tag:www.funtimesmagazine.com,2005:/categories/influential-people?page=10Influential People | FunTimes Magazine Page 10Celebrating Africa And Its Diaspora2022-08-04T13:37:35-04:00urn:uuid:4dc337f9-0b19-4a65-adc4-ddb0e7cc4e842022-08-04T13:36:54-04:002022-08-04T13:37:35-04:00 The Legendary August Wilson of Pittsburgh 2022-08-05 09:00:00 -0400Kyrah Page<span><p><i>“I think all in all, one thing a lot of plays seem to be saying is that we need to, as Black Americans, to make a connection with our past in order to determine the kind of future we're going to have. In other words, we simply need to know who we are in relation to our historical presence in America.” - August Wilson</i></p><br><p>Who was August Wilson? What is this building? For what is it used?... If you are not from Pittsburgh PA these questions may or may not be running through your head when you clicked on this article. I mentioned before that I am from Pittsburgh, and we have many pros and cons here. However, one thing we are always excited to see is when someone from the Black community makes us look great! In this article, I will answer those questions and tell you about a man who helped put Pittsburgh on the map.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/940719/fill/700x0/image3.png?timestamp=1659634269"></div><p> </p></span>Frederick August Kittel, known as August Wilson, was born April 27, 1945, in Pittsburgh PA. He died October 2, 2005, in Seattle, Washington. Wilson and his siblings were born by his Black mother, Daisy Wilson and his German American father, Frederick August Kittel. They lived in the Hill District, an urban community in Pittsburgh, until his father left them. Wilson attended St. Richard’s Parochial School until his mother remarried in 1958 to David Bedford. They moved to the suburbs where Wilson transferred to Central Catholic High School in 1959. Wilson struggled with many things in his life, including his racial identity, racism, and his schooling. Wilson was considered bi-racial, and he had a hard time identifying with both sides of himself even though his stepfather was also a Black man. While struggling with his racial identity he also battled discrimination. <br><span><p>Wilson grew up in the era of Jim Crow laws. According to britannica.com, “Wilson faced hostility and harassment that forced him to transfer to two other high schools during his freshman year.” He later ended up dropping out of school altogether after he was accused of plagiarism by a teacher in 1960 at the age of fifteen. Despite his complicated high school experience, he still liked learning, just not in a traditional way. He leaned more into self-education. He spent most of his time in the library, reading and on the streets of the Hill District attempting to learn from the culture of the community from which he was removed. Later in that decade he became the cofounder and director of Black Horizons Theater located in Pittsburgh as well as becoming engrossed in the Black Arts Movement. “The Black Arts Movement was a period of artistic and literary development among Black Americans in the 1960s and early ’70s,” according to <a target="_blank">britannica.com</a>. </p><p>Wilson, then, stepped into his poetry and playwriting era. He first published poems in journals such as Black World and Black Lines in the early seventies. In the early eighties he began writing plays such as <i>Jitney</i>, <i>Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom</i>, <i>Fences, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Gem of the Ocean, Piano Lesson</i>, and many others. Most of his plays were set in Pittsburgh in the Hill District where he grew up and he focused on Black life and the Black experience. His plays won him an abundance of awards. He won Pulitzer Prizes for two of his plays which were <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fences"><i>Fences</i></a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Piano-Lesson"><i>The Piano Lesson</i></a>. Wilson’s <i>Fences</i> was made into a film in 2016 starring Viola Davis and Denzel Washington. <i>Fences </i>won a Tony Award. <i>Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom</i> was also made into a film in 2020, starring Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis and was produced by Denzel Washington. Wilson also received seven <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/New-York-state">New York</a> Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for best play. </p><p>Shortly after his death, Wilson was honored in a huge way – the opening of The August Wilson Center for African American Culture 2009. According to the center’s website, awaacc.org, “The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary arts center open to all. We are dedicated to the celebration of the African American journey and presenting its unique and extraordinary role in the creation of popular culture in America and beyond.”</p><p>If you ever wish to visit this center, below is all of their information!</p><p>Address: 980 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222</p><p>Phone: (412) 339-1011</p><p>Website: <a href="https://awaacc.org/">https://awaacc.org/</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b>Sources</b></p><p><a href="https://awaacc.org/">https://awaacc.org/</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.centertheatregroup.org/programs/students/learn-about-theatre/august-wilson-monologue-competition/august-wilson-biography/">https://www.centertheatregroup.org/programs/students/learn-about-theatre/august-wilson-monologue-competition/august-wilson-biography/</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/August-Wilson">https://www.britannica.com/biography/August-Wilson</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.inspiringquotes.us/author/2545-august-wilson">https://www.inspiringquotes.us/author/2545-august-wilson</a> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p></span><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/936444/fill/300x0/image9.jpg?timestamp=1659634436"></div><span><p> Kyrah Page is currently a student at Lincoln University. She is also the CEO and founder of her own brand called “Keepin’ It Kultured.” Where she combines art with activism to empower, inspire and educate the Black community. She advocates for change, promotes black positivity, and addresses controversial issues. Kyrah is many things but most importantly she is an activist.</p><p><br></p><p>Read more from Kyrah Page:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/07/17/406037/discover-the-beauty-of-artsburgh-in-pa" target="_blank"><img alt="Discover the Beauty of Artsburgh in PA " src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/936445/fit/80x80/image2.png?timestamp=1659634493" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/07/17/406037/discover-the-beauty-of-artsburgh-in-pa" target="_blank">Discover the Beauty of “Artsburgh” in PA </a></h4>
<p>They say in the state of Pennsylvania, there are only two cities that really matter and they are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/07/17/406037/discover-the-beauty-of-artsburgh-in-pa">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/07/28/406802/-hair-me-out-our-hair-is-our-crown" target="_blank"><img alt="Hair Me Out Our Hair Is Our Crown " src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/938220/fit/80x80/image4.png?timestamp=1659634524" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/07/28/406802/-hair-me-out-our-hair-is-our-crown" target="_blank">“Hair” Me Out; Our Hair Is Our Crown </a></h4>
<p>Our hair cannot be contained or confined but that does not mean our oppressors will not try – and they have. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/07/28/406802/-hair-me-out-our-hair-is-our-crown">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/07/03/404596/mental-health-issues-are-a-symptom-of-being-black" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/932717/fit/80x80/New_20Project_20-_202022-06-30T125057.979.jpg?timestamp=1659634540" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/07/03/404596/mental-health-issues-are-a-symptom-of-being-black" target="_blank">Mental Health Issues are a Symptom of Being Black</a></h4>
<p>When someone says, “Black Lives Matter!,” you always have that one white person that rebuttals with “well, all lives matter!” <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/07/03/404596/mental-health-issues-are-a-symptom-of-being-black">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<p> </p><span><p><br></p><p><br></p><div><br></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:7bee5df5-11e5-4490-9e62-5f1aabf514612022-08-04T12:10:58-04:002022-08-04T12:12:05-04:00Aicha Evans: A Senegalese Woman Impacting the Auto-tech Industry2022-08-04 12:00:00 -0400Candice Stewart<span><p>A Black woman in the tech and automotive industry at one of the highest levels is like witnessing a rare animal in its natural habitat. You know they exist but to be lucky enough to see and engage with them is life changing. That’s the rarity of Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox.<br></p><p>Zoox is an autonomous vehicle company that provides mobility-as-a-service “in dense urban environments” where the company handles the driving, charging, upgrades, and maintenance. The rider will only pay for the service. The company “was founded to make personal transportation safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable—for everyone. To achieve that goal, the team created a whole new form of transportation.”</p><p>Prior to her role at Zoox, Evans worked with Intel Corporation for 12 years excelling in leadership and being recognized as a Black woman in a predominantly White and male-dominated field. Prior to leaving Intel, Evans served as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer where she drove the company’s transformation from a PC-centric to a data-centric company. Before that, she operated the company’s wireless efforts and oversaw a global team of 7,000 engineers.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/940680/fill/700x0/image2.jpg?timestamp=1659628312">Aicha Evans at Intel Corporation | Source: <a href="https://www.anandtech.com/show/12606/interview-with-aicha-evans-intels-chief-strategy-officer">Anand Tech</a></div></span><span><p><br></p><p>In an interview with <i>Auto News</i>, Evans shared that she grew tired of being identified as the somewhat tokenized Black woman in high-tech.</p><p>“I was at Intel having a lot of fun; dabbled a little bit with new mobility because Intel acquired Mobileye. As people looked at me, they saw a Black woman in high-tech, so I got a lot of calls. I grew tired of it, and it forced me to have a one-on-one with myself — what am I going to do going forward?” she said in that interview.</p><p>An executive recruiter asked her what interests she had and Evans shared that she wanted “something that’s high impact from a technology standpoint … a private company; … a team that I fall in love with; and it’s in Silicon Valley and I don’t go too far down the ladder.” That is where Zoox came into play. The recruiter contacted her and the company checked all the right boxes for her and she was tapped as the company’s CEO and joined in February 2019. Being the visionary and leader that she is, Evans orchestrated Zoox’s $1.2 billion sale to Amazon but held on to her C-Suite spot.</p><p>Evans grew up in Senegal and Paris and later moved to the US. She dreamed of becoming a technologist and making an impact on the world in that role.</p><p>“I loved tinkering with things from an early age. I drove my parents absolutely crazy because I would take things apart and try to understand them if I was interested in them and then I would put them back together. I also solved a few problems. Back then, telephone calls were very expensive in Senegal and there was no internet. So, when I was in Senegal for the summer, I wanted to stay in touch with my friends in Paris. My dad got tired of the phone bills. It was a rotary phone and he put a lock on it thinking that it was gonna be fine,” Evans says in a keynote speech at the 2019 Grace Hopper Celebration event. Evans continues and reveals that she found a way around the lock and made the calls just the same.<br><br></p><p>Read about women and girls in science:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><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"><img alt=" Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev from Pexels " src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899395/fit/80x80/pexels-yaroslav-shuraev-8513372.jpeg?timestamp=1659629406" class="media-object"></a></span>
