with any other trend, find your style perspective and inch your way toward it. It may not be an easy adjustment to go from the floor-sweeping Marchesa gown to rocking a seductive tuxedo suit complete with bow tie, pocket square, and floral brooch. Swapping out the pashmina shawl for an edgier blazer over your dress may be a pretty good gateway, however.

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the boardwalks to the red carpet. And while the men’scut shirt and tailored pant can be commonly found in most big retail shops, the proper fit is best achieved from designers who understand the concept of dressing a woman’s body in “men’s” clothing. Pioneered by Saint Laurent, the style has been adopted by many fashion houses since his not-so-humble beginnings. For a grungy vibe, Y Project, Vetements, and Rick Owens are a great starting point. For a more feminine take on genderless dress, designers such as Loewe, Haider Ackermann, and Louis Vuitton provide some intriguing options. The perfect utilitarian pieces can often be found off the catwalks of Karen Walker, Balenciaga, and Akris. The Dandy fashionista may find her new duds from the likes of present-day Gucci, Etro, or, on the more affordable side, Brooks Brothers. One thing is for certain — this style is in no short supply! While there was once a taboo on cross-gender dressing, today’s overarching social culture not only accepts but often celebrates a counter-old-culture style of dressing. From Billy Porter’s 2019 Oscars velvet tuxedo gown to Cate Blanchett making her 2018 Cannes Film Festival debut in a men’s-cut suit (with a deep open neckline of course!), we see the need to delineate the style profile lessening more each day. So push away the “Can I pull this off?” and the “Does it make me look x, y, or z?” and wear what you’d like — with confidence!

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

GENDERLESS FASHION

jacket by Veronica Beard Fuller boiler suit by Urban Outfitters bag by Rag & Bone

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Glasses-Quay Australia The Playa 64mm aviator sunglasses Jacket-Palmer Harding ring jacket Heels-Nordstrom

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Top, skirt, and beenie by Armani exchange

STYLE

Ade Hassan of Nubian Skin

words by Nikki Igbo

Meet the maker of some long overdue hues

photo by Isreal Peters

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ADE HASSAN

We’re living in an exciting albeit turbulent time. A time when black women thinkers and creators are dominating the entrepreneurial landscape and taking the business world by storm simply by seeing their ideas through. One of those women is Ade Hassan, a young woman who has turned fashion on its head—and in doing so has become a member of the Order of the British Empire. How? Two words: nude underwear.

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AS WOMEN OF COLOR, we’re

well aware of the daily inequities we encounter in education, healthcare, career pursuits, and so on. We’ve weathered those injustices with amazing strength, vision, and resilience. And maybe that’s why we don’t discuss the race-based microaggressions we face in our own homes.

If we should get a paper cut on an index finger, the adhesive bandage in our medicine cabinet was not meant for us. If we should twist or sprain an ankle, the compression wrap in our sock drawer was not made with us in mind. And if we want to don a matching set of dainties in a nude hue, the undergarments in our lingerie drawer tell us that the color of our skin is somehow wrong. The same goes for hosiery and camisoles and the kind of sexy pump that works best with an orange or turquoise dress. Is it a big deal? Hell yes, it is.

Nubian Skin Reversible Swimwear Collection

There is power in knickers. The garments that cover, protect, and support our feminine assets are a part of our suit of armor. They are pretty little secrets that boost confidence by camouflaging constantly-erect nipples and reviving the perk in post-nursing breasts. They cover appendectomy and C-section scars. They smooth and tuck and shape and hold, making that favorite power suit more powerful, that sheer blouse more tantalizing. To be able to shed our outer clothes down to a set of underthings that match and celebrate the skin we’re in is a necessity, not a luxury. The very existence of nude underwear in shades that reflect us underscores our existence, our relevance, and our unique sex appeal. That’s why I appreciate Ade Hassan, founder of Nubian Skin. While browsing Nubian Skin’s website for a perfectly hued full slip or bodysuit, you might think this was an obvious idea that major lingerie companies were just itching to bring to life. But creating bras and panties in a brown nude was anything but a simple feat.

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ADE HASSAN

The Beautician Who Built a Sports Car

Brown? Why would we have brown? Ade not only wanted a brown, she wanted four shades of brown.

Before Ade Hassan launched Nubian Skin, she worked in finance. Not lingerie, not fashion, not fabrication. Finance. “It just didn’t exist. That meant that everything had to But she believed in her concept, and that was worth taking be custom dyed. From the hook and eyes in a bra to the foam cups of a bra to the fabric that was covering the bra. a leap into the unknown. Everything.” “I did not have any contacts at all,” the 30-something entrepreneur explained during our midday, midweek call. Snag number two; how would she dye these elements “I didn’t know how to manufacture. I didn’t know how to and what colors would she use? Pantone, which is the get fabrics. I didn’t even know how to make a bra. It was as standard color and tone resource for global brands and manufacturers, did not produce browns that were suitable if I had a brilliant car idea but I was a beautician.” as skin tones. Which meant that Ade would have to create Ade’s journey into nude undergarments for black and brown shades herself. She turned to makeup counters to brown women is best defined as a beautiful struggle. A find her solutions. struggle for knowledge of the lingerie industry. A struggle for identifying the right contacts. A struggle to introduce “That was a year-long process of looking at foundation what seemed like an obvious solution into a marketplace colors, trying it, sending it to the lab to get those colors back, realizing they weren’t quite right, tweaking them a that didn’t perceive there even was a problem. little bit, adding more red, adding more yellow.” Finally, But Ade knew better. As a professional with a deep she succeeded and created her four Nubian Skin shades. appreciation for fashion, she’d personally grown tired of not having the proper foundation garments to complete a Let me reiterate this. look. Hosiery that never quite matched her legs. Slips and camisoles that didn’t quite work with skirts and blouses. The brown nude shades that Nubian Skin offers did not exist in the global marketplace in any way, shape, or form All because of color. Her color. before Ade Hassan created them. So if you’ve noticed She definitely wasn’t going to change her skin tone. What the sudden availability of brown nudes at other lingerie needed to change was the color offerings of all those various companies, you can thank Ade for that. products. She decided to be the one who led that change. You’re welcome. Ade turned to the internet to try to find an entry point into the marketplace, taking shots in the dark with randomly Laying the Foundation for a Foundation Garment discovered email addresses and phone numbers. When Revolution those efforts proved fruitless, she invested in a consultant As Ade revealed the many challenges she’s faced in who recommended industry trade shows. creating what seemed to me to be such a simple, necessary, “That was fantastic! Anyone deciding to start a business and obvious invention, I was struck by the fact that I was in an industry they don’t know or understand, I highly speaking with a history maker. In that moment, talking recommend industry trade shows because that’s where to her was no different than speaking with Mary Davison Kenner, the black woman who revolutionized the maxi everyone in that industry will be,” she advised. pad, or Christina Jenkins, the black woman who invented Ade was finally able to find fabric suppliers and was buoyed the hair weave. by this initial victory. Then the next snag appeared, like a run in a fresh pair of stockings: “Fabric suppliers do not She’d dared to become the first in fulfilling a need—an carry brown nudes. If any company in the world decides amazing feat that unfortunately comes with its own that they want to create underwear, they can get black, unique drawbacks. white, some sort of fashion color, and beige, which is the “It is very frustrating when I get an order and I see that it traditional definition of nude.” is from X brand and it’s going to a certain address. I look As Ade spoke with suppliers, she was met with confusion: it up and realize that it’s a major lingerie company. It’s

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the curse of being a first mover. You lay the groundwork and pull in the investment, but there’s always going to be competition.” The fact that she’s the spunky upstart among brands with a long-established reach and recognition has been scary but in no way defeating. She recognizes that competition is good for consumers and sees positivity in companies realizing product diversity as a worthwhile venture. And Ade remains confident in her ability to ride with the big players in the industry. “Obviously a big brand can do things significantly cheaper, but we know our customers and we have our customer base. We have a vision and we’re just going to stick with it to deliver an excellent product to our customers.”

