The Impact of A Dream - Jan. 2024

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OUR STORIES IMPLORE POSITIVE PROGRESS IN OUR COMMUNITIES WITH SOUL!

THE

IMPACT OF A

DREAM

IN THE WORDS OF THE REV. DR. MICHAEL D. BLACKWELL KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR THE JANUARY 2024 45TH ANNUAL MLK BANQUET thesoultownmagazine.com IN WATERLOO, IOWA US $10.00

COPYRIGHT © 2017 KABBA KREATIONS LLC VOLUME VIII•ISSUE 1•THESOULTOWNMAGAZINE.COM 1•THESOULTOWNMAGAZINE.COM

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sankofa vow

Happy Kwanzaa!

As we wrap up this year, we’ve got something extraordinary, unique, and fabulous just for you! For those who’ve found themselves repeatedly leaving their Soultown magazines at home or those keen on staying in the loop with the latest news from Waterloo, Iowa, and other places with SOUL, we’ve got the perfect solution! The Soultown proudly presents the Soultown Xpress! It’s a beautifully designed digital magazine accessible from your cell phone, computer, or tablet for just $5 a month. Ready to stay connected? Simply hit that button, leave your text number or email address in the notes, and voila! Your magazine will appear almost immediately! Let’s keep the SOUL alive and thriving! I am Chillin’, the Innovative Extraordinaire for The Soultown Magazine. I want to thank our partners, sponsors, contributing artists, and writers for having SOUL! ,

Chillin’ Kabba

Publisher / Innovative Extraordinaire / Award-Winning Spoken Word Artist Meet Chillin, a Chicago native armed with an MBA and an MIS. She’s not just a corporate dynamo; she’s an award-winning Spoken Word Artist, Columnist, Multi-Media Digital Artist, and a Certified Google Cloud Digital Leader. She is passionate about teaching teens tech, an avid reader, and in her free time, she’s either writing or immersed in Law & Order, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, or cheering on Wild ‘N Out. chillin@thesoultownmagazine.com.

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SHARING OUR SOUL!

Forgot your Soultown again? Stay connected with hometown and SOUL news! Get The Soultown Express digital experience for $5/month. Click, leave your contact info, and voila – your magazine is on its way!

The Soult own XPr e

ss!

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THE SOULTOWN’s EXECUTIVE TEAM

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TRADEMARK & COPYRIGHTS © 2017 The information on thesoultownmagazine.com website and in print form is for information purposes only. The Soultown Magazine or Kabba Kreations LLC assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editor, authors, publisher, or any other party associated with The Soultown Magazine or Kabba Kreations LLC. Therefore, The Soultown Magazine or Kabba Kreations LLC. carry no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Abusive, antisocial or off-topic comments will be deleted by layout and web administrators. All comments, suggestions or concerns should be sent to chillin@thesoultownmagazine.com. Any form of reproduction of any content on this website without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The Soultown Magazine or Kabba Kreations LLC is a trademarked company; all rights reserved. ,

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The Soultown Digital & Print Magazine is recognized by the Library of Congress.

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JAN. 2024 VOL. 8 NO. 1

Dr. Blackwell shares the lack of impact of dr. king’s dream

The soultown Wishes Dr. King a Happy Birthday!

Orphan, Michaela DePrince’s Inspiring Journey

JANUARY 2024

The Soultown Culinary quest stops in houston, texas baby!

Learn more about the national association for the advancement of colored people

Canon Burgess: Liberian Incandescent Leader

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Michael Dwayne Blackwell, born

University in 1983, Blackwell furthered his education at Boston University, earning a doctoral degree in social ethics with distinction in 1992. He then embarked on a diverse career, including roles as a professor, pastor, and community leader. In 1995, Dr. Blackwell became the inaugural director of the Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), earning accolades such as the Cedar Valley Alliance’s Nonprofit Board Member of the Year Award in 2012. He retired from UNI in June 2015. Throughout his career, he served as pastor for various churches and continued teaching. His full retirement brought him back to Cedar Falls, where he faced a severe health crisis in 2021, surviving against the odds. Dr. Blackwell is a prolific author, with two books on pacifism, contributions to works on Dr. King, and numerous articles on ethics in society and culture. Besides his scholarly pursuits, he is a poet, having written hundreds of religious and ethical verses. He is also the Social Ethicist for The Soultown Magazine. ,

in Philadelphia, PA, on July 19, 1955, experienced a childhood marked by impactful events, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the deaths of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. Despite this, he navigated these challenges, moving from Bridgeport’s ghettos to suburban Stratford, Connecticut, graduating from Stratford High in 1973. Beginning his academic journey at Wesleyan University, Blackwell shifted from biochemistry to government, inspired by Dr. King’s legacy. In 1978, he ventured to Atlanta, GA, where he immersed himself in the community, joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church After Ebenezer BC, and studied at the Morehouse School of Religion, and was licensed to preach in 1980. After obtaining his Master of Divinity from Yale

In 2024, what is the impact of Dr. King’s Dream? “55 years after Dr. King’s assassination, a lot of the things he was seeking still aren’t fulfilled, such as the end of poverty, economic exploitation, and racism. • Violence domestically and internationally is still upon us, and BIPOC are still below the poverty level. • Public education is diminishing, and parents are moving to private and religiousbased schools. • More books are banned, and political leaders are deliberately omitting slavery from American history. • BIPOC has little ability to pass on wealth to future generations.

