Celebrating Love & History! by The Soultown

OUR STORIES IMPLORE POSITIVE PROGRESS IN OUR COMMUNITIES WITH SOUL! 2024 FEBRUARY REMEMBERING JOE MADISON

The Soultown Debut: Unveiling The Truth Behind Hardships in Relationships FEBRUARY 2024 thesoultownmagazine.com US $10.00

Intertwining Love and Black History: Exploring the Rich Connections

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SENIOR PRESIDENT Mr. Edward Mead

THE SOULTOWN’s EXECUTIVE TEAM PUBLISHER / INNOVATIVE EXTRAORDINAIRE Chillin’ da Conscious Poet Kabba

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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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sankofa vow

This year, toss your head-scratchers to chillin@thesoultownmagazine.com, and our TSM brainiacs will whip up answers. Easy peasy! Plus, all questions go into a hat for a chance to snag a free magazine. Get those inquiries rollin’! Happy Black History Month! This signals the start of a continuous series designed for today’s teens, with the primary goal of fostering education and awareness. Engage in insightful discussions as we explore one of America’s most challenging topics: race, from the African American perspective. Our approach is straightforward – addressing complex questions in the language of teens. Monthly, segments of this discussion will be shared here on Chat Black With Me. WHAT IS AN ALLY? We will delve into the genuine definition of this term and explore its perception both in written form and in practical application. IS IT BLACK? AFRICAN AMERICAN OR PERSON OF COLOR? Rule of thumb: When in doubt, seek clarification by asking. HOW TO ASK? I’m curious _______________ (insert name here) What is your ethnicity?

https://thesoultownmagazine.com/chat-black

Chillin’ Kabba

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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Contents

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Contents

FEB. 2024 VOL. 8 NO. 2 Welcome to the February 2024 issue of The Soultown Magazine (#86). Embark on a journey through the pages as you delve into our stories from unique perspectives. Thank you for embracing the soulful experience and thank you for having SOUL! ,

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Miguel, please tell me! What’s the longest relationship you’ve had? Were you ready for marriage? I’ve been engaged for almost five years. I’m ready to change my last name. I don’t think he is. Help! ~ How Long is Too Long? Dear How Long is Too Long? This is one of the biggest topics for grown folks in relationships. Honestly, I don’t have a clear answer for this question because it’s very situational. I don’t know what your relationship looks like. All I can say is this: If you have a good, healthy, happy relationship with much more joy, peace, and alignment than not, then there’s no need to make a legal arrangement. I’m putting myself in his shoes while I understand yours. Ask him why he’s hung up about marriage, but try not to let it become a conflict and try not to pressure him. Why do you want to get married? Is it emotional, or do you want the legal tie? Would you be happy with a ceremony and formal event that creates a spiritual, public, and emotional bond without the legal protocol? Because I imagine that part of your reasoning is that you want your friends and family to know that you and your partner are bound to each other (but I could be wrong). Traditionally, marriages and weddings were purely symbolic and ceremonial, albeit significant for sealing a relationship. I know that sometimes, for men, it’s the legal aspect of marriage that spooks them. Try talking to him so you can understand what’s holding him back. Finally, my opinion is

What’s Holding Him Back? that the quality of the relationship is more important than any legality or formal framing. If you two are happy, have been happy, and things are good, abundant, sexy, peaceful, etc, is marriage necessary, or is it simply a beautiful and romantic idea that makes you feel butterflies in your belly? The latter is completely valid. I believe in marriage. Some men ... well ... ~ Miguel ~~~ Dear Miguel, please tell me! Are you religious or spiritual? This guy I am dating told me he is an atheist. I am immediately turned off. What do you think? ~ Ms. I Pray Dear Ms. I Pray, I agree with you. I want a spiritual woman. Atheists are fantastic people, but I have noticed a certain lack of empathy and compassion from them. I am very spiritual, not religious, but I respect religion because I believe that, when properly practiced, faith can guide people towards better living and being better people. Not dogma, reason. Not hate, love. Not judgment, acceptance. But, with this said, work with him. Maybe you can convert this heathen ... just playing. Remember that Malcolm X was a non-believer at one time. Is this guy down to earth? Is he positive? Does he show the inclinations of being a loving and kind person? If so, my advice would

be to give him a chance. Invite him to church (I’m assuming, forgive me). I wasn’t always Christian - but I was never atheist either - until some college friends invited me to church, and I felt it. My son was an atheist because he has had a tough life with his mom, which, of course, has compelled him to question the existence of God. If God exists, why is my mother like this? I think it’s very easy for non-atheists to take God for granted when we were raised a certain way or have had specific experiences. To sum it up, is this guy worth the try? How much do you like him? If he makes you feel good and like him, maybe there’s a future, and you can help him catch the Holy Ghost. ~ Miguel ,

Miguel Gonzalez Let Miguel Tell It!