With her finance background, one could say that Ade was better equipped than most in understanding the investments and sacrifices necessary to launch a company. But even she experienced spending and investment missteps along the way. I appreciated how she’d dared to share these behind-the-scenes moments during her various media opportunities. “A lot of women especially don’t feel comfortable talking about it, maybe because they don’t understand their finances so much or maybe they just don’t feel as if they have a hold of their finances enough to talk about it. It can feel like a very private thing.” Ade pointed out the need to have a broader conversation around financial responsibility and management. Colleagues should know whether or not they’re receiving the same compensation if they’re performing the same role. Budgeting should be taught to youth at an early age instead of college graduates having to figure out how to live financially as an adult after the fact.

Those customers have been eager to receive her excellent products since a photo of four models wearing Nubian Skin undergarments went viral in 2014. Ladies of all ages, shapes, sizes and hues—from dark and lovely naturals to deeply tanned beauties—proclaimed a resounding “yes” and have been buying ever since. “We’re given access to credit cards and loans, which can be confusing. It can be easy to get caught in a precarious Nubian Skin products are available in eight countries, situation without proper money management skills. In including the UK, US, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Kenya, and just understanding the golden rule of not spending those not within striking distance can stock up online more than what you have there is a lack of knowledge with no worries about finding the right color match. The across various communities. With people of color it’s company’s Skin Tones page provides customers with a list compounded, because there is a lack of the same financial of popular makeup brands and products to help them find privileges that other groups enjoy.” the perfect Nubian Skin pairing for their skin tone. Ade definitely felt the disadvantages she faced in breaking This type of customer-centric attention to detail has into the lingerie industry with a concept that bucked caught and held the attention of professional stylists convention. But her mission to empower women who for major production companies. They’ve reached out looked like her in such a personal way far overshadowed time and again to Nubian Skin to ensure camera-ready her nerves, her lack of manufacturing knowledge, or any glamour for their leading ladies of color. Have you seen financial woes she experienced. Hidden Figures? Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe all wore Nubian Skin hosiery in it. Perhaps She remembered who she was and never lost sight of that. you’re a Beyoncé fan. The universal pop icon and her backup performers wear Nubian Skin undergarments “I am Nigerian. I was born in Britain, raised in a lot of beneath their sheer costumes. different places, but my heritage is Nigerian. I love that. I’m proud of it. You can say that black is en vogue nowadays, “We’ve been fortunate that while we were the first to but that wasn’t always the case. It’s so important to be do this, people know about the brand,” says Ade. “In proud. Whether you’re from an African country or you’re the entertainment industry, whether that was on stage, African American and don’t necessarily know where your or in film or music or theater, it’s needed. There are so ancestors came from or you’re from the Caribbean, each many unbelievably talented women of color who are on one of those cultures has so much history. the stage or screen. It’s brilliant that enough stylists and costume departments know about the brand and we’re “Be proud of your heritage and the work of the people able to help them.” who’ve gone ahead of you.” Empowering Women, Embracing Her Color Throughout our conversation, I found so many admirable qualities in Ade. Her determination and tenacity in seeing Nubian Skin through. Her grace in navigating the competitive landscape. And her candidness in discussing some of the financial pitfalls she experienced.

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That’s what Nubian Skin is all about—empowering that pride and sense of self, that confidence and personal recognition that resides within us even when everything else is stripped away. For more information on Nubian Skin’s lingerie and other multi-hued offerings, visit nubianskin.com

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

ARTICLE NAME ARTICLE NAME

This Nubian Skin reversible swimwear is available in four nude tones—Cafe Au Lait, Caramel, Cinnamon, and Berry.

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You've got to learn to leave the table when love's no longer being served. - Nina Simone

ARTICLE NAME ARTICLE NAME

photography by Ahmad Barber model Atta of St.Claire Models styling by Ray C'Mone make-up by Christine Vasquez hair by Andy Buckmire dress and bow by Mysterious by NPN

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06 SECTION

beauty page 146.

BEAUTY'S DOUBLE EDGED SCALPEL Is plastic surgery the last beauty taboo? page 150.

STRAIGHT TALK FROM A PLASTIC SURGEON Because all plastic surgeons won't cut it page 154.

INTERVIEW: NNENE MBONU Nip, Tuck...Discuss

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words by Clarissa Bannor

BLACK WOMEN CREDIT many things for keep-

ing ourselves looking good: magical melanin, drinking ample amounts of water, the healing elixirs of shea and cocoa butters—and minding our business, of course. But a closer look at the trends suggests that black women get “a little work” done too, which could explain why our black don’t crack as easily. Attitudes about cosmetic surgery are changing in the black community, and more and more

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African women are exercising their options for maintaining their looks and enhancing their bodies with elective surgeries. From 2012 to 2018, the percentage of nips and tucks performed in the United States on people of African descent went from 5% to 7%, and that number is rising, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. These attitudes surrounding cosmetic surgery are trending in Africa and the diaspora as well, but there are many who’d rather see this trend go away.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

ARTICLE NAME ARTICLE NAME

photography by Ahmad Barber model Atta of St.Claire Models styling by Ray C'Mone make-up by Christine Vasquez hair by Andy Buckmire

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BEAUTY'S DOUBLE-EDGED SCALPEL

For centuries, Western beauty standards centered on whiteness and seldom made room for African features. Black women survived systemic misogyny and a constant assault on black beauty and self-esteem by adapting and learning to place value on Caucasian aesthetics. Slim physiques, straight hair, and fair skin were preferred over big hips, round derrieres, high cheekbones, dark skin, full lips, and kinky hair. In America alone, black people spend $1.2 trillion annually on hair and beauty products, investing fortunes on weaves, wigs, skin bleaching creams, and even colored contact lenses. From haircare to skincare, beauty industries thrive off of women’s insecurities; beauty was and still is big business. And now, both fortunately and problematically for black women, black features are in high demand. Thick Is the New Skinny For African women, going under the knife was once an absurd notion reserved for aging white women engrossed in the privileges of too much money and too much time. We didn’t have those problems. We concerned ourselves with Brazilian bundles and finding decent enough jeans that accommodated our curves without unnecessary gaps in the back.

leveled up and so should we. Besides, if the Kardashians are co-opting and making a killing showing off these same curves, doesn’t it only makes sense to follow suit and do as Nigerian comedian Nedu Wasobia’s hilarious Instagram character, Sister Nkechi, says and “Make the hustle pay!” Beyond Looking Good Curves are in, and for some women, the more exaggerated the better. Surgical technologies have made it easy for women (and men) to pick and purchase how they want their bodies to look. And this trend is growing for Africans on and off the African continent. “Big is beautiful” is an African standard that still remains but is changing slightly in preference for smaller waistlines. According to an article in Face2Face Africa, in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Sudan, and Kenya, women of means are exercising their prerogative to surgically have their excess fat removed, breasts lifted, and tummies tucked. There is, however, a greater risk in having these procedures performed by unscrupulous, uncertified, money-hungry individuals in these countries. The article notes that “although the interest is steadily growing, plastic surgery in Africa is still quite uncommon and there is room for more licensed doctors in the field.”

