tag:www.funtimesmagazine.com,2005:/categories/hot-topics?page=17Hot Topics | FunTimes Magazine Page 17Celebrating Africa And Its Diaspora2022-02-28T10:10:41-05:00urn:uuid:825a5bad-62fc-4068-82f2-f36094c0465e2022-02-28T10:10:37-05:002022-02-28T10:10:41-05:00UN Kenyan Ambassador Offered African History as He Denounced the Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Opinion Piece2022-02-28 10:00:00 -0500Karen Warrington<span><p>An African voice blasted out at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council as the leaders of the western world were debating the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. </p><br><p>While decrying the Russian attack, Martin Kimani, the Kenyan UN Ambassador, cautioned that fanning the flames of dead empires will never lead to peace, offering a history lesson to the international body to support his contention. He referenced the Berlin Conference, often called the scramble for Africa, which was attended by 14 European leaders in 1884-85. The participants partitioned Africa under the guise of bringing “civilization” to the continent. The establishment of these European drawn boundaries of African landmass was a blatant and barbarous act to plunder Africa of its resources, minerals, and people. </p><br><p>Kimani said, “Our borders were not of our own drawing. They were drawn in the distant colonial metropoles of London, Paris, and Lisbon, with no regard for the ancient nations that they cleaved apart.”</p><br><p>He then emphasized that after African nations achieved independence, “Rather than form nations that looked ever backward into history with a dangerous nostalgia, we chose to look forward to a greatness none of our many nations and peoples had ever known.”</p><br><p>While Kimani’s voice and the UN Security Council were not successful in deterring Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, hopefully, there are some in the international community and beyond who learned or were reminded of the ravenous European expansionism, politely referred to as African colonialism.</p><br><p>This was an important history lesson provided by “professor” Ambassador Martin Kimani that hopefully will be remembered as we watch Russia bomb Ukraine and kill innocents. </p><br><p>And, for me, I am also reminded of the lyrics of Motown recording artist Edwin Starr’s 1980s war protest song, “War What Is It Good For?”</p><br><p>“I said, war, huh (good God, y'all)</p><p>What is it good for?</p><p>Absolutely nothing, just say it again</p><p>War (whoa), huh (oh Lord)</p><p>What is it good for?</p><p>Absolutely nothing </p><br><p>War, I despise</p><p>'Cause it means destruction of innocent lives</p><p>War means tears to thousands of mother's eyes</p><p>When their sons go off to fight</p><p>And lose their lives…”</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p></span><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/848324/fill/300x0/karen_20warrington.jpg?timestamp=1646060968"></div><span><p> Karen Warrington has had a decades long career as a broadcast journalist, communications professional, performing artist, and documentary filmmaker. She has traveled extensively throughout Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. She is committed to being a voice for the African Diaspora.<br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Read more from Karen Warrington:</p><div class="media clearfix">
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<p>Anglican theologian and human rights activist Desmond Mpilo Tutu, revered for his tireless fight against South African apartheid, has died in Capetown, South Africa at the age of 90. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/01/07/383571/remembering-archbishop-and-moral-compass-desmond-tutu">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<p>On January 15th we will gather throughout the nation to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. Politicians, preachers, and civic and corporate leaders will make speeches about him lead... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/01/15/387413/beyond-the-mlk-holiday-chaos-or-community-opinion-piece">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/02/12/390202/celebrating-black-history-doesn-t-mean-separating-it-from-black-culture-opinion-piece" target="_blank">Celebrating Black History Doesn’t Mean Separating It From Black Culture - Opinion Piece</a></h4>
<p>February is celebrated as Black history month in America, but as we take a look at our history, we can’t separate it from Black culture. We must ask ourselves: what are we doing to hold ... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/02/12/390202/celebrating-black-history-doesn-t-mean-separating-it-from-black-culture-opinion-piece">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<p> </p><span><p><br></p><br></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:2fae4153-632c-461c-8d4c-770635cc79712022-02-24T10:55:12-05:002022-03-12T12:04:14-05:00Vaccine Chat: Bridging the Gap Between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated with Love2022-02-24 11:00:00 -0500Nana Ama Addo<span><p>On Thursday, February 17th at 9:30 am EST, FunTimes Magazine hosted ‘Vaccine Chat: Bridging the Gap Between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated with Love’, featuring Dr. Ngozi Onuoha, MD, MBA-HCM, and Jos Duncan Asé, founder of Love Now Media, hosted by Jennifer K. Smith, Live & Virtual Event Host at FunTimes Magazine. </p><br><p>During this event, Duncan Asé asked Dr. Onuoha pertinent vaccination-related questions, and Dr. Onuoha answered those inquiries. When Duncan Asé asked about herd immunity for communities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,<b> Dr. Onuoha described herd immunity as “When a large percent of the population (70-80%) has become immune to diseases. This happens when people get exposed to infectious agents. Exposure or vaccines help them to create antibodies. Immunity is obtained by contracting the disease or vaccination.”</b> Dr. Onuoha continues: “The US has accomplished 64.9% of vaccinations for the populations (over 200 million people), so we are getting close to herd immunity.”</p><br><p>In comparing the importance of vaccinations versus natural immunity, using human papillomavirus (HPV) as an example, Dr. Onuoha says: “Natural immunity is immunity that people develop due to exposure. HPV causes genital warts, stomach, and throat cancer. <b>If you look at HPV, would a person want to get natural immunity through exposing themselves to HPV? Why not get vaccinated instead. </b>Natural immunity is not a good strategy because of the consequences. Someone who gets COVID and develops antibodies can get COVID again.”</p><br><p>In discussing Duncan Asé’s inquiry about what the new variants of COVID mean for the vaccines, Dr. Onuoha says: “In terms of the variants, we know that<b> viruses change all the time. This is why you get a new flu shot every year because viruses evolve. Some viruses are not clinically significant. In terms of COVID, it doesn’t change as fast as the flu. </b></p><br><p>Read “COVID Vaccine Mitigation Roundtable Discussion Event Recap Part I”: </p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/11/11/374397/covid-vaccine-mitigation-roundtable-discussion-event-recap-part-i" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/866845/fit/80x80/vaccine_20hesitancy.png?timestamp=1645717791" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/11/11/374397/covid-vaccine-mitigation-roundtable-discussion-event-recap-part-i" target="_blank">COVID Vaccine Mitigation Roundtable Discussion Event Recap Part I</a></h4>