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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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</p><p> </p><p>“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less” – Marie Curie</p><p>The quote is one that Aicha Evans says that grounds her on a daily basis. So, when things are hard and people try to belittle her despite the role that she plays, when those days come, she remembers that nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.</p><p>It would only be natural for Evans to follow along the lines of science and technology as her idol did. As a child, she loved Math and Science. Additionally, she loved Philosophy, Literature and the Humanities in general. With prodding from the education system in France and her father, she went with the technical route of things.</p><p>“Growing up in Senegal, at a very young age, I thought I was going to be a fighter pilot. By the time I got to Paris and bounced between Senegal and Paris, I wanted to be a technologist but I wanted to be impactful. By the time I arrived in the US, it was going to be around computers,” says Evans in a video with Forbes for their 2021 ‘50 0ver 50’ honorees listing.</p><p>Forbes’ 50 over 50 listing is an inaugural class of dynamic women entrepreneurs, leaders and creators who are part of an exhilarating movement redefining life’s second half and proving that success has no age limit.</p><p>“When I was younger, and even not so long ago, I did not think that I would be working at 50. I thought that would be teaching Math in elementary school, middle school or high school – because I feel that math is not taught properly, especially to girls. Along the way, though, I’ve discovered meaning. Frankly, I don’t know what I would be doing if I was not working. The idea of playing golf all day long, traveling and eating country club sandwiches are not very appealing to me. I have plenty left.” she continues. </p><p>Passionate about the education of girls and women, Evans shares a message for them. She urges them to “take a chill pill”. She says, “By and large, it’s gonna be okay. Don’t worry about making too many plans and then disappointing yourself or limiting yourself. Know yourself really well. What type of person are you? What really motivates you? If you find it, you’ll know because you find the traits to almost everything that you do. Figure out what’s important to you and then ride the different phases and waves. By the way, if something doesn’t go so well, take a step back, have a one-on-one with yourself, talk to your support system, see what really happens, make adjustments – by and large, you’re gonna be fine.”</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/940683/fill/700x0/image3.png?timestamp=1659628493">Screen grab of Aicha Evans' meandering journey. | Source: <a href="https://youtu.be/Y_Cs_G4vsws">GHC 19 Opening Keynote on YouTube</a></div><div> <br></div></div><p> </p><p>Evans shares that some of her choices were not pleasing to family and friends, but she knew it was in the right direction. At one point, she was a restaurateur earlier in her career. She says that some of her greatest lessons in leadership came from her time with the restaurant she opened. Evans also took pauses in her career while meandering the river of success and lessons which led her to where she currently is. This journey started with the restaurant in 1992 with ups and downs that led her to being the Zoox CEO in 2019.</p><p>“Take the paths less traveled – the jobs, assignments, and projects that people are running away from. Those are the opportunities to learn important lessons and have great impact and essentially grow in a way you never thought possible,” she says.</p><p>It was her rarity in the field at Intel that made her so special to so many people. It was also her rarity in going for the challenge that led her to Zoox.</p><p>“I wanted to create, to transform, and to change the world, and that’s why I joined Zoox to do just that,” she says.</p><p>Aicha Evans is a wife, mother, leader, and member of the Supervisory Board of SAP and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from The George Washington University. She also serves as a trustee for the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology. In 2019 Aicha was named to <i>Business Insider</i>'s list of 100 People Transforming Business in the transportation category.</p><p> </p><p><b>Sources: </b></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnSJobEu01c">Zoox CEO Aicha Evans Shares Her Secret To A Long And Meaningful Career | Forbes</a> - Forbes</p><p><a href="https://www.autonews.com/awards/2020-leading-women-aicha-evans">100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry | Aicha Evans</a> – Automotive News</p><p><a href="https://zoox.com/about/">Aicha Evans, CEO</a> – Zoox</p><p><a href="https://zoox.com/about/">Company Overview: Zoox from the Ground Up</a> - Zoox</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_Cs_G4vsws">GHC 19 Opening Keynote – Aicha Evans</a> - Anita_org YouTube channel</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><div><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/891963/fill/300x0/candice2.jpg?timestamp=1659629145"></div><div> Candice Stewart is a Jamaican content writer specializing in human interest feature stories. She is a web content writer, blogger, and budding podcaster. <br></div><div>She holds an MA in Communication for Social and Behaviour Change and a BSc. in Psychology from the University of the West Indies (UWI, Mona).<br><br></div><div>Follow her blog at <a href="http://thesuburbangirlja.com/" target="_blank">thesuburbangirlja.com</a>, where she shares stories and life lessons through real-life experiences.<br><br>Read more from Candice Stewart:<br><br><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/07/01/404823/the-democratic-republic-of-congo-is-more-than-what-you-see-in-the-media-a-look-at-congolese-fashion-brands" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/933327/fit/80x80/image4.png?timestamp=1659629200" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/07/01/404823/the-democratic-republic-of-congo-is-more-than-what-you-see-in-the-media-a-look-at-congolese-fashion-brands" target="_blank">The Democratic Republic of Congo is more than what you see in the media: A Look at Congolese Fashion Brands</a></h4>
<p>With the celebration of Congo’s 62nd year of independence, let us seek to highlight a more positive view of the central African nation by way of art through fashion. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/07/01/404823/the-democratic-republic-of-congo-is-more-than-what-you-see-in-the-media-a-look-at-congolese-fashion-brands">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/06/25/403848/ras-haitrm-a-musical-connection-between-mozambique-and-jamaica" target="_blank"><img alt="Ras Haitrm Photo credits Adam Kroll Bokaap Productions Bruce Carosini Mirko Polo Simon Callahan Sista Irie Photography Tchambalakate Word Sound and Power" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/931108/fit/80x80/image3.jpg?timestamp=1659629214" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/06/25/403848/ras-haitrm-a-musical-connection-between-mozambique-and-jamaica" target="_blank">Ras Haitrm: A Musical Connection between Mozambique and Jamaica</a></h4>
<p>Despite the trauma of war, poverty and a generally negative public image, this south-eastern African country boasts positivity through a son of reggae music. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/06/25/403848/ras-haitrm-a-musical-connection-between-mozambique-and-jamaica">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/04/24/397815/from-the-piggy-bank-to-better-savings-financial-literacy-for-children" target="_blank"><img alt="From the Piggy Bank to Better Savings Financial Literacy for Children" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/916114/fit/80x80/piggy_20bank.jpeg?timestamp=1659629236" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/04/24/397815/from-the-piggy-bank-to-better-savings-financial-literacy-for-children" target="_blank">From the Piggy Bank to Better Savings: Financial Literacy for Children</a></h4>
<p>“Money is central to transacting life, day-in and day-out. Where we live, what we eat, the clothes we wear, the car we drive, health care, education, child-rearing, gift giving, vacations... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/04/24/397815/from-the-piggy-bank-to-better-savings-financial-literacy-for-children">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<p> </p></div></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:3f25f321-44d4-45d2-93e6-8576901d78842022-08-02T11:17:53-04:002022-08-02T11:17:59-04:005 Famous African Soccer Players2022-08-02 11:00:00 -0400Anand Subramanian<span><p>The finest Black soccer players in history have affected the game as some of the best overall athletes in sports history. Soccer players may leave a legacy in a variety of ways. The international competition enables players to represent their country, with elite leagues providing an annual opportunity to further their careers. Each athlete on the list succeeded in various ways, paving the way for the future.<br></p><br><p>Europe or European players predominate in football. But let us not ignore the African continent's significant contribution. Africa has provided world football with some famous players who have created magic for their clubs and countries throughout the years. African football has a lot of depth and quality.</p><br><p>Let us look at the top five finest African players who have inspired millions throughout the world:</p><br><h2>Essam El-Hadary (Egypt)</h2><br><p>The goalkeeper, often known as "The High Dam," is one of Egypt's most decorated players and one of the finest African footballers of all time. He made his Pharaohs debut in 1996. He has four African Cup of Nations championships with them, three of which have come in consecutive years (2006, 2008, and 2010).</p><br><p>He became the oldest player in a FIFA World Cup match at 45. The game was contested versus Saudi Arabia in the 2018 edition in Russia. With Al Ahly, he won the Egyptian league eight times. He also won the Sudanese league championship with Al-Merreikh.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/940004/fill/700x0/image1.png?timestamp=1659451886"></div><p> </p><p><br></p><h2>Sadio Mane (Senegal)</h2><p><b><br></b></p><p>Few people from the small community of Bambali can achieve what Sadio Mane has accomplished in his career. The winger rose to prominence at RB Salzburg while playing for FC Metz. His accomplishments drew the attention of Southampton, who paid £10 million for his services. Jugen Klopp took him to Anfield in 2016; the rest is history.</p><p><b><br></b></p><p>In 2019, he won the Champions League with the Merseyside club. The same year, he shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Senegalese also had a role in ending Liverpool's 30-year wait for the Premier League championship. Mane was also a member of Senegal's 2022 AFCON winning squad. As a result, he is one of Africa's most decorated footballers.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/940009/fill/700x0/image3.png?timestamp=1659452029"><br><br></div><p> Read: 'Most Popular Sports Across the African Continent':</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/02/02/389279/most-popular-sports-across-the-african-continent" target="_blank"><img alt="Most Popular Sports Across the African Continent" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/897259/fit/80x80/rugby.png?timestamp=1659452649" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/02/02/389279/most-popular-sports-across-the-african-continent" target="_blank">Most Popular Sports Across the African Continent</a></h4>
<p> In the last several decades, Africa has been a major source of dynamic athletic talent that spans a wide range of sports. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/02/02/389279/most-popular-sports-across-the-african-continent">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><p><br></p><h2>Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)</h2><p><b><br></b></p><p>The former Cameroon international is well-known. Samuel Eto'o, like Yaya Toure, has won the African Footballer of the Year award four times. He won an Olympic gold medal in 2000, three Champions League championships (two with Barcelona and one with Inter Milan), and appeared in two finals.</p><p><br></p><p>Eto'o has also won three league championships with Barcelona and one with Inter Milan. He was instrumental in Barcelona's treble-winning season in 2008-09. The striker is the AFCON and Cameroon's all-time leading goalscorer. Eto'o's power and speed made him a dangerous attacker.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/940011/fill/700x0/image2.png?timestamp=1659452163"></div><p> </p><p><b><br></b></p><h2>Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)</h2><p><b><br></b></p><p>The Nigerian participated in three different World Cups for his country. Unfortunately for Kanu, he could never triumph in the African Cup of Nations, even though he already had a gold medal from the Olympics. He led Ajax to victories in the Champions League and the Eredivisie on three separate occasions. The striker was also a member of "The Invincibles," the nickname given to the Arsenal team. Arsene Wenger led during the 2003–04 season.</p><p><b><br></b></p><p>Despite all of this success, he was forced to go through the humiliation of relegation with Portsmouth in the latter stages of his career. Additionally, he was awarded the title of African Footballer of the Year on two occasions.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/940013/fill/700x0/image5.png?timestamp=1659452259"></div><p> </p><p><br></p><p>Read 'Throwing Bananas: Lack of Progress in Racism Towards African & African Diasporan Soccer Players, and Redirection of Focus':</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/05/12/356156/throwing-bananas-lack-of-progress-in-racism-towards-african-african-diasporan-soccer-players-and-redirection-of-focus" target="_blank"><img alt="pImage by Riadhriadh2004Image by Riadhriadh2004brp" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/821862/fit/80x80/Soccer_in_south_africa.jpeg?timestamp=1659452680" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/05/12/356156/throwing-bananas-lack-of-progress-in-racism-towards-african-african-diasporan-soccer-players-and-redirection-of-focus" target="_blank">Throwing Bananas: Lack of Progress in Racism Towards African & African Diasporan Soccer Players, and Redirection of Focus</a></h4>