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

Let Miguel Tell It! FEBRUARY 2024

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CK A R T D N U T SO . C E F R E P DAY 65. THE R U O Y R FO OUL 24/7/3 ur S

o Feed y

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GYPZY GYRL

There are certain subjects that you and your prospect discuss before

going further. I am a talker, so I cover everything immediately to see if I want to take things to the next step. It’s clever to talk about childhood, children, lifestyles, careers, etc. Sometimes, I am too nosey, which helps me in the long run. I don’t cover politics because I am not political unless it pertains directly to me. I also speak little on religion. So, when this situation occurred, I didn’t do my due diligence in asking the right questions. I spent many nights talking to this guy. I felt like I asked a million questions, and he answered every single one. He encouraged me to ask everything I wanted to know so that I would feel more comfortable when we finally met. I kept asking when we would finally meet, but he claimed he was busy since it was around the holidays. It didn’t bother me because I was busy, but I wanted to see if the vibe we had over the phone was the same in person. He invited me out to this event at a park. There weren’t many people there, but that was cool because I did not feel like being social. We chatted for about two hours until we parted ways. When I got home, he texted that he wanted to see me the following weekend. I told him I would find the time, but I eventually needed clarification on which weekend night or day he tried to link up. It wouldn’t have usually been a concern of mine, but the following weekend was New Year’s, and I had plans that Sunday. He called Friday evening, and I

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asked what day he wanted to meet. He said he was busy on Saturday and asked me if Sunday would work. I advised that Sunday was New Year’s Eve, so it would work perfectly if we could do something during the day because I had evening plans, and that’s when he snapped. He got upset that I didn’t tell him I had plans. I couldn’t understand why he thought I didn’t have plans on such an important day, not to mention my mother was in town, and he knew this information. He shut me down, saying, “I guess we can see each other sometime.” I got irritated and told him he never makes time to see me, as if he didn’t want to date. This guy laughed, saying, “I don’t date; dating is for religious people.” I needed clarification, so I decided to dig deeper. He explained that dating and marriage are religious, and he does not belong to a religion. I understood the marriage part, but I am still waiting to hear about dating. Curious, I asked him if he believed in God, and he said, “NO?” I was stunned. I never dealt with a man who didn’t believe in a higher power, and I wasn’t about to start now. How is it that we never discussed it? I politely told him, “Here I am asking God to send me a good man; there’s no way he sent an atheist.” I got off the phone, but not before he said, “This is our last conversation, and I am going to block you.” I responded, “Sir, there’s no need to block me because I won’t be calling anyone NOT sent by God!” I like a man who has faith!

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-Gypzy Gyrl over and out!

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pushblack

hblack.org

us Black History Year with p

THE RACIST HISTORY BEHIND

The TERM ‘Cowboy’

Decades ago, being a Black cowboy was an opportunity for freedom while surviving racism. That’s why when it comes to the connection between horses and Black people, there’s so much more to our bond than just rodeos. Regardless of what Hollywood and mainstream culture show us, Black cowboys were not a rare spectacle on the range, and the profession was an opportunity to experience freedom and survive racism. Post-Civil War, approximately one out of four cowboys was Black. Most held occupations such as bodyguards, nurses, and cooks, as they accompanied white riders on their travels. But Black cowboy culture is much deeper than that. In American history, White cowboys were originally called cowhands, while Black cowhands were called Cowboys. The cow from cowhand was intertwined with the racist, derogatory term “boy” often used against Black men to shame and demean their social standing. However, Black cowhands were far from childlike in their skillsets. Throughout the 1800s, Black cowboys obtained their expertise through performing tasks that employers or slave owners wouldn’t or didn’t have the skill sets to do, such as taming wild horses, rounding up herds of livestock, and traveling through rough terrain. Black cowboys still exist all across the country today, and their work helped shape this country. Their story also reminds us of an important truth: we should always be the ones to tell our stories because we cannot trust others to speak for us. ,

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

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The Soultown Magazine mourns the loss of legend

Joe Madison, The Black Eagle

American radio talk show host and activist heard daily on SiriusXM Urban View. On Feb. 25–27, 2015, Joe Madison hosted a record-breaking marathon whereby he talked for 52 hours on his SIRIUS XM talk show. The broadcast is officially registered with the Guinness World Record Organization.