<p>On Thursday, October 28th at 2:00 pm EST, FunTimes Magazine partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and various media stakeholders to host a COVID Vaccine Hesitancy Roundtabl... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/11/11/374397/covid-vaccine-mitigation-roundtable-discussion-event-recap-part-i">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><p>The virus is very unpredictable. We’ve heard of people who have been healthy, gotten COVID and they died. <b>What we know is that age is the #1 risk factor for severe COVID. Someone who is over 65 is more at risk for developing severe COVID.</b> It could be asymptomatic, it could be mild or it could be severe. </p><br><p><b>When the body is exposed to COVID, some people with comorbidity, including obesity, diabetes, chronic disease, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, or any kind of brain disease, are more at risk. The more comorbidities someone has, the higher the risk of the severity of COVID. The vaccines are sufficient to reduce the severity of illnesses and death.”</b></p><br><p>Dr. Onuoha describes the deadly effects of COVID-19: “COVID goes for the vital organs like the heart and the lungs. COVID is an inflammatory condition, so it causes stickiness. <b>With COVID, the lungs fill up with fluid, creating Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). ARDS has a 40% mortality rate. </b></p><br><p><b>When the body detects COVID, it wants to get rid of it, so the immune system wants to push that out, but it can’t tell which is good or bad tissue.</b> In doing this, it goes after the heart, the kidney, and it can cause blood clots. In the brain, it can cause strokes and inflammation. This is the triggering of the cytokine storm. After people recover from COVID, long term, it can cause brain loss, memory fog, and other problems, like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma. <b>The vaccines prevent the severity of COVID, and that is how it impacts hospitalization.” </b></p><br><p>Read “FunTimes Friday Happy Hour: ‘Health Awareness’ Presented by Perelman School of Medicine’: </p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/09/02/367409/funtimes-friday-happy-hour-health-awareness-presented-by-perelman-school-of-medicine" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/850579/fit/80x80/800_20x_20600_20banner.jpg?timestamp=1645717863" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/09/02/367409/funtimes-friday-happy-hour-health-awareness-presented-by-perelman-school-of-medicine" target="_blank">FunTimes Friday Happy Hour: ‘Health Awareness’ Presented by Perelman School of Medicine</a></h4>
<p>On Tuesday, August 17th at 6 pm, community members attended the virtual FunTimes Friday Happy Hour event, themed ‘Health Awareness’. This event, in conjunction with the Perelman School of... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/09/02/367409/funtimes-friday-happy-hour-health-awareness-presented-by-perelman-school-of-medicine">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><br><p>Duncan Asé asks if the vaccine doses are forms of COVID. Dr. Onuoha responds: <b>“The vaccine doesn’t give COVID. It's not active.”</b> Duncan Asé then asks “What are vaccines made of and how do they boost the immune system?” Dr. Onuoha says: “The first is the viral vector which uses an inactivated particle for a vaccine (Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca). Pfizer and Moderna are mRNA technology, where the mRNA sends a signal to the cells and the cells create a spike protein.”</p><br><p>Duncan Asé asks why people get sick when they get a COVID vaccine. Dr. Onuoha responds: “It's just the immune system working. The body’s immune system is really strong, and it's trying to tell you that it’s working.”</p><br><p>Duncan Asé inquires about the potential risks of getting a COVID vaccine, like myocarditis. Dr. Onuoha says: “COVID creates increased stickiness of the blood vessels that can cause inflammation of the heart (myocarditis). Before COVID it was 10 in 100,000. With COVID it is 100 in 100,000. The risk with the vaccine is 1 in 100,000. Over 10 billion COVID vaccine doses have been given. <b>The benefits outweigh the risks.</b></p><br><p>Duncan Asé inquires: “Am I at more risk getting the vaccine or not getting the vaccine with pericarditis?” Dr. Onuoha says: “Even if someone has pericarditis they should still get the vaccine.” Dr. Onuoha notes that the US, especially Black women, has issues with heart disease. She then says: “I would recommend anybody who has any kind of heart condition to get the vaccine. The side effects are rare.” </p><br><p>When Duncan Asé asks about COVID-19 pills available to communities, Dr. Onuoha says: <b>“There are 2 pills that recently got approved by the FDA for people with mild to moderate COVID who are in outpatient care. The pills are given to people who have and have not been vaccinated and have risks of progressing to severe COVID.</b> Paxlovid, a combination tablet, is 90% effective in reducing severe COVID. Molnupiravir is 70% effective. There are some drug-to-drug interactions that providers need to be aware of. They have to make sure that the patients are not taking different medication, and that pregnant women are not taking them.”</p><br><p>Read “Collaborating Around COVID-19: Questions and Answers”: </p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/12/10/377875/collaborating-around-covid-19-questions-and-answers" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/873960/fit/80x80/Collab_20COVID_201.png?timestamp=1645717909" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/12/10/377875/collaborating-around-covid-19-questions-and-answers" target="_blank">Collaborating Around COVID-19: Questions and Answers</a></h4>
<p>The acting Physician General, Dr. Denise A. Johnson, recently held a community editorial meeting with Philadelphia area Black publishers. Here are the questions and answers discussed duri... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/12/10/377875/collaborating-around-covid-19-questions-and-answers">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><p>In discussing mask-wearing, Dr. Onuoha says: “The n95, which filters 95%, is not comfortable. However, in terms of wearing the mask, if someone has significant medical risks, they may want to err on the side of caution.” She also notes the risk of a person contracting COVID and taking COVID home to their family members. “It’s all about mitigating risk”, says Dr. Onuoha.</p><br><p>Dr. Onuoha adds: “As we reach herd immunity, this pandemic has to come to an end at some point.”</p><br><p>Thanks for attending ‘Vaccine Chat: Bridging the Gap Between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated with Love’. What are your COVID-19 vaccination questions?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span>This article has been made possible by the Independence Public Media Foundation.<br></span></p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><a href="https://independencemedia.org/"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/775336/fill/300x0/Independence_Media1.jpg?timestamp=1647104623"></a></div><p> </p><p><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></p><p></p></span><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/790279/fill/300x0/nana_20ama_20addo_202.jpg?timestamp=1645717950"></div><span><p> Nana Ama Addo is a writer, multimedia strategist, film director, and storytelling artist. She graduated with a BA in Africana Studies from the College of Wooster, and has studied at the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Nana Ama tells stories of entrepreneurship and Ghana repatriation at her brand, Asiedua’s Imprint<a href="http://www.asieduasimprint.blog/"> </a>( <a href="http://www.asieduasimprint.com">www.asieduasimprint.com</a> ).</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Read more from Nana Ama Addo:</p><div class="media clearfix">
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/01/24/387796/national-girl-child-day-investigating-gender-based-violence-in-india-and-its-connection-to-the-african-diaspora" target="_blank">National Girl Child Day: Investigating Gender-Based Violence in India and its Connection to the African Diaspora</a></h4>
<p>In honor of National Girl Child Day, and the fight to end gender-based violence in India and around the globe, FunTimes Magazine investigates the issue of sexual violence against females ... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/01/24/387796/national-girl-child-day-investigating-gender-based-violence-in-india-and-its-connection-to-the-african-diaspora">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/02/11/390197/international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science-top-stem-industries-and-stem-scholarships-for-black-women-and-girls" target="_blank">International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Top STEM Industries, and STEM Scholarships for Black Women and Girls</a></h4>
<p>On February 11th, the United Nations General Assembly and respective communities celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science. To fuel the next generation of Black women in S... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/02/11/390197/international-day-of-women-and-girls-in-science-top-stem-industries-and-stem-scholarships-for-black-women-and-girls">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/02/19/390520/celebrate-national-soup-month-with-these-cultural-dishes-of-the-african-diaspora" target="_blank"><img alt=" L to R Image by Omotayo Tajudeen via Pexels Image by Kampus Production via Pexels Photo by Jeanetta Richardson-Anhalt from Pexels Image by ZSM via Wikimedia Commons httpscommonswikimediaorgwikiFileLight_soup_with_fufuJPG She-crab soup Image by Jo Anna Barber via Wikimedia Commons httpscommonswikimediaorgwikiFileShe-Crab_Soupjpg Image via Flickr httpswwwflickrcomphotoskiryu4727926080inphotostream Pepper Pot Image by Simon Abrams via Wikimedia Commons httpscommonswikimediaorgwikiFilePepperpot_16135006279jpg " src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/900146/fit/80x80/natl_20soup_20month.png?timestamp=1645718062" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/02/19/390520/celebrate-national-soup-month-with-these-cultural-dishes-of-the-african-diaspora" target="_blank">Celebrate National Soup Month with these Cultural Dishes of the African Diaspora</a></h4>