<p>Racism in the soccer industry is not new to the world. However, its persistence, and the lack of infrastructure put behind reform, begs the question: does the European soccer industry lov... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/05/12/356156/throwing-bananas-lack-of-progress-in-racism-towards-african-african-diasporan-soccer-players-and-redirection-of-focus">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><p><br></p><h2>Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’ (Ghana)</h2><p><b><br></b></p><p>Abedi Ayew was used in the position of offensive midfielder for the team. In 1982, he led the Black Stars to victory in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ten years later, it was reported that he had also won the Player of the Tournament award. The final was decided by penalties, and unfortunately for Ghana, they lost to Ivory Coast. He won the French League One championship with Marseille in each of the years 1991, 1992, and 1993. (last title scrapped due to a scandal).</p><p><br></p><p>The midfielder also helped the team win the UEFA Champions League in 1993, prevailing against AC Milan in the finals. In the end, he was deemed the most valuable player on the field. Additionally, the Ghanaian was named African Footballer of the Year three times throughout his career.</p></span><span><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/940014/fill/700x0/image4.png?timestamp=1659452323"></div><p> </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="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/814912/fill/300x0/anand.jpg?timestamp=1659452503"></div><span><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>Read more from Anand Subramanian:</p><p><br></p><div class="media clearfix"><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/07/16/406036/popular-black-entrepreneur-podcasts-to-listen-to-in-2022" target="_blank"><img alt="Popular Black Entrepreneur Podcasts to listen to in 2022" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/936431/fit/80x80/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4559517.jpg?timestamp=1659452604" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/07/16/406036/popular-black-entrepreneur-podcasts-to-listen-to-in-2022" target="_blank">Popular Black Entrepreneur Podcasts to listen to in 2022</a></h4>
<p>We've compiled a thorough list of the most popular Black Entrepreneur podcasts. Look no further if you want to fire podcasts for Black companies - we've got you covered. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/07/16/406036/popular-black-entrepreneur-podcasts-to-listen-to-in-2022">Read More »</a></span> </p></div></div></div><br></span><div class="media clearfix">
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/06/01/401943/5-best-african-beaches-to-explore" target="_blank">5 Best African Beaches to Explore</a></h4>
<p>The African continent has roughly 18,950 miles/30,500 kilometers of coastline, including an abundance of magnificent beaches. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/06/01/401943/5-best-african-beaches-to-explore">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/05/24/400811/5-african-fashion-trends-to-try-this-summer" target="_blank"><img alt="5 African Fashion Trends To Try This Summer" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/923460/fit/80x80/african_20summer_20fashion.jpg?timestamp=1659452573" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/05/24/400811/5-african-fashion-trends-to-try-this-summer" target="_blank">5 African Fashion Trends To Try This Summer</a></h4>
<p> African fashion, like all fashion, changes year after year and season after season while staying faithful to its roots. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/05/24/400811/5-african-fashion-trends-to-try-this-summer">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:e5525176-3d1d-4d05-992f-1a429355cef02022-07-30T13:21:04-04:002022-07-30T13:21:31-04:00The Player & The Game: Diversity in Gaming Opens Pathways to New Careers2022-07-31 09:00:00 -0400Annette John-Hall<p>Nicodemus “Nico” Madehdou dreams big. That’s probably why, since childhood, Madehdou and gaming were a seamless match. You see, when Madehdou played a video game, he didn’t have to speak if he didn’t want to. That felt like a blessing to a kid like Nick, an immigrant from Liberia who was extremely self-conscious about his accent when his family first settled in Northeast Philadelphia in 2004.<br></p><p>“I didn’t even know anybody, but it didn’t matter that I didn’t fit in because nobody could see me behind a computer screen,” he said.</p><p>Gaming allowed his dreams to take flight. While soaring, gliding, jumping and spinning, Madehdou could escape anything and go anywhere, fight wizards, or go on quests and solve mysteries in environments of his choosing. Video games gave him space to dream up a vision for a career. Early on, he knew his life’s work would have something to do with the gaming industry.</p><p>“Knowing what games could do,” he said, “and also realizing I didn’t see a lot of people like me in the space – it made me interested in pursuing what games could be long-term.”</p><p>But as much as Madehdou is a dreamer, he’s also a straight-up realist. He knew gaming was his future but knew he didn’t want to go into debt before he even got started.</p><p>“I had heard a lot of horror stories about college and debt, and I was trying to avoid all those things,” he said. </p><p>He tried going the conventional route, applying for internships at tech giants like Apple, Google and Comcast, but the gatekeepers of convention wouldn’t let him. “[People] told me I had to be in college first.”</p><p>So just like that, Maadehdou launched Philadelphia-based <a href="https://www.jumpbutton.com/">JumpButton Studio</a> with two like-minded people and assembled a diverse team of about 20 young tech creatives. In 2018, he began his unlikely journey of entrepreneurship becoming a CEO at the tender age of 21.</p><p>JumpButton’s mission is “to create products that solve problems, evoke change and inspire creativity through games and animation,” Madehdou said. “Our vision is to reimagine diversity and inclusion through the games and animation industry.”</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/939327/fill/700x0/jump_20button_20studio.jpeg?timestamp=1659201081">JumpButton Studio Co-founders (Left to right) Nicodemus Madehdou, Calbert Warner and Daniel Ostermiller, Photo credit: Jump Button<br><br></div><p>His vision and mission are needed now more than ever. Since the pandemic, the global gaming industry, valued at nearly $200 billion, saw a surge in demand and is expected to keep growing, according to Accenture. Yet, the International Game Developers Association (the nonprofit that provides snapshots of the industry’s demographics) reports that in 2021 only 4 percent of those responding to its survey identified as Black.</p><p>All the more reason to push for more people of color on the front lines of gaming, according to Madehdou. It not only makes good economic sense, it just makes sense, period.</p><p>“If you don’t see yourself at the table, then the things that companies are making are not going to relate to you,” he said. “So if you’re playing a game by a company with an all-white team, and there’s a Black character in the game, it’s likely that the hair will be off. Or it’ll be like, ‘Why is there a hitch in his step when [most Black people] walk regular? So there are layers of contextual knowledge that get removed when you don’t have a diverse team.”</p><p>Where to start? For JumpButton, it’s on the ground level. His team goes out to talk with Black and Latino students in elementary and middle schools, letting them know that if they’re interested in games or animation as a career, there could be a place for them without having to leave Philly or wherever they live.</p><p>“Just because you look at the [websites] of the bigger brands and you see all these white faces that look nothing like you – if you’re a Black kid, you may think, okay, let me just be a YouTuber, because you see a lot of Black people vlogging and that’s something you can relate to.”</p><p>JumpButton works to change or expand that narrative by telling students what <em>is</em> possible, what their options are, and how they can get into the pipeline. At the same time, the company is working hard to scale up, so that at some point, they can offer internships to local students from elementary school through college.</p><p>If the students who attend Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School are any indication, there won’t be a shortage of interest. They represent hundreds if not thousands of Black and Latino teens who are obsessed with gaming in the Philadelphia area — but they don’t have the resources or access to learn more about gaming as a career.</p><p>“I watched what kids were doing in their free time. They were watching YouTube of other people playing games,” said Anis Taylor, who teaches digital media at Dobbins. “They wanted to learn skills and tricks, just like if we were watching basketball and wanted to get better, we would watch Kobe [Bryant] practice.”</p><p>Dobbins recently hosted a gaming seminar where industry professionals spoke to students about creative aspects of games, such as music and audio, drone operations and overall opportunities. Surprisingly, gaming is still not part of Dobbins’ digital curriculum but Taylor expects it soon will be.</p><p>“There’s a ton of jobs in that space that you can get yourself involved in. We want to teach them that you don’t have to be in this industry to consume the game. You can actually produce the game,” Taylor said.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/939328/fill/700x0/dobbins.jpg?timestamp=1659201240">Nick talking to a class at his alma mater, New Foundations Charter School about his journey in gaming. Photo Credit: Jump Button<br><br></div><p>Meanwhile, JumpButton Studio continues to grow. The company already has a relationship with Snapchat and is working on projects with the animated sitcom “Boondocks.” Last week in Los Angeles, Madehdou met with executives from Niantic, makers of Pokemon GO, to discuss potential projects around games and animation.</p><p>At 25, Madehdou has even bigger dreams. He wants JumpButton to become the first major Black-owned gaming company in the world. He wants to create generational wealth for his family. He already has a head start in cornering the market as a Black gaming executive. But he doesn’t want to be the only one. </p><p>“I hope Black kids join our journey and are inspired to go off and do their own thing,” he said. “Because I’m not looking to control the space. I’m looking to create more owners in the space.”</p><p><em>Nicodemus Madehdou is doing just that, having evolved from playing games in anonymity to being a beacon who makes sure kids like him can see themselves in the games they play and the industry that creates them.</em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><a href="http://lovenowmedia.com/" target="_blank"><i>Love Now Media</i></a><i> collaborated with FunTimes Magazine on this story as part of our reporting on the <b>Politics of Play</b>. Our reporting takes a solutions approach to covering social issues, inclusive models for play and the positive impact play, leisure, and the arts have on mental health.</i></p><p><i>Love Now Media is one of more than 20 news organizations working with </i><a href="http://resolvephilly.org/" target="_blank">Resolve</a><i>, collaboratively reporting on solutions to poverty and Philadelphia’s push towards economic mobility.