The solution includes:

• Reading or re-reading King’s book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? It is a 1967 book by AfricanAmerican minister, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and social justice campaigner advocating for human rights and a sense of hope. • Pool our resources and organize ourselves. It will be a lifelong project. • We must remember love, justice, and peace for all.” ~ Dr. Michael D. Blackwell

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GYPZY GYRL

I didn’t ask for a pen pal. By pen pal, I mean a guy/girl who prefers to text, call, or use FaceTime instead of meeting up. I’m not fond of these men because I believe they have something to hide. Maybe a physical disability or even an awkwardness in public; however, a situation like this is not something I want. This current guy is fun to talk to. He makes me laugh and think; our conversation ranges from TV shows to politics. I like an intellectual man who can challenge me when the time is right, and this man does just that. We’ve made plans to meet multiple times, but they fell through because of his work schedule. I don’t complain because I am pretty busy myself, especially with it being the holidays. I joke often and tell him, “Well, I might like you more if we ever meet,” but the likelihood of us meeting seems slim to none. A typical day for me looks like work, work, then home so I can get ready for another day of work. Even though I have a lot going on, I make time for what I want to make time for. He has to devise a plan, and I will show up. He has a job but is off every day by 3 pm. I asked what he typically does with the rest of his day, but he has yet to get an honest answer. I assume he’s married, has a child he takes care of, or he’s a gamer, and it’s consuming his life. I am running out of things to text this guy. I need to find a way to answer Facetime calls. I am exhausted with him hiding behind this iPhone, acting like a writing buddy. I even asked him once if he’s been to prison because those are the only men I know who want to write texts to their ladies so often. We often joke about what is happening, but I wonder why we have yet to meet. I haven’t ended things yet because I hope to see him one day, but a part of me is preparing for the worst, like a person of short stature, a double amputee, or even a half-man horse situation. That’s a little animated, but stranger things have happened. In a previous conversation, he told me where he works, but I -Gypzy Gyrl would be crazy to over and out! pop up at his job just to see what he looks like. For now, I will be his pen pal, but my patience is dwindling. We’ve most certainly written a book over the last couple of months. I might be another woman in his rotation. Who knows what’s up with Mr. John Doe? ,

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pushblack

lack.org

ushb Black History Year with p

Michaela DePrince’s

Inspiring Journey The orphanage in Sierra Leone housed 27 children, and among them, she was referred to as Number 27, implying she was least likely to be adopted. Sadly, she was often called the “devil’s child” due to her vitiligo, a skin condition causing pigmentation loss. Despite these challenges, fate intervened when a gust of wind blew a magazine featuring a beautiful ballerina into her face, igniting a dream within her.

Against the odds, she was adopted, and today she is renowned as Michaela DePrince, one of the few classically trained Black ballerinas globally. Currently a member of the Dutch National Ballet, she aspires to open a ballet school in Sierra Leone. DePrince confronted racism within the ballet world, with her mother dyeing costumes to match her dark skin, and instructors expressing skepticism about her suitability for ballet. Undeterred, she embraced her worth, stating, “Whenever people called me things, I would say, ‘I don’t care. I’m going to be someone.’” Michaela DePrince’s inspiring journey reminds us of the importance of recognizing our inherent value and embracing our aspirations, just as she did.,

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUSH BLACK & SUPPORT https:/pushblack.org https:/pushblack.org/ /

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. January 15, 15, 1929 1929 -- April April 4, 4, 1968 1968 January

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mlking day activities in soul towns

2024 Schedule of Events Unity March and Community-wide Celebration | Jan. 15, 2024 Join us as we march together in unity, fostering collaboration across our community. Service Day – Iowa City Free Lunch Program | Jan. 16, 2024 Participate in a day of service as we

Caltrain’s MLK Celebration Train Join in the celebrations of MLK Day as the Caltrain’s MLK Celebration Train makes a trip up the San Francisco Peninsula. Departing from San Jose’s Diridon Station at 9:30 a.m. (65 Cahill St., San Jose, 95110), the train will make stops at Palo Alto Station at 9:50 a.m. (95 University Ave., Palo Alto, 94301) and at San Mateo Station at 10:10 a.m. (385 First Ave., San Mateo, 94401) before heading into San Francisco by 10:40 a.m. Reservations are required for this complimentary ride at any one of the above-mentioned stations, or from your point of departure on Monday, January 15.

JANUARY 2024

contribute to the Iowa Free Lunch Program, supporting those in need in our community. Service Day - Kit Building for Those in Need | Jan. 20, 2024 Come together to make a positive impact by assembling kits for individuals facing various challenges. Student Activity Center (260 IMU) from 5-8 p.m.

2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade H.E.L.P. and the City of Dallas have partnered to host the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on Monday, January 15, 2024. The Parade will start at the intersection of Holmes Street and MLK, Jr. Blvd. at 10:00 a.m., and proceed approximately one mile down Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, ending at Fair Park. The parade will feature approximately 250 entries from various community organizations, church groups, youth groups, nonprofit organizations, band/drill teams, colorful floats, and much more.

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soultown sentiments

What a delight to discover the BAND-AID® Brand OURTONE™ Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages during The Soultown’s visit to Houston, TX. It contributes to a heightened sense of inclusivity. Specifically designed for Black and Brown skin tones, these bandages offer a complementing adhesive solution and provide up to 24 hours of protection; they also guard against dirt and germs, reflecting a commitment to holistic wound care. “We believe everyone should see themselves in the care they receive,” from the National Black Nurses Association and Johnson & Johnson’s Supporting Diversity in Nursing. ,

These Ourtone Band-Aids can also be found in various sizes.