<p>Happy National Soup Month! The benefits of soup are numerous and provide the body with nutrients and soothing warmth during the cold months. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/02/19/390520/celebrate-national-soup-month-with-these-cultural-dishes-of-the-african-diaspora">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<p> </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:65943df2-cb7b-4769-afcf-6ceae2f0d2a32022-02-23T10:53:03-05:002022-03-01T11:46:44-05:00Black History Month winds down with educational things to do2022-02-23 11:00:00 -0500Fun Times Magazine<span><p>Knowledge is power. February is dashing into the home stretch but continues to enrich and educate – spotlighting the legacy, culture, contributions of the Black community. Here are more low-cost or free in-person and virtual educational events focusing on music, art, literacy, and conversation.</p><p> </p><p>But before venturing out, contact the event organizers to confirm event hours and find out their current in-person pandemic-related safety policies such as masking and proof of vaccination.</p><p> </p><h3>It’s a rap.</h3><p><b>Fridays through May 27, 2022. </b>Every Friday, Mighty Writers youth-literacy nonprofit, under the tutelage of Noel Scales, is where kids learn about the history and techniques of poetry, hip-hop, and rap. Let’s just call it: Hip-hopRapoetry. Students, ages 11 to 17, will devise their own raps and perform their raps in the final “Rap Recital,” 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Vaux Building, 24th and Master sts. Free. </p><p>Sign up: <b>267-239-0699, </b><a href="mailto: nscales@mightywriters.org" target="_blank">nscales@mightywriters.org</a><b> or </b><a target="_blank">mightywriters.org</a></p></span><span><p> </p><h3>Connecting teens.</h3><p><b>Through May 26, 2022.</b> Engage in a Mighty Writers’ discussion-based remote workshop for teens, 13 to 18, to vent, ask questions and explore topics on their minds. The Thursday workshops, under the guidance of Maurice Williams, are informal and chill. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. </p><p><b>Sign up: </b><a href="mailto: rloeper@mightywriters.org" target="_blank"><b>rloeper@mightywriters.org</b></a><b> or </b><a target="_blank"><b>mightywriters.org</b></a></p></span><span><p> </p><p> </p></span><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/901561/fill/700x0/gilberto_20wilson.png?timestamp=1645630677"></div><p> </p><span><h3>Aruba to Philly.</h3><p><b>Through March 6, 2022.</b> <b><i>The Gilberto Wilson: Di Nada</i></b> exhibit showcases the fusion of photography and printmaking of the Philadelphia Caribbean artist. The display is described as a collection of “metropolitan motifs such as maps, streets, and manhole covers incorporating personal iconography, color, and form to convey the diverse stories of the Caribbean and city life bridging the gaps between the many displaced descendants of the diaspora.” Wilson was born in Aruba and immigrated to the U.S. in 1968 during the Civil Rights Movement and Black Arts Movement, inspirations for his art. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays. Advance registration is suggested. The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., <b>215-574-0380, </b><a href="http://www.aampmuseum.org" target="_blank"><b>aampmuseum.org</b></a></p></span><span><p> </p><p> </p></span><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/901562/fill/700x0/aacbp30.jpeg?timestamp=1645631129"></div><p> </p><span><h3>One for the books.</h3><p><b>February 26, 2022. </b>Authors, illustrators, and reps from the multicultural literary industry will bring the power of reading to Philly in a must-see children’s book fair. What better way to spend a Saturday? Hosted by the African American Children’s Book Project, the book fair is one of the nation’s oldest and largest single-day events for children's books. Games and giveaways. </p><p>1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. Free, <b>215- 878-2665. </b><a href="https://theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org/" target="_blank"><b>theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org</b></a></p></span><p> </p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/901563/fill/700x0/freelibrary.jpeg?timestamp=1645631185"></div><span><p> </p><h3>Page-turning fun stuff.</h3><p><b>Through February 28, 2022.</b> The Free Library’s Black History Month programs are in full swing. Whether you stay at home or visit local branches in person, you can enjoy an array of activities ranging from cooking classes of tummy-pleasing recipes celebrating the Black diaspora to fun bingo activities teaching Black history and paper quilt squares featuring quotes by Black authors and Black history-makers, current and past. Free. Times vary,<b> 1-833-825-5357, </b><a href="https://freelibrary.org/" target="_blank"><b>Freelibrary.org</b></a></p></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:d6550f8d-13be-45e5-897b-8218c25a89732022-02-11T14:35:39-05:002022-02-18T10:23:18-05:00Celebrating Canned Food Month: Strategies to Develop Food Security2022-02-15 10:00:00 -0500 Nana Ama Addo<span><p>February is Canned Food Month. In commemoration, we’re highlighting the state of global and local food insecurity and exploring creating food security for urban communities through community gardening and food preservation techniques.<br></p><br><p>The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported that globally, between 720 and 811 million people were vulnerable to hunger in 2020, with food insecurity increasing in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, North America, and Europe. In Philadelphia, the 2019 food insecurity rate was 14.4%, with the 2019 child food insecurity rate at 24.2%, as reported by Feeding America.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899429/fill/700x0/philadelphia_20eatery.jpeg?timestamp=1644607696">( A Philadelphia eatery. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tonythemisfit/3514028011" target="_blank">Image by Tony Fischer via Flickr</a>)<br><br></div></span><p></p><p>The issue of access to nutritional foods in poverty-stricken areas of Philadelphia is ongoing, and food that is affordable and accessible to Philadelphia’s vulnerable populations may have detrimental effects on their health long term. Junk food has a direct correlation with conditions such as high cholesterol, acne, obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, stroke, heart disease, and more. In 2020, the City of Philadelphia reported that the leading cause of death in Philadelphia was heart disease and that as of 2019, non-Hispanic Blacks had the poorest health outcomes and lowest life expectancies in the city. At-risk Philadelphia communities may be empowered to create food security for themselves through urban farming and food preservation.<br><br></p><p></p><p>Read “Mary Arthur, CEO of Campaign for Working Families Inc., on Tax Rebates and Access to Stimulus Checks”:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/07/08/362115/mary-arthur-ceo-of-campaign-for-working-families-inc-on-tax-rebates-and-access-to-stimulus-checks" target="_blank"><img alt="Mary Arthur with Jim Donovan Anchor at CBS3 Philly and Michael DiBeradinis former Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia " src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/835241/fit/80x80/campaign_20for_20working_20families_20inc.jpeg?timestamp=1644607768" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/07/08/362115/mary-arthur-ceo-of-campaign-for-working-families-inc-on-tax-rebates-and-access-to-stimulus-checks" target="_blank">Mary Arthur, CEO of Campaign for Working Families Inc., on Tax Rebates and Access to Stimulus Checks</a></h4>