</i></p><div class="image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/939028/fill/0x0/lovenowmedia.png?timestamp=1659201507"></div><p> </p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><div class="image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/811732/fill/0x0/ResolvePhilly_StackedLogo_Fullcolor_RGB_HiRes.jpg?timestamp=1659201594"></div><p> </p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/939330/fill/300x0/Annette-John-Hall-150x150.jpeg?timestamp=1659201569"></div><p> Annette John-Hall is an award-winning veteran journalist and writer based in the Philadelphia region.<em><br></em></p><p><em><br></em></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:d967a68e-e9ef-42aa-b8f9-48427632439e2022-07-21T09:43:51-04:002022-07-21T13:14:10-04:00From trashman to author, Terrill Haigler shows us how to make lemonade out of lemons2022-07-21 14:00:00 -0400 Karen Warrington<span><p>Being a sanitation worker or a trashman or woman is a hard, dirty and smelly job. And, the workers get little respect from the public. While we fully understand that the removal of our trash is important, we don’t necessarily regard the people who do the work as important.<br><br>Terrill Haigler envisioned a career in the arts. He was a graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and had studied dance at the famed Freedom Theater. But somewhere along the line he decided that the arts would not financially sustain him so he applied for a job in city government. Two years later, he was hired as a trashman in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Seemingly, Haigler was being redirected from the arts to picking up trash possibly filled with lemons.<br><br>As Covid spread, so did the mounds of litter and trash accumulating in neighborhoods. For more than a year during the pandemic, Haigler was an anonymous Black man who picked up what we threw away. And, he and his fellow co-workers were required to work without adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as they rode through block after block in smelly trash trucks trying to keep our city clean.</p><p><br></p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/04/05/352303/survey-says-philadelphians-respond-to-city-snow-and-trash-removal-part-1" target="_blank"><img alt="Survey Says Philadelphians Respond to City Snow and Trash Removal - Part 1" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/813821/fit/80x80/Survey_20Banner.jpg?timestamp=1658410735" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/04/05/352303/survey-says-philadelphians-respond-to-city-snow-and-trash-removal-part-1" target="_blank">Survey Says: Philadelphians Respond to City Snow and Trash Removal - Part 1</a></h4>
<p>FunTimes Magazine recently engaged the residents of Philadelphia in a survey to find out their contentment with the city’s snow removal and trash collection efforts this winter. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/04/05/352303/survey-says-philadelphians-respond-to-city-snow-and-trash-removal-part-1">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<br>But amazingly, Haigler not only embraced his back-breaking job, he also provided residents with more information about his trash pickup schedules and utilized social media to better inform the public about what it’s like to be a sanitation worker.<br><br>Calling himself <i>Ya Fav Trashman</i> on Instagram, his efforts were celebrated and caught the attention of local and major media. He was interviewed on both <i>Good Morning America </i>and <i>ABC World News Tonight</i>.<br><br>Right about now it’s important to remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry.”<br><br>So, Haigler took a whole bunch of lemons and made giant pitchers of lemonade.<br>He hasn’t stopped his journey. He has now published a children’s book to help young people develop appreciation for recycling, the effects of littering and the workers who haul our trash away.<br><br>Haigler’s book is entitled, ”I’m Cool Too,” and he says he is using the proceeds to raise money for Philadelphia public schools. His goal is to sell 200,000 copies in order to donate $1 million to the school district.<br><br>Not only is Haigler the Fav Trashman, hopefully he will be our Fav Author and make lots of lemonade.<br><span><br><br></span></p><p><i>FunTimes</i> readers can pre-order the book at <a href="http://yafavtrashman.com/">yafavtrashman.com</a> and follow <a href="http://instagram.com/_YaFavTrashman" target="_blank">@_YaFavTrashman</a> on Instagram.</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=1658410917"></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. </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">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/06/22/403649/c-elebrate-and-support-our-classical-music-artists-as-we-re-define-classical" target="_blank"><img alt="Re-Collective Orchestra Image Source Official Facebook page" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/930568/fit/80x80/re-collective.jpeg?timestamp=1658410927" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/06/22/403649/c-elebrate-and-support-our-classical-music-artists-as-we-re-define-classical" target="_blank">Celebrate and support our classical music artists as we re-define classical</a></h4>
<p> I was super impressed to view and find out about the all-African American Re-Collective Orchestra that served as the musical backdrop to CNN’s Juneteenth TV production. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/06/22/403649/c-elebrate-and-support-our-classical-music-artists-as-we-re-define-classical">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/06/03/402227/dads-sign-up-for-daughters-hair-tutorials" target="_blank"><img alt="Dads Sign-Up for Daughters Hair Tutorials" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/926737/fit/80x80/pexels-monstera-5996870.jpg?timestamp=1658410938" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/06/03/402227/dads-sign-up-for-daughters-hair-tutorials" target="_blank">Dads Sign-Up for Daughters’ Hair Tutorials</a></h4>
<p>As we celebrate Fathers’ Day let’s hear it for dads who are showing up for classes to learn how to braid their daughters’ hair. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/06/03/402227/dads-sign-up-for-daughters-hair-tutorials">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/05/22/400499/baby-formula-shortag-e-offers-time-to-reflect-on-breastfeeding" target="_blank"><img alt="Baby formula shortage offers time to reflect on breastfeeding" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/922781/fit/80x80/andrae-ricketts-3Qi0PkM_Wes-unsplash.jpg?timestamp=1658410955" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/05/22/400499/baby-formula-shortag-e-offers-time-to-reflect-on-breastfeeding" target="_blank">Baby formula shortage offers time to reflect on breastfeeding</a></h4>
<p>But how did mothers become so completely dependent on a manufactured baby formula and not mothers’ milk? <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/05/22/400499/baby-formula-shortag-e-offers-time-to-reflect-on-breastfeeding">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<br></p></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:e68af766-96ed-4038-a616-8648a00a7d362022-06-07T09:45:09-04:002022-06-07T09:45:35-04:00Congratulations to Teia Hudson, the winner of the Philadelphia School District’s 2022 oratorical contest. 2022-06-07 10:00:00 -0400Karen WarringtonCongratulations to Teia Hudson, the winner of the Philadelphia School District’s 2022 oratorical contest. Ms. Hudson is a senior at the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber. Her winning essay entitled, “Dear Society,” squarely focuses on racism in America from the perspective of a young African American woman.<br>In the fall, Ms. Hudson will be a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania with a full-ride scholarship.<br>Funtimes salutes Ms. Hudson and all our young and gifted graduates!!!!!<br><br><br><b>Dear Society</b> <br>by Teia Hudson<br><br>Why do I have to be in your image?<br>What’s wrong with the way I am?<br>Why is it that “I’m a young black woman that isn’t according to plan?”<br>Oh, she’s smart, she’s not like the others<br>I’m justified as “black” because African-American men are shooting their brothers It’s hard to make myself stand out in a crowd full of white kids that shout<br>“I’m not that rich”<br>The money fixes their problems,<br>But what about me?<br>A minority<br>I have little sense of security<br>I’m competing with the superiority<br>Because I’m black.<br>Do my looks bother you?<br>My skin caramel rich<br>Eyes are honey-dipped<br>Hips so curvy, it makes their skin itch! Hair so wavy it flows like the ocean But it’s not even wet<br>Getting cat-called at age 16<br>But I’m sure I ain’t even see the half yet Because I’m black.<br>Do you see the issue now?<br>The issue with being black?<br>Cops feel threatened even if a black man has his hands behind his back And it’s whack.<br>Why should oppression fix a problem the oppressors created?<br>Do you need it translated?<br>We sit down, we’re too quiet<br>We protest, We’re too loud<br>We stand up, we’re too rebellious<br>We make a speech, we’re too damn proud<br>So what the hell is allowed?<br>It’s because I’m black.<br>But, as a people, how do we heal?<br><br> Heal from what once was taken Heal from the fact that my ancestors were left bruised and shaken<br>How do we heal from what once was A<br>family<br>A<br>culture<br>A<br>mother<br>A<br>daughter<br>Has been turned into<br>Stealing<br>And<br>Slaughter<br>How do we<br>Recover and<br>Rebuild<br>What wasn’t made for us<br>From what came from our hands<br>So skilled<br>And to what left us unfulfilled<br>in which we were killed<br>To your convenience,<br>you took what wasn’t rightfully willed And left us billed<br>with the burden of surviving<br>I hope you can see that I’m not some barbie<br>I’m a young black woman trying to make a change<br>Just get it into your brains!<br>That my skin color will be praised someday!<br>And not just for the butt and thighs<br>Because the community tells lies that keep me from growing...<br><span>But I will arise society Don’t pity me. Because I’m black.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></span><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/848324/fill/300x0/karen_20warrington.jpg?timestamp=1654609415"></div><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. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Read more from Karen Warrington:<br></p><p><br></p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/06/03/402227/dads-sign-up-for-daughters-hair-tutorials" target="_blank"><img alt="Dads Sign-Up for Daughters Hair Tutorials" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/926737/fit/80x80/pexels-monstera-5996870.jpg?timestamp=1654609436" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/06/03/402227/dads-sign-up-for-daughters-hair-tutorials" target="_blank">Dads Sign-Up for Daughters’ Hair Tutorials</a></h4>
<p>As we celebrate Fathers’ Day let’s hear it for dads who are showing up for classes to learn how to braid their daughters’ hair. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/06/03/402227/dads-sign-up-for-daughters-hair-tutorials">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/10/30/372873/we-are-family-" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/863806/fit/80x80/jessica-felicio-lH973Qz0Iy4-unsplash.jpg?timestamp=1654609447" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/10/30/372873/we-are-family-" target="_blank">We Are Family!</a></h4>
<p>“You live in huts in the jungle, and you don’t know Jesus because you practice hoodoo and voodoo stuff.” I had just settled into a chair in a Senegalese braid shop in Center City, Philade... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/10/30/372873/we-are-family-">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/02/12/390202/celebrating-black-history-doesn-t-mean-separating-it-from-black-culture-opinion-piece" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo by Monstera from Pexels" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/899418/fit/80x80/pexels-monstera-5997003.jpg?timestamp=1654609476" class="media-object"></a></span>