However, the turn of the millennium ushered in social media, the globalization of hip-hop music, a fervor for “Most plastic surgeons are not there to make you a black culture, the natural hair care movement, reality caricature of a woman,” said Dr. Nia Banks, a boardtelevision—and the Kardashians. A highly combustible certified plastic surgeon based in Washington, DC, on chain of events and celebrities exoticized big butts, Roland Martin’s news show on TVOne. “We’re there thick thighs, small waists, and snatched hairlines. For to improve on what you already have.” She went on women who aren’t naturally endowed with these to say that liposuction, post-pregnancy tummy tucks, features, advanced medical technology makes it all breast lifts, rhinoplasties, eye lifts, and Brazilian butt accessible and available for purchase. lifts are the top procedures that women of color have been requesting. Cosmetic procedures performed by quality surgeons can range from $3,000 to $7,000 on average. And going People often question the psychological integrity of in to “buy a body” is becoming as mainstream and women who opt to undergo cosmetic surgery to feel accepted as wearing a weave; you bought it, it’s yours. better about their bodies without questioning the TV and social media have opened the door for women psychological status of a society that values the male to at least consider plastic surgery as a way to genuinely gaze and youthfulness over ability and experience. The get rid of problem areas they’ve been challenged with. fact is, confidence is a key characteristic of success, and as women are opting to retire later in their careers and When we think of plastic surgery, we often think of break glass ceilings in the workplace, both surgical and reality TV stars and celebrities who undergo ridiculous noninvasive procedures will remain options in their amounts of surgical contouring to acquire perfect, toolbox to make moves. voluptuous (and sometimes ridiculous-looking) feminine shapes. But plastic surgery is also a way for women to Gone are the days when WizKid’s “fine gal, no pimple” actively make changes to their bodies and help them feel lyrics sufficed as a qualifier for beauty and sexiness confident about themselves. Sure, exercise and healthy in the African diaspora. Liposuction, tummy tucks, habits do much to keep us in shape and slow the aging and Brazilian butt lifts are here to stay thanks to the process, but there’s a place for cosmetic surgery in the declining stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery as a maintenance of a women’s physique. quick-fix solution for the pressure to be camera-ready 24/7. Let’s revel in our black girl magic and marvel that In fact, some would argue that having a little work done our black don’t crack, but let’s not make “fine girl, flat is just like wearing a good weave and good makeup to tummy” next summer’s anthem, because some of us amplify one’s looks; the technology for looking our best won’t make the cut—without a little nip and tuck.

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Straight Talk from a Plastic Surgeon By Stanley Okoro, MD Plastic surgery is on the rise all over the world, including in Africa. Now that the veil of secrecy has been torn away, cosmetic surgery has become a common topic of discussion at home, at work, and on social media, with even reality TV shows getting in on the action.

STRAIGHT TALK FROM A PLASTIC SURGEON

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), almost 18 million people underwent surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the United States alone in 2018. The ASPS report shows that Americans spent more than $16.5 billion on cosmetic plastic surgery and minimally invasive procedures in 2018, a 4% increase from the previous year. While this report does not include data from any African countries, as a plastic surgeon with practices in both Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, and Atlanta, Georgia, I can confirm that there is also a significant amount of plastic surgery being performed in Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Since 2012, there has been a steady rise in the number of requests for cosmetic plastic surgery in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. People are choosing cosmetic plastic surgery for a plethora of reasons, including to improve self-esteem, confidence, youthful appearance, and overall self-worth. Whatever the reason, it appears that attitudes toward plastic surgery are changing among African women and men. The changing attitudes and growth of plastic surgery in Africa are driven by three primary factors:

The global influence of Western culture. Hollywood and Nollywood commonly portray the beauty ideal of a thin waistline and big backside, an image reinforced by many Western TV shows and celebrities. Economic growth. The expanding African economies and resulting robust growth of the African middle class have increased disposable income levels and fueled consumers’ appetite for cosmetic surgery. Women’s social status. African women are now more educated, enlightened, and political than ever, and their corresponding elevation in social status has given rise to the independent African woman, especially in West African countries such as Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria. This newfound independence is also fueling the demand for cosmetic surgery.

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“Many people don’t realize that doctors can call themselves cosmetic surgeons without any surgical training. ” Plastic Surgery for Men Plastic surgery is no longer for women alone. A new report from the ASPS reveals that last year more than 1.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed on men, representing a 29% increase since 2000. This should come as no surprise; everyone wants to look good, and men are starting to jump on the plastic surgery bandwagon, embracing treatments like the “Daddy Makeover” to improve their physical appearance and boost their confidence.

Dr. Stanley Okoro, Plastic Surgeon

Men often choose plastic surgery when diet and exercise fail to help them reach their goals. In our practice, we see men choosing cosmetic procedures for almost the same reasons women do: to boost their confidence, self-esteem, and physical attractiveness. The most common types of procedures for men are liposuction and male breast reduction for gynecomastia. More men are also getting facial rejuvenation treatments such as Botox and Juvederm. For men and women interested in cosmetic plastic procedures, it is very important to do your homework well. Make sure to select a well-qualified plastic surgeon. The most common mistake is to choose a surgeon based on his or her price. Plastic surgery is not a commodity for which price should be the primary determining factor. When you select a plastic surgeon, you are paying for his or her skills, which depend on the surgeon’s education, training, and experience. How to Select a Plastic Surgeon Many people don’t realize that doctors can call themselves cosmetic surgeons without any surgical training. In the United States, for instance, many

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state laws permit licensed physicians to refer to themselves as “cosmetic” surgeons even if they have not been trained in plastic surgery or have any surgical training at all. The situation is even worse in most African countries, where there is less regulation, transparency, and access to information. It is very important that prospective patients select their doctor carefully. Asking the basic question of board certification is not enough these days. The real question is: in what area of medicine is your training and board certification? Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty that centers on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, whereas cosmetic surgery is not a specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. In the United States, members of the American Society of Plastic surgeons are board certified plastic surgeons. The plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic or aesthetic plastic surgery procedures additionally belong to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Questions to Ask During Your Consultation Cosmetic plastic surgery can be a very satisfying experience when performed by well- trained and certified plastic surgeons. We have all heard plastic surgery horror stories. It is very important to make sure you choose a real plastic surgeon for your procedure. Use this checklist as a guide during your plastic surgery journey. It’s okay to ask your surgeon these questions, and if they cannot or will not answer them, consider it a red flag.

Plastic Surgeon Checklist 0

Are you trained specifically in plastic surgery?

Where did you train?

Are you board certified in plastic surgery?

Are you a member of any organization for plastic surgeons, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons?

How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?

Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?

Is the office-based surgical facility approved by a federally or state-recognized accrediting agency?

How many procedures of this type have you performed?

Am I a good candidate for this procedure?

Where and how will you perform my procedure?

What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?

How are complications handled?

What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my surgery?

Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for each procedure, and what results are reasonable for me to expect?

Dr. Okoro is a double board certified cosmetic plastic surgeon. A former US Naval Commander, Dr. Okoro served as the Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He is now the chief medical director of Georgia Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Abuja Plastics, and Amachi MedSpa. You can learn more about his practices in the US and Nigeria at www.georgiaplastic.com and www.abujaplastic.com

BEAUTY

words by Nikki Igbo

Nip, Tuck...Discuss with Nnene Kalu Mbonu

It’s nobody’s body but your own At one point, Nnene Kalu Mbonu weighed 300 pounds. This was after having given birth to two children and a lifetime of putting on a brave face about her physique. As so many other black women do every day regardless of size, color, or the state of their hair, she’d tout self-love and appreciation. Privately, however, she wanted to change her body. She took her time, did her research, worked out vigorously, and lost a lot of weight. Then she made a personal choice to undergo cosmetic surgery ... but she didn’t talk much about it. However, on a springtime afternoon call we did have that conversation, and a great conversation it was.