<p>It has been over a year and a half since the pandemic struck the United States, and families are still coping with COVID’s effect on their finances. In 2017, Pew Charitable Trusts found t... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/07/08/362115/mary-arthur-ceo-of-campaign-for-working-families-inc-on-tax-rebates-and-access-to-stimulus-checks">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899433/fill/700x0/pexels-zen-chung-5529587.jpeg?timestamp=1644607804">( Photo by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pexels.com/@zen-chung?utm_content%3DattributionCopyText%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_source%3Dpexels&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164599227&usg=AOvVaw03kt7B7ihGjJaFWitzu8TM">Zen Chung</a> from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-gardening-5529587/?utm_content%3DattributionCopyText%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_source%3Dpexels&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164599635&usg=AOvVaw0MocK6XuPxVwXD_zf3NJoj">Pexels</a> )<br><br></div><p></p><p>While it may not be easy to find a farm in the concrete jungle, there are many community gardens in the city of Brotherly Love to lend a helping hand, like Philly Peace Park, South Street Community Garden, Temple Community Garden, and more. Community gardens are pieces of land that are shared by community members and utilized for gardening and food security. Most community gardens operate through membership programs. Joining a community garden may help people to grow their own food, like herbs, fruits, and vegetables and tomatoes, onions, potatoes, yams, and tubers.</p><p></p><p>After joining a community garden and growing food, preserving food is a strategy that may lessen food insecurity in the months after harvest. Canning food vanquishes microorganisms and disables enzymes that cause food to spoil, preserving food products and simultaneously guarding against food-borne illnesses. Canned food products usually last a year, so it is helpful to write the date on the food after it is preserved.</p><p></p><p>Previous generations utilized different food preservation techniques due to the lack of technology in use today like refrigerators and freezers. In many parts of traditional Africa, food is preserved mostly through sun drying, fermenting, clay pots, smoking, and salting.<br><br></p><p></p><p>Read “Tackling World Hunger on World Food Day”:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/10/16/371766/tackling-world-hunger-on-world-food-day" target="_blank"><img alt="Figure 1 - Visual representation of world hunger Source - Google" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/860650/fit/80x80/world_20hunger.png?timestamp=1644607843" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/10/16/371766/tackling-world-hunger-on-world-food-day" target="_blank">Tackling World Hunger on World Food Day</a></h4>
<p>There is no singular, easy solution to world hunger, yet that does not exclude its abolition. We have been fighting to eradicate severe poverty in different parts of the world for almost ... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/10/16/371766/tackling-world-hunger-on-world-food-day">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899434/fill/700x0/pexels-pixabay-48817.jpeg?timestamp=1644607875">( Image via Pixabay )<br><br></div><p></p><p>The various types of food preservation include canning, drying, freeze-drying, curing, freezing, pickling, and fermenting. The art of food preservation is a great survival skill that is usually practiced during the summer months when fruit and vegetables harvest, so preserved foods will be available during the cold months. The National Center for Home Food Preservation provides food preservation techniques <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nchfp.uga.edu&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164601669&usg=AOvVaw03VcYUDx4-vE4OKcdjwaO3">here</a>.<br><br></p><p></p><p>Do you know of any food preservation techniques that have been passed down through your culture or lineage? Comment below, we’d love to hear from you!<br><br></p><p></p><p>Read “Child Tax Credit: The Magic Bullet to Solve Poverty in America?”:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/10/17/371780/child-tax-credit-the-magic-bullet-to-solve-poverty-in-america-" target="_blank"><img alt="Image by Kindel Media via Pexel" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/860724/fit/80x80/childtax.jpeg?timestamp=1644607900" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/10/17/371780/child-tax-credit-the-magic-bullet-to-solve-poverty-in-america-" target="_blank">Child Tax Credit: The Magic Bullet to Solve Poverty in America?</a></h4>
<p>The child tax credit has been touted as a ‘Magic Bullet’ to solve poverty. FunTimes consulted with citizens in Philadelphia, California, and Ohio, as well as leaders in non-profit and leg... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/10/17/371780/child-tax-credit-the-magic-bullet-to-solve-poverty-in-america-">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><br></b></p><p><b><br></b></p><p><b><br></b></p><p><b>Works Cited</b></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.fao.org/3/cb4474en/online/cb4474en.html%23chapter-2_1&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164603133&usg=AOvVaw15rFlqlJEAoYEoRVcZKMlI">https://www.fao.org/3/cb4474en/online/cb4474en.html#chapter-2_1</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2019/child/pennsylvania/county/philadelphia&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164603713&usg=AOvVaw1d_9n4kjntuAHxSdz-RRKZ">https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2019/child/pennsylvania/county/philadelphia</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.engineeringforchange.org/news/clay-pot-coolers-keep-produce-fresh-without-electricity/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164604216&usg=AOvVaw2FOh1x_u2If3wxkKzC0K9o">https://www.engineeringforchange.org/news/clay-pot-coolers-keep-produce-fresh-without-electricity/</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.phila.gov/media/20201230141933/HealthOfTheCity-2020.pdf&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164604641&usg=AOvVaw3tIr5HdJnr1_JPr-niR8UB">https://www.phila.gov/media/20201230141933/HealthOfTheCity-2020.pdf</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://face2faceafrica.com/article/7-ancient-yet-timeless-methods-of-food-preservation-used-in-present-day-africa&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164605146&usg=AOvVaw2grGaZJrcX1mwbLWkYQeKW">https://face2faceafrica.com/article/7-ancient-yet-timeless-methods-of-food-preservation-used-in-present-day-africa</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://philadelphia.chalkbeat.org/2021/5/4/22419507/food-insecurity-seems-to-have-risen-during-pandemic-why-thats-critical-for-early-learners&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164605599&usg=AOvVaw1aQxOFf3aUyG7GbZlowKDn">https://philadelphia.chalkbeat.org/2021/5/4/22419507/food-insecurity-seems-to-have-risen-during-pandemic-why-thats-critical-for-early-learners</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.moneycrashers.com/start-community-garden-benefits/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164606158&usg=AOvVaw0H5jn8Na-ExurMOUZv7pzO">https://www.moneycrashers.com/start-community-garden-benefits/</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_long_does_home_preserved_food_last&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164606705&usg=AOvVaw0R_vt1oLGZshwpfkRQ_Qp6">https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/how_long_does_home_preserved_food_last</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>This article is made in collaboration with <a href="https://brokeinphilly.org/" target="_blank">Broke in Philly</a>.<br></p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/784764/fill/300x0/BrokeLogoDARK_PHILLY_Square.png?timestamp=1645197788"></div><p> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/790279/fill/300x0/nana_20ama_20addo_202.jpg?timestamp=1644607938"></div><p> Nana Ama Addo is a writer, multimedia strategist, film director, and storytelling artist. She graduated with a BA in Africana Studies from the College of Wooster, and has studied at the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Nana Ama tells stories of entrepreneurship and Ghana repatriation at her brand, Asiedua’s Imprint<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.asieduasimprint.blog/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164607601&usg=AOvVaw2n2K8Nat1Zki91hyo3bcbR"> </a>( <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.asieduasimprint.com&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644611164607896&usg=AOvVaw1VYCyDImuoJKlBAPzRb-cC">www.asieduasimprint.com</a> ).<br></p><div><br><br><br><br><br>Read more from Nana Ama Addo:<br><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/01/16/387394/winter-fire-safety-101" target="_blank"><img alt="Matches Photo by Maksim Goncharenok from Pexels " src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/892441/fit/80x80/pexels-maksim-goncharenok-5995309.jpeg?timestamp=1644608003" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/01/16/387394/winter-fire-safety-101" target="_blank">Winter Fire Safety 101</a></h4>