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My greatest accomplishment is my passion project, The Soultown Magazine. January 2024 makes magazine #85. I am grateful to and for the stories of the Brown and Black people, places, and things in our communities. It includes businesses, organizations, and people that are our allies. Please continue to share your stories with us in our many towns of SOUL! Caught With My Soultown Magazine is a fun way to share excitement about our stories with readers in a quick snapshot. The Soultown Magazine’s positive stories implore positive progress in towns and cities with soul. If you are caught reading your Soultown Magazine, please email the image to chillin@thesoultownmagazine.com, Subject: Caught With My Soultown Magazine.

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ER NG A CH ME A G

••• COMING SOON •••

By having a virtual online store and a brickand-mortar store working together, you can provide customers with a seamless shopping experience. The virtual store can attract online shoppers who may not have access to the physical store due to distance or other factors. These customers can browse and purchase products online, and if they choose to visit the physical store, they can have the option to try out the products in person before making a purchase. On the other hand, the brick-andmortar store can serve as a hub for fulfilling online orders. This means that when a virtual customer makes a purchase, the merchandise can be shipped directly from the physical store, ensuring faster delivery times and potentially reducing shipping costs. Overall, this integration of virtual and physical stores can enhance customer satisfaction and expand your reach to a wider audience 1. Enhanced shopping experience:

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Virtual online stores provide a more immersive and interactive shopping experience. With technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), customers can virtually explore the store, interact with products, and even try them virtually before making a purchase. This can give a better sense of what the products will be like in real life. 2. Improved product visualization: Virtual online stores often offer advanced visualization features that allow customers to see products from different angles, zoom in for details, and even view them in different environments. This helps customers get a better understanding of the product’s features and benefits before buying. 3. Increased customer engagement: The interactive nature of virtual online stores encourages customer engagement. Customers can interact with virtual displays, ask questions, and receive personalized recommendations based on their preferences and previous purchases. This can create a more personalized and enjoyable shopping experience. 4. Convenience: Shopping at a virtual online store offers the convenience of being able to browse and make purchases from the comfort of your own home. There’s no need to travel to a physical store, deal with crowds, or wait in line. 5. Access to a wider range of products: Virtual online stores often have a larger inventory compared to traditional online stores. They may offer a wider range of products and variations, giving customers more options to choose from. 6. Availability of exclusive deals and discounts: Virtual online stores may offer exclusive deals and discounts that are not available in traditional stores or even regular online stores. This can help customers save money and find unique products. 7. Eco-friendly option: Shopping at a virtual online store reduces the need for physical transportation and packaging materials, making it a more environmentally friendly option. It’s important to note that the availability and features of virtual online stores can vary, so it’s a good idea to check the specific store’s capabilities before making a purchase. bobsa.org/virtual-beauty-supply-all-inone/

JANUARY 2024

QUARTERLY SUBSCRIPTION ©2017

• Email: chillin@thesoultownmagazine.com • Use promo code: ZZ654321 • This offer is not valid with other discounts. • Subscription is for current month and (2) additional months. Value $30 USD

The Soultown Magazine is a digital and print publication.

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Photos by The Soultown Partner Shane Plaisance stands with Taylor, Luke, Joe and Victoria. Right, Yensi and Ester stand together inside of the restaurant.

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CULINARY QUEST

First time sampler includes (3)chicken bites with (3)

different flavors, alson with sample size sides. •The texture Being a of the nuggets and Southside aficionado tenders aren’t tasty of chicken marinated, fried hard, and may be genetically modified. and smothered in mild sauce, Chillin, Houston, famed for its HOT chicken, Innovative Extrordinaire approached was our playing field. Unsure if ‘hot’ meant Houston’s chicken shacks with curiosity temperature or spice level, we decided to and skepticism. Queen Gabby, unravel the mystery. Soultown’s fearless advice columnist, Our inaugural stop, Tumbler 22 - Hot and I set out on this epicurean expedition, Chicken, is a Texas-born and breaded armed with a checklist of chicken shack chicken haven. Greeted by a friendly fist faux pas: bump from Partner, Shane Plaisance who • Too many feathers are left on the ushered to our seats with a warm smile. It wings. felt like a culinary reunion. • The chicken is unseasoned, and Behold the ‘first-time sampler’ – a trio of businesses rely on the sauces for a great chicken bites seasoned in painless, hot, taste.

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CULINARY QUEST

or super hot, accompanied by a quartet of sides. The food was an orchestra for the taste buds, from smoked turkeyinfused greens to mac’ n’ cheese. The salt and pepper shakers on the table were mere spectators; the chicken needed no seasoning – it was seasoned to perfection as if my grandmother was cooking food for my soul. Queen Gabby danced with painless and super hot chicken, winning her heart. We were ready to place our order, but the sides became a delightful dilemma. I started with the collard greens, waking up my taste buds, as the feast commenced. Dirty fries, smothered in shredded chicken and cheese, were our appetizer – an ode to indulgence. Tumble 22 - Hot Chicken hooked us; this was no one-night stand. As we relished every bite, Shane, the owner, shared the story of Tumbler 22 – from a single food trailer to six restaurants in less than four years. Their secret? All-natural, Texas-raised chicken, hand-breaded and tumbled

Appetizer, dirty fries, smothered in shredded chicken and cheese.