June 16, 1949 – January 31, 2024 FEBRUARY 2024

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This Black History Month, we thank the countless African American changemakers in cancer and medicine.

Photo Credit: University of Iowa

Photo Credit: Yale University

Photo Credit: Iowa City Press-Citizen

FEBRUARY 2024 | THESOULTOWNMAGAZINE.com | VOLUME 8 ISSUE 2 www.canceriowa.news/blackhistorymonth2024 This ad is sponsored in part by Genentech.

soultown sentiments

Memphis international Airport. Picture with Bernard Lee. King is questioned regarding the violence during the March on March 28, 1968.

Dr. King, Abernathy, and Lee leaving the airport in a Buick Electra. Naantaanbuu would drive them to Rev. James Lawson’s church.

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Memphis international Airport. Picture with Bernard Lee. King is questioned regarding the violence during the march on March 28, 1968. |

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Dr. King’s Last Flight On April 3, 1968 the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a pivotal leader in the model civil rights movement landed at Memphis Metropolitan airport, for what would be his last trip. His last speech, and his last full day on earth. Prior to leaving Atlanta, airline officials halted Kings flight because of a bomb threat. After no explosive device was found, King proceeded to Memphis to support the city’s striking sanitation workers. Upon his arrival reporters, besieged King and asked him about the previous weeks chaotic march and a pending injunction by Memphis city officials to prevent another march. Later that night he delivered his, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” speech at Mason Temple. “We, as a people will get to the Promised Land,” he said. On April 4 James, Earl Ray assassinated King as he stood on the balcony outside his room (306) at the Lorraine Motel, now part of the National Civil Rights Museum complex in downtown Memphis. [Tennesee Historical Commission] ,

James Orange, James Bevel, Lee and Andrew Young load Dr. King’s casket onto the plane chartered by Robert Kennedy Memphis Airport. April 5, 1968.

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Mesmerizing & Entertaining

In 1978, esteemed figures such as Michael Jackson,

Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Nipsey Russell, and Lena Horne graced the screen in the Sidney Lumet-directed hit musical “The Wiz,” a fantasy adventure film. Last month, a group of female friends and I attended a modern-day adaptation performance at the Golden Gate Theater in San Francisco, providing us with a truly remarkable experience. Innovative Extraordinaire of The Soultown Magazine shared her perspective, stating, “Although I enjoyed the performance, I would have appreciated more emphasis on the storyline in a play style and a bit less singing and dancing.” The Broadway-bound musical showcased exceptional talent, featuring Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, FEBRUARY 2024

and Deborah Cox as Glinda the Good Witch. “The Wiz” powerfully portrays the perseverance of Black individuals in the face of adversity, serving as a rallying call for racial liberation. The all-Black cast captivated the audience with a flawless performance, showcasing impeccable choreography. The closing rendition of the famous song “Home” by Nichelle (Dorothy) left a lasting impression. Reflecting on the experience, Sherinda shared, “The Wiz transported me to a place in my childhood where I remembered anything is possible, and just how powerful it is to have a positive community to accompany you on your journey towards your dreams.” Zoni added, “Nostalgia and community are powerful agents of change. I’m grateful for the reminder.”

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London, a favorite city and global financial hub, offered an exciting yet nerve-wracking opportunity to contribute to a project while navigating a career transition at Vanguard. Despite the challenges of work-related travel, I thrive on exploring new destinations without succumbing to jet lag. During my two-week stint in London, I balanced project presentations, networking for career opportunities, and pursuit of my goal to live and work abroad. Business travel, with its potential for extended stays and country exploration, played a pivotal role in reaching a personal milestone—the 50th country, Sweden, visited post-project completion. My travel journey began in France at 16, evolving over 16 years to encompass 50 countries. In London, work remained a priority, but I maximized every moment, connecting with peers, making new friends, and deepening my understanding of the global business landscape. Beyond work obligations, the trip became a holistic experience. The attached picture series captures London’s essence, showcasing its culture, architecture, communities, and way of life. For those visiting London, feel free to reach out for travel recommendations — I derive joy from sharing these enriching experiences. ,