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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><br><br><br><br></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:3f7ac38b-ec9b-4763-a018-bdaab83fc14d2022-06-03T09:39:19-04:002022-08-27T13:45:33-04:00FunTimes salutes and congratulates two African American women journalists making big moves.2022-06-03 09:38:51 -0400Karen Warrington<p>Vanessa Williams is the newly named deputy National political editor at the Washington Post and Sarah Glover, will be Vice President for News and Civic Dialogue at WHYY. Both of these outstanding journalists have strong Philadelphia connections and both served as Presidents of the Philadelphia and National Association of Black Journalists.<br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/926705/fill/700x0/vanessa_20williams.jpg?timestamp=1654278642"></div><p> </p><p><a></a></p><div></div><p></p><div class="clearfix"><div><br>Press Release | The Washington Post<br><em>Announcement from National Editor Matea Gold, Deputy National Editor Philip Rucker and Senior Politics Editor Dan Eggen:</em></div><div><div><p>We are delighted to announce that <b>Vanessa Williams </b>will become a deputy National politics editor, steering coverage of voters and a changing American electorate.</p></div><div><p>In this position, Vanessa will bring her keen instincts for untold stories to shape compelling and distinctive pieces about the shifting political terrain heading into this year’s midterm elections and the 2024 presidential election. She will help reporters execute illuminating coverage about what animates disparate groups of voters and how they decide which candidates reflect their values. She will also assist in our broader campaign and political report and work in close collaboration with the newly formed Democracy team, helping shape coverage of what Americans experience at the polls.</p></div></div><div><p>Vanessa brings to this role her extensive experience covering race and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/on-a-south-carolina-island-generations-of-black-voters-confront-their-democratic-presidential-options/2020/02/26/9665c822-2684-11ea-b2ca-2e72667c1741_story.html?itid=lk_inline_manual_8" rel="noopener" target="_blank">politics</a>, as well as a longstanding commitment to elevating the voices of disenfranchised Americans. As a reporter on the America team for the last five years, she wrote about the disproportionate rate of covid-19 infections and deaths among Black people, how Black voter participation affected the 2020 election and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/06/26/voting-rights-freedom-ride/?itid=lk_inline_manual_8" rel="noopener" target="_blank">efforts to pass</a> federal voting legislation. She has extensively chronicled <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/this-is-how-democracy-crumbles-melanie-campbell-on-the-fight-to-defend-black-votes/2020/11/02/6d2a4884-1d0a-11eb-b532-05c751cd5dc2_story.html?itid=lk_inline_manual_8" rel="noopener" target="_blank">the political activities of Black women</a>, including the 2018 campaign of Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and captured the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/01/27/biden-black-woman-supreme-court/?itid=lk_inline_manual_8" rel="noopener" target="_blank">excitement</a> about the first Black female Supreme Court justice.</p></div><div><p>Since January 2018, she has helped write and edit the twice-weekly newsletter, About US, which features reporting, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2018/01/26/unbought-and-unbossed-shirley-chisholms-feminist-mantra-is-as-relevant-today-as-it-was-50-years-ago/?itid=lk_inline_manual_9" rel="noopener" target="_blank">analysis</a> and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/03/09/paper-bag-test-came-buckingham-palace/?itid=lk_inline_manual_9" rel="noopener" target="_blank">perspective</a> about how individuals and institutions navigate the debate about race, gender, sexual orientation and other identity issues. In that role, she helped to conceive and edit projects that explored diversity within the country’s <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/hispanic-heritage-month-2021/?itid=lk_inline_manual_9" rel="noopener" target="_blank">growing Latino community</a> and showed how Native Americans are <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/native-american-heritage-month-were-still-here/?itid=lk_inline_manual_9" rel="noopener" target="_blank">making their presence felt and voices heard </a>throughout society.</p></div><div><p>Vanessa joined The Post in 1996 to cover Washington, D.C.’s city government. She became an assistant city editor in 2000, worked on the now-defunct continuous news desk, and has edited on both the Local and National desks.</p></div><div><p>Before The Post, she spent 12 years at the Philadelphia Inquirer, covering local government and politics, and helped to uncover an absentee ballot fraud scheme that resulted in a state Senate election being overturned. She started her journalism career at her hometown newspaper, the St. Petersburg Times, now the Tampa Bay Times.</p></div><div><p>Vanessa is a former president and board member of the National Association of Black Journalists and has served as a mentor to countless young journalists in the Post newsroom and throughout the industry. In her spare time, she likes to travel and bake sweets.</p></div><div><p>Please join us in congratulating Vanessa on her new role, which starts immediately.</p></div></div><p><br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/926704/fill/700x0/sarah_20glover.jpeg?timestamp=1654278657"></div><p> </p><p><b>Sarah Glover</b>, a nationally recognized leader in news and social media strategy with 24 years of progressive experience as a news executive, has been named Vice President for News and Civic Dialogue at WHYY. Glover, currently managing editor for Minnesota Public Radio’s MPR News, will join the Philadelphia region’s leading public media organization July 25.<u></u><u></u></p><p>Glover, who has been responsible for a staff of 40 on reporting, editing and digital teams, will assume the leadership of one of Philadelphia’s largest newsrooms. Her duties at WHYY will encompass news and information content presented on all the organization’s media platforms: FM 90.9, TV12, WHYY.org, Billy Penn and other online channels. She will also continue WHYY’s strong civic engagement and community discussion programming and provide oversight and support for signature public affairs programs including <i>Radio Times</i> and <i>The Pulse</i>.<u></u><u></u></p><p>Glover is no stranger to the Philadelphia market, having served 16 years as a staff photographer for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News as well as the social media editor for NBC10.<u></u><u></u></p><p>“Sarah Glover’s experience spans every aspect of contemporary news coverage, including broadcast and digital reporting, multimedia content and photojournalism,” said WHYY President and CEO Bill Marrazzo. “She also pairs this experience with an in-depth understanding of the importance of marketing and revenue generation that is necessary for success in today’s media marketplace. We look forward to her contributions to WHYY’s efforts to grow the reach and diversity of our audience to better serve all of the Philadelphia region.”</p><p>Glover was a 2021 Nieman Visiting Fellow at Harvard. She previously served as manager of social media strategy for the NBC’s 12 locally owned television stations and provided support to more than 35 Telemundo stations while based at “30 Rock” in New York City.<br></p><p>She served two terms as president of the National Association of Black Journalists, increasing training programs and stabilizing the finances of the 4,400-member group.</p><p>Glover earned her B.A. in photojournalism and African American Studies from Syracuse University and the M.A. in arts and communication studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She is completing an M.B.A. at Temple University’s Fox School of Business.</p><p>WHYY-FM is the most-listened to radio station in Philadelphia in morning “drive time” (6-10 a.m.) and in the top five overall, with additional consumers on WHYY.org and the WHYY app. WHYY has continued throughout the pandemic to expand news, information and education services to consumers in the Philadelphia region.<u></u><u></u></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/848324/fill/300x0/karen_20warrington.jpg?timestamp=1658591851"></div><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. </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><p><br></p><div class="media clearfix">
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/01/29/388441/how-are-you-opinion-piece" target="_blank">How Are You? - Opinion Piece</a></h4>
<p>Maybe the pandemic terror has helped us to better understand how interdependent and other-concerned we are or can be. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/01/29/388441/how-are-you-opinion-piece">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/01/07/383571/remembering-archbishop-and-moral-compass-desmond-tutu" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/882397/fit/80x80/desmond_20tutu.jpg?timestamp=1658591902" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/01/07/383571/remembering-archbishop-and-moral-compass-desmond-tutu" target="_blank">Remembering Archbishop and ‘Moral Compass’, Desmond Tutu</a></h4>
<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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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/06/22/403649/c-elebrate-and-support-our-classical-music-artists-as-we-re-define-classical" target="_blank"><img alt="Re-Collective Orchestra Image Source Official Facebook page" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/930568/fit/80x80/re-collective.jpeg?timestamp=1658591926" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/06/22/403649/c-elebrate-and-support-our-classical-music-artists-as-we-re-define-classical" target="_blank">Celebrate and support our classical music artists as we re-define classical</a></h4>
<p> I was super impressed to view and find out about the all-African American Re-Collective Orchestra that served as the musical backdrop to CNN’s Juneteenth TV production. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/06/22/403649/c-elebrate-and-support-our-classical-music-artists-as-we-re-define-classical">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<p> </p><p><u></u></p><p> <br></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:eaf50709-0b49-4639-bd47-7b8f3f6fbf2c2022-05-17T11:33:52-04:002022-05-17T11:36:29-04:00Respect on her name: AAMP’s new director of programming has deep roots in activism and the arts2022-05-17 12:00:00 -0400Sherry L. Howard<div><i>This article was originally published by </i><a href="http://lovenowmedia.com/" target="_blank"><i>Love Now Media</i></a><i> with permission to share on FunTimes Magazine.</i><br></div><br><p>Nina Elizabeth Ball had no idea her passion for poetry and love of the arts would take her on a fulfilling work-life journey.<br></p><p>Around the Baltimore School for the Arts, the high-schooler was known for her writing. Musicians, poets and dancers came to her with their poetry and their raps. So much talent, she thought, should be shared with the school and community. So, she put together the first proposal she had ever written in her life for an event that would highlight their gifts. </p><p>A poet since the age of nine, Ball played around with the word “lyric” for a title that would embody this eclectic mix of performers. “Lyrispect” fit perfectly; it was short for “lyrical respect, lyrical aspect, lyrical spectrum,” she explains. </p><p>The school’s dean turned down the idea and the name, but Ball loved the way “Lyrispect” described her and how she approached her work. By the time she arrived in Philadelphia to attend Temple University in 2001, she was known as Nina Elizabeth “Lyrispect” Ball. </p><p>“I really thought it was a strong name,” she says. “It encompassed the work I do as a writer. When I tackle a subject, I really try to explore every bit of it. I’m also someone that’s at the intersection of a ton of identities. So ‘lyrical spectrum, lyrical respect’ is the handling of the words.”</p><p>Through the years, Ball has carried that aspiration of presenting artists to the community. The young writer developed into an accomplished poet whose natural talents blended with skills she acquired through her openness of spirit and drive to learn. She is a lyricist, spoken-word artist, voice-over artist, educator, event coordinator and arts curator. </p><p>Today, she is the director of programming and education at the <a href="https://www.aampmuseum.org/">African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP)</a>. Having joined the institution in January 2022, Ball’s dream has finally found a home. </p><p>“All the ways I’ve worked with people have brought me to this moment,” she says. “All the things I’m passionate about, all my natural skills. I just want to elevate the profile of the museum, and I want to stay authentic to the people that need to be served. So, I want to throw a little sparkle on it.”