SEASON II by OASIS

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r e t t e L s ’ r t i d E There’s no denying this has been an incredibly rough year for so

many. If there’s anything 2020 has taught me is you can’t run forever. We’ve got to allow ourselves to fully feel and heal. I urge everyone to keep moving forward, to accept change, to love, to prosper, and find peace. For our new readers, Oasis Magazine is a safe space for all creators and dreamers to network with each other and share their own stories while creating new ones. I was able to meet so many genuinely incredible people this year and for that alone, I am thankful. With that being said, I want to give a huge thank you to each and every one of our contributors for this second season of Oasis. Enjoy this issue!!

Ayub Ali insta/tweets: @yubiszn Faduma Hasan insta/tweets: @spokendamsel

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CON ENTS 4

PLAYLIST

GENTLE REMINDER

BLACK LIVES MATTER

DO’S & DON’TS

TIME

JAVON MILLER

FAY’S CREPES

DORICA BENSON

AFFIRMATIONS

RHODA’S HAIR SALON

IA GLAM

WASIMA FARAH

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River - Leon Bridge Godspeed - Frank Ocean Put Your Records On - Corrine Bailey Rae Summer Friends - Chance the Rapper Moon River - Frank Ocean (Sober II) Melodrama - Lorde Wait - M83 Chicago Boy - Ari Lennox Strength, Courage & Wisdown - India.Arie The Climb Back - J.Cole Life - Saba Special Affair - The Internet Almeda - Solange I’d Rather Go Blind - Etta James Plastic 100°C - Sampha Oasis Magazine

Reminder GENTLE

EPISODE NO. 2 OWN WHO YOU ARE (AND WHO YOU WANT TO BECOME)

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6 Photography by Ayub Ali

Models

Fay Dawi Maryam Musa Mariam Mohamed Tasneem Hassan Oasis Magazine

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Fay Dawi

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Maryam Musa

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BLACK LIVES MATTER Written By Amna Rustom

It was 12:30 AM and I had just returned from an impromptu Juneteenth celebration in the streets of Cincinnati, an event that only happened due to the chair of Cincinnati City Council abruptly ending the meeting hours earlier than it was anticipated to end. The vibrant music and the illuminating stories that were told that night are two things I will never forget, especially how the people of Cincinnati took to their streets to take change into their own hands. That sentiment brings me back to several weeks prior; I was attending my first Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Cincinnati with my mother and 15-yearold brother. As we marched in the streets chanting, I looked over toward him and said “I will never understand why this is controversial.” In the last month and a half, we have witnessed how the Black Lives Matter movement has become politicized in a number of ways. We had a segment of the population that was more concerned with ‘the looting and the rioting’ than the cause of these demonstrations, which is the

countless Black lives that have been lost due to police brutality and other racist systems which are prevalent in American society. Let me be clear when I say that there is absolutely nothing political about supporting Black lives. We have the important duty to choose which side of history we will stand on, which is an opportunity we must take. Many people look back on the Civil Rights movement and think about how they would have been on the right side, too. It is important to note, however, that back then, supporting integration and the rights of Black lives was illegal and “wrong.” Let me be clear when I say that legality has no bearing on morality. It has been both an empowering and heartbreaking time for me. On one hand, I have been empowered to use my voice to speak my truth and use my skills to organize protests and events for the community, but on another hand, I am saddened and disturbed