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RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

NNENE KALU MBONU

NNENE, A RESERVOIR ANALYST working in the oil and gas sector, had struggled with her weight since childhood and was ready for a change. “Being a certain size was all I ever dreamed, for years and years,” she confessed.

Nnene’s fitness journey began more as a desire to change her outward appearance than to embrace a healthier existence. She started with spin classes at her local Texas gym before investing in a road bike to ride regularly along with her gym visits. As her workouts progressed, she built a community of friends and remained motivated to reach her initial goal weight of 215. She worked hard to meet that first milestone, but the weight loss she achieved had left her with extra skin around her abdominal area.

lung-related problems. Other potential outcomes can include recurrent skin looseness, persistent pain, and the possible need for revisional surgery. Approximately 10% to 20% of tummy tuck patients experience a local complication following the procedure, while less than 1% suffer a systemic complication. However, death from the procedure is extremely rare. In a study conducted between 2008 and 2013 by American cosmetic procedure insurance provider CosmetAssure, researchers reviewed 25,000 abdominoplasties and found that combining multiple procedures during a surgery increases the likelihood of complications by 50%. In particular, combining a tummy tuck with body contouring and liposuction increased the risk of complications from 3.1% to up to 10.4%.

“I realized that no amount of exercise I did was going to work off the excess skin, so I opted to have a tummy tuck.” Still, the vast majority of patients who undergo tummy A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves the removal tuck procedures have satisfactory results and are happy of excess skin and fat from the abdominal region and the with their surgical outcomes, though recovery from tightening of the abdominal wall muscles. The decision abdominoplasty is not easy. was neither quick nor easy, and she deliberated over the procedure for quite some time. “I had a C-section with my second child six years prior to my tummy tuck. That was really a very difficult surgery,” “Coming to the decision to have plastic surgery was a work said Nnene. “The abdominal area is a really difficult area. in itself. My mother still doesn’t even know I’ve had a Then about eight years ago I had my tummy tuck, and tummy tuck,” Nnene shared. that was very difficult too.” Because plastic surgery is such a personal undertaking, Nnene wanted to make sure that her decision was based solely upon her personal needs and desires.

Following surgery, patients typically wear an abdominal binder for support for about six weeks and are unable to operate a motor vehicle for at least a few weeks. They are also advised to avoid strenuous activity, including vigorous exercise and heavy lifting. But even rest during recovery can be a challenge, as it is recommended that patients sleep in an upright position with their knees propped up with pillows to avoid stressing the midsection.

“My mom is a beautiful, strong, typical African lady. Conservative and religious. If I would have gone to my mom saying that I wanted surgery, she’d be worried about me dying on the table. She’d also wonder why I wanted to change myself. If you’re dealing with your own insecurity and then you finally come to the decision, another person’s Nnene got through her recovery with the help of family view can derail you. I didn’t want to talk to my mom and and emerged from the experience with her desired results. get a response that was going to feed into my fear. I didn’t need that.” “I was very happy. I felt my self-confidence rise.” The tummy tuck procedure and healing process was a Abdominoplasty is the fifth most common procedure in worthwhile experience for Nnene—and many other black the United States after breast augmentation, liposuction, women in recent history agree. nose reshaping, and eyelid surgery, according to 2017 statistics reported by the American Society of Plastic According to the ASPS 2017 Plastic Surgery Statistics Surgeons (ASPS). These same five procedures are also the Report, African Americans, who make up about 12% of most popular procedures requested around the world, as the US population, accounted for 9% of all cosmetic reported by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic procedures. The same study revealed that blacks account Surgery (ISAPS). for 11% of tummy tuck procedures. Despite the surgery’s prevalence, abdominoplasty has the “Times are changing. Things are changing,” said Nnene. highest rate of complications of all cosmetic procedures. The plastic surgery statistics underscore these changes. The most common tummy tuck complications are seromas (pockets of fluid buildup) and hematomas (abnormal Cosmetic surgery was once thought to be a whites-only pooling of blood) caused by infections, blood clots, and interest with the goal of defying age or looking like

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someone else. But attitudes about plastic surgery among black women have shifted. The ASPS reports that more than a million of us in America are getting work done each year. As we begin to open up about the procedures, we’re also beginning to share how our motivations for cosmetic surgery are much more than skin deep. Body Positivity, Cosmetic Surgery, and Black Women The idea of loving and accepting all body types, also known as body positivity, exploded in 2017 thanks to social media. Body positivity as a recognized social movement is nothing new, however. This movement is said to have started as early as the mid- to late 1800s as a referendum on fashion. Women in those times, primarily white and well off, advocated ditching corsets for natural waistlines and trading petticoats for the liberating ease of pants.

Being a black woman comes with its own special set of stigmas. We’re supposedly angry. And not feminine enough. On top of being ignorant and lazy. While simultaneously being materialistic and opportunistic. Oh, and we’re also physically and emotionally indestructible. And if we happen not to be the right shade of black, with the right type of hair, good fashion sense, the right size ass, breasts, and legs—AND fat? Well, that’s just no good. There’s no need to list the disproportionate circumstances we must face as a result. In reality, we’ve had to be confident in our own skins just to survive— long before it was fashionable to have lips or be curvy. We’ve been okay with ourselves. We’ve had to be. While this sort of de facto selfpride is regarded as heroic, it’s particularly unfair because it’s a denial of black women’s right to simply be human.

Today’s body positivity movement was developed in the 1960s with “Every day we get up and we’re wearing so many hats,” Nnene said a focus on fat bodies while embracing all bodies regardless of race, as we discussed the current state of the body positivity movement. sexual orientation, physical ability, or size—the premise being that fat Like so many other movements, it’s also managed to oust the very discrimination is the last universally accepted form of discrimination. audience it is supposed to benefit most: those marginalized bodies who are not white, heterosexual, able-bodied, fair-skinned, straightThe Council on Size and Weight Discrimination reports that haired, and under a size 14. workers who are heavier than average will earn up to $100,000 less before taxes over the course of their careers than their thinner But we are more empowered than ever before to move on our own, counterparts. Heavier workers are also not given raises as often as in our own way. thinner workers. This bias—which is normalized in children as young as three years of age—precludes that people of size are too “Each day is just another day to try. It doesn’t mean completely giving aggressive and uncooperative, lack determination and self-discipline, up. It doesn’t mean overpressuring ourselves,” said Nnene. “Just be and are less productive. kind. I say that and it doesn’t mean I have this down pat. But for me, it’s a matter of being aware of the unnecessary pressures we give Sadly, this constant level of socially accepted prejudice and hostility ourselves based on the perspectives of others. That seems like it’s not permeates societies around the globe. It’s therefore arguable that weight loss-related. It’s really about being kind to yourself. That’s certain weight and body mass index-related health issues typically the goal you want; that’s what you want to try for every day. If that associated with weight and body mass index (BMI), such as diabetes, day you don’t try, then just try again next time. It’s a mental thing. hypertension, heart disease, and some cancers, are just as likely to be That’s what we do with these transformations.” triggered by the microaggressions and stress levels associated with public perception. Desiring change does not equate to body dysmorphia and is not in conflict with having a positive view of ourselves. Whether that’s Doctors aren’t helping. lipstick, a tattoo, a fresh weave, pierced ears, or a Brazilian butt lift, we have a right to realize whatever vision we have for ourselves. We A 2017 study conducted by the American Psychological Association have a right to accept ourselves on our own terms. found that doctors recommend and prescribe different treatments to larger patients than to those who are thin, with those disparate And we should also have the right to talk about it. treatments ignoring the root of whatever issue is at hand. Specifically, doctors tend to order CAT scans, physical therapy, or blood work for Let’s Talk About Cosmetic Surgery, Baby average-weight patients while simply recommending weight loss for heavier patients. When Nnene underwent abdominoplasty, it wasn’t something she was comfortable talking about. So what does body positivity have to do with black women and plastic surgery? “I never really wanted to discuss it with people. Our culture tends to be religious and rather judgmental. Back then, there Approximately 60% of black women in America are said to be was more of a culture of fear of dying on the table and a lack of overweight, while weight studies in Africa are sorely lacking. knowledge. And plastic surgery was frowned upon as changing Nevertheless, keep in mind that the definition of “overweight” is the form of what God gave us. Now it’s more open. [My surgery] based on white standards of what a “normal” weight constitutes. was years ago. Psychology has changed. Surgery and techniques Clinical studies performed in 1999 and 2007 found that blacks have have changed. It’s more openly discussed. I really believe that if lower body fat and higher lean muscle mass than whites with the a magazine like Radiant had been around during my surgery, I same BMI. But we all understand how perception is reality. would not have agonized over it so much.”