</p><p>It took more than 20 years to get here from the art school, but her love for the arts was born much earlier. Ball grew up in Baltimore, with her mother Colotta Moore and older sister Mia. The three looked out for each other. Since first grade, Ball has been drawn to theater and acting. She was a witch in one school play and Mrs. Santa Claus in another. She loved African and modern dance, and was an avid reader. </p><p>Recognizing her love of reading, Ball’s first-grade teacher gave her Nancy Drew mysteries. She and her older sister Mia devoured books they checked out of the library before they could get them home. When writing poetry, Ball included words she learned from the dictionary so she would remember their meaning and expand the vocabulary of people who read them. </p><p>She’s “savoir-faire,” a “latitudinarian” and has “eidetic memory,” she says in conversation without a hint of pretension but with the confidence of someone who knows herself. </p><p>Growing up, she was a bundle of energy and sometimes ill of temper. Through poetry, she contained the former, released the latter and found healing. “I was processing the things I was coming to discover about the world, and I needed somewhere to put it down and work it out,” she says. “And I started to feel better. I started to feel more evened out. I felt it would be something that would be a companion to me even if I didn’t take it anywhere professionally.”</p><p>For Ball, writing poetry comes as naturally as breathing. In her “own little mad scientist lab,” she plays with words to create poetic riffs primarily for herself. Much of it is spoken word, which she performs with a dramatic flair learned from her classical-theater training in high school. (She also sings – once soprano, now baritone.) </p><p>Her writings are also activist-driven. Injustice pervades the world, she says, and most people feel helpless in solving it. “One person can make a change,” Ball says. “I tell people if they don’t know where to start, pick one person to mentor. They can be a peer, or different age or different background. If you’ve only impacted that one person’s life, you have changed the world.”</p><p>Ball says her poetry reflects her love of “humans,” God, the universe and community.</p><p>She often references God in her poetry, overtly and subtly. In one poem, she writes: </p><p>“God’s got a photographic memory<br>always snapping my picture<br>He’s my father so I call him paparazzi.”</p><p>“I made a promise to God several years back that I would include God in as much of my poetry as possible even if it’s just a line here or there; a thank you for the gift that was given to me,” she says. “I think that is the heart of what I do, whether it’s community work or poetry.”</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/921985/fill/700x0/nina_20ball_202.png?timestamp=1652800140">Nina Elizabeth Ball at the African American Museum of Philadelphia. Photo by Tezarah Wilkins<br><br></div><p>She engaged in community work around film after an encounter with African American director Ava DuVernay during a screening in Philadelphia about 10 years ago. Ball promoted independent movies distributed by DuVernay’s ARRAY company (Ball has a B.A. in film and African American Studies). In a quote on Ball’s website, DuVernay describes her as a Renaissance woman because of her versatility. It’s not how Ball would describe herself, but she accepts it. She explains that she is someone with an active imagination who is open-minded.</p><p>“I can find the beauty and interest in almost anything,” says Ball, who has performed around the world. “I’m fascinated by people. I love talking to people. I learn a lot that way which helps me be savoir-faire, a chameleon of sorts, all the while maintaining my authenticity and integrity of character.” </p><p>“I intentionally have an open mind about a lot of things, especially the things I don’t understand right away. I want to know all the different ways to experience life and the world. I want to know God in all ways, which means I want to know life in all ways. I want to know love in all ways. I’m open to where love will come in any form that it comes in, whether it’s familial love, whether it’s partner love, whether it’s friendship love.”</p><p>Ball has translated her love into what she calls ‘community-care” projects, including commissioned work that has sustained her livelihood. She created poetry for two Mural Arts Philadelphia playground projects, co-directed a leadership camp for BLACK GIRLS ROCK!,, conducted creative-writing workshops for incarcerated women, coordinated a special arts show for the Philadelphia Museum of Art and co-produced an open-mike showcase at a Philadelphia live-arts venue. She has won numerous awards for her work.</p><p>Now at AAMP, she is developing programs to accompany the AAMP’s newest exhibit, Derrick Adams’ “Sanctuary,” based on “The Negro Motorist Green Book.” Published from 1936 to 1966, the book guided Black travelers to establishments that welcomed them during the Jim Crow years. The exhibit runs until Aug. 28, 2022.</p><p>Ball acknowledges that reviving interest in the museum may not be easy, and she may have to “street-team” the community to promote it. “I think we do have a heavy lift because first you got to remind people we’re here,” Ball says. “There are people who’ve been riding with us – thank you – but there are so many people who don’t know we’re here, forgot we were here, not interested, (or) none of our stuff speaks to them.”</p><p>She sees the AAMP as the cultural hub she’s been looking for since that high-school experience. </p><p>“I plan to do right by our community locally, globally, nationally in terms of making sure I’m serving all the different ways it is to be Black. What is it to be Black and queer? What is it to be Black and Muslim? What is it like to be a Black nerd? I love and borrow from and appreciate and respect many other cultures and races and backgrounds because I’m a universal person, but specifically, the work I want to do here is (to) put us at the core of the story.”</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/922000/fill/300x0/sherryhedshot-150x150.jpeg?timestamp=1652801098"></div><p> Sherry L. Howard writes the blog “<a href="http://myauctionfinds.com/">Auction Finds</a>.” She is the author of the book, “ART WITH HEART: How I Built a Sweet Collection by Buying Cheap at Auction.” Her series on Black history can be found on her blog, her Facebook page “Auction Finds,” and on IG @sherleehoward. <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><div><div><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/922001/fill/0x0/love_20now_20media_20logo.png?timestamp=1652801604"></div><p> </p></div><p>Read more from Love Now Media:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/02/01/389195/love-time-learnings-from-love-embodied-work" target="_blank"><img alt="Love Time Learnings from love-embodied work" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/897095/fit/80x80/jos_20duncan_20ase.jpeg?timestamp=1652801208" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/02/01/389195/love-time-learnings-from-love-embodied-work" target="_blank">Love & Time: Learnings from love-embodied work</a></h4>
<p>We know that “time is money” but we don’t often think about time as love. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/02/01/389195/love-time-learnings-from-love-embodied-work">Read More »</a></span> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p></div></div><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/02/24/391000/vaccine-chat-bridging-the-gap-between-vaccinated-and-unvaccinated-with-love" target="_blank"><img alt="Vaccine Chat Bridging the Gap Between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated with Love" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/901832/fit/80x80/Vaccine_20Chat_20-_20800_20x_20600_20px.jpg?timestamp=1652801143" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/02/24/391000/vaccine-chat-bridging-the-gap-between-vaccinated-and-unvaccinated-with-love" target="_blank">Vaccine Chat: Bridging the Gap Between Vaccinated and Unvaccinated with Love</a></h4>
<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... </p><p><span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/02/24/391000/vaccine-chat-bridging-the-gap-between-vaccinated-and-unvaccinated-with-love">Read More »</a></span><span class="pull-right"><br></span><span class="pull-right"><br></span> </p></div></div><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><br><img alt="Isis Kirton 25 in her Philadelphia home and creative space Photo by Tezarah Wilkins for Love Now Media" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/863835/fit/80x80/isis_20kirton.jpeg?timestamp=1652801512" class="media-object"></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><br></h4><br><h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/10/30/372886/small-doses-big-difference-how-a-young-philadelphia-artist-creatively-addresses-mental-and-health-wellness" target="_blank">Small Doses, Big Difference: How a young Philadelphia Artist creatively addresses mental and health wellness</a></h4>
<p>“A small dose of healing can lead to an ease of pain, even if just for a moment.” – Jason Stuckey <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/10/30/372886/small-doses-big-difference-how-a-young-philadelphia-artist-creatively-addresses-mental-and-health-wellness">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:62292cd4-d2e4-45ee-b751-ae104e21ac282022-03-30T10:23:29-04:002022-03-30T10:23:29-04:00Famous Intersexuals in the Black Community and the Challenges They Face2022-03-30 11:00:00 -0400Jessica Uchechi Nwanguma<span><p>Out of 7.7 billion in the world today, about 1.7℅ of them were born with Intersex traits.</p><p>For now, there is no data to show how many Black people are born with Intersex traits, but it's interesting to know that this condition, irrespective of race or gender, is not as rare as many think it is.</p><p>According to MedlinePlus, Intersex is a group of conditions in which there is a discrepancy between the external genitals and the internal genitals. The older term for this condition is hermaphroditism.</p><p>Being Intersex is distinct from a person's gender identity or sexual orientation; it relates to biological sex characteristics, meaning that an Intersex person may be gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual etc.</p><br><p>This has led many to ask,</p><h2>What Does Intersex Look Like?</h2><br><p>As you go about your daily activity, it is possible you have met an Intersexual person without recognising them, and this is because not every Intersex person is visibly different. But some traits are common with people living with the Intersex condition,</p><p>And they are:</p><ul><li><p>A clitoris that is larger than expected.</p></li><li><p>A penis that is smaller than expected.</p></li><li><p>No vaginal opening</p></li><li><p>A labia that resembles a scrotum.</p></li><li><p>A scrotum that is empty and resembles a labia.</p></li><li><p>A penis without a Urethra opening at the tip, the opening might be on the underside.</p></li></ul><br><p>In some cases, baby genitalia may also look wholly male or female, and the condition may not be known until puberty when the body produces more of the hormone that doesn't match their assigned sex.</p><p>Over the years, there has been much stigma surrounding the Intersex community; many celebrities, significantly athletes, have been affected.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Read about Pansexuality:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/12/02/377115/what-is-pansexuality-black-celebs-who-have-come-out-as-pansexual" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/872815/fit/80x80/janelle_20monae.png?timestamp=1648649378" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/12/02/377115/what-is-pansexuality-black-celebs-who-have-come-out-as-pansexual" target="_blank">What Is Pansexuality? & Black Celebs Who Have Come Out As Pansexual</a></h4>
