She Speaks Wellness: Reclaimed Sisterhood
Eight African American Women clergy and leaders gathered for the She Speaks Hope Retreat at the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and were greeted by Rev. Dr. Margaret Aymer, the first African American Woman Dean in the history of the seminary. I am amazed because we were the first African American women’s group. This Spirit-led retreat demonstrated powerful moments of sisterhood. As women leaders, where do … Continue reading She Speaks Wellness: Reclaimed Sisterhood
More Than A Culture
by Jacquie Johnson, founder of Jacquie ooh The importance of Black people and our communities cannot be underestimated, due to our numerous contributions to our current society; from beauty to entertainment, to business, to leadership, and even politics. We can see Black excellence all around us. We do believe that all communities can learn from each other, however, the strength and generational bond that is … Continue reading More Than A Culture
March Feature: The Importance of Our Education and History
By Damita Miller-Shanklin You may remember Ms. Olyvia Green from our issue back in 2018. She was the first Black teacher at Pease Elementary. I reached out to her again because she is an Educator and I wanted to get her opinion about the school related issues in our country and black communities related to book bans, erasing of our history and more. I have … Continue reading March Feature: The Importance of Our Education and History
[March Issue] Our Education. Our History. We Can Not Be Erased.
The March issue of Ujima is about ensuring we understand the world around us is trying to push our history out of society. We have to ensure we are not erased from the history books and we continue to be recognized and we receive equality and justice. Ms. Olyvia Green, a Educator, gives her opinion about education today and what needs to happen for our … Continue reading [March Issue] Our Education. Our History. We Can Not Be Erased.
What Will They Remember?
Mary Linnen, Editor Active Living Being that it’s Black History Month a lot of people are talking about the legacy and the advice they want to leave to their children and grandchildren. I try to share this on a regular basis. Having a relationship with your grandchildren starts when they are little babies. When you use the word legacy, most people relate that to houses, … Continue reading What Will They Remember?
She Speaks Wellness
By Minister Sonya Hosey There is continuing to be an exchange of views about faith, the black community, and mental well being. Some in the faith community ask why we only talk about African Americans when the church should focus on all people? I agree. We are all citizens of the Kingdom of God, and believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ as the Son … Continue reading She Speaks Wellness
Our Women, Their Contributions
by Jacquie Johnson, founder of Jacquie ooh The conversation surrounding influential moments and people in black history often focuses on the contributions of men — leaving the vital efforts of black women by the wayside. That’s why it’s important to make sure black women’s contributions are always part of our conversations about history. While some are more well-known than others, lack of mainstream recognition doesn’t … Continue reading Our Women, Their Contributions
Jasmine Paul: Generational Wealth Starts With You
Damita Miller-Shanklin When I think about growing up I didn’t have anyone to tell me about money management,how to use money or to save money. How was financial literacy presented to Paul at a young age? Her home was like most family homes. Her parents are immigrants who migrated to this country and she was taught money does not grow on trees. You have to … Continue reading Jasmine Paul: Generational Wealth Starts With You
February Issue: Jasmine Paul: Generational Wealth Starts With You
Ujima Magazine’s February issue is about legacy and generational wealth. We are celebrating Black History month as well. What are we teaching our next generation about how to save and invest for your future and your children’s future. Leaving a legacy does not always mean monetary and our feature, Jasmine Paul, discusses how she teaches our future generation about budgeting and understanding money. Jasmine Paul … Continue reading February Issue: Jasmine Paul: Generational Wealth Starts With You
Mental Health Is Not A Joke
January Issue Damita Miller-Shanklin Our mental health is something we need to all take seriously. My own journey with mental health at times has been a struggle. The recent death of DJ Stephen tWitch Boss last week really bothered me. I had no connection but the outcome of his life based on alleged mental health issues, I realized there are many of us in pain. … Continue reading Mental Health Is Not A Joke
How About a Mind Detox?
Source: yourheights.com By: Laura Sugden We all get a lot of information in our heads. Our brains work overtime trying to keep our thoughtsclear. It has to remember everything from names, birthdays, and more serious things like when areschool holidays or your next doctor appointment. Have you thought about doing a mind detox? Thisis how you do it. Here are five, simple, mindful activities to … Continue reading How About a Mind Detox?