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First week in London: dinner with a coworker at a fire-breathing restaurant, followed by Soho bar hopping. Met amazing girls, birthday girl shared her cake. After merging groups, we partied at Cirque till 4 am, dancing and laughing. Connected instantly, shared IG profiles, and kept in touch for recommendations. Maintaining global friendships while solo traveling is essential — key for future meetups! ,

ondon’s nighttime charm beckons for postdinner strolls, a luxury I indulge in. Walking briskly back to the hotel, gazing at the illuminated Millennium Bridge over the Thames, I pause to express gratitude for my journey. Believing in myself, I celebrate the hustle by asking a stranger to capture a moment, embodying the faith in my pursuits. I embrace the delusion of raising a multilingual family abroad. Travel fuels my big dreams and shapes a work ethic that matches my ambition. Here’s to more reflective moments in 2024, inspiring heightened dedication to your goals. Cheers! ,

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en want to be loved as much as women do. Males tend to have an increased emphasis on the realm of physical intimacy. Outside of this factor, men feel the most loved when they experience respect, honor, and thankfulness. They say being a mother is a thankless job, and there’s truth to that statement. On the other hand, there are plenty of examples where athletes and artists only thank their mothers when receiving an award. The father is nearly never mentioned. Those instances are prime examples of thanklessness. This Valentine’s Day, communicate how grateful you are for him. Show your appreciation in these four meaningful ways. 1. Interrupt him mid-sentence in your conversation, and with emphasis, say, ‘Thank You!’ He may remark, “For what?” Ignore his question and repeat it one more time. Continue the dialogue as it were before the interruption. 2. Write him a letter, yes write. Describe intricately what his love, support, and devotion mean to you. 3. Give him a coupon in the morning when he awakes. State that he is entitled to a future ‘Yes Day’ from you. 4. If you have children, orchestrate a time when they verbally share their appreciation for their dad. Women are kingdom builders, too; everything your man does is for you. Honor him today with thanks. ~ X , FEBRUARY 2024

The Soultown Debut: Unveiling The Truth Behind Hardships in Relationships

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was riding to an event with a friendgirl of mine. My girl spilled the tea on this online encounter, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the absurdity. She’s vibing with this dude – fast responses, educated, checks all the boxes. Then, bam! He hits her with the classic “send me a full body pic” request. She reluctantly complies, and poof! He pulls a Houdini and disappears without a trace. It’s like he swiped right into the Bermuda Triangle. Never to be heard from again. People say the dating game today is very different from yesterday. I’m afraid I have to disagree. The dating game hasn’t changed. What’s different is the illusion we can craft online. Back in the day, what you saw was what you got. Today, dating apps and social media let us curate a dazzling facade – a masterpiece of filters, angles, and Photoshop magic. Helloooooooo single women, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. It’s like ordering your favorite burger online and getting a sad, wilted lettuce surprise in person. No bueno. Hey Fellas, As we navigate the vast ocean of love this Valentine’s Day and beyond, I have some real-talk revelations from our single ladies. It’s like a love potion for

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understanding, holla, if you hear me! 1. First off, wanting to see the whole package? Totally normal. But before you drop that request bomb, how about leading the way? Send a full-body, waist-up, and a close-up pic with the caption: “Please show me yours; I’ve shown you mine.” It’s like a dating dance, and everyone loves a good two-step. Let her down as smooth as a jazz melody if it’s not your cup of tea. Treat others how you’d want to be treated, right? 2. Next on the love etiquette list is landing at her place. Invitations are the golden ticket. So, unless you get the golden invite, your GPS should steer clear of her apartment doorstep. No surprise pop-ins, please. 3. Last but never least, the art of compliments and thorough answers. When she asks a question, it’s like a love pop quiz – answer every part! And compliments? Sprinkle those like confetti at a celebration. It’s the little things that make hearts flutter. Single sistas are hopeful that our cupids don’t just catch the memo; but read it, print it, and post it … especially if you’re really interested in turning your next attempt at dating into a symphony of mutual respect and understanding. High hopes to love, laughter, and keeping it real! ~ O ,

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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.