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precisely twenty-two times for the perfect crunch. Inspired by Nashville hot chicken and guided by a top Texas chef, Tumble 22 is a funky chicken joint offering Cold Beer, Hot Chicken, cheap, Stiff Drinks, and housemade pies – available whole or by the slice! The mission of Tumble 22 - Hot Chicken is clear: • Have Fun – every bite comes with a side of good times. • Do Good – making a difference, one crispy piece of chicken at a time. • Be Legendary – crafting a legendary dining experience where flavors are bold, drinks are legendary, and memories last a lifetime. Houston, Tumble 22 - Hot Chicken has earned 5 Stars in the Lonestar state from The Soultown Magazine. The icy cold water and Southern iced tea with crushed ice were the perfect sidekicks to this legendary culinary experience. Queen Gabby and I were thoroughly satisfied with everything from the welcoming fist bump, the cleanliness of the restaurant, the pleasant customer service, and especially the well-seasoned, delicious culinary cuisine and even the filtered ice water with crushed ice. In the poultry pantheon, Tumbler 22 reigns supreme. Until our next chicken adventure, keep clucking on! tumble22.com I am Chillin’, the Innovative Extraordinaire for The Soultown Magazine. I want to thank Shane Plaisance and the Tumble 22 - Hot Chicken team for having SOUL! , Queen Gabby enjoys her meal inside the dining area of Tunmble 22.

Entree: Whole wing combo with collard greens and mac ‘n cheese.

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Courtesy Photos Top left: Jalynn , Larves himself, Shante and Marco on episode 50 speaking on “Gender Roles” @ Club Legacy. Back, DJ Bag Em.

TSM: Who is Larves Jones and What is LarvoTalk? LarvoTalk: My name is Larves Jones III, and I own the LarvoTalk Podcast. I started LarvoTalk on Snapchat in 2013 in college at South Dakota State. I used to do 10-second snaps speaking on different engaging topics. My fan base grew very quickly with the football team I was a part of and all the sports programs we had, and shortly after that, the students and friends followed. In 2020, I started podcasting (Just audio) in Las Vegas on New Year’s. I have done 50 episodes, 47 (Audio) and recently 3 (Visual) episodes. TSM: Why do you do what you do? LarvoTalk: I started podcasting because I wanted to have these complex and engaging conversations that most are afraid to speak about and also to hear others’ perspectives because the facts are that we all come from different places in life and view things entirely differently. Growing up, I loved to debate; that also played a major role in why the LarvoTalk podcast is what it is today. I love to entertain, see folks laughing and have those serious life-changing conversations that might bring tears, etc. TSM: Share a challenge you’ve overcome that has led you to where you are now. LarvoTalk: I have overcome many different challenges. I lost my older sister in 2020; I lost my father and two grandmas in 2023. I know for sure that those deaths motivated me to do better and to

Larves Celebrating milestone of 50th Episode and visual #3.

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COMMUNICATION COOL leave a legacy because when you are gone, all you have left are pictures and the legacy you’ve left to keep you alive. I started my podcast when my sister passed, and when my father and grandma passed, I began my visuals. So I wouldn’t want death to keep motivating me but more so to understand I can do anything I want, as long as I lock in and be consistent in whatever it is. I’ve been through a lot, so to be still climbing the ladder in the podcast world and checking things off the checklist is fantastic. I don’t expect anybody to understand the pain I’ve experienced truthfully. I want people to know that no matter what we go through, God has us and will help us get through; I promise! TSM: What drives and motivates you each day to do this work? LarvoTalk: Success! I’ve been told I couldn’t do certain things my whole life, and not necessarily people saying it but more so people showing it, and it’s not the battle of me vs people; it’s always been me vs myself. I firmly believe no matter what I go through in life; I will always find a way to be successful. My core family motivates me. I want them to be proud of me, which means a lot because they know many things I’ve been through and the process from then to now. TSM: What’s a project you’re currently working on? LarvoTalk: I am working on “Gender Roles”. That is the recent topic we are discussing. People have different ideas of gender roles, who should do what, and how they should do it. I am very excited for my fans to see this episode because it will have many laughs, “Wow” moments, and relatable stories. TSM: What’s something new you’re learning? LarvoTalk: I’m learning how to market better. I took a business class through the 24/7 Black Entrepreneur program partnered with UNI. It was a 12-14-week class; this program taught me so much about the legal side of things, taxes, marketing, business relationships, and understanding your rights in business. I also was able to do a commercial with the program as well. TSM: What are your short and long-term goals? LarvoTalk: My short-term goal is to gain more followers and subscribers on YouTube, continue to find ways to create income from podcasting, and have some great clickbait to go viral. My long-term goal is to take care of my family with the income from podcasting. Also, I want to

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Larves with his business classmates, graduating from the 24/7 Blac- BBEA Program for Black Entrepreneurs.

Marco , Jalynn , Larves, Shante and DJ Bag Em @ Club Legacy.

change the world by building a platform where people can tell their truth and be free. I also want to be on the radio permanently or set up like the “Breakfast Club” show. TSM: What has surprised you about life? What happened that you didn’t expect? LarvoTalk: The deaths in the last three years; I didn’t expect that. I would also say football surprised me because I would think my talents would have had me playing in the NFL today, and I am not, but I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. TSM: If money were no object, what would you do professionally?