January Issue: Renewal, Rejuvenation is More Than Just Going to a Spa
by Jacquie Johnson, founder of Jacquie ooh As I have been thinking about what to write for this month’s issue, I began to think about the topic of relationships. How do relationships fit with the theme of renewal and rejuvenation? I started thinking about the topic more, and I realized that renewal and rejuvenation are necessary components of establishing, maintaining, and ending relationships. If we … Continue reading January Issue: Renewal, Rejuvenation is More Than Just Going to a Spa
New Issue: Lily Shepard Moves: It’s All About Self-Discovery
Our first issue of 2023 is here. You don’t want to miss our feature story with Lily Shepard of Lily Shepard Moves. She talks about getting back to who we are as a women. It’s all about Self-Discovery. You will also find other stories that deal with renewal, healing and rejuvenation. Enjoy the read. Please share the issue link with your friends and family. Thanks. … Continue reading New Issue: Lily Shepard Moves: It’s All About Self-Discovery
Ebonie Trice: Mission Accomplished
by Damita Miller-Shanklin This issue is our final issue of the year 2022. This November/December issue is about the Act of Kindness and looking ahead to 2023. Ujima introduces you to Ebonie Trice. Her story is a genuine act of kindness and she talks about her mission to assist the homeless population in Austin and what she is doing to solve the most needed service … Continue reading Ebonie Trice: Mission Accomplished
Madelyn Patterson: Ujima’s Marketing Director
Ujima Magazine would like to introduce Madelyn Patterson. She has joined the Ujima staff as our Marketing Director. She comes to us with many years of experience in sales. We are happy she has join our team and will reach entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level. You can reach Madelyn at ujimamagazineads@gmail.com. She is ready to work with you. Ujima … Continue reading Madelyn Patterson: Ujima’s Marketing Director
Meet Author Aaris Epps
Damita Miller-Shanklin Reading should start early. Growing up my mom read to me every night. She did not like Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss because I would ask her to read it almost every night. This is a fond memory for me. This is where Author Aaris Epps enters the story. Since she was a kid, she has always been a big reader, … Continue reading Meet Author Aaris Epps
SHE SPEAKS WELLNESS: You Are the Hero of Your Own Story
Contributing Writer Minister Sonya Hosey YOUR STORY All of us have a story to tell. Your family history, experiences, failures, and success shapes you. “Be the hero of your own story. Show the world the quality of your character, the strength of your resolve, and the size of your heart by finishing strong.” — Gary Ryan Blair Jeremiah 29:11” For I know the plans that … Continue reading SHE SPEAKS WELLNESS: You Are the Hero of Your Own Story
When You Look at the New Year-Are You Ready?
By Damita Miller-Shanklin Do you remember a song titled “The Futures So Bright. I Gotta Wear Shades” by Timbuktu 3? When I sat down to write about the new year that song came to mind. Why? Because I worry about the future. This year of 2022 has seen a lot of changes — Women’s Rights, the Insurrection, and so much more. However, our Black communities … Continue reading When You Look at the New Year-Are You Ready?
Acts Of Kindness
Source: United Way Damita Miller-Shanklin We all know from childhood, we should be kind to others. As adults, we should continue to be kind and caring because it’s the best thing to do. The act of kindness is shown the most during the holiday season. If you are looking to share some love and kindness here are a few ideas: These are just a few … Continue reading Acts Of Kindness
Feature: Blacks and Homelessness
Damita Miller-Shanklin Feature Story: Blacks and Homelessness Damita Miller-Shanklin Homelessness requires resilience especially when it is not by choice. “At least 2,300 eviction filings were logged in total from April 2020 through December 2021, an average of just over 110 per month. However, 2,517 filings have been tracked so far in 2022—more than 50% of Travis County’s pandemic-era total in just three months. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2vxafsm6 … Continue reading Feature: Blacks and Homelessness
Viewpoint: Changing of the Seasons
Damita Miller-Shanklin, Editor-in-Chief As I get older, it seems that timepasses so fast. Living in Texas, wedon’t always see the distinctchanging of the seasons. Buteventually, it will getcooler, the leaves will change colors,and you settle into that seasonaltime. There is a saying that changeis good. To me change equalsprogress. I find that the “change is good”attitude is a good one for manythings. Ujima just celebrated … Continue reading Viewpoint: Changing of the Seasons
What Can We Do About Homelessness?
October 2022 Issue This issue of Ujima Magazine is about the change of seasons and being resilient. We ask the question about how to help our homeless in Austin, Texas. This is a conversation we need to have especially with black women and their children. How do you think we should address the homeless population? Ujima Magazine Continue reading What Can We Do About Homelessness?
