From The Editor
August reminds us to pause, breathe, and celebrate the happiness within our community. Even as summer winds down, the spirit of Ujima continues — lifting everyday heroes, honoring our roots, and reminding us that together, we create history, prosperity and legacies.
This month we celebrate Black Business Month. It’s a time to recognize, support, and uplift the entrepreneurs and visionaries who pour their creativity, courage, and determination into building businesses that strengthen us all. Their work is a reflection of our resilience — and a reminder that when we invest in one another, we all rise. We all win.
I continue to look for inspiration that keeps me moving forward even when the world feels heavy and unkind. I look for stories of resilience, joy, and purpose — proof that our community holds an unshakable strength. These are the stories that don’t just remind us who we are, but also who we’re becoming.
Ujima is a place for truth, for celebration, growth and for love of our community. My hope is that as you read our issue, you feel encouraged, seen, and uplifted.
Let’s carry this energy with us into the changing season — rooted in who we are, blooming in who we’re called to be.
Keep Blooming
Damita
Everyday Heroes Spotlight
Our feature story shines on Arnikia “Nicky” Robinson, a motivational speaker, author, and advocate whose resilience has carried her from personal trials to building her own Roku channel, Arnikia Robinson TV. She reminds us that even when life bends us, we don’t have to break.
This month, we also celebrate Black Business Month with powerful stories of innovation and legacy, including voices like Jacquie Ooh, Kim Roxie of LAMIK Beauty, and S. Monique Smith — entrepreneurs turning vision into purpose You’ll also find reflections on wellness and faith in She Speaks Wellness by Minister Sonya Hosey, a soulful journey of rest and renewal in Sacred Silence by Christina “Satya” G., and new creative beginnings in Graduating the Unknown by Aubrie Edmond, she is still finding her way.
Finally, don’t miss Mary’s Tips & Ideas for staying safe during storm season, plus a sweet treat recipe for homemade vanilla ice cream — the perfect way to savor these last summer days.
Read full issue: Ujima Magazine
What is Ujima is Enjoying
We have been enjoying meeting new writers and adding them to our freelance team.
Meredith Sisnett will be contributing to our issue and/or our website her stories of interest. As the Editor, I ask that our writers submit stories that are of interest to them. This allows for variety in our storytelling and the writer enjoys the process much better in my opinion. It is nothing like having a topic you are not interested in you have to write about
The next person Ujima spoke with, and her stories will be shared with our Ujima reader, is Phyllis Everette Philanthropist and Founder of Saffron Trust.
Look for their work in our upcoming newsletters, issues and website.
One Thing To Know
Uncle Nearest Distillery
This past week there has been a story hitting all the news feeds. I had only heard of the Uncle Nearest Distillery from a podcast I listened to when Fawn Weaver was promoting her book.
It is always difficult to hear a black business is having trouble or having to close. We will be watching this story. There is a lesson in this story for all of us. We wish all black-owned businesses success.
Before We Go…
We would like to remind all of our readers, which is you, that every 3rd Tuesday of each month, the latest issue of Ujima is featured on CBS We are Austin. We hope you look for it next month. Here is the link for this month’s highlight.
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Thanks for reading and Keep Blooming.
UJIMA MAGAZINE 