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LarvoTalk: I would help the troubled youth. I have been a program coordinator for young juveniles, and if I could have done that full-time and the money was not a factor, it would be that. My impact on kids means a lot to me, and the relationships I’ve created with them mean everything to me. TSM: What does having SOUL mean to you? LarvoTalk: Soul means someone who understands the root of history. When I first think about SOUL, I think of blues music; it’s so smooth to the eyes and ears but mainly to the heart and SOUL.

On behalf of The Soultown Tribe, we thank Larves Jones and LarvoTalk for having SOUL! ,

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Advice Columnists

Steven McNeal Leave It All Up to Steve!

Steven is a Chicago, IL native, graduated from Morehouse College with a B.A. in Business before making Atlanta, GA his home for its “southern hospitality and sweet tea.” He holds an MBA from Central Michigan University and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He serves as an elder in his local church. He actively contributes to the community by educating on Financial Literacy. Beyond his professional role, he actively contributes to the community by educating on Financial Literacy, providing tools for effective money management, and supporting debt elimination. Passionate about Financial Freedom and collective power through debt elimination, Steven can be reached at

samcneal@wans.net

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Hey Steve, My homegirl dropped off some gifts for my children. My man was at my house. I introduced them, and soon after, she asked if he had any single homeboys. I’d rather not be a matchmaker, but I would also like my homegirl to meet someone nice. Should couples allow their friends to meet? ~ Princess Peace

Hey Steve, Times are changing, and so is the dating game. My man wants to move in with me. He says we should both consider it to save money, but he hasn’t proposed. Do you believe in living together before marriage? ~ Progressive, but Not Stupid!

Dear Princess Peace, Happy New Year! Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with matchmaking but since you wear “Peace” as a name, I assume you value your own. I think you should steer clear of intentionally introducing your single friends! Just because two people are single doesn’t mean they are compatible, and matchmaking friends can inadvertently pull you into their relationships. If something goes wrong, you are the person to whom they come for answers. If both people are friends and things go left, it may get awkward, forcing you to choose sides. Wait until the next special occasion, where you can invite multiple people and let folks meet organically. This way, you are thanked if it goes well and off the hook if it doesn’t. Peace! ~ Steve

Dear Progressive, but Not Stupid! Forgive me, but if you do this, you will be stupid. Times may have changed, but there is nothing new under the sun. Living together before marriage may seem like a practical plan, but it is not a winning strategy. The initial savings felt by cohabitation are often offset by increasing expenses and accumulating debt to which there is no legal protection. Living together also provides a false reality of marriage without a formalized commitment. Until your man is ready to not only put a ring on it but partner with you on a plan for your future, let everyone continue building their own homes with the hope of one day creating one big happy home. Peace! ~ Steve ,

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Dear Queen Gabby, Times are changing, and so is the dating game. My man wants to move in with me. He says we should both consider it to save money, but he hasn’t proposed. Do you believe in living together before marriage? ~ Progressive, but Not Stupid! Dear Progressive, but Not Stupid! It is tricky. I have lived with a man before, and although it has benefits, I wouldn’t recommend it before marriage. I’m sure you two spend much time together, so you see how one another lives. Sounds like you’re skeptical about something because you’ve sought advice. Write down the pros and cons to see what works out for you. Saving money is ideal, but not if it will cost you your peace. Also, will he even commit if he knows he can have a live-in girlfriend who does all the wifey things without being his wife? ~ Queen Gabby

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Advice Columnists Dear Queen Gabby, My homegirl dropped off some gifts for my children. My man was at my house. I introduced them, and soon after, she asked if he had any single homeboys. I’d rather not be a matchmaker, but I would also like my homegirl to meet someone nice. Should couples allow their friends to meet? ~ Princess Peace

Miguel Gonzalez Let Miguel Tell It!

Miguel, please tell me! Times are changing and so is the dating game. My man wants to move in with me. He says we should both consider it to save money, but he hasn’t proposed. Do you believe in living together before marriage? ~ Progressive, but Not Stupid!

Dear Princess Peace, Suppose they happen to meet, then fantastic! I don’t think it has to be arranged because that comes with expectations. Also, his friends could be the complete opposite of your man. Imagine you introduce your homegirl to your man’s best friend, and he’s a playa playa from the Himalayas. Or imagine your girl doing him wrong, and now your man doesn’t trust you around her. NOPE, it’s a bad idea. Keep them separate to save your relationship gyrl. ~ Queen Gabby ,

Dear Progressive, but Not Stupid! You’re asking me, so you’re def not stupid. I actually think that living together for at least a year before marriage is wise. This way, you know what you’re getting into. You might get married, move in together, and find out some things you don’t like about how he lives. Some men don’t like to cook and clean; are messy; use things without asking, leave underwear laying around, etc. So not only do I think you should live together for a while, but if he’s moving in with you, write down your expectations and go over them with him. If he’s mature, he will do this without a problem. There’s bound to be misunderstandings. You’ll find out if he’s mature about letting things go and working things out without conflict. You’ll find out if he’s a good listener and knows when to stop arguing, so on and so on. I’ve heard a lot of stories of couples not living together, getting married,

Queen Gabby Female Advice Expert

Queen Gabby is a flight attendant for a major airline and the female Advice Columnist. She is a Slam poet and spoken word artist from Chicago. Queen Gabby is one of the founding members of SaYes2Poetry. She landed a position as an Advice Columnist for The Soultown Magazine after dominating the Oakland poetry circuit with her provocative, opinionated poetry pieces. She also coached San Jose’s youth Brave New Voices poetry team to competitions in Berkeley, CA, and Chicago, IL. She is working on her first novel and currently resides in Las Vegas.