“The Soultown is a refreshing take on so many issues that matter. I look forward to perusing its pages to keep up with what’s happening from Waterloo to the West Coast.” ~ Tara Thomas-Gettman FEBRUARY 2024

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22 Dear Queen Gabby, Do you want children? Would you prefer a girl or a boy?

~ Kid Lover

Dear Queen Gabby, Would you relocate if your partner got a job in a different city? My man just got a job in Florida. I’d love to go and support him, but I’m happy where I am, here in St. Louis. ~ St. Loving Lunatic

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

Dear Kid Lover Not! No kids for me. I wouldn’t say I like added responsibilities, and these bills are enough. I love kids, and as an aunt, I realized I love them more when I can give them back. Many people think this is selfish, but those are also the people who think women are here to breed. I enjoy my freedom, not having to find a babysitter. If I want to get up and go, I can. Also, once you have a child, the silence that you once enjoyed will be gone! However, I’d rather have a boy if God plans it for me. They seem easier to me. ~ Queen Gabby

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Dear St. Loving Lunatic, I’ve had this question asked to me before, and I feel like if your man has been proven to be a good leader, then go ahead. I’ve never moved for a man, but I have had one move for me, which worked out in his favor. If you move because of his job, make sure there’s a market for your career. A change can be good, but please weigh the pros and cons. Is it beneficial for him to leave? Would the move make you happy? Although Florida isn’t my favorite state, that sounds like a win regarding weather. Consider it, but make sure it fits for you as well. It’s not all about him! ~ Queen Gabby ,

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Shakespear rose

Bernita Outlaw Shakespear Rose

Chef Bernita is a native of Chicago’s ABLA community on the city’s West Side and a Woodlawn resident since 2014. Her passion for cooking and food led her to launch her own full-service catering business — the Shakespear Rose Culinary Kitchen at 6246 St. Lawrence Ave. Chef earned a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management from The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago. She is the recipient of the 2019 City of Chicago Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant.

bernitaoutlaw@gmail.com

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Are you one of those hopeless romantics who are left every February pondering the idea of what to do for your significant other? Are you one of those procrastinators who wait until the last minute and try to make reservations, or are you running to the local grocery store on V-Day after work trying to get your hands on a good steak? Maybe you are the Scrooge of Valentine’s past and dread the day like me because you’re probably going to end up spending it alone at home in front of the television, wine in hand, and a simple yet delicious meal that you have made yourself and would dare not order from GrubHub or Uber Eats, because you know that everyone is overbooked. You have no intention of spending the evening waiting for food that will only arrive too late and cold. Or are you the single ladies who strategically plan your Galentine’s Dinner but need some ideas? Well, Chef Bernita is here to save your Valentine’s debacle. I have made delicious Valentine’s Day meals in the past for myself and a few clients. I have a few staples that I have enhanced over the years. I have also picked up a few new side dishes and spices that I love with a good steak or lamb chops. This article is not about recipes, but instead, I will give you some items that will impress your significant other if appropriately cooked and seasoned well. So here is my list of favorites. Protein: Ribeye, Rib roast, salmon, filet mignon Starch: Harissa Rose roasted carrots (preferably the long heirloom-colored ones}, rosemary and lemon garlic fingerling potatoes, horseradish and roasted garlic mashed potatoes, lobster mac ‘n cheese. Vegetable: sauteed kale with white wine, sauteed spinach and sliced portobello mushrooms, sauteed collard greens with tomato and onion