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by the sheer number of people who would be happy to continue forward with the status quo. Let me be clear when I say that justice and change almost always happen when you shake the table to move the needle of the status quo. I grew up in a mostly white, Christian, conservative town, the direct antithesis to my melanated Black skin, my Muslim faith, and progressive beliefs. Quite frankly, growing up, I did not even know how to claim my Black identity. The Black individuals at my school were always looked at as the ‘other’ the ‘ghetto’ the bad-language, attitude-bearing Black people. At the time, I wanted nothing more than to be far away from the negative stereotypes cast upon the Black community. Once I arrived at Ohio State, I began to see just how beautiful my rich Sudanese culture is, how intrinsically incredible it is to be different and to march to the beat of your own drum. I claimed my Black skin. I claimed my religion. I claimed who I was. Fast forward to now- I know that words used to describe Black folks when I was in high school were just more tactics of subliminal (and not so subliminal) racism. Terms like ‘ghetto’ were used to undermine Black folks and used by White people to continue the ideals of white supremacy while degrading the Black experience. May 2020 marks a time when many found their voice to advocate for Black folks across the United States. There comes a time when you must challenge the oppressive systems in place, challenge what is ‘right’ and ‘normal’ because there is nothing normal about Black lives being targeted at such disproportionate rates. Black Lives Matter is not posting a black square on Instagram and moving on. It is not reading one book. It is a lifetime commitment to being anti-racist and calling out those around you when they say something racist. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for one another. Black folks are not displaceable or worthless. They are valued, they are loved, and they most definitely matter.

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For Sandra. For Tony. For Sam. For Atiana. For Freddie. For Alton. For Breonna. For George. & for so many Black angels we have lost to an unjust sys-

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

â&#x20AC;?

tem that is America.

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AMERICA’S

s t ’ n o D & s ’ o D I try not to make mistakes because we have one chance My parents didn’t come here to soil the plan So please forgive me when I get anxious because I’m not sure of the right answer Everything’s so unfamiliar, My ancestor’s have never been here Can’t catch on to simple things “I should know” My parents were never given a handbook on America’s Do’s and Don’ts - Nidy Wagnac

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Nidy Wagnac

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Photography by Faduma Hasan Model: Nidy Wagnac

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TIME Give me time, My heart is still warm during wintertime For I do not believe in meeting at the wrong time, Nor do I believe in leaving you on the bookshelf I don’t know whether I could love you at my most, Or until then keep to myself Before your lips, I give you my breath and the secret beneath My dabacaad, where my soul falls underneath, For I do not believe in the hourglass But hope that you’re the one for me So realize, everyone’s not like me Treat me differently Sometimes I don’t know the difference, Within loving you or protecting myself, Whether it’s getting to love you or saying farewell Loving you or getting aggressive as hell Give me mine, Whether if it’s arguing or heartfelt As I prefer reading every chapter of you Until the depths of you @sahalpoetry Oasis Magazine

Photography By Javon Miller Instagram: @jaymill614

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Jaunita Boateng

Models Juanita Boateng Samuel Achirem Jr Lawrence Djan Samuel Oppong

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Samuel Oppong Lawrence Dj a n Samuel Achirem Jr.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;

I wake up with no regrets. Ultimately

happiness is the goal.â&#x20AC;?

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Fay’s Crepes Interview with Founder Fayrus

Before we get into Fay’s Crepes, tell me a little bit about you.

My name is Fayrus, I go by Fay. I grew up in Sweden but I was born in Saudi Arabia. In 2003, I moved to London. My mom took us out of everything that we’ve known and into a brand new life. I graduated high school there and moved onto college where I degreed in finance. I was working at an airport for immigration. Fast forward to 2009, I got married and moved to America. I started my life at Fargo, North Dakota and moved to Minnesota in 2011 where I got a great job working in a health field. I was working in child family services. I had a comfortable job in Minnesota. I wasn’t always a foodie. I was the friend that would call everybody when they saw something nice on Instagram. Anything that was picture worthy. I was the one that would go for it. After working 5 years in my career, I realized it wasn’t my calling. I wasn’t passionate about it. When did you come to Columbus, Ohio?

I came to Columbus in 2016. I was on maternity leave and I decided I’m not going back. I’m not going back to that hospital. I’m going to pursue a whole different career. Coming from a Somali background, that’s when people think you’re going crazy. It’s definitely terrifying. I’m leaving a comfortable job to do what? Food? So how did the idea of Fay’s Crepes come about?