gmshirley19@gmail.com

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Poet, musician, educator, entrepreneur, and visionary Miguel began writing poetry in the 4th grade. He was born in Los Angeles to first-generation Colombian parents. His path through adolescence reflected a story of busy parents chasing the American dream and personal battles with American society. Inspired by the music and culture of his parents’ native Colombia, he embarked upon a journey of cultural revival while pursuing his Bachelor’s degree. Today he uses his knowledge of arts and culture to empower youth facing troubles.

freecolombia100@gmail.com

moving in together, and woman finds out man is controlling, lazy, close-minded, etc. So yes, live together, lay down your rules if it’s your place, and try to make it work. I wish you the best. Good women are hard to find, but I know that good men are even harder to find in these times. ~ Miguel Dear Miguel, please tell me! My homegirl dropped off some gifts for my children. My man was at my house. I introduced them, and soon after, she asked if he had any single homeboys. I’d rather not be a matchmaker, but I would also like my homegirl to meet someone nice. Should couples allow their friends to meet? ~ Princess Peace Dear Princess Peace, If your homegirl ain’t toxic, yes, couples should def play matchmaker. If both people are down to earth, got jobs, are responsible, don’t sell heroin, and don’t have any major issues (like leftover children they don’t take care of) than I think good friends should want their friends to meet good mates, so why not? ~ Miguel ,

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Have You Tested for RADON? Is the #2 cause of lung cancer hiding in your home? January is National Radon Action Month - the perfect time to test your home for radon gas to see if it is lurking. What is Radon? Radon gas is produced through the natural, radioactive breakdown of uranium and radium within the soil. This gas then seeps from the soil into buildings and homes, where it can concentrate at dangerous levels. Radon cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted – the only way to know if your home has radon is to test for it. All 99 counties in Iowa are considered high risk for radon. The average level of radon in Iowa is 6 times higher than the national average, meaning that as many as 5 out of every 7 homes in Iowa have dangerous levels of radon gas. Radon and Lung Cancer In Iowa, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, and the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer overall. There are racial disparities within lung cancer, too – the rate of new lung cancer cases in Iowa is significantly higher among Black individuals than among White individuals according to the American Lung Association’s 2023 “State of Lung Cancer” report. Test Your Home At-home test kits are available to determine the level of radon gas within your home. Radon test kits should be placed on the lowest living level of your home, such as basement that is regularly used, or a first floor if the basement is rarely accessed. Black Hawk County Public Health (BHCPH) sells radon test kits for $10.00. Test kits are also available from numerous other vendors, both online or in person, and Iowa HHS maintains a list of Certified Radon Measurement Specialists if you prefer to have a professional test your home. Fix Your Home The EPA recommends fixing your home when test results are 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter of air) or higher, and considering fixing your home when levels are between 2 and 4 pCi/L. Fixing your home could involve the installation of a radon mitigation system to disperse the radon gas outside your home and prevent it from concentrating within. A credentialed Radon Mitigation Specialist can help you install or activate a radon mitigation system.

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For more information, call BHCPH at 319-291-2413 or visit bhcpublichealth.org.

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Daily Daddy

Men, 2024 is here. Many of you have made a New Year’s resolution. In other words, you’ve decided to change. I commend you on your choice. I also encourage you to develop a strategy to realize this change. The decision by itself is not enough. People often fail at their resolution due to a lack of resolve. Some break down because the change appears too complicated. Others don’t believe they have it within themselves to accomplish the goal. It is negative thinking which creates a deficit mindset. That mindset causes despair, and the likelihood of success decreases. Naming a resolution is half of the equation; aiming a strategy at that resolution is the other half. You must develop the resolve to complete that decision. I offer one key approach to bolster your resolve: committing to REVERSE first. Most would consider obstacles in their way as problems. I view them as more severe and consider them threats. People turn their backs on problems. Folks also run from them and occasionally glance back to see if the threat remains. Example: You’ve seen movies where a person runs from danger. The danger comes from a spider, snake, bear, dinosaur, monster, Michael Myers, or chocolate (I wouldn’t say I like chocolatehad to throw that in there). The subject keeps looking back while moving swiftly forward from the apparent peril. And the proverbial thing always happens; they fall and are consumed by the danger. Moving forward too quickly while looking back is a recipe for disaster. It’s a dichotomy.

Back away while keeping your eyes on the threat, and move methodically in reverse. Threats pull you closer like magnets, thus moving you away from positive change. Persist backward carefully until you cross the threshold. The threshold is when you are closer to the desired goal. It also means you are significantly further away from the threat, so far away that it can’t affect you anymore. It is a crossing point. Only then may you turn around and proceed swiftly toward your change. There’s no need to look or turn back. You’ve gone from threat to thriving. This plan of action leads to a growth mindset. Belief arises. The result of your effort is a stronger resolve; enjoy your resolution. Have a blessed New Year.

I am Torrion Amie, I thank you for being apart of DAILY DADDY™, a place where fathers and father figures are edified, educated, and empowered. Thank you for having SOUL! ,

Torrion Amie Daily Daddy

Torrion Amie has a career that spans over 30 years in higher education, K12, and coaching. He is a published author, singer-songwriter, and poet. He was the UW-River Falls’ Outstanding Young Alumni Award winner in 2018 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for coaching in 2021. He’s a Clifton Strengths Certified Coach. Mr. Amie is a national keynote speaker, emcee, trainer, and leadership coach. His expertise transcends into sacred spaces, where he’s led men’s ministry and worship. He and his wife have been together for over 20 years and have four children.