Favorite Times
Mary Linnen, Editor We all have favorite times, this is one of them for me. Sharing with the community things that make a positive difference. Each month l learn something different and love sharing. There is so much going on around us. Sharing with the community is such a great pleasure. My greatest takeaway this year was the health information for the mind and body. … Continue reading Favorite Times
She Speaks Wellness: Black Women-Celebrate
Minister Sonya Hosey, Contributing I am excited to share and contribute to the celebration of the 14th year of Ujima Magazine. I thank Damita Miller Shanklin, Editor-in-Chief, for enduring and persevering to accomplish her God-given assignment to share women’s stories that reach the nation. As Black women, we must celebrate one another and ourselves. Our purpose comes with sweat, tears, and sometimes loneliness. However, God … Continue reading She Speaks Wellness: Black Women-Celebrate
Beauty and Lifestyle: Celebrations, The Universal Language
Jacqueline Johnson, Creator of Jacquie Ooh The saying life is but a vapor is so true. One minute you are here and the next you’re not. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Therefore, it is important to celebrate life while we breathe in our bodies. We should celebrate milestones such as graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. These things represent continuity and growth, … Continue reading Beauty and Lifestyle: Celebrations, The Universal Language
Viewpoint: The Why of Ujima Magazine
by Damita Miller-Shanklin, Editor-in-Chief We are celebrating this month! We have come a long way in learning to managea magazine. Systems are the key for our staff. Putting systems in placehas allowed us to reach many goals. There has been trial and error and of course, we have had to tweak things as we work the system. This applies to almost all jobs. Deadlines are … Continue reading Viewpoint: The Why of Ujima Magazine
Ujima Business Spotlight for September
#austinwater #smartmeter #businessspotlight #ujimamagazine #austintexas Continue reading Ujima Business Spotlight for September
Feature: The Last Fourteen Years
Celebrations are a time to enjoy your accomplishments and reflect on the journey. The magazine’s foundation was always to uphold our community by sharing stories of our “everyday heroes.” I wanted to have our stories told from a positive perspective to show how we are a part of the world with hopes and dreams as everyone else. Our culture matters. Our history and legacy are … Continue reading Feature: The Last Fourteen Years
Happy Anniversary Ujima Magazine
Ujima Magazine is celebrating 14 years of storytelling, sharing stories of people making a difference in our Black community and ensuring our history lives on for years to come!! Celebrate with us by sharing the link with your friends and family members. We are looking forward to sharing more “everyday heroes” with you. Thanks for your continued support. We appreciate you. Damita Miller-Shanklin Editor-in-Chief Continue reading Happy Anniversary Ujima Magazine
She Speaks Wellness-Wrap Me in Your Arms
Contributing Writer, Minister Sonya Hosey August Issue-Page 4 There is a song by William McDowell called “Wrap Me in Your Arms.” The lyrics say, “Take me to that place Lord; to that secret place where I can be with you. You can make me like you. Wrap me in your arms.” This song shares an experience of intimacy with God, which reminds us that there … Continue reading She Speaks Wellness-Wrap Me in Your Arms
You’re Welcome to Take a Seat at the Roundtable
By Jacqueline Johnson, creator of Jacquie ooh Black women have historically been subjected to marginalization in movements that should address our needs, leaving us without a movement and a voice. Despite well-publicized research on gender in corporate America and communities, there’s a conspicuous lack of data that focuses on challenges faced by Black women. These challenges are not small or insignificant. Black women need advancement and support. We are … Continue reading You’re Welcome to Take a Seat at the Roundtable
Darline Turner Mamas on Bedrest and Beyond
The new issue of Ujima is all about creating safe spaces for Black women. The issue features Darline Turner, founder of Mamas on Bedrest and Beyond. She talks about how her business assist women have healthy babies. We hope you will enjoy this issue. Damita Miller-Shanklin Editor-in-Chief Continue reading Darline Turner Mamas on Bedrest and Beyond
Viewpoint: The Love of Art
Damita Miller-Shanklin Editor-in-Chief I love art. Once I became an adult, I discovered art’s beauty, creativity, and healing. Our feature is Artist Lynda Coleman. You will learn about her passion for art and teach our children of color about how they can be great artists and follow their passion for creativity. Link to full July Issue https://ujimamagazine.com/2022/07/02/ujima-july-2022-issue-featuring-lynda-coleman/ What is your favorite medium of art? Continue reading Viewpoint: The Love of Art
Ujima July 2022 Issue-Featuring Lynda Coleman
Feature Story: Lynda Coleman-Art From The Heart. Be Ready. Art Opens Doors.
I met Lynda Coleman back in 2008 when I did the first story on her. I wanted to catch up with her work with children and art through her company Art From the Heart. Coleman is an Austinite born and raised. She attended Pecan Springs Elementary and Blanton Elementary growing up. Her early memory of beginning her art journey happened at Pecan Springs. She was … Continue reading Feature Story: Lynda Coleman-Art From The Heart. Be Ready. Art Opens Doors.
Summer Fruit Chopped Salad
On warm summer days, a chopped salad is my meal of choice. They’re light, fresh, and filling! No heat in the kitchen, that’s pretty much all I need on a hot, summer day. The beauty of a chopped salad is that there really aren’t any rules. You can pretty much add whatever you want! A summer chopped salad is like summer on a fork! and … Continue reading Summer Fruit Chopped Salad
The July Issue of Ujima Is Out on July 1 Make Sure You Check It Out!!