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Towards the end of 2012, I decided to open up my own spot in Banadir mall. I called it Yaa Salaam Cafe and the grand opening was April of 2018. Shockingly, it was very successful. Crepes was a desert that I added last on my menu. These crepes came from my swedish heritage and let me tell you, it was an absolute hit. Working for 6 months, I’m seeing more and more orders on the crepes primarily. That’s when the spark happened. Although, it wasn’t called crepes at the time. It was named malawax macaan. We had to do a cutoff at no more than 600 malawax orders per day. I kept experimenting with Ice cream, candy, meats, etc. That’s ultimately how the idea of Fay’s Crepes came about. For those who have never had Fay’s Crepes, can you explain what it is to potential new customers?

Crepes are a delicacy. It’s a really thin version of a pancake. It can be eaten savory by adding meat and vegetables, or sweet with candy, ice cream, and fruits. You can have it as a breakfast, lunch, mid-day snack, or even take it home as dinner. It’s light but very filling.

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You mentioned before, you weren’t a chef. So it’s safe to say you didn’t expect to be in the food industry?

Not by any means hahaha I can’t claim that title. I’m not a chef nor am I a professional cook, Let me just throw that out there. I just like to eat and I know what tastes good. Simple as that. My mom still makes jokes to this day, this girl is in the food industry and can’t cook. Growing up in a house full of girls, I was primarily the cleaner. Even if everyone was sick except me, they would rather order in than eat my food. Now they’re all shocked I have my own food company. I was always a food hobbyist/enthusiast. I love to eat and I know what tastes good. What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?

When somebody gives me the “wow” factor. I feel like I’ve done something great. What gives me the most satisfaction now is catering to customers that can’t have gluten so creating this alternative gluten and Oasis Magazine

dairy-free concept for those people is amazing. This area is very hard to tap into but working with nutritionists and being able to start it, hearing them say “oh my god, now I can have a desert that we can eat without feeling pain later on”. It’s nice to hear that. Gluten-free doesn’t have to mean stripping away the taste. Having doubts and fears comes with every job. After everything, Do you have any regrets?

Not at all. What’s the point in waking up if you don’t like what you’re doing. I work more hours now than I ever did in my previous career, i’m telling you. I don’t even have a day off but I love what I do. That’s what makes the most difference. I wake up with no regrets. Ultimately happiness is the goal. Being in the position that you are at today, there are many people who look up to you and could use some advice. Do you have any advice for the younger generation that are aspiring to build something of their own?

Being uncomfortable is the first step of growth. It’s okay to change your route. There’s no rules when you’re deciding your future. If you start somewhere and end up somewhere else, there’s nothing wrong with that. Change can be scary but you have to be willing to embrace it. Last but not least, I have to end it with the million dollar question. Fay’s crepes offer a ton of flavors, what is your favorite?

The Crème Brûlée!!

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Dorica Benson ART IS OUR

Dorica Benson is a singer and songwriter living in Columbus, Ohio. She was born in Syracuse, New York and was named after her grandmother who resides in Tanzania, Africa. This songwriter redefines herself through her music, while she continues to learn more about herself in more ways than one. Dorica is a natural born healer allowing herself to connect with the people around her. She is also acquiring strong realizations about our world and how it works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Art is our imagination displayed out of our minds in whatever different forms we choose to express it in. We are powerful beings with the gift of creativity. â&#x20AC;?, she expressed when asked about what art means to her. Her Oasis Magazine

IMAGINATION

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profound energy is transferred into her listeners through the music, all for the purpose of gaining wisdom, awareness, and healing. What she offers to her audience is more than just her voice. “Sometimes the homies just want to listen to what I have to say. Maybe so they can be reassured that they are not alone in whatever they feel.” What inspired you to go into music? “I’ve loved music since I first heard melodic sounds. My mom used to buy me CDs of peaceful piano music and I fell in love. I love the way music makes me feel. Music is a part of my identity and the fact that you can feel energy from music is interesting. My dad inspired me to create my own music and know I’d go mad without it.” Growing up, what influences helped to mold you into the artist you are today? “It is so cool that you can grow up with people in the entertainment industry. I’m inspired by every artist I like listening to. I love learning as many new things as I can because my love for the arts runs deep. I believe we all bring something to the table. Every creative I’ve met in my life or heard has opened my mind up to sounds and visuals I wasn’t hip to. I’m still being molded into my divine artistry.” What image do you think your music conveys? “ I’m in the grey area as far as my image goes, I don’t like labels nor restrictions on my creativity. In simpler terms, I’m a new person everyday so I try to keep that mindset of freedom in my music.” Tell us your interpretation of fame or success. “Success is being intellectually elevated, causing good health and wealth. Fame is being in the spotlight, for however long you’re meant to be there.”