<p>Representation matters and that means including everyone who makes up the LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more about pansexuality and the Black celebs who identify with the term. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/12/02/377115/what-is-pansexuality-black-celebs-who-have-come-out-as-pansexual">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p><br></p><br><h3>Here Are Famous Black Intersexuals and the Challenges They Face<br><br><br><br>1. <a href="https://www.funtimesmagazine.com/2021/01/27/343701/south-africa-s-shining-athlete-caster-semenya" target="_blank">Caster Semenya</a>: </h3><br><br><p>Caster is a South African middle-distance runner, a winner of two Olympic gold medals and three World Championships in the women's 800 meters.</p><p>Caster was born a woman, raised a woman and still identifies as a woman. </p><p>But the discovery was made in 2009, following an 800m World Champion win that changed her life forever: 18-year-old Semenya was forced into taking a medical test to “prove” her gender. </p><p>Semenya went for the test, but then, The Australian Daily Telegraph leaked a story claiming that the Olympic champion had no womb or ovaries but internal testes due to a very rare chromosomal abnormality.</p><p>This report was never confirmed (the test is confidential, and her testosterone levels have not been disclosed); Caster has never publicly identified as an Intersex.</p><p>But the story seems believable since the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sports) ruling applies to her.</p><p>According to CAS, the DSD (Difference in Sex Development) regulations require athletes who want to compete in some female events, who have XY chromosomes and in whom testosterone has a biological effect of reducing their natural testosterone levels to an agreed concentration (below five nmol/L).</p><p>Semenya challenged the rule in the Court of Arbitration of Sport, arguing it was discriminatory towards athletes with DSDs and written specifically to keep her from competing given the narrow range of distances it impacted.</p><p>A three-judge CAS panel ruled against Semenya in May 2019. She unsuccessfully appealed the decision to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, Switzerland’s highest court that oversees CAS.</p><p>Semenya has vowed not to suppress her naturally elevated levels of testosterone to qualify for her race, stating </p><p>'God made me the way I am, and I accept myself.'</p><p>Meanwhile, Lia Thomas, a transgender woman, won an NCAA Division National championship (in women's category)</p><p>Lia's victory has sparked many conversations on racism and misogyny against Black women.</p><p>"If Lia, a transgender woman, was allowed to participate in a Women's Category sports as a woman, why is the likes of Caster Semenya not free to run under female category since she was born and has identified as a woman all her life?"</p><p><br></p><p>Read more about Caster Semenya:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/01/27/343701/south-africa-s-shining-athlete-caster-semenya" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/794043/fit/80x80/caster_20semenya.jpg?timestamp=1648649454" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/01/27/343701/south-africa-s-shining-athlete-caster-semenya" target="_blank">South Africa’s Shining Athlete - Caster Semenya</a></h4>
<p>Caster Semenya is a born-winner but her successful career on the track has been filled with controversy. She has maintained an excellent level of sportsmanship and continued to be a role ... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/01/27/343701/south-africa-s-shining-athlete-caster-semenya">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><p><br></p><h3>2. Sean Saifa Wall:</h3><br><p>When Sean Saifa Wall was 13 years old, he was admitted to the hospital with pain in his groin; doctors didn’t discuss different options for treatment with him. He was only told that his testes had to be removed immediately.</p><p>In Saifa's words,</p><p>“I remember before surgery, I asked the nurse what was going on, and she was saying that I had these gonads that needed to be removed. I’m 13, I don’t know what gonads are.” The nurse told Saifa that it was because “they’re not good”. <br><br></p><p>Saifa has androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS), thought to affect between one and five in every 100,000 people. He has XY (typically male) chromosomes, but the receptors in his body that respond to male sex hormones don’t work fully. Saifa’s body developed with male characteristics, such as testes in his abdomen. He also developed some female features, including breasts, when he was eight.</p><p>Saifa is not the only person in his family with AIS, six of his family members have AIS and three identify as females having undergone surgeries in childhood to remove their testes. “That was the protocol of the time,” Saifa says, but somehow he was spared.</p><p>Even within his family, there is shame and stigma. On one occasion, his Uncle forced him to sleep outside on the porch of his home after surgery.</p><p>Saifa served as president of Interact Advocates for Intersex Youth for three years; in 2015, he joined an international advisory board for the first philanthropic Intersex Human Rights Fund established by the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice.</p><p><br></p><h3>3. Annet Negesa:</h3><br><p>A young woman named Annet from Iganga, a small village in eastern Uganda had so many dreams and aspirations. She seemed set for life when she was given ‘Athlete of the Year’ by the Uganda Athletics Federation, but the dream was cut short.</p><p>A year before she was given the award, 19-year-old Negasa travelled to Daegu in South Korea for the 2011 World Championships.</p><p>After securing a top-three spot in the 800 meters and 1500 meter categories in four international competitions, Annet Negasa qualified to represent her country at the 2012 London Olympics.</p><p>Unliike other participants, Negasa submitted to blood tests; this was a requirement of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF, now known as World Athletics) for all athletes competing that year.</p><p>But according to Negesa, she never received her test results.</p><p>In July, Negasa was preparing for the final stage of the 2012 London Olympics competition, when she got a call from her manager, informing her that she could no longer compete at the Olympics.</p><p>According to her Manager, her blood samples revealed levels of the hormone testosterone in her blood. The IAAF considered it too high and recommended her for further tests. </p><p>Negasa headed to a specialist hospital in the south of France, the name of which was provided by the IAAF. She underwent a medical assessment that involved a further blood test and an MRI scan.</p><p>In November 2012, she was taken to the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre in Kampala, Uganda, where the then 20-year-old woke up from surgery to learn her internal testes had been removed; she could not understand what had happened, no one had informed her of the consequences either.</p><p>Negesa understood that she was being treated for hyperandrogenism, the naturally high levels of testosterone her body produced, but she never consented to surgery of any kind.</p><p>In her own words, “They gave me a suggestion of going for simple surgery or using an injection to remove the excessive testosterone in the body. My suggestion was using the injection.”</p><p>A medical report seen by CNN states that the doctors in Uganda “restrained from starting her on estrogen therapy,” claiming that they were “awaiting further discussions” with an IAAF doctor.</p><p>A claim IAAF has firmly denied, they insist on not intervening in Annet Negasa’s treatment.</p><p>Negasa was supposed to be placed on estrogen 'replacement' therapy, but she was never. In its absence, she suffered multiple issues affecting most body systems.</p><p>Due to a lack of aftercare, Negesa’s body could not perform as it once did. She lost her university scholarship, and then her manager dropped her.</p><p>Negasa insists that she was treated like a guinea pig, she could not cope in Uganda, where she faced public scrutiny for her sex; this made her fall into depression.</p><p>In 2019, Negasa was granted asylum by the German government.</p><p><br></p><br><h4>Can Intersex People Get Pregnant, Impregnate Someone, or Self Impregnate?</h4><br><p>The answer is: an intersex woman can get pregnant if she has a fully functional vagina and a uterus; an intersex man can impregnate a woman if he has a fully functional testes producing sperm.</p><p> But an Intersex person can not impregnate themselves; for that to occur, they have to have both well-developed testes and ovaries or ovotestes. Since such cases hardly exist there is no possibility of self-impregnation.</p><p><br></p><p>Did you enjoy reading this?</p><br><p>For more exciting topics, follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FuntimesMagazine/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9t86mtyhDDI213ZcgY6P8w" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/funtimesmagazine/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/funtimes-magazine/?viewAsMember=true" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> with the handle @funtimesmagazine.</p><br><p>Follow us on Twitter with the handle <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/FunTimes_Mag" target="_blank">@Funtimes_Mag</a>!</p><br><br><br><p><b>Work Cited</b></p><p>WSJ</p><p>Wikipedia</p><p>theconversation</p><p>New Republic</p><p>CNN</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="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/893106/fill/300x0/jessica_20uchechi.png?timestamp=1648650109"></div><span><div> Jessica Uchechi Nwanguma is a Writer, Content and Social Media Strategist. She has a degree in Dental Technology and several certifications and has taken courses on Writing, SEO and digital and content marketing. Her book 'Beyond Agadez: the untold stories of the victims of human trafficking and organised crime.'</div><div> is available on Amazon Kindle. She can be found online on <a href="http://candour.substack.com/" target="_blank">Candour.substack.com</a>.<br><br><br>Read more from Jessica <span>Uchechi Nwanguma:<br><br></span><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/03/22/393394/online-dating-is-dangerous-especially-for-black-women-" target="_blank"><img alt="Photo credit eyeforebony Unsplash" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/908387/fit/80x80/image1.jpg?timestamp=1648650135" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/03/22/393394/online-dating-is-dangerous-especially-for-black-women-" target="_blank">Online Dating is Dangerous, Especially for Black Women.</a></h4>
<p>The danger of online dating has never felt so real, especially with the deaths of three Black women: Asia Maynard, Lauren Smith Field and Brenda Rawl who were killed by men they met on da... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/03/22/393394/online-dating-is-dangerous-especially-for-black-women-">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/03/10/392683/hard-boiled-eggs-5-proven-diet-plans-for-black-women-struggling-with-belly-fat" target="_blank"><img alt="Hard-Boiled Eggs 5 Proven Diet Plans for Black Women Struggling with Belly Fat" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/906082/fit/80x80/pexels-trang-doan-793759.jpg?timestamp=1648650149" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/03/10/392683/hard-boiled-eggs-5-proven-diet-plans-for-black-women-struggling-with-belly-fat" target="_blank">Hard-Boiled Eggs: 5 Proven Diet Plans for Black Women Struggling with Belly Fat</a></h4>
<p>Hard-boiled eggs are an excellent source of lean protein. They'll fill you up without packing in too many calories, which is helpful if you want to lose weight. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/03/10/392683/hard-boiled-eggs-5-proven-diet-plans-for-black-women-struggling-with-belly-fat">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/02/01/389168/black-billionaire-business-lessons-3-success-tips-from-tyler-perry-that-will-inspire-you-" target="_blank"><img alt="Tyler Perry at the 82nd Academy Awards Image Source Wikimedia Commons" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/896948/fit/80x80/tyler_20perry.jpeg?timestamp=1648650162" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/02/01/389168/black-billionaire-business-lessons-3-success-tips-from-tyler-perry-that-will-inspire-you-" target="_blank">Black Billionaire Business Lessons: 3 Success Tips From Tyler Perry That Will Inspire You.</a></h4>