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Psychology has changed. Surgery and techniques have changed. It’s more openly discussed. I really believe that if a magazine like Radiant had been around during my surgery, I would not have agonized over it so much.” Nnene had initially wanted two procedures: abdominoplasty and breast augmentation. “My husband wasn’t too thrilled with me wanting to do breast surgery. He felt that I looked great the way I was, but I didn’t like that my breasts weren’t standing. I didn’t like that I felt a certain way when I wore a bathing suit.” As Nnene continued to work out in preparation for a second elective surgery, she experienced a different drive in her fitness journey and began to think more critically about her motivations for breast augmentation. She also added powerlifting, strength training, and kettlebells to her workout.

surgery. I wanted to explain to her the why and what happened because I’m concerned with the example I set in the decisions I make. I wanted her to see that I’m not perfect. I wanted her to understand what I felt about my flaws. Regarding the breast implants, I talked to her about wanting them.” Nnene often talks with her daughter about making and setting personal limits for these kinds of life decisions.

“I don’t think it would have been too far, but I chose not to because I didn’t actually need them. And that’s the key. Understanding what is more important to me at this point. That was the transformation. Having plastic surgery didn’t mean I wasn’t confident in myself. I told my daughter that getting anyone else involved in that kind “I got a trainer and transformed from that idea of wanting to lose of decision didn’t mean having to be influenced by it. You need to weight to be a particular size to more about being healthy, confident, do what works for you. Do your research. Make sure you’ve tried and being happy with where I am.” other resources and options and that will lead you to your why. And that’s all that really matters.” And in shifting her goals, she realized she no longer desired breast augmentation at all. Nnene has been recovering from an injury of late, otherwise her normal workout routine would encompass more of a CrossFit “Not to say that plastic surgery is bad or wrong. The main reason style, though she wouldn’t really call it that. for wanting to lose weight and do plastic surgery was to mask my insecurity.” Her cosmetic procedure helped her reevaluate “It’s a style between cardio and weight training. I’m doing a lot what was most important to her: her confidence and how she more lifting now. As you get older, you’ve got to build those perceived herself. muscles even better. I have a trainer and was doing a lot of group practice. It’s circuit training for 30 minutes, which is a combination “The tummy tuck I really had to do first. There was no other way of things like burpees, weight training, and kettlebells. My number I was going to get rid of that last 10 to 15 pounds. It wasn’t going one favorite thing is kettlebells because it is the fastest way to get to go anywhere no matter how much confidence I had. But then in both your cardio and weight training.” afterward, I got to a point where I didn’t need the breast implants. I’m not dissing anybody else who wants to have it. In doing the As with her conversations about cosmetic surgery, Nnene definitely tummy tuck, I started to work my way toward that body confidence doesn’t mind sharing her fitness exploits with her daughter. and I found it. I didn’t really need to have breast implants.” “I’m enjoying watching my daughter as she does volleyball and Though Nnene still hasn’t had a talk with her mom about it, powerlifting in school. I love that it’s competitive. I never did she is making sure to have discussions about self-perception play sports as a kid because I was always overweight. In talking with her daughter. to her about all these things, I remind her to be kind to her body and herself and just constantly try to do better the next “What concerns me is what we as women are portraying for our day. If she wants to do this long term, I tell her she needs to younger girls. So I had to sit down and have this conversation with stretch, rest her body, eat healthy foods. It’s not easy, but you my 15-year-old daughter. We’ve had conversations about plastic just keep trying every day.”

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We get it. Some of the most important issues in our global community are extremely difficult to discuss. Still, we need to talk about each and every one. The wonderful thing about art in all of its forms is that it gives us an opportunity to get those much-needed discussions started—hence the following conversation-inducing menu of global and digital cultural offerings.

GO WATCH (AND SUBMIT!)

I’m Not a Witch Now Available Written over the course of three years by Zambian-Welsh director Rungano Nyoni, this multi-award-winning film follows 8-year-old Shula, an orphaned child who has been accused and convicted of witchcraft. The movie is at once comical, provocative, and unflinching in its rendering of the ironic relationship between patriarchal belief systems, vulnerable populations, and modern society.

GO BEHOLD

amazonprime.com

African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2019 Port Harcourt, Nigeria: November 13-20, 2019 Featuring animation, docu-feature, documentary, and narrative fiction works, this annual Nigerian-based film festival has been going strong since 2010. With a mission to unite Africa and reclaim African identity from an African perspective, AFRIFF also raises awareness of socioeconomic potential and effects across the continent. Afriff.com

Africa Fashion Week London London, England: August 10, 2019 Celebrating its ninth season, this extravaganza of African fashion design founded by Ronke Ademiluyi is Europe’s largest event of its kind. To date, the show and its platform have featured more than 800 emerging designers and exhibitors from throughout the global African diaspora.

Smithsonian National Museum of African Art: I Am… Contemporary Women Artists of Africa Washington DC: Summer 2019 through March 15, 2020 The world is beginning to take notice of the many splendid women artists hailing from Africa—and it’s about time. This special exhibition will feature 28 African women artists and their unique visual approach to taking on identity, community, faith, the environment, and politics. africa.si.edu

Galerie Cécile Fakhoury Dakar, Senegal After launching an initial location in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire in 2012, this second location opened in Dakar in 2018, continuing the gallery’s established reputation of promoting contemporary African art that challenges current social, political, and economic issues in Senegal. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. cecilefakhoury.com

africafashionweeklondonuk.com

1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair: London Somerset House: October 3-6 2019 Last year, this leading international art fair featuring contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora welcomed 18,000 visitors and featured more than 130 artists. Founded by Moroccan art curator Touria El Glaoui in 2013, the fair, which takes place annually in multiple international locations, has been an invaluable platform for promoting and raising the value of contemporary African art. 1-54.com 160

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GO READ

The Color of Hope: People of Color Mental Health Narratives, by Vanessa Hazzard Now Available No person on the planet is completely free of trauma, and no soul can totally avoid the effects that trauma has on physical and mental health and well-being. This book helps break the stigma and shame among communities of color when confronting mental health by recounting personal African, Latino, and Asian stories on the taboo topic of mental illness. amazon.com