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chef bernita in butter, roasted tomato halves with thyme and garlic Let’s talk about asparagus for a minute. I love me some asparagus! Roasted in the oven or sauteed in the pan with chopped garlic and olive oil. Maybe even toss on some gremolata (parsley, lemon zest, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil). If you prefer, air-fry it (on roast or bake mode) for 5 minutes. But if you are like me, there is nothing that I dread more than on February 14th, opening my social media and seeing those horrific Valentine’s Day meals with that long, wimpy, soggylooking asparagus hanging on for dear life on the side of those awful paper plates. Do not let this be you. When you know better, you do better. Please trim your asparagus. You can usually feel where to snap off the woodsy bottom portion of the asparagus. Naturally, it should bend where the fibrous part ends. Line all your asparagus together and cut with a sharp knife so they are even in length. You usually should cut off one to two inches off the bottom. You can cook asparagus for a short time. I prefer to roast it or sauté it. If roasting it, drizzle it with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest and cook in the oven at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. If sautéing, cook for 3-4 in the pan. For an appetizer, I like to make Tiger shrimp scampi in butter and white wine or a mixture of shelled fish (mussels, shrimp, and baby lobster tails) in buttery white wine sprinkled with parsley. Any dessert of your choice will be an excellent choice. But for appearances, place some berries and whipped cream on the plate or drizzle a little chocolate sauce before placing the dessert. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cocoa for a unique look. Ice cream, gelato, or sorbet is a powerful addition to any dessert. I love laying a little pastel-colored macaroon on the side with some fresh berries. If your local grocer carries edible flowers, place one or two on the dessert plate. Always use real dishes. Glass or porcelain, it doesn’t matter if it’s not paper. If short on cash, you can buy single plates for $1.25 at Family Dollar or Dollar General and wine glasses. If you own glass plates, please use them. Your dinner partner will be wowed, and they will remember this dinner above all other dinners. Happy Valentine’s lovers of Soultown, or in my case, Happy Galentine’s Day! I am Chef Bernita of Shakespear Rose Culinary Kitchen and I want to thank all of you for having SOUL all year round! , FEBRUARY 2024

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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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Daily Daddy

PART 2

In January’s edition, the focus was initiating change and separating from problems by reversing first. Remember, I view problems as threats. The focus of this issue is on managing challenging relationships. When people are toxic towards you, adjust the connection immediately. Do not continue at the same rate of engagement. I’ve developed these tactics from years of trial, error, and research. Three key ways to moderate or eliminate toxic behavior are legitimization, minimization, and neutralization. They relieve stress, reduce conflict, and remove harmful associations when enacted. Legitimization (use this tactic when people rarely offend you). Make folks aware of how you expect to be treated. Give them specific details on your basic relationship requirements. Call out their bad behavior the first time you experience it. If the prerequisites aren’t followed, let them know they’ll have limited access to your time, effort, and resources. Minimization (use this tactic when people semiregularly offend you). Immediately reduce communicating and sharing

space with these offenders. It maintains your high standards. People in this category often minimize your accomplishments, aspirations, and growth. They don’t like seeing you shine and project their fears upon you. Be careful not to adopt a glass-half-empty outlook instead of a glass-half-full one. Neutralization (use this tactic when people habitually offend you). It would help if you counteracted their efforts to make them ineffective. Neutralize the situation with the removal of all negative energy. Eliminate their access to your social media and personal life. Be reclusive from shared friend groups and explain why. You may have to change careers if the perpetrator is a coworker. Be keenly aware of your mental and emotional health. Continued exposure can lead to physical abnormalities. All these tactics reverse substandard behavior; this can be difficult to accomplish in some instances. It becomes more complicated when the offender is a loved one or a spouse. Keep an eye out for part 3, where I share strategies to overcome this barrier. I am Torrion Amie. Thank you for being a part of DAILY DADDY™, 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

FEBRUARY 2024

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SAY CHEESE!

Keeping little smiles healthy

Have you ever stopped to think about the role teeth play in a child’s health and development? Tooth decay can start as soon as a baby’s first tooth appears. Untreated cavities/tooth decay can lead to other dental problems, including infection which can be very dangerous for your child. Cavities in baby teeth can also start to impact the underlying permanent teeth. For school-aged children, 80-90% of tooth decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of the molar (back) teeth. Dental sealants and fluoride varnish can protect the teeth and prevent decay from starting. Placing dental sealants (thin protective coating) on the molar teeth greatly lowers the chance that those teeth will get tooth decay. Fluoride varnish strengthens the teeth, is safe for all ages, and can be easily applied 3-4 times per year. This saves time and money and saves the child from experiencing tooth pain. Here are some guidelines for keeping little mouths healthy: • Children should see a dentist by age one. • Help children aged 7 and under brush their teeth. Use a “smear” of fluoridated toothpaste for children under the age of 3, and a “pea” size amount for ages 3 and up. • Model tooth brushing twice a day. • Choose snacks and drinks with low or no sugar. • Everyone should get their teeth checked and cleaned every 6 months. The I-Smile & I-Smile @School programs visit schools and other settings providing free dental screenings, fluoride, dental sealants, and oral health education for children infant through 6th grade. With consent from the parent or guardian, services are provided in the school or childcare setting to ease the barrier of transportation. If follow- up is needed, the I-Smile staff can help with finding dental care. If cost is an issue for dental care, families can apply for Iowa Medicaid or the Hawki program. Hawki also offers a dental only option for families who have medical insurance, but no dental coverage.

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Additionally, Black Hawk County Public Health is partnering with Kimball & Beecher Family Dentistry to offer Give Kids a Smile Day in the Cedar Valley. This event offers FREE preventive services and treatment for children ages 1-13 regardless of income or insurance. See the ad on this page for information on scheduling an appointment. For questions about the I-Smile Program go to bhcpublichealth.org (319) 292-2247. THESOULTOWNMAGAZINE.comor |callVOLUME 8 ISSUE 2

FAITH ENTHUSIAST

The snows of

february Yes … intentionally, I typed the “snows of

February,” not the “snow in February.” Do you know why? It snows pretty often in February here in Iowa. I remember growing up on Linden Avenue, getting excited about the fresh snowfall of winter. Still, as I grew older, I had the added responsibility of snow removal, walking to school and back, and ultimately driving those rear-wheeled vehicles through that heavy precipitation. Man, that got to be old in a hurry. As I approach my 70th birthday, I have learned so much about the power OF snow and the power IN the snow for life and livelihood. I have also received many life lessons from our sometimes brutal winters and spiritual applications for “abundant life,” as our Lord Jesus Christ referenced it. John 10:10 King James Version: “… I come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” You see, we need the snows of February. Snow is frozen or crystalized water, essential for life here on Earth. Here is another thing to remember about snow; yes, it is obvious. Snow comes from above. What comes down from above reaches the “down below.” Therefore, snow symbolizes what is in the constitution of the heavens and is coming to the realm of “below” with all its properties intact. Here is a spiritual application. James 1:17 New Living Translation: “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

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Now, with this insight, I “see” an “investment from God” coming down to where you and I abide, bringing goodness, purpose, reality, and completion to why we are here for such a time as this. What about the freezing temperatures of winter? Are there any benefits? YES! No matter how productive (or lack of production) last season’s harvest was, it is just that … previous year’s. Some carryovers from last year’s harvest are yet in the ground and have carryover germs that could disease the present environment in the new planting season. (YES! A NEW SEASON IS COMING!) The snow creates moisture in the ground, thus making the soil tillable. The farmer can break the ground up now, but if the ground carries the “what was” of last year, it could limit the bounty of two seasons away. So, February’s cold wind and snow treat the present for a future harvest. The snows of February are A CURE FOR A WHAT AS in preparation for WHAT CAN BE! So, my friend, as we shovel, Dr. David Rainey drive, walk, and maybe slip and Faith Enthusiast fall this winter, I want you to David Rainey is the founder and former remember that the “snows of pastor of Gift of Life Church in Waterloo, Iowa. February” are speaking to you He has a Doctorate in Theology and knows that more and more Americans genuinely love God about your future. but struggle with church. His writings and public The planting season of presentations are designed to ‘free us from religion” Spring is coming, followed by and ‘release us to a relationship’ with God and the growing of Summer. creation. He is the Faith Enthusiast And then, YOUR HARVEST! and has written in every article since the inception I am Dr. David Rainey, The Faith Enthusiast for The Soultown Magazine. I thank God for having SOUL! ,

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date of January 2017. Dr. David Rainey is the recipient of the 2022 Soultown’s Soul Prayer Award.

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drdavidrainey@gmail.com

Congratulations 2024 EAST HIGH HONOREES: ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

GEORGEANN COLE, CLASS OF 1981 DAVID CUNNINGHAM, CLASS OF 1972 DEONDRE JONES, CLASS OF 1994 THE 1990 BOYS’ BASKETBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM Looking Ahead: The 2025 East Athletic Hall of Fame Now's your chance to nominate your favorite Trojan! The nomination process opens on February 2, 2024! Community members are invited to submit nominees for the East High School Athletic Hall of Fame consideration for the Class of 2025. A nomination form can be picked up in the East High School Athletic Office, or printed from the East High School website: WaterlooSchools.org/schoolsites/easthigh/ FEBRUARY 2024 | THESOULTOWNMAGAZINE.com | VOLUME 8 ISSUE 2

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A ugust 27, 1963, the day before gatheringa quarter of a million people in front of the Lincoln Memorial — known as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom — was a bittersweet day for Shirley Graham Du Bois. In Accra, Ghana, a giant of a historical figure, her husband, William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, died. A pan-Africanist, he had decided to exile himself away from the white racist hegemony of the United States in Ghana, to which Shirley, his second wife, could trace her ancestry. Du Bois, the first African American to graduate with a doctoral degree from Harvard University, was an excellent sociologist focusing on Blacks’ achievements, artistry, and perseverance in this country and the world. He was one of the principal founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1909 and a prolific writer about the oppressive conditions under which many Blacks lived because of the color of their skin. His most-read book is The Souls of Black Folk, published in 1903, in which he presciently states: “The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line- the relation of the darker to the lighter races of men in Asia and Africa, in America and the islands of the sea.” After her spouse’s death,

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Shirley — much like Coretta Scott King — spent the remainder of her life lifting his ideological perspective and sharing her own outlook on life. Lola Shirley Graham was born on November 11, 1896, in Indianapolis, IN. Her father, David A. Graham, was an A.M.E. minister, and her mother, Ella (née Bell), was fully participatory in her husband’s pastorates. They traveled extensively. Moving from one place to another challenged Graham’s academic performance. Nevertheless, she graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, WA 1915. In 1921, Graham married Shadrach T. McCants. They had two sons in relatively quick succession: Robert in 1923 and David in 1925. However, the marriage was not entirely healthy, especially because Graham’s desire to pursue her interest in music and to be productive in the everyday world did not square well with McCants’s more traditional view of the family. Graham ventured to Paris, France, in 1926 to study music at the Sorbonne, and the following year she and McCants divorced. She was offered a job at Howard University under the tutelage of the founder of the

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social ethicist

school’s glee club, Roy W. Tibbs, where she also took classes as an unenrolled student. Tibbs supported her job application to Morgan College, where she headed up its music department for two years. Eventually, she desired to study, sharpen, and enrich her creative talents and enrolled at Oberlin College in 1931. With enthusiasm, she earned a bachelor’s in 1934 and a master’s in 1935. Historically, the Great Depression was a challenging period in the 1930s, and she landed employment with President Franklin Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration as director of Chicago’s Federal Theater Project. While there, she wrote music compositions and produced performances — something she had already done earlier in the decade. Graham worked in this capacity until 1939 when the Project lost its funding because of racist policies. Soon, Graham found her way back to her birthplace, where she worked at the Phyllis Wheatley Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) for a couple of years and developed a theater group. 1943, she traveled to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, to direct a YWCA USO organization. Again, white supremacists attacked the program — claiming that the “Y” held a communist ideology and disagreeing with its support for antilynching laws. One consequence of this oppression was banning Graham’s work from public libraries. Graham joined Sojourners for FEBRUARY 2024

Truth and Justice, an organization of Blacks formed to help improve women’s lives worldwide. She had been developing a revolutionary spirit in response to the personal prejudice of others and the persistence of institutional racism. Graham-Du Bois shared W. E. B.’s longstanding anti-capitalist ideology. They supported him as white conservative politicians and Black civic leaders maligned his stance and sought to discredit his enormous body of work on behalf of the poor and oppressed. The rest of her life would be devoted to solidifying his legacy and furthering her own hobby of freedom for all— especially for women. After her husband’s death, Graham-Du Bois relocated to Cairo, Egypt, in 1967 following a coup in Ghana. She invested a lot of time supporting liberation and equality for women. Subsequently, she moved to China to advocate for women there while deepening her Afrocentric perspective. A citizen of the United States, she also became a citizen of Ghana and Tanzania. In 1977, she died of breast cancer in Beijing, China, and was buried there. Like her second husband, she was honored by the Communist Party in China and THESOULTOWNMAGAZINE.com |

by several African heads of state. She donated his writings to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Shirley Graham Du Bois was a notable African American in her own right, and more folks need to study her life to enrich her legacy and continue her work! I am Dr. Michael Blackwell, the Social Ethicist for The Soultown Magazine. I want to thank Shirley Graham-Du Bois 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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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.

FEBRUARY 2024

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Celebrates

February 2024 Black History Month centers on highlighting the significant contributions made by African Americans to the United States. It pays tribute to individuals from all eras of U.S. history, spanning from the early 17th century when enslaved people were first brought from Africa, to the present-day African Americans residing in the United States. FEBRUARY 2024

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