District 1 Town Hall Meeting-Natasha Harper-Madison
Remembering Our Fathers
Damita Miller-Shanklin Happy Father’s Day to all the great fathers in the world. Fathers are the force behind our mothers. Some fathers do not get the praise they deserve. My father has been gone since 1993 and I miss him very much. So, celebrate Father’s Day by telling your father you love and appreciate him for all he has done for you. Continue reading Remembering Our Fathers
She Speaks Wellness-Leave Your Waterpot Behind
Minister Sonya Hosey, Contributing Writer “It must happen to us all … We pack up what we’ve learned so far and leave the familiar behind. No fun, that shearing separation, but somewhere within, we must dimly know that saying goodbye to safety brings the only security we’ll ever know. – Author: Richard Bach Most of us are at a stage of life where small things … Continue reading She Speaks Wellness-Leave Your Waterpot Behind
Juneteenth. A Day of History, Pride, and Cultural Identity
By Damita MIller-Shanklin Sources: NHPR, Golden West College “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are … Continue reading Juneteenth. A Day of History, Pride, and Cultural Identity
She Speaks Wellness: Mental Health and the Church
From the May Issue May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this is a clarion call to the church. As the church doors open, they are not well-prepared to address the emotional wounds. People are returning with job loss, grief, fear, depression, and physical conditions not recognizing the seriousness and remaining silent. Do we hear the modern-day voices of Elijah, Job, and Jeremiah who suffered … Continue reading She Speaks Wellness: Mental Health and the Church
Beauty and Lifestyle -Transformation Begins Within
By Jacquie ooh Johnson, Contributing Writer Many people want to change some aspect of their lives. Others prefer to transform their lives by making significant, lasting changes. Transforming your life involves going beyond the way you live, co-creating a better life for yourself, and changing the way you live. You do this by using your thoughts, visualization, words, faith, actions, or a combination of them. … Continue reading Beauty and Lifestyle -Transformation Begins Within
Save the Date: The Annual Miss Juneteenth Central Texas Pageant
Viewpoint: Celebration of Mothers
From the May Issue 2022 The month of May is always a reminder that we are starting the holiday season. Moving forward we start with celebrations from Cinco De Mayo to Juneteenth. The most important celebration is Mother’s Day! How will you celebrate your mother? My mother is the matriarch of our family. She is 95 years old and still enjoys her family. Recently, she … Continue reading Viewpoint: Celebration of Mothers
Famous Mothers of Black History
Source: Mom’s Choice Awards Mom’s Choice Awards ‘Cause I’m A Woman… Enjoli – Retroist In our current times, due to social media, we all know when most women become mothers. This is from famous moms to friends and acquaintances. Looking at our history, we did not always know who had children unless they caught a photo or after they pass away you may see their … Continue reading Famous Mothers of Black History
Patricia Hayes, Strategist, Executive Advisor, Empowerment Coach
You Have To Take a Chance on Yourself Damita Miller-Shanklin I had the opportunity to have a great chat with Patricia Hayes. Her company is PVH Consulting Group, LLC. Her company provides Strategic support, Executive Advisor services, and Coaching. Meet Patricia Hayes. Patricia Hayes is an Attorney by training but her work is around educational law, policy, and legislative work. She graduated from Pepperdine Law … Continue reading Patricia Hayes, Strategist, Executive Advisor, Empowerment Coach
Why Dark Chocolate?
Source: Healthline Page 8: Why Dark Chocolate? Source: Healthline I am a chocolate lover. I have a routine that I got from my mama. Every night before she goes to bed, she has something sweet. Just a little bit. Usually, it was something chocolate. Well, I have developed the same habit. Here is some good news about dark chocolate. –Dark chocolate is nutritious. It contains … Continue reading Why Dark Chocolate?
Fun Things To Do This Spring
Mary Linnen, Senior Writer, Editor Spring for me is so exciting, mainly because it leads to summer. There are many things you can do in the spring make a list and then make plans! Let’s start with a few ideas.● Plant a spring garden (or even just a plant or two)● See the cherry blossoms.● Have a picnic at the par● Go for a run.● … Continue reading Fun Things To Do This Spring
Bloom Sister Bloom
Minister Sonya Hosey, Contributing Writer Iron Sharpens Iron 4MySisters Network I have heard the term “bloom where you are planted” many times. However, it is still inconclusive as to where it originated. The definition of bloom is the state or period of most extraordinary beauty, freshness, or vigor. We have anticipated transitioning from winter to spring. In this season, we find a once-dormant flower, each … Continue reading Bloom Sister Bloom
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