African Love Stories: An Anthology, by Ama Ata Aidoo Now Available Read this and you’ll laugh, cry, and be reminded of the richness of perspective across the African continent. Featuring contributions exclusively from African women writers, this short story collection showcases the complexity of love in birth, death, youth, and advanced age. It also tackles the realities of love when it comes to multiracial and same-sex relationships. amazon.com

Daughters of Africa: An International Anthology of Words and Writings by Women of African Descent from the Ancient Egyptian to the Present, by Margaret Busby Now Available Study most popular history books and you’d think that discussing the female impact on the world’s development was taboo. If you’re as interested in “herstory” as we are, then you’ll love this compilation of essays and stories written in various languages by women of African descent throughout history, from the Queen of Sheba to Nigerian-born British writer Buchi Emecheta. amazon.com

GO LISTEN

Like Glue Music Fest Atlanta, Georgia: August 3, 2019 Based on Like Glue Fridays at Atlantis Restaurant and Lounge—a weekly party recognizing the sticky-sweet relationship between the international music scene and its fans—this inaugural festival nurtures musical magnetism with a celebration of reggae, Afrobeats, dancehall, soca, hip-hop, and reggaeton styles. likegluefest.com

Calabar Carnival Calabar, Nigeria: December 1–31, 2019 Repeatedly described as “the pride of Nigeria” and “Africa’s biggest party,” this long-running tourist attraction regularly draws more than 2 million attendees, while its Battle of the Bands and Street Parade events capture a 50-million-strong television viewing audience. But wait ... there’s more, including music, food, a bikers’ parade, a beauty pageant, and New Year’s Eve fireworks. carnivaland.net

Mangaung African Cultural Festival (MACUFE) Bloemfontein, South Africa: October 4-13, 2019 Since its inception in 1997, this annual ten-day festival has grown from an audience of 30,000 to more than 140,000. Each year, local and international African artists deliver a smorgasbord of kwaito, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, gospel, rock, and classical music, in addition to other artistic and cultural attractions. facebook.com/officialmacufe

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body & mind page 164.

NAVIGATING DIVORCE AS AN AFRICAN WOMAN You can survive and thrive

page 170.

RADIANT WOMAN WATCH Eno Georgette Inwek

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you can survive thrive NAVIGATING DIVORCE AS AN AFRICAN WOMAN

words by Toyin Falusi MD If you had to choose, I know you would choose to thrive over just surviving. Guess what? It is your life, and you do get to choose to thrive after a divorce. When you are going through a divorce, it feels like you are stumbling through a never-ending dark tunnel, and you have no idea how you’re going to get through or what it’s going to look like on the other side. You are plunged into a free fall—a place with so much uncertainty, isolation, and fear.

NAVIGATING DIVORCE

photography by Ahmad Barber model Atta of St. Claire Models styling by Ray C'Mone make-up by Christine Vasquez hair by Andy Buckmire dress by Mysterious by NPN

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NAVIGATING DIVORCE

MOST PEOPLE, MYSELF INCLUDED,

go into marriage hoping for forever and happily ever after and do not have a divorce agenda; but once it happens, the resolve to go on is imperative. I got divorced at 35, after nine and a half years of marriage, when my daughters were 6 and 7 years old. It was rough, challenging, and filled with a flurry of emotions, but I chose not to let the divorce define me. I chose to stay positive, propelled by the overwhelming desire to raise well-adjusted children and have us all thrive. In 2017, 12 years after my divorce, I published The Decade After: Thriving After Divorce. Tips on staying positive and getting better, not bitter. I wrote this book to empower women of all ages and backgrounds going through a divorce. I hoped that by sharing my experiences and personal growth, I could show other women going through the process that being on the other side can be fabulous. That you can get through the divorce process intact—shaken, stirred, jostled, but not broken. Better, not bitter. I wrote about this taboo topic (under my family name—gasp!) in my bid to attenuate the secrecy, shame, and stigma that comes with divorce. I am American by birth, born to Nigerian parents, and raised in Nigeria. I have lived in America for the last 25 years, and straddling two cultures can be difficult, even as an adult. Being a divorced Nigerian mom can be especially challenging. Why Is Divorce Such a Taboo? In most African countries, divorce is not commonplace, rarely reported, and definitely not talked about. It is taboo. Divorcées are treated like pariahs, and so people stay married no matter how dysfunctional things are because it’s what we do. In our Naija culture (and I suspect in most African cultures), we don’t talk about divorce. Nobody gets divorced. Good people don’t walk away from their marriages. You stick it out, make it work, and stay married, even if you live on different continents, live separate lives, have other families, have abandoned the family—you are still married, and that’s way better than being a divorcée. The 2016 article “Rings fall apart” in The Economist, which explores divorce in Nigeria, states that

official divorce rates are extremely low in Nigeria and that only 0.2% to 0.3% have legally untied the knot. The bulk of information about divorce in Nigeria comes from splashy, salacious headlines (“Fact or Fiction?”) in gossip columns or magazines of Nollywood celebrities getting divorced. The taboo surrounding divorce is multifaceted and includes issues of stigma, guilt, bringing shame to the family, a sense of failure, feeling like you’ve damaged your children, the loss of friendships, and a change in financial and social standing, just to name a few. Even the parents of a divorced woman may become social outcasts, which may endanger the marriageability of other children in the family. The idea that 40% of marriages in America end in divorce seems almost mythical and was definitely not the reality in my Naija circles. When I was going through my divorce, I did not have any family or close friends who were divorced. This is still the reality for many women in the diaspora, and it does not provide us with many people to bounce things off of.

“I hoped that by sharing my experiences and personal

growth, I could show other

And even though it takes two to tango and to uncouple, the blame for the failure of a marriage often falls squarely on the woman. Phrases like too proud, too independent, too educated, feminist, and too Americanized are thrown around to explain why she didn’t fight for her marriage, and I heard some of those phrases applied to my own situation. But when we internalize the failure messages that are thrown at us, we give up our power.

women going through the process that being on the other side can be fabulous.”

When the divorce process starts, it is imperative to dig deep and find your strength. Divorce is difficult regardless of who initiated the process. The stigma, both internalized and external, makes it even more difficult, and the added layer of being an African woman makes it extra tough. You will have many rough days, but you just have to keep going and do your research.

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If you have children, resolve to put their best interests at the forefront as you navigate the process. If you are the breadwinner, protect your assets. Understand your legal protections and entitlements regarding alimony, child support, and custody agreements if applicable, and ask for all you deserve. Consider mediation if that works for your situation. Research options for therapy, counseling, and self-care as well as co-parenting ideas and how to keep moving forward. How to Grow and Stay Positive During This Challenging Time A thriving mindset does not change the reality of a sub-optimal situation, but it allows you to create a solid plan B if plan A doesn’t pan out. So, how do you move from a survival mindset to a thriving mindset? It may take time and require a lot of work (therapy, counseling), especially if there was abuse of any kind during the marriage. Get the help and support you need to embrace the amazing woman you are. Find or renew your faith. Disengage from negative people or situations that drag you down. Choose not to share too many (or any) details of your divorce or waste time bashing your ex to anyone who will listen. If you have children, strive to separate your emotions about the divorce from the co-parenting process and don’t restrict the children’s access to the other parent unless that is what is best for them. Write and star in your own story and do not let the judgment of others define you. Have a support system and let them know you value and appreciate their help. Take care of yourself and attend to all aspects of your being, including the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual.