<p>Three success tips from Tyler Perry, the 15th Black billionaire. Rising far above poverty, creating a significant international brand, owning a BET stake, and a net worth of 1 billion dol... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/02/01/389168/black-billionaire-business-lessons-3-success-tips-from-tyler-perry-that-will-inspire-you-">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><br></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:28d37cc2-fead-426b-8aec-f4b6bb11a9ae2022-03-26T11:32:38-04:002022-04-12T11:09:37-04:00Ghanaian Fitness Guru Yoofi Monney on an Immigrant’s Journey, Fitness and Healthy Habits 2022-03-26 12:00:00 -0400Nana Ama Addo<span><p>A Ghanaian proverb says “Obi nnim obrempon ahyease/No one knows the beginning of a great man”. When immigrants arrive in the United States, the chance for a better life and the vigor to succeed can be powerful catalysts for transformation, and overshadow the hurdles one may face. To encourage perseverance, entrepreneurship, and health, we are exploring an immigrant’s journey of success in the health and fitness field. </p><br><p>Yoofi Monney is a California-based Ghanaian fitness guru who moved to the US from Ghana as a child. Through his experiences, Yoofi has learned valuable lessons and transformed his pain into power by cultivating community through his fitness business, Monney Training.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/909452/fill/700x0/yoofi_20monney2.jpeg?timestamp=1648308129"></div><p> </p></span>As a young immigrant, Yoofi experienced being an outsider at a young age. In describing the beginning of his journey in America, Yoofi says:<br><p></p><p>“Moving from Ghana to the US at the age of 5 was a huge shock for me. It was pretty difficult since a huge majority of my family is in Ghana. My family and I didn’t have much, but we were very optimistic since America was the country of opportunity. I moved to Philadelphia, and because most of the kids looked like me (I lived in a predominantly black area), I thought it would be easier to connect and find friends. I was wrong.</p><p></p><p>It was difficult for me to connect or relate with other kids at that young age, and I didn't understand why. At the age of 8, I moved from Philadelphia to Glendale, California. I was bullied from ages 8 to 12, and it was extremely challenging but it taught me a lot. The most notable was that it taught me to treat everyone with compassion and respect, which I make sure to do to this day.</p><p></p><p>Once I got to middle school, I was starting to connect with other kids, and as time went by, the bullying stopped and I found myself making a lot of friends. I moved again, to San Dimas, California and by then I found it easy to connect with people and make friends through high school and college. One of the reasons I started personal training was because it was an easy way to connect with people and earn their trust so I could help them.”</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/909453/fill/700x0/yoofi_20monney_203.jpeg?timestamp=1648308183"></div><p> </p><p>Shifting from a country with a communal culture like Ghana to a drastically different culture of individuality in the United States may be a challenging adjustment. Yoofi describes experiencing this change as a culture shock:</p><p></p><p>“The biggest cultural shock for me was realizing how mean and distant some people in America can be. In Ghana, the people are so inviting and friendly, but in America, it felt like people didn’t really like me early on even despite being pretty shy as a kid.”</p><p><br></p><p></p><p>Read “Celebrating Ghana’s Independence with Ahaspora’s Ghana Action Forum 2022: Bridging Home and Abroad for Development”:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/03/17/393135/celebrating-ghana-s-independence-with-ahaspora-s-ghana-action-forum-2022-bridging-home-and-abroad-for-development" target="_blank"><img alt="Celebrating Ghanas Independence with Ahasporas Ghana Action Forum 2022 Bridging Home and Abroad for Development" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/908100/fit/80x80/ghana_20action_20forum.png?timestamp=1648308209" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/03/17/393135/celebrating-ghana-s-independence-with-ahaspora-s-ghana-action-forum-2022-bridging-home-and-abroad-for-development" target="_blank">Celebrating Ghana’s Independence with Ahaspora’s Ghana Action Forum 2022: Bridging Home and Abroad for Development</a></h4>
<p>On the eve of Ghana’s 65th independence, March 3rd, 2022, FunTimes attended Day 1 of the Ghana Action Forum, hosted by Ahaspora at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Ghana. The Ghana Action Fo... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/03/17/393135/celebrating-ghana-s-independence-with-ahaspora-s-ghana-action-forum-2022-bridging-home-and-abroad-for-development">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>Yoofi’s fitness journey had a monumental impact on the course of his life. In recanting his athletic journey, he says:</p><p>“I started my athletic journey in middle school by playing basketball, and I joined the track team once I got to high school. I then earned a track scholarship to compete at Cal Poly Pomona, which I eventually quit to focus on my studies. Once I wasn't an athlete anymore, I had to fill that void, and I ended up falling in love with health and fitness. I found it to be a stress reliever early on, and it became my passion to stay fit and also help people reach their fitness goals.”</p><p>The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says physical activity is an imperative aspect of maintaining physical health. In describing some of the benefits of practicing healthy habits and fitness, Yoofi says: “Staying on top of your health and fitness can help increase one’s quality of life from a mental and physical point of view. Staying active and developing healthy habits can even help keep you healthy as you get older. I always say ‘you only have one body so take good care of it’.</p><p></p><p>You’d be surprised how many problems can stem from a lack of exercise or living a sedentary lifestyle. Trust me I’ve seen it all. Make the change today and your future you will thank you!”</p><p><br></p><p></p><p>Read “Tips for Improving Black Health: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month”:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/03/13/392876/tips-for-improving-black-health-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month" target="_blank"><img alt=" A Black family Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna from Pexels A Colon Image by Shelleyyavaughn via Wikimedia Commons httpscommonswikimediaorgwikiFileColon_illustration_lgjpg Collard greens Image by Nolabob via Wikimedia Commons httpscommonswikimediaorgwikiFileCollard_greens_on_a_stovetopjpg No smoking sign Image by Lynne Hand via Flickr httpswwwflickrcomphotosyour_teacher384940702 Watermelon juice Photo by Bruno Scramgnon from Pexels " src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/906922/fit/80x80/colorectal_20cancer_20awareness.png?timestamp=1648308239" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/03/13/392876/tips-for-improving-black-health-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month" target="_blank">Tips for Improving Black Health: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month</a></h4>
<p>March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. To create awareness, and promote healthy lifestyles for Black people, we are highlighting strategies to prevent colon cancer. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/03/13/392876/tips-for-improving-black-health-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/909454/fill/700x0/yoofi_20monnney_204.jpeg?timestamp=1648308277"></div><p> </p><p>Yoofi helps people improve their fitness journeys through advice and training. He defines a healthy lifestyle as:</p><p></p><p>“Staying active and eating healthy foods. Staying active does not always mean going to the gym and lifting weights. Anyone can stay active by just moving. I try to educate all my clients on that. Anyone can take 10-20 mins out of their day to go for a walk, or just get up and move their body. Getting up and just moving is one of the best ways to start becoming more active.”</p><p></p><p>Yoofi provides fitness tips for people who are looking to start a healthier and more active lifestyle:</p><p> </p><p>“Don’t be intimidated, it’s ok to start small and build from there. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Do what you can and build from there. Reach out to a local trainer, gym, or nutritionist if you need extra help!</p><p></p><p>You can not outwork bad nutrition. What that means is that you can stay active, but if your nutrition isn’t very good, you may slow your progress or remain stagnant. I tell all my clients that whatever your fitness goals are, 9 out of 10 times it will rely 80% on what you are putting into your body.</p><p>My last tip would be to just start. I see a lot of people who are hesitant to start or feel like they’re too busy to start. If it’s really that hard, then start with just taking 5-10 mins out of your day, then as that gets easy, increase it to 10-20, and so on. Constantly putting it off just delays you from being the healthiest you. Put your health first.”</p><p><br></p><p>Read “National Nutrition Month: Advancing Nutrition for Black Communities”:</p><div class="media clearfix">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/03/17/393183/national-nutrition-month-advancing-nutrition-for-black-communities" target="_blank"><img alt=" Photo by Lukas from Pexels Edited " src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/907851/fit/80x80/national_20nutrition_20mnth.png?timestamp=1648308306" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/03/17/393183/national-nutrition-month-advancing-nutrition-for-black-communities" target="_blank">National Nutrition Month: Advancing Nutrition for Black Communities</a></h4>
<p>Most people know the saying of ‘Eat to live, not live to eat’. How does this come into play in the context of nutrition? Is there a way to eat healthy while maintaining the joy and savor ... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/03/17/393183/national-nutrition-month-advancing-nutrition-for-black-communities">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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</p><p> </p><p>Learn more about Yoofi’s journey at his personal Instagram: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/yoofimonney/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1648311632449774&usg=AOvVaw1NfZgrEZjMLixYtT4dIx0i">@yoofimonney</a> or work/fitness Instagram: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/monneytraining/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1648311632450022&usg=AOvVaw1jDydUyPqtYSSZPP1310pp">@monneytraining</a>.</p><p></p><p> </p><p><br></p><p><b>Works Cited</b></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1648311632450601&usg=AOvVaw37elu78GqAAxzAiwPmSdrf">https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm</a></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=1648308351"></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=1648311632451513&usg=AOvVaw3x1JtnkVuJ2SerwqNhJbNw"> </a>( <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.asieduasimprint.com&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1648311632451758&usg=AOvVaw3Df685lxYJt4u9ZKNrNR_O">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">
<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2022/03/20/393257/national-storytelling-month-5-black-tiktok-creators-who-are-captivating-audiences-with-intriguing-and-informative-content" target="_blank"><img alt="National Storytelling Month 5 Black TikTok Creators Who are Captivating Audiences with Intriguing and Informative Content" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/908144/fit/80x80/world_20storytelling.png?timestamp=1648308424" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2022/03/20/393257/national-storytelling-month-5-black-tiktok-creators-who-are-captivating-audiences-with-intriguing-and-informative-content" target="_blank">National Storytelling Month: 5 Black TikTok Creators Who are Captivating Audiences with Intriguing and Informative Content</a></h4>
<p>To fuel the Black storytelling impulse, we are highlighting 5 Black content creators who are combining uniqueness, relevancy, and humor to tell pertinent stories. <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2022/03/20/393257/national-storytelling-month-5-black-tiktok-creators-who-are-captivating-audiences-with-intriguing-and-informative-content">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/03/25/351133/-alchemy-streetwear-brand-directs-the-current-in-ghana-s-growing-creative-industry" target="_blank"><img alt="Alchemy Streetwear Brand Directs the Current in Ghanas Growing Creative Industry" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/810586/fit/80x80/alchemy_20streetwear.jpg?timestamp=1648308471" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/03/25/351133/-alchemy-streetwear-brand-directs-the-current-in-ghana-s-growing-creative-industry" target="_blank">‘Alchemy’ Streetwear Brand Directs the Current in Ghana’s Growing Creative Industry</a></h4>
<p>Kwakye is a Ghanaian fashion designer with a pensive aura and creative mind who is making waves on the creative scene. His streetwear brand “Alchemy” is an experience that showcases eclec... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/03/25/351133/-alchemy-streetwear-brand-directs-the-current-in-ghana-s-growing-creative-industry">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<span class="pull-left"><a href="/2021/06/13/359269/afia-and-owusu-bonsu-ghanaian-american-entrepreneurs-on-operating-transnational-businesses-during-covid-19" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/828863/fit/80x80/Afia_20and_20Owusu_20Bonsu_20B.jpeg?timestamp=1648308502" class="media-object"></a></span>
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<h4 class="media-heading"><a href="/2021/06/13/359269/afia-and-owusu-bonsu-ghanaian-american-entrepreneurs-on-operating-transnational-businesses-during-covid-19" target="_blank">Afia and Owusu Bonsu, Ghanaian-American Entrepreneurs, On Operating Transnational Businesses During COVID-19</a></h4>
<p>FunTimes sat down with this couple to learn about their struggles and triumphs during COVID-19, as well as multi-cultural solidarity in Philadelphia, and advice for entrepreneurs of the A... <span class="pull-right"><a href="/2021/06/13/359269/afia-and-owusu-bonsu-ghanaian-american-entrepreneurs-on-operating-transnational-businesses-during-covid-19">Read More »</a></span> </p>
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<p> </p><div><br></div><div><br></div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>