Damien D. Smith - The "Directorial" Force to be Reckoned With

Damien D Smith is a multi-talented artist, actor, director, and activist who uses his art form to create awareness and initiate conversations around a range of social issues. He is a passionate advocate for social justice and has dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