Find positive ways to relieve your stress. Ask for help and accept help when offered. This does not make you weak; conversely, it is a sign of maturity and strength. Invest in yourself—no knowledge is wasted. Avoid rushing into relationships to fill the void and never settle, because you deserve the best. Love yourself and know that being alone does not mean you are lonely. Commit to personal growth and learn something new each day. Know yourself and stay true to yourself, as this allows you to stay grounded. Authenticity is refreshing, so just do you! Help Break the Stigma For the happily married or single women reading this, you likely know a divorced woman and can support her in the best way you can. You can resolve to be nonjudgmental, refuse to gossip about her, and not assume that she is jealous of your marriage or that she wants your man. To break the stigma and shame associated with divorce, we need to support each other. Divorce happens, life goes on. The woman, daughter, sister, mother, and friend I am today is a result of the refinement that came with my divorce. If you are going through a divorce, I encourage you to embrace the fierce, strong woman you are. Refuse to accept that you are a failure. Refuse to be treated like a second-class citizen and do not settle for less than you deserve. The growth that comes from adversity is strong and beautiful. Consider this time a time of growth and use it to emerge a stronger, better, finer version of yourself—the 2.0 model, better not bitter. Go from surviving to thriving. You’ve got this, girl!

Toyin M. Falusi, MD, is an infectious disease physician in Chicago and the author of The Decade After: Thriving After Divorce. Tips on staying positive and getting better, not bitter. You can learn more at www.thedecadeafter.com.

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The 12 R’s of Thriving After Divorce 1. REAFFIRM

daily that you are more than enough.

2. REORGANIZE

your mind, your space, your priorities. 3. REFLECT

on the marriage and how you may have contributed to its demise, then forgive yourself— forgiveness is freeing. 4. RECOGNIZE

and celebrate your successes, big and small. 5. REASSURE

yourself that you are doing your best and all will be well. 6. REVITALIZE

your mind, body, and soul in the manner you choose.

7. RENEW

your mind and your interests in things you loved as a kid, a teenager, or a single adult before you became a wife and a mom. 8. REPLENISH

your stores often and without guilt. 9 RESOLVE

to surround yourself with people who empower you.

10 RE-ENGAGE

in hobbies, interests, and relationships that made you happy. 11. REALIZE

that the growth that comes from adversity is strong and beautiful. 12. REMAIN

thankful for life and the opportunity to get better, not bitter.

illustration by Bianca Kipp

ENO GEORGETTE INWEK

Radiant Woman Watch

Eno Georgette Inwek words by Nikki Igbo RELATABLE LIFE LESSONS FROM THE TRENCHES

Los Angeles-based Eno Georgette Inwek is an inspirational speaker, hilarious humorist, and engaging storyteller and author. You may have seen her in Yvonne Orji’s pilot First Gen playing the braggadocious mother, Agatha. Or you may have caught her rib-splitting set on Africa Laughs. As Eno moves onward and upward through her career, the stories and views she shares have proven to be a gift for both her audience and herself. This is so because she dares to share her experience in real time, divulging the good, the bad, and the ugly every step of the way. Eno understands the value of being a phoenix who is unafraid to speak on the ashes as much as on the rise.

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BODY & MIND RADIANT WAS DELIGHTED to catch up with Eno and expe-

story to motivate and inspire people. I also share to rid myself of the shame I felt about certain things that happened to me. I was a queen of suffering in silence. I grew up in Nigeria. My parents were the most open people. They didn’t shame me about anything. No matter how “weird” I Radiant Health: Ms. Fine Girl, No Pimples, you was. But whenever I went to somebody else’s house or was said in one of your stand-up routines that you around other people’s parents, they’d point out things that love your job because you get paid to be your- were wrong. “You’re not married at this age; you’re wrong. self. What is a day in your life like? You haven’t accomplished this at this age; you’re wrong.” I quickly learned shame. Eno Inwek: I get to talk to people who are looking to make a change. They may not know exactly what that If I share candidly now, it’s because I got to a point where route is going to look like, so they’ll reach out to me, ask not saying something was going to kill me. That sounds questions when they’re not clear about it, then together we like an exaggeration. For me, shame got a good hold of uncover and explore. I’ve always been open to sharing the me and I could tell that I was going to die. I wanted to journey I’m on. I get to talk about whatever space I’m in, die. I wanted my life to end. When I first started sharing, I whether good or bad. I share a story to reflect on and what believed I wasn’t going to be here to reap the repercussions I did. I invite them to take part in my story, grow from it, of this kind of shameful sharing, so I just did it. and explore aspects that may work for them. But when I started sharing, people around the world startEvery day, I wake up wanting to extend permission to em- ed reaching out to me to say, “Oh my God, that’s my story. brace wherever a person is in that moment. It may be an Yes. You’re saying what I couldn’t say. I’ve not committed amazing place. It may be a bad place. For some people, it suicide. Because of you, I’m going to get up.” Or there was could mean going back to school or back to work, or start- the flip side: “Because you’re sharing, let me tell you about ing completely over in a different capacity. my journey. It was worse than yours. Let me tell you that it’s not the end.” Some people would tell me, “I know you RH That’s so cool. You’re also known as an “Am- might not believe this, but I went through this.” I received bassador of Possibility.” Did you always want these long inboxes of stories and I read every single one of to be a motivational speaker? Was that always them. I thought about how I was the one receiving these your concentration of choice? stories and I’m being rewarded in real time for speaking. rience firsthand her compassionate candidness in revealing one of the most personal and challenging experiences of her life—her divorce.

EI: No. You know, that [motivational speaker] label? That name comes with a lot of assumptions that I’m just this nice, wholesome, good person who does no wrong and doesn’t have a foul mouth. That’s not really the case. I wonder, is that a proper name for me? It’s almost like someone calling me a pastor or preacher. I wish there was a title called “encourager.” Have I always known that I wanted to do this type of work? No. But my dad was always one to encourage people and I enjoyed the way people related to him. He was a true ambassador of possibility, a truly encouraging human being. And I thought, “That’s something I want to do.” That’s who I want to be. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share. Did I want to do this? I don’t know. But I’m not surprised, given the way my dad raised me. RH: It is easy to think “motivational speaker” and picture a Zig Ziglar type who appears to have it all together. Those people may be inspirational to some, but not others who want to hear from people who have had struggles. That’s what we adore about you, the fact that you’ve shared so many candid stories about your life. From working in a toxic environment, to revealing your experience with homelessness, to dating after 40. Why do you feel it’s so important to share your stories in this way? EI: It would be disingenuous if I said I’m only sharing a

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RH: There’s this awesome video you posted on YouTube entitled “How My Nigerian Parents Reacted to My Divorce.” This touched me personally as I am currently going through a divorce. It was so empowering because you say how supportive and nonjudgmental your parents were and you admitted how you expected a totally different reaction. You encouraged divorcees not to the make the same assumptions you did. You also urged family members to think critically about the positive role they can play in the life of a loved one going through divorce. At the end, you talked about grace and not having access to it. What did you mean by that? EI: All my stories in my life involve me, in some capacity, being able to pick myself up and start all over. I’ve been that person, so I knew I could do it if I needed to do it. But when this [divorce] journey happened, I had nothing in my memory bank to fall back on and remind myself of who I was. I am here today because of other people who said, “Let me tell you what’s possible. Let me feed you right now. Let me help you with your résumé. Let me help you regroup. Let me talk to you about financial planning.” When I talk about grace, I talk about other people who stepped into their humanity and showed up for me. RH: Your divorce story—it’s a recurring theme across your Facebook page and your YouTube