<p>On January 5th, 2022, 12 Philadelphians perished in a house fire. On January 9th, 2022, a Bronx apartment caught fire and claimed the lives of 18, and injured over 60 people due to a faul... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/01/16/387394/winter-fire-safety-101">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/01/24/387796/national-girl-child-day-investigating-gender-based-violence-in-india-and-its-connection-to-the-african-diaspora" target="_blank"><img alt=" Image by Kelly l via Pexels " src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/893565/fit/80x80/pexels-kelly-l-2321839.jpeg?timestamp=1644608017" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/01/24/387796/national-girl-child-day-investigating-gender-based-violence-in-india-and-its-connection-to-the-african-diaspora" target="_blank">National Girl Child Day: Investigating Gender-Based Violence in India and its Connection to the African Diaspora</a></h4>
<p>In honor of National Girl Child Day, and the fight to end gender-based violence in India and around the globe, FunTimes Magazine investigates the issue of sexual violence against females ... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/01/24/387796/national-girl-child-day-investigating-gender-based-violence-in-india-and-its-connection-to-the-african-diaspora">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/02/07/389865/national-library-lovers-month-how-libraries-benefit-underserved-communities-and-library-support-strategies" target="_blank"><img alt=" Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels " src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/898496/fit/80x80/library.jpeg?timestamp=1644608164" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/02/07/389865/national-library-lovers-month-how-libraries-benefit-underserved-communities-and-library-support-strategies" target="_blank">National Library Lovers Month: How Libraries Benefit Underserved Communities, and Library Support Strategies </a></h4>
<p>In February, communities around the nation celebrate National Library Lovers Month. To commemorate this joyous occasion, we are exploring the beneficial nature of libraries, and offering ... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/02/07/389865/national-library-lovers-month-how-libraries-benefit-underserved-communities-and-library-support-strategies">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<div class="media clearfix"> <br></div><br></div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:72df5227-cb57-4616-9ed6-0a1f02804dc92022-02-13T10:47:56-05:002022-02-13T11:23:51-05:00What is Black Love Day and Why is it Important for Black Culture2022-02-13 13:00:00 -0500Anand Subramanian<span><p>We uphold our history, customs, traditions, and symbols with respect throughout festivals, events, and ceremonies, and one such celebrated event is Black Love Day. Black Love Day is an African-centered alternative to commercial Valentine's Day with the spiritual aims of fostering Black self-love rather than self-hatred, more peace to prevent violence, and racial reconciliation. After seeing the violence that surrounded her neighborhood, Ayo Handy-Kendi, creator of the African American Holiday Association, sought to establish a holiday that fostered love within her community. According to <a href="https://www.communityvoiceks.com/lifestyles/black_history/bhfod-14-ayo-handy-kendi-founder-of-black-love-day/article_ace8a8a2-6ee1-11eb-9f54-2f06e4aceace.html">communityvoiceks.com</a>, she watched Spike Lee's blockbuster historical play, <i>Malcolm X</i>, in January 1993, and claims that the creator spoke to her and prompted her to start Black Love Day on the bus trip home. Modeled after Valentine's Day, she advocated for February 13 to be designated as Black Love Day, a day to commemorate Black people and culture. <br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899601/fill/700x0/black_20love_20day.jpeg?timestamp=1644766671">Figure 1 - Black Love day. Source - Google<br><br></div></span><p></p><p><i>“We encourage people on this day to do something very simple—just demonstrate love for 24 hours, and celebrate and atone, offer forgiveness to ourselves and others, and to accept the very important tenets—what we call the five Black love tenets,” </i>Ayo Handy-Kendi told the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.dailydot.com/irl/what-is-black-love-day/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644770214263351&usg=AOvVaw1vy1eTJp8h2PTnNxKb64Gp">Daily Dot.</a></p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899602/fill/700x0/ayo_20handy_20kendi.jpeg?timestamp=1644766754">Figure 2 - Portrait of Ayo Handy Kendi. Source - Google<br><br><br></div><p></p><p></p><p>While love is a global concept, Black Love Day is about appreciating the Black culture and implementing the five tenets listed below:<br><br></p><p></p><ol><li>Love towards the <b>Creator</b></li><li><span>Love towards<b> </b></span><b>Self</b></li><li>Love Towards <b>Family</b></li><li>Love withing the <b>Black Community </b></li><li>Love for the <b>Black race<br><br></b></li></ol><p></p><p>The goal is to implement these tenets in one's everyday life throughout the year but to pay particular tribute to the concept of Black love on February 13. Other races may improve on their conduct and racial attitudes toward Black people to show "love in action" to African-Americans. Black Love Day provides a chance to love everyone, from our Creator to ourselves and the whole community. The holiday's spirit of solidarity is intended to reduce violence and strengthen the Black community as a whole. The greeting is "Nya Akoma", which translates as "get a heart" or "be patient." Purple and black are often worn, with purple representing monarchy and progress and black representing the race and escape from evil. A reconciliation ceremony is held, which is a communal event to bring Black people together and develop their spirituality. If presents are given, they are more geared at implementing a Black love precept, such as healing items, food, handcrafted gifts, and so on.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899603/fill/700x0/black_20love_20day.png?timestamp=1644767000">Figure 3 - Black Love Day. Source - Google </div><p><b><br></b></p><p>The theme of Black Love Day varies from year to year. "Healing the Wounds that Divide - Reuniting Our Strengths Thru Black Love" was the theme for 2021. One of the day's purposes was to offer a spiritual alternative to the commercialized Valentine's Day, as well as to unabashedly honor blackness. And for White people to demonstrate service, atonement, and reconciliation to Black people over 24 hours while scrutinizing their racial attitudes, anxieties, denials, privileges, and actions. According to <a href="http://www.africanamericanholidays.org/blackloveday.html">africanamericanholidays.org</a>, the theme for 2022 is "Finding Spiritual Joy Thru Black Love," which inspires hope at a time of trauma, fear, and Covid burnout.</p><p><b><br></b></p><p>Black Love is a seed that will stay on the earth forever. Encourage Black men and women to treasure their love for one another, their communities, and their families, in the spirit of National Black Love Day. Black love is powerful energy!</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/814912/fill/300x0/anand.jpg?timestamp=1644767138"></div><p> Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.</p><p><br></p><p><br>Read more from Anand Subramanian:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/11/28/376216/kindness-is-contagious-the-role-of-kindness-in-making-a-better-community" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/871018/fit/80x80/pexels-atc-comm-photo-305530.jpg?timestamp=1644767157" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/11/28/376216/kindness-is-contagious-the-role-of-kindness-in-making-a-better-community" target="_blank">Kindness is Contagious: The Role of Kindness in Making a Better Community</a></h4>
<p>When we watch someone being nice or giving, we feel a pleasant warmth inside. This is referred to by researchers as "moral elevation," because it not only feels good but also drives us to... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/11/28/376216/kindness-is-contagious-the-role-of-kindness-in-making-a-better-community">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/02/09/390059/how-to-have-an-anxiety-free-valentines-day" target="_blank"><img alt="How to Have an Anxiety-Free Valentines Day" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/898940/fit/80x80/self_20love_20visual.jpeg?timestamp=1644767167" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/02/09/390059/how-to-have-an-anxiety-free-valentines-day" target="_blank">How to Have an Anxiety-Free Valentines Day</a></h4>
<p>Valentine's Day seems to be one of those occasions that you either adore or dread, regardless of whether or not you're in a relationship. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/02/09/390059/how-to-have-an-anxiety-free-valentines-day">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/11/25/376047/the-evolution-of-mens-mentality-and-stereotypes-throughout-the-decades" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/870649/fit/80x80/pexels-zack-jarosz-2024901.jpg?timestamp=1644767209" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/11/25/376047/the-evolution-of-mens-mentality-and-stereotypes-throughout-the-decades" target="_blank">The Evolution of Men's Mentality and Stereotypes Throughout The Decades</a></h4>