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Do you have any plans for the upcoming future? “I’m putting my career on the surface on pause. I’m finding myself and I need time to learn and grow, therefore, I plan on going into hibernation and coming out with some heaters.”

Any last words for aspiring musicians that are reading this right now? “Make the music, don’t let it make you. Be patient and be willing to learn and value constructive criticism.”

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I am a beautiful soul that radiates a vibrant and beautiful form.

I deserve the love that I give I lovingly release anything that is no longer serving my higher purpose I am deserving of happiness I matter

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I am healing more and more everyday I am resilient in ways I never kneww Look at how far iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve comee All is well in my body & mind My energy is my priority

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Roda Ismail

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Rhoda’s Hair Salon Roda Ismail is a 22 year old Somali-American woman and the owner of Rhoda’s Hair Salon. She was born in San Diego, California and was raised here in Columbus. She is also the youngest of thirteen. Growing up, Roda was very shy and reserved but she always knew she’d do big things. Managing a hair salon is tough business and she is not only ready, but she is committed to excelling in this industry.

Tell us about Rhoda’s Hair Salon and the services you provide— What led to you starting it? Rhodas Hair Salon offers a full range of spa and hair services including barbers, stylists, lash technicians, mani pedi treatments, and more. We are located at 6042 Channingway Blvd, Columbus, OH 43232. We have over 15 years of combined experience in the professional hair industry all working tirelessly to appease our clients’ various hair and beauty needs.

What led to you starting it? Growing up in a family full of entrepreneurs, I was always inspired by how they put in the hard work for something that they could call their own. I was blessed with the ability to learn the skills and ambition needed to be successful.

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Who would you say are your biggest inspirations? My biggest inspiration is my mother. She taught me so many lessons growing up that I could apply in my life. My other big inspiration is definitely my older sister. She is my mentor. I watched her for many years juggle running a business and being a mother. My older sister pushed me to have a strong work ethic and taught me so many things that I will never forget.

How do you keep yourself motivated ? I’m always in work mode. I keep myself productive by always thinking about new ideas to implement into the salon and what keeps me motivated is the growth and new levels that I would be able to take my business to.

How has everything been like for you so far? Can you tell us about some highs and lows of your entrepreneurial journey Being an entrepreneur means taking a risk. The success of your business is in your hands so failing is not an option. With that being said, everyday has been a learning experience for me. The highs and perks of owning a business for me is being able to do things my way, answering only to myself. The downside is that no one has you like you have yourself. You have to invest more time until you reach the goal that you set for yourself and it is not easy by any means.

What advice would you give to someone starting their own business? Advice that i would give to someone starting their own business is that it is a risk but it pushes you to work harder. Give it your all and test yourself. The sky’s the limit.

How do you plan to take Rhoda’s Hair Salon forward? Personally, where do you see yourself in the coming years? In the future, I plan on expanding into a bigger space where I would be able to offer more services. I want to make Rhoda’s Hair Salon a brand.

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Isana Ashaneya Oasis Magazine

ISANA ASHANEYA Who are you? Tell me a little bit about yourself and your business My name is Isana Ashaneya and my brand is IA Glam. IA Glam is a blackowned, one-woman business inspired by the people. I wanted to create an affordable beauty brand for anyone to gain and feel confident from. I sell affordable lashes and hope to expand in the future. What inspired you to build IA Glam? I got inspired randomly, it’s hard to explain. I know I wanted to build something of my own. I wanted to create a legacy. I always enjoyed the beauty world so why not create a beauty business of my own. What excites you the most about your business right now? What excites me the most is having people from all over the world wearing something that I created. I created the brand myself with hardly any help. It’s just amazing to have people see your work even if they don’t purchase anything. Do you doubt yourself sometimes? If yes, How do you manage it? Yes I do doubt myself sometimes but I just have to remind myself that everyone’s businesses and paths are different. I have to remember and keep my eyes on the goals that make me keep going. I end up getting motivated when I see someone doing better than me. This makes me want to work harder. What’s the best advice you’ve ever taken? The best advice I ever took was even if you fail, keep going. There were times I wanted to give up because there were things that didn’t go as planned. I kept going and I had faith because I know everything will work out as planned.

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Do you have any advice for anyone looking to go down this same route? The advice I want to give is that business takes time. You are going to put in more hours than your regular 9-5. You’re going to put in a lot more money than you’re going to make at first but you have to remember in the end, it will all be worth it. Don’t just think about your business for the money aspect. Do it because you love doing it and remember the possibilities are endless. What’s a strategy to keep focused? My strategies I use to keep me focused are writing and journaling. I am always brainstorming ideas, researching and reflecting, and writing down what I can do better to improve my business. I’m always planning the next step. Lastly, what can you see yourself building next? I can see myself expanding to other beauty products like lip gloss next. That is the goal. I have to take things little by little and go from there because I can’t do everything at once. Everything with business is basically a test. It’s either trial and error or trial and success.

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FA R A H

WA SI M A

@vvsima

Wasima is an Illustrator and Visual artist based in Minnesota. Her works include vibrant illustrations centering around women of color, graphic design and videography. She is inspired by women empowerment and uses primary colors to express a confident message. Her goal is to create art that others can relate to and be motivated from.

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S U I C I D E

P R E V E N T I O N

M O N T H

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of more than 150 local crisis centers. It offers free and confidential emotional support around the clock to those experiencing a suicidal crisis. Contact information: 800-273-8255 (24/7) Online chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ (24/7) https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Crisis Text Line

The Crisis Text Line is a free text messaging resource offering 24/7 support to anyone in crisis. Since August 2013, more than 79 million text messages have been exchanged. Contact information: Text HOME to 741741 (24/7) https://www.crisistextline.org/

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQ youth through its hotline, chat feature, text feature, and online support center. Contact information: 866-488-7386 (24/7) Text START to 678678. (Mon-Fri 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST/12 p.m. to 7 p.m. PST) TrevorCHAT (instant messaging, available seven days a week 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST/12 p.m. to 7 p.m. PST) https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

ADAA Online Support Group

With more than 18,000 subscribers worldwide, the Anxiety and Depression Association of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online support group is a safe, supportive place to share information and experiences.

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Befrienders

Befrienders is a global network of 349 emotional support centers around the world. It offers an open space for anyone in distress to be heard. Support is available via telephone, text message, in person, online, and through outreach and local partnerships.

The Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource staffed by qualified responders from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Anyone can call, chat, or text — even those not registered or enrolled with the VA. Contact information: 800-273-8255 and press 1 (24/7) Text 838255 (24/7) Online chat: www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat (24/7) Support for those who are deaf or hard of hearing: 800-799-4889 www.veteranscrisisline.net

MHSA’s National Helpline (Substance Abuse)

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) national helpline offers confidential treatment referrals in both English and Spanish to people struggling with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or both. In the first quarter of 2018, the helpline received more than 68,000 calls every month. Contact information: 800-662-HELP (4357) (24/7) TTY: 800-487-4889 (24/7) www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

IMAlive

IMAlive is a virtual crisis center. It offers volunteers who are trained in crisis intervention. These individuals are ready to instant message with anyone who needs immediate support.

7 Cups of Tea

7 Cups is an online resource that offers free, anonymous, and confidential text chat with trained listeners and online therapists and counselors. With over 28 million conversations to date, it’s the world’s largest emotional support system.

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SEASON II

Articles inside

RHODA’S HAIR SALON

TIME

IA GLAM

FAY’S CREPES

DORICA BENSON

BLACK LIVES MATTER