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

ENO GEORGETTE INWEK

“When going through a trauma, there is a space between the trauma and starting to know that bouncing back is possible.” videos, and it’s powerful because what you share is so authentic and personal. EI: If you’d asked me a year ago, I would have said that for the rest of my life, this divorce would define where I was going to go, what I was going to talk about, and what my life was going to look like. In hindsight, I realize I said that negatively. Mine definitely changed the trajectory of what was important to me, where I was going, what I talked about. It’s not a knock on the story at the time; it’s me embracing the journey that I’m on. I’m allowing myself to be present. My ex-husband woke up one day and decided he didn’t want to be married. He said it wasn’t personal; it was just his journey. I cried. We cried together. I said that we were still going to be friends. But 24 hours later, he’d written a letter to my family and his family talking about new things that shocked me. He listed a bunch of things and it was as if I was dealing with a completely different person. Over the next 30 days, he became unrecognizable to me. I lost myself. It’s the type of thing that’s really hard to explain to someone else, which is why I documented it for myself. When I was going through it, I felt as if my world was collapsing and no one else seemed to understand it. It just got ugly and I felt very discarded. I felt thrown away. I felt like I didn’t matter and I felt played. I ended up being blindsided and not having any money. I didn’t have enough time to process anything. I didn’t make good legal decisions because I was counting on who I thought he was. There’s nothing wrong with people having spoken agreements, but you never know what people will ultimately do during the process, so it doesn’t hurt to document things. As a woman going through this, it definitely doesn’t hurt to cover yourself legally. I was counting on a lot of behind-the-scenes conversations about what he would do, just really hoping that he’d realize I was in a disadvantaged situation. But that’s not what happened. I spent a lot of time in shock and let time go by. I was told to get over it and I was ashamed about that. I felt I spent my time making sure I didn’t make certain mistakes that a “good African girl” doesn’t have to make. There were so many rules we have to live by and I did everything right. I didn’t understand why this was happening to me. My dad said, “Why not you?” Who says that to his daughter? RH: [laughs] Right?!

EI: [laughs] But he was absolutely right, because if the wrong person were to have gone through this, then she might not share. I was the best person because I do share. I really thought with everything going as it had been that I would just go ahead and kill myself. I came to understand that he’d been planning [the divorce] for a long time. If somebody is planning something against you and you’re busy being in love, you’re not planning a counterattack on something like that. You’re just trusting that it is what it is and that they’re being their word. [Financially], I should have known better beyond the possibility of divorce. What if something had happened to him during our marriage? I should have known much more than I felt I knew. I was ashamed about that. RH: Many women do find themselves in that same position during divorce, having leaned on their spouses financially because they trusted. We’re supposed to have trust in a relationship. EI: Yes, but within days of him asking for a divorce, he gave our landlord 30 days’ notice and told me that I needed to find a place. I didn’t have access to our money at the time. I had to scrounge up coins to pay the $20 application fee for an apartment. I remember thinking, God, I’m going to get denied, because my credit was so bad. I pulled in front of that particular apartment and I cried like crazy. My eyes were so sore when I finally got it together and called the number on the building. I asked the property manager if they were accepting applications and he said yes and he would give me an answer within the next three to four days. I’d even tried to bribe him by saying that I’d give him three months’ rent if he approved me. He’d replied how it didn’t work that way. “We have standards,” he said. I just knew he wasn’t going to give it me. But later he called me and told me I was approved. I don’t know what happened. It’s nothing short of a miracle. By the time it was all said and done, I was left with all the marital debt and no money. It was a very ugly journey in so many ways. But I would be remiss if I didn’t say that all that debt I had and thought was going to kill me, it is almost paid off. It was an impossible amount. If somebody had told me that I could pay my student loan off at this rate, I would have said no. It’s been a journey of ups and downs. I’m in a very good place and I’m afraid of appearing like I have it together.

2019—volume 1

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Or forgetting that there are people who need me to be honest about the process. When going through a trauma, there is a space between the trauma and starting to know that bouncing back is possible. I spent a lot of time in this space. There’s a certain type of love that’s needed for women in that space. That’s where I reside; I share from that place. RH: Thank you for sharing in this way because there is so much shame there. There’s so much shame associated with it. As women, we’re supposed to weather the storm, give men children, and tolerate everything they do as godly women. But we’re also human with feelings and reactions that are perfectly reasonable to have. So many times, we get told how to comport ourselves, how we should look, act, and dress. How we should be perpetual martyrs. That’s simply unfair. EI: There’s a certain level of empathy that is missing in many of our communities. A lot of times, this thing you’re describing comes from other women. People can’t wrap their minds around the fact that this could be them. I really thought there was no space for me in this world anymore because people used different opportunities to slight me. And that contributed to how messed up I felt. I just knew that everything I was doing was wrong as far as many people were concerned. I heard so many different things: It’s been three months already. You’ve left the house already. He doesn’t want to be with you. Get over it. How come you didn’t understand what was going on with the money? What did you do wrong? You must have done something. You must have not prayed hard enough. You chose someone for yourself that God didn’t choose for you. RH: Yet, time passed and you got through it. Your career is taking off and you’re graduating this year with a master’s degree in leadership and management. What advice would you give to other women, like myself, who are experiencing divorce? EI: For the people who are going through it, it will change the trajectory of your life in so many ways, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to be a bad thing. When I had people holding me up to be strong, I could start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Ask for help. Even if you hear no, just keep asking. I remember asking someone if I could move in with them before I started looking for a place and they said no. I was so embarrassed and thought I couldn’t ask anymore. When people started reaching out, I believed that it couldn’t possibly be honest offers and that they were just

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saying it to be polite. But it’s okay to receive help. The people who truly want to help, they’re not judging you. Those that are will reveal themselves. Finally, you’re going to have to forgive yourself, and that forgiveness does not come naturally or quickly depending on what’s happening. There’s low self-esteem associated with unforgiveness and you can start to pack it on. Forgive yourself so you can have access to the amazingness within. If I could do it with my two little dollars in my account? Girl. Everyone can do it. I’m out here a whole graduate. [laughs] C’mon now. If you think you can’t do it, call me and let’s have a conversation. If I didn’t die, no one’s allowed to die. Not on my watch. RH: Amen. And what would you say to the people who may be a family member or friend to a divorcee? EI: I literally want to make a video called “Don’t Be Weird.” Just be good to the people who are going through this journey. They need it. Go ahead and call them to see how they are doing. And call them the next day. Even it’s to talk about yourself, pick up the phone. It really does matter. We often underestimate the support we think [a divorcee] needs. And don’t walk away from someone because they are suddenly single and you think you can no longer be friends. I think that’s the weirdest thing. Don’t dismiss someone because they’re no longer aligned with a person. RH: What can we look forward to seeing you doing? Where can we watch you? Tell us how to support you. EI: I’m on Facebook as Africa’s Ambassador of Possibility. I’m on Instagram at enoexplores. My YouTube is Eno Explores. I’m going to be writing a book called Blindsided. I have an opportunity to collaborate with a major corporation that is asking me to write and tell my stories. I thought they wanted me to talk about Cinderella and the three wolves and all this other stuff, but they wanted to hear stories about my life and pay me to be heard. RH: It’s so funny how when you speak your truth and desires out into the universe, the universe is like, “Oh yeah? Here you go.” EI: Yes! I didn’t even know that was possible. Through speaking my truth on social media and doing these little random, quirky, weird videos I’ve had a chance to be in people’s short films and documentaries. I was in a pilot called First Gen produced by Yvonne Orji. That happened before the divorce, but these are the types of things in which I want to be involved. Something that tells stories that make an impact. That’s all I want to do. I just want to expose my truth and bring those things to light that we all need to know.

RADIANT HEALTH № 13 The Taboo Issue

It was easy for me to be ridiculed and for both men and I'm educated in the West and I have lost some

women to perceive that maybe I'm a bit crazy because of my basic decency as an African woman.

Wangari Maathai

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