<p>African-American oppression is a crucial human rights problem that must be addressed in social work practice. In such an atmosphere, it is critical to comprehend the mentality of African ... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/11/25/376047/the-evolution-of-mens-mentality-and-stereotypes-throughout-the-decades">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><p><br></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:69895717-e088-4ae8-92aa-e8da4bb518682022-02-11T17:10:46-05:002022-02-11T17:15:48-05:006 Cost-Friendly Valentine’s Day Activities2022-02-12 10:00:00 -0500Nana Ama Addo<span>Valentine’s Day season is here. Can you feel the love in the air? If you are blossoming in love and on a budget, established in a relationship and economical, or courting and cost-conscious, don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In celebration of Black love, we are highlighting 6 cost-friendly Valentine’s Day activities. <br><br><br></span><h3>1. Bowling</h3><br><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899463/fill/700x0/bowling.jpeg?timestamp=1644616262"> ( Photo by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pexels.com/@pavel-danilyuk?utm_content%3DattributionCopyText%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_source%3Dpexels&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520188689&usg=AOvVaw09dwUGIL3PdyVeIlCeSttU">Pavel Danilyuk</a> from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-bowler-playing-bowling-7429660/?utm_content%3DattributionCopyText%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_source%3Dpexels&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520188887&usg=AOvVaw0POGtjM-oxTLPomYzbWpgw">Pexels</a> )</div><p><br></p><p></p><p>Bowling is a great way to make use of friendly competition and showcase your skills on a budget. <a href="https://www.vnslanes.com/" target="_blank">V&S Elmwood Lanes</a>, a Bowling alley in South West Philly, has been a pillar in Philadelphian communities of all ages for 10 years. Proof of a COVID-19 vaccination is required for entry. It may be helpful to have lunch at home before bowling and to bring hand sanitizer or a travel-sized Lysol to the alley. After bowling or touching any surfaces, avoid touching your face or items before washing your hands.</p><p><br></p><h3>2. Indoor Picnic</h3><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899465/fill/700x0/picnic.jpeg?timestamp=1644616407">( Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/@dziana-hasanbekava?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels">Dziana Hasanbekava</a> from <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/assorted-fruit-snacks-and-bread-on-table-6401655/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels">Pexels</a> )</div><p> </p><p>An indoor picnic is a cost-friendly and unique way to have an intimate dinner. For an adventurous twist, craft meals using aphrodisiac foods, some of which include almonds, pomegranates, strawberries, cherries, saffron, oysters, nutmeg, chili peppers, and honey. For those who are above the drinking age, it may be worthwhile to note that gin is said to be the alcohol with the highest aphrodisiac potential. Make meals with these ingredients to enhance the cozy and loving warm atmosphere. </p><p><br></p><h3>3. Dinner and a movie</h3><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899466/fill/700x0/dinner_20and_20movie.jpeg?timestamp=1644616480">( Photo by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pexels.com/@roman-odintsov?utm_content%3DattributionCopyText%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_source%3Dpexels&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520190341&usg=AOvVaw3CL0_f6mbO1Pe94LGh22gf">ROMAN ODINTSOV</a> from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pexels.com/photo/vegetable-salad-served-on-table-with-beef-steak-in-restaurant-4551832/?utm_content%3DattributionCopyText%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_source%3Dpexels&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520190563&usg=AOvVaw16UV_Jkwh-Sbpib3YqnV3Z">Pexels</a> )</div><p> </p><p>Dinner and a movie at home is a lovely way to celebrate Valentine’s day. Get creative by creating custom menus to let your loved one/s know what is on the menu of the day, and safely light an aromatic candle for the movie. Some classic Black love films to watch include <i>Carmen Jones</i>, <i>Carmen: A Hip-Hopera</i>, <i>Love Jones</i>, <i>Love & Basketball</i>, <i>The Wood</i>, <i>Brown Sugar</i>, <i>Deliver Us From Eva</i>, <i>Moonlight</i>, and <i>Claudine</i>.</p><p><br></p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/02/14/347283/8-of-the-best-black-romance-movies-through-the-decades" target="_blank"><img alt="8 of the Best Black Romance Movies Through the Decades" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/801970/fit/80x80/kelly-sikkema-lW1fwg7Tp0I-unsplash.jpg?timestamp=1644617673" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/02/14/347283/8-of-the-best-black-romance-movies-through-the-decades" target="_blank">8 of the Best Black Romance Movies Through the Decades</a></h4>
<p>From Love Jones to Moonlight, these are some of the Black romance films to watch this Valentine's Day with your significant other. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/02/14/347283/8-of-the-best-black-romance-movies-through-the-decades">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><br><h3>4. Game Night</h3><br><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899469/fill/700x0/game_20night.jpeg?timestamp=1644616587"></div><p> ( Oware/Mancala. <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/places_lost/38641185732" target="_blank">Image by lost places via Flickr</a> )</p><p> </p><p>Game night is an excellent way to celebrate Valentine’s day with your significant other, or even as a group event with other couples. Fun games like charades, spades, oware/mancala, and bingo, with sangria and a charcuterie board or African donuts like puff puff, is an exciting way to commemorate connection.</p><p><br></p><h3>5. Potluck</h3><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899471/fill/700x0/potluck.jpeg?timestamp=1644616696">(Photo by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pexels.com/@kampus?utm_content%3DattributionCopyText%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_source%3Dpexels&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520192379&usg=AOvVaw0BDey37Su_n3cO1xjgtq3b">Kampus Production</a> from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-people-having-drinks-7576033/?utm_content%3DattributionCopyText%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_source%3Dpexels&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520192605&usg=AOvVaw1OGrYMzrLkQpqGylWkV3co">Pexels</a> ) </div><p><br></p><p>Potlucks can be family-friendly Valentine’s day celebrations. For couples with kids who are unable to find a babysitter, hosting a potluck will still allow couples to have a special time. An adult table and a kiddie table may be ideal!</p><p><br></p><h3>6. Go on a vacation</h3><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899473/fill/700x0/vacation.jpeg?timestamp=1644617126">( Photo by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pexels.com/@nappy?utm_content%3DattributionCopyText%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_source%3Dpexels&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520193581&usg=AOvVaw0g0nFzPydV0gzkPHYUeupK">nappy</a> from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-on-armchair-under-white-patio-umbrella-1154638/?utm_content%3DattributionCopyText%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_source%3Dpexels&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520193843&usg=AOvVaw10b3lTJv529ccpO-4Oxq81">Pexels</a> )</div><p></p><p>Sometimes a getaway is needed to refresh your relationship life. Enjoy a change of scenery by visiting another town or country. Some relatively safe and affordable islands to visit include Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.</p><p><br></p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/05/21/356812/post-vaccination-travel-5-black-owned-hotels-to-stay-in" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/823494/fit/80x80/post_20vaccination_20travel.jpg?timestamp=1644617728" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/05/21/356812/post-vaccination-travel-5-black-owned-hotels-to-stay-in" target="_blank">Post Vaccination Travel: 5 Black-Owned Hotels To Stay In </a></h4>
<p>We’ve compiled a list of 5 Black-owned hotels, each in a different city, with charming characteristics and excellent reviews on their hospitality services.