Torrion@dailydaddy.net Daily Daddy LLC

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.ORG

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FAITH ENTHUSIAST y the time many of you read this month’s edition of “THE SOUL,” the year 2024 will be in full swing. We celebrated the Eve of 2024 in many ways, whether in “Watch Services” at the church of our choice or doing that “Auld Lang Syne” thing at other social gatherings. Historians note that Robert Burns penned Auld Lang Syne in 1788 based on songs of traditions of people coming together to watch the clock strike midnight on the last day of the year. What I did not know about those above was this song was also played at the end of funeral services of loved ones as a benediction. Whew! I feel the urge to move from this and come to grips with my mortality. I love the following quote by Bruce Epperly. “The Realm of God is within and among us and around us. All the wonders you seek and the inspiration you crave are right where you are, within your own personal experience. Thin places, holy isles, burning bushes, angelic songs, and magibearing gifts are everywhere when we open our eyes and experience the Infinity of Life!” I want you, my dear reader, to view 2024 as a portal into the Realm where WE can fully experience Psalm 103: “Bless Dr. David Rainey the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his Faith Enthusiast holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not David Rainey is the founder and former all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who pastor of Gift of Life Church in Waterloo, Iowa. healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from He has a Doctorate in Theology and knows that destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and more and more Americans genuinely love God tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good but struggle with church. His writings and public things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” presentations are designed to ‘free us from religion” In Israel’s exodus from Egypt, God gave the nation and ‘release us to a relationship’ with God and creation. He is the Faith Enthusiast a Feast called Rosh HaShanah, which means “head and has written in every article since the inception of the year!” (beginning of the year). Rosh (head) Ha date of January 2017. Dr. David Rainey is the (the) Shanah (year). This feast happens in autumn, the recipient of the 2022 beginning of the nation’s civil year. It was a time of spiritual Soultown’s Soul Prayer Award. reflection and, if need be, redirection. drdavidrainey@gmail.com At the end of these days, it was believed that God would see their repentance and desire for His Presence in the upcoming year. God, in turn, would make declarations of blessings or curses depending on the sincerity of their hearts. Well, in the A D, most of the world is based on the Gregorian Calendar; thus, January 1 is the New Year. As Israel of old, I am sure many of us are going through a time of reflection on the Year 2023. Sometimes, we are experiencing memories of loved ones who left us in 2023. 2023 gave us so many life lessons. So, I declare (not a resolve) that 2024 shall be the revelation that 2023 was the beginning of “all things working together for the good” and that you and I will not only BE BLESSED but walk in the blessings thereof. From eve to the event! I am Dr. David Rainey, The Faith Enthusiast for The Soultown Magazine. I thank God for having SOUL! ,

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YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Join us at one of these meetings to discuss the unified highschool proposal, share your visions for the district, have questions answered, and make our district the best in the state! SATURDAY, JAN 20 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Kittrell Elementary

1304 Oregon Street, Waterloo, IA 50702

THURSDAY, JAN 25 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Waterloo Career Center

1348 Katoski Dr, Waterloo, IA 50701

SATURDAY, JAN 27 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Poyner Elementary

1138 Central Ave, Evansdale, IA 50707

THURSDAY, FEB 1 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Cunningham Elementary

1224 Mobile St, Waterloo IA 50703

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OUR

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• The Latest News and Trends • Stay informed with up-to-date stories and expert analysis. • Discover the stories that matter in today's fast-paced news cycle.

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W

hile in my last year at the Divinity School of Yale University, I ran into an individual who was a visiting professor there. His name was the Rev. Burgess Carr, a Liberian-born Episcopal priest. He was a short and somewhat stocky man with a strong voice and the ability to communicate with excellent elocution and poignancy. My association with him there was fleeting; however, I would have the opportunity to become more acquainted with him when I enrolled at Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Carr came to Boston, where he taught at Harvard Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology in the mid-1980s. I appreciated several perspectives Carr held. He was an ecumenist, meaning he believed in bringing religious denominations together to address worldwide socioeconomic and political issues. An anti-colonialist, he not only enjoyed the burgeoning

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social ethicist

independence of African nations from European intrusion but also lamented the turn to dictatorial practices of some heads of state, such as Uganda’s Idi Amin and Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Furthermore, Carr advocated for the peaceful resolution of international conflict, which dovetailed nicely with my deepening pacifist faith. Though small, Carr’s presence was striking as his erect posture and unassuming gentility noticeably commanded a room. He made everybody he addressed feel special and respected, regardless of social status. He demonstrated compassion in his tone and simplicity of speech, which was arresting, captivating, and inspiring. As the 1980s progressed and the Free South Africa Movement was raising awareness of the sickness of apartheid and the incarceration of African National Congress leader Nelson Mandela, Carr’s impassioned plea for justice, equality, and the release of Mandela reverberated around the two campuses and the metropolitan area. I found camaraderie and comfort with Carr as I gave speeches denouncing the financial buttressing of that racist regime by American universities and corporations as well as by other so-called First World countries! Carr spoke out against the attempt by religious organizations to indoctrinate Africans to Western ways — condescendingly disrespecting their indigenous religious expression and their appropriation of a variety of native spiritual traditions. He opposed the funneling of money by Christian missionaries as a tool of persuasion and conversion — and the arrogance masquerading as the care of souls. Carr is famous for his negotiating skills, which he profoundly demonstrated by