<span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/05/21/356812/post-vaccination-travel-5-black-owned-hotels-to-stay-in">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><p></p><p>What is your favorite Valentine’s Day activity? Comment below.<br><br><br></p><p></p><p><b>Works Cited</b></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.vnslanes.com&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520194601&usg=AOvVaw3L8xP51aQHVjyn0X_DTNBI">https://www.vnslanes.com</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.emersonhospital.org/articles/winter-activities-families-covid-19-pandemic&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520194999&usg=AOvVaw1endxFm_mcoawse-z5urCE">https://www.emersonhospital.org/articles/winter-activities-families-covid-19-pandemic</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.leehealth.org/health-and-wellness/healthy-news-blog/top-trends/5-ways-to-celebrate-valentine-s-day-even-during-covid-19&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520195435&usg=AOvVaw35bUbBOc6E_FP2UjFXceVd">https://www.leehealth.org/health-and-wellness/healthy-news-blog/top-trends/5-ways-to-celebrate-valentine-s-day-even-during-covid-19</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/nourish/foods-that-put-you-in-the-mood-fact-or-fiction&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520195825&usg=AOvVaw1SlrDqSe883XdO-50fZz1T">https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/nourish/foods-that-put-you-in-the-mood-fact-or-fiction</a></p><div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/790279/fill/300x0/nana_20ama_20addo_202.jpg?timestamp=1644617236"></div> Nana Ama Addo is a writer, multimedia strategist, film director, and storytelling artist. She graduated with a BA in Africana Studies from the College of Wooster, and has studied at the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Nana Ama tells stories of entrepreneurship and Ghana repatriation at her brand, Asiedua’s Imprint<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.asieduasimprint.blog/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520196419&usg=AOvVaw1UFvihLj6wT7qYW7Ygkf-A"> </a>( <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.asieduasimprint.com&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1644619520196594&usg=AOvVaw25j7nBuNWFhh8S1i6mltM2">www.asieduasimprint.com</a> ).<br><br><br><br></div><br><br>Read more from Nana Ama Addo:<br><br><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/11/06/373464/strategies-for-battling-seasonal-depression" target="_blank"><img alt="Businesswomen conversing Image by Christina Morillo via Pexels " src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/864829/fit/80x80/pexels-christina-morillo-1181360.jpeg?timestamp=1644617379" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/11/06/373464/strategies-for-battling-seasonal-depression" target="_blank">Strategies for Battling Seasonal Depression</a></h4>
<p>Seasonal depression affects millions of Americans every year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression described by medical experts as mood changes that are associated wi... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/11/06/373464/strategies-for-battling-seasonal-depression">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/02/11/390199/celebrate-friendship-with-these-galentine-s-day-activities" target="_blank"><img alt="p Photo by a href" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899398/fit/80x80/galentine_s.jpeg?timestamp=1644617295"></a><p></p><br></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/02/11/390199/celebrate-friendship-with-these-galentine-s-day-activities" target="_blank">Celebrate Friendship With These Galentine’s Day Activities</a></h4>
<p>“A faithful friend is the medicine of life” - Apocrypha <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/02/11/390199/celebrate-friendship-with-these-galentine-s-day-activities">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/01/20/387792/on-the-tlc-tip-a-budget-friendly-winter-skincare-regimen" target="_blank"><img alt=" Image by Sora Shimazaki via Pexels " src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/893511/fit/80x80/winter_20skin.jpeg?timestamp=1644617366" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/01/20/387792/on-the-tlc-tip-a-budget-friendly-winter-skincare-regimen" target="_blank">On the TLC Tip: A Budget-Friendly Winter Skincare Regimen</a></h4>
<p>Winter weather can be tough on the skin. The skin, the body’s largest organ, needs TLC to optimize its elasticity and protection during the cold months. A good skin care regimen may also ... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/01/20/387792/on-the-tlc-tip-a-budget-friendly-winter-skincare-regimen">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<p> </p><br><br><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:d5d579da-9870-41e9-95fc-9825fa29b4bc2022-02-05T10:47:18-05:002022-02-05T11:16:47-05:00FunTimes Invites You to Our Valentine's Day Event2022-02-05 10:46:53 -0500Fun Times Magazine<span><p>The season of love is just around the corner and we at FunTimes have something fantastic in store for you.</p><p>To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we are organizing a steamy, hot, and exciting one-hour session on Instagram Live, where we will be discussing topics such as love, sex, intimacy, relationships, etc.</p><br><h1>The theme of our event is:</h1><p>“Exhale Love: Love, Intimacy, and Relationships”</p><h2>and our topics are: </h2><br><ul><li><p>Dangers of online dating </p></li><li><p>Women, are there perks of dating older men?</p></li><li><p>Is it ok for a woman to be the breadwinner?</p></li><li><p>What are ‘Girl Dating Codes’?</p></li><li><p>Why is sex talk avoided in churches and Black homes?</p></li><li><p>Is there love without money for women?</p></li><li><p>Inter-racial dating</p></li><li><p>Who loves first, men or women?</p></li><li><p>Thoughts on polygamy</p></li><li><p>Sex and intimacy in relationships</p></li><li><p>How do Black women identify love?</p></li><li><p>Is Yoruba demon a myth or a thing?</p></li><li><p>What do men/women bring to the table?</p></li><li><p>Love across the Atlantic Ocean and what you need to know.</p></li></ul><br><h1>Our hosts:</h1><h2><br></h2><h2>1. Jennifer Smith:</h2><p>Instagram handle - @Jennytheceo</p><p>Talk-show host, event planner, and CEO of Imperial Caribbean and Seafood</p><br><h2>2. Tiffynee Terry- Thomas: </h2><p>Instagram handle - @Tifyreeneree.</p><p>Clinical sexologist and life coach</p><p>Founder of @FriskyFemme</p><p><a href="https://www.friskyfemme.com/tiffynee-com">https://www.friskyfemme.com/tiffynee-com</a></p><br><h2>3. Jack Drummond:</h2><p>Instagram handle - @Jackdrum</p><p>Adjunct Professor and Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Student Engagement at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine</p><br><h2>4. Rosemary Chimezie:</h2><p>Dance coach, entrepreneur, and admin executive</p><p>Instagram handle - @rosedamsel.</p><br><p>If this is something you’re interested in, join us on Instagram @funtimesmagazine at 1 pm EST on Friday, February 11th, 2022.</p><p>You don't want to miss this! </p><br><br><p> </p><br><br></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:aa0e622b-2db2-4848-b6af-95d292bc2ab82022-02-03T12:01:31-05:002022-02-03T19:56:55-05:00US-Liberia Relationship: A roundtable discussion on the U.S. relationship with countries inhabited by emancipated people - Focus on Liberia2022-02-03 14:49:45 -0500Fun Times Magazine<span><div class="image-main">In commemoration of Black History Month and Liberia’s Bicentennial celebration, FunTimes <span>Magazine invites you to a round table discussion on US relations with West African countries inhabited by emancipated people particularly Liberia. This free Zoom event slated for February 8, 2022, will be hosted by Jennifer K. Smith at 12 p.m. EST.<br></span><br>Our collaborators include, Helen Nah Sammy, Publisher of the <i>Women Voices Newspaper</i>, Winnie Saywah Jimmy, Acting Managing Editor <i>Inquirer Newspaper</i>, Lennart Dodoo, Editor <i>Front Page Africa Newspaper</i>, Othello Garblah, Publisher <i>New Dawn Newspaper</i>, and Bai Best, Publisher <i>Daily Observer Newspaper</i>.<br></div><div><br></div></span><span><p></p><p>FunTimes Magazine is the predominant culture and lifestyle magazine for the African American, African and Caribbean communities in the Mid-Atlantic States. We Educate, Entertain and Empower!</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpdOCqpjguGtFB1QlvR6pcQx355BGcZ6ZT?fbclid=IwAR1GqFZ60kz9jINjPgl1eyYzS3R8yHywzh9WrfhouYsnflPcG2Y-jPcpscY" target="_blank">Register for this free webinar here.</a><br></p><p><br></p><p></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><br><br></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:eb1e111b-287e-41a2-b219-b266aee8c4ed2022-02-01T16:07:38-05:002022-02-01T16:08:49-05:00Love & Time: Learnings from love-embodied work2022-02-01 16:30:00 -0500Jos Duncan Asé<div><p>We know that “time is money” but we don’t often think about time as love. People who are leaving their jobs as part of <a href="https://fortune.com/2022/01/04/great-resignation-record-quit-rate-4-5-million/">The Great Resignation</a> might also be part of “The Great Time of Soul Searching” or “The Great Time Spent Caring for Loved Ones.” As we continue to navigate our way through the pandemic, employers have been seeking tools and approaches to support workplace practices and cultural shifts that help employees better assess their needs while caring for themselves and their loved ones. A reimagined workforce will likely include improved workplace practices and policies that acknowledge and support human needs and complex identities.</p><p>Love Now Media has been collecting career stories inspired by love through our series, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK0uKWExbXwKefQM8cc9t9DVIUyKoul3z">Be. Do. Love</a>. Those stories capture refreshing perspectives on work along with the obstacles, questions, clarifying moments, and decisions that have led the storytellers to where they are today. Learn more about the career stories that are redefining the way we work, live, and love.</p><p>As the Omicron variant surged this month, overlapping with downtime over the holiday and the new year, schools and work activities almost came to a halt. Our team struggled to manage personal obstacles, managing childcare, accidents, illness, and meeting deadlines. The most loving gesture I could offer was to suggest team members take the time they needed to recover, to recalibrate, and to breathe. This led to our team slowing down our calendar of activities. The deadlines that were a week out are now a month out; the project that was initially envisioned as a month-long project, is now three months; the quarter-long project, will now roll out over 10 months. </p><p>As a founder and the leader of the organization, I had a practice of working 60-80 hours per week, including weekends. The pandemic has led me to set boundaries to support my own self-love and self-care. I now set work hours. I start on time and I end on time. I monitor the bad habit of constantly checking email and Slack to see if I missed a pressing inquiry. During my time off, I’m sure to relax, to do things that bring me joy, and to fortify myself for the work I do. </p><p>I’ve also noticed that people are not only navigating the obstacles the pandemic has presented, but they’re likely navigating grief: the loss of people, loss of routines, social lives, connections they had before the pandemic. Sometimes they just need a little more time to complete tasks so that they feel whole enough to perform well. Time is simple and delicate but moments that matter can be massive and invaluable for people who just need a little more of it. As we look ahead to create the new normal for the workforce and our lives, the ways we handle time will be a key component in demonstrating love, support, and empathy for our colleagues. </p><div><br><br><br><br><em>This story is originally published by </em><a href="https://lovenowmedia.com/small-doses-big-difference-how-a-young-philadelphia-artist-creatively-addresses-mental-and-health-wellness/" target="_blank">Love Now Media</a><em>, with permission to share on FunTimes Magazine.<br></em><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/897097/fill/300x0/love_20now_20media_20logo.png?timestamp=1643749630"></div><p> </p></div></div><div></div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:4e7b6683-84a3-4db6-aaeb-d6a69d1fdd032022-01-30T13:01:56-05:002022-02-10T10:26:46-05:00Solar Energy in Africa and Its Importance2022-01-30 15:00:00 -0500 Anand Subramanian<p>Africa is a solar power pioneer, in part because the continent has a lengthy period of sunlight. During the year, Africa gets much more hours of brilliant sunlight than any other continent on Earth, with several of the planet's sunniest locations located here. As the country's solar-equipment business grows, solar energy is one of the most easily available resources in Africa. This energy source is a cleaner, and typically less expensive, kind of electricity that, once installed, offers African institutions a tremendous chance to develop.<br></p><p></p><p>Let us first define solar energy before delving into its significance on the African continent.</p><p>Solar energy is the energy generated by the Sun's light – photovoltaic energy – and warmth – solar thermal energy – for the creation of electricity or heat. Solar energy is inexhaustible and renewable since it is derived from the Sun. It is captured using panels and reflectors. Photovoltaic solar cells use the photovoltaic phenomenon to turn sunlight directly into electricity. This effect occurs when particular materials absorb photons (light particles) and release electrons, resulting in an electric current. Solar thermal collectors, on the other hand, employ panels or mirrors to capture and concentrate the Sun's heat, converting it to a fluid and conducting it via pipes to be used in buildings and installations, as well as for power generation (solar thermoelectric).</p><p>Africa may provide a foretaste of what is to come—a shift from centralized generation to on-site or dispersed electricity. To improve people's quality of life and spur economic growth, we need to provide power to the 500 million people who now lack it. With 25 percent of Africa covered in desert, solar is thought to offer the greatest potential for delivering power to nearly any area in Africa. Direct sunshine may reach up to 2000 kWh/m2/yr in certain regions. In the early 1990s, countless settlements in portions of Africa where one would least expect to see an oasis of lights glimmering in the pitch-black night resorted to solar power. According to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/october-2006/solar-power-cheap-energy-source-africa&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1643568775391870&usg=AOvVaw28fP25S-AYOgwDYpdrDeDy">UN.org</a>, the most ambitious project of this kind, and one that is often mentioned, is a Zimbabwean initiative funded by UNDP via the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The program, sponsored jointly by the GEF ($7 million) and Zimbabwe ($400,000), built around 9,000 solar power systems throughout the nation to enhance living conditions while simultaneously reducing land degradation and pollution.<br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/896213/fill/700x0/install_20solar.jpeg?timestamp=1643565386">Figure 2 - Visuals from solar panel installation. Source - Google<br><br></div><p></p><p>Solar startup M-Kop manufactures an 8-watt panel with two lightbulbs and a flashlight included as well as a phone charger and radio according to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/future/africas-answers/solar&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1643568775392489&usg=AOvVaw2qocKN3uJNYvNGuhVuUwhY">BBC</a>. Clients make a $30 initial deposit followed by 365 daily 50-cent payments using mobile phone money, and the system shuts down if they miss a payment. Currently, the service is offered in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana. Additionally, a new app being tested at IBM Research's Johannesburg lab might offer the advantages of modest solar to rural and urban residents alike, including those already linked to the sometimes unstable grids of sub-Saharan Africa. The easy-to-use program analyzes a house or business's solar power requirements based on its location, the number of solar-powered appliances it has, and the number of hours each one runs. Solar radiation data from around South Africa is used by the app's algorithm to propose a solar system set-up for the worst-case scenario.</p><p></p><p>With many communities without access to essentials like electricity, clean water, and adequate irrigation systems, advancements in solar-powered technology have resulted in poverty-relief programs that combine development tactics and environmental conscience. Solar cooking is another use of solar energy that has gained popularity in rural African homes Historically, the great reliance on wood gathering from dwindling sources has led to significant environmental damage and has been seen as an exceedingly unsustainable technique when contrasted to the renewable feature of solar-powered cooking. There is a correlation between solar energy and better food security in the area. African development programs, primarily in rural regions, seem to recognize the true potential of renewable energy sources, particularly solar electricity.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/896214/fill/700x0/solar_20panel_20africa.jpeg?timestamp=1643565471">Figure 3 - Solar panel in Africa. Source - iStock<br><br></div><p></p><p></p><p>There are several growth factors for expanding solar power adoption in Africa. High solar potential, socioeconomic considerations, government efforts, solar cost feasibility, and a burgeoning ecology are among them. Because of its strong solar radiation, the northern area has the largest anticipated solar capacity. Because of their vast ambitions, countries such as Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria are expected to have substantial solar power installed capabilities in the next years. However, continuing expansion can be secured only with a supportive regulatory framework and enough funding flow.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/814912/fill/300x0/anand.jpg?timestamp=1643565642"></div><p> Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.</p><p><br>Read more from Anand Subramanian:</p><div class="media clearfix">
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<p> </p><p><br></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>