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ending the civil war in the Sudan in the 1970s. The peace covenant he wrought in 1972 resulted in a seventeen-year ceasefire in that embattled country. Carr graduated from Cuttington College in Liberia with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture in 1958 and pursued a Bachelor of Divinity degree there, which he received in 1961. That year, he was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church. A year later, he was ordained as a priest and subsequently appointed to the staff of Trinity Episcopal Church in Monrovia. During this period, he also married his college sweetheart, Francesca Verdier. Interested in furthering his education, Carr enrolled at Harvard Divinity School in Old Testament studies. He graduated from Harvard with a Master of Theology degree in 1966. Starting doctoral studies at Harvard, he was led to take a position with the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland. He became engrossed in humanitarian efforts during the Nigerian Civil War. He received an award from the Liberian president for his contributions — having led the All Africa Council of Churches for seven years! Aspiring to a teaching career, Carr returned to the United States in 1978. He taught at several universities in theological studies in Massachusetts and Connecticut, where I became acquainted with his worldview, spiritual disposition, and adept expositional prowess. In 2000, Carr moved to Georgia, where he taught at the Interdenominational Theological Center and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. Furthermore, he balances the vicar of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Decatur. GA. Carr resigned from St. Timothy’s in 2005 after a diagnosis of a form of dementia the previous year. In 2007, he suffered a stroke, which further impaired his

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motor coordination and mental and recall capacities. Leaving his wife of fifty years and their five children. Canon Burgess Carr died at 76 in his sleep on May 14, 2012. Carr had a passion for the selfdetermination of African nations without the condescending paternalism and greedy colonialism of so-called First World countries. Many disliked him — even some African leaders who wanted to enrich themselves amid the abject poverty of their people. He boldly kept a canon of ethics that he eloquently articulated despite opposition. He was a bright star from whom we all can learn! I am Dr. Michael Blackwell, the Social Ethicist for The Soultown Magazine. I want to thank Canon Burgess Carr for having SOUL! ,

Rev. Dr. Michael D. Blackwell Social Ethicist was born in Philadelphia and raised in CT during the classic Civil Rights era of the 1960s. He was profoundly affected by the life, thought, and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is published in African American religious thought, peacemaking, the nonviolent direct action of Dr. King, community building, and social change. He worked for twenty years as Director for Multicultural Education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls as the Director for the Center for Multicultural Education and served as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Philosophy and World Religions. Currently, he is retired and is the founding President and Executive Director of the nonprofit, Project for the Beloved Community, Inc. mdbwell@gmail.com BLOG: mdbwell.com

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The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, was established in 1909 and is America’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. It was formed in New York City by white and black activists, partially in response to the ongoing violence against African Americans around the country. In the NAACP’s early decades, the anti-lynching campaign was central to its agenda. During the civil rights era in the 1950s and 1960s, the group won major legal victories, and today the NAACP has more than 2,200 branches. In 1908, a deadly race riot rocked the city of Springfield, the capital of Illinois and the resting place of President Abraham Lincoln. Such eruptions of anti-black violence – particularly lynching – were horrifically commonplace, but the Springfield riot was the final tipping point that led to the creation of the NAACP. Appalled at this rampant violence, a group of white liberals that included Mary White Ovington and Oswald Garrison Villard (both the descendants of famous abolitionists), William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz issued a call for a meeting to discuss racial justice. Some 60 people, seven of whom were African American (including W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Mary Church Terrell), signed the call, which was released on the centennial of Lincoln’s birth.

Echoing the focus of Du Bois’ Niagara Movement for civil rights, which began in 1905, the NAACP’s aimed to secure for all people the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution, which promised an end to slavery, the equal protection of the law, and universal adult male suffrage, respectively. Accordingly, the NAACP’s mission was and is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States and eliminate racial prejudice. The NAACP seeks to remove all barriers of racial discrimination throughout democratic processes. The NAACP established its national office in New York City in 1910 and named a board of directors as well as a president, Moorfield Storey, a white constitutional lawyer and former president of the American Bar Association. Despite a foundational commitment to multiracial membership, Du Bois was the only African American among the organization’s original executives. He was named Director of Publications and research and in 1910 established the official journal of the NAACP; The Crisis. Learn more about the NAACP at https://naacp.org/nationspremier-civil-rights-organization/

2022-2024 Officers / Executive Committee Officers: President - LaTanya Graves Vice President - Robert Tyson Secretary - Valerie McDonald Assist. Secretary - Carole Yates Treasurer - Jeff Grell Assist. Treasurer - Dave Kivett

LATANYA GRAVES

Executive Committee: Deborah Berry Vikki Brown Camarion Campbell Wilfred Johnson Chuck Lane Willie Mae Wright Carole Yates

PRESIDENT WATERLOO CHAPTER OF THE NAACP Email: waterloonaacp@gmail.com

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Diquan Richard is a multi-talented Bay Area Native currently pursuing a Masters in Education, Equity and Social Justice at San Francisco State University. When Diquan is not studying, you can find him building his entertainment brand Quanster Entertainment, creating all sorts of things from online shows, poetry, 2D animations to making music. Diquan also donates his time as a worldwide humanitarian helping serve the underserved and under privileged communities around the world through missionary work.

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CK A R T D N U T SO . C E F R E P DAY . THE R U O Y R FO /365 L 24/7 ur SOU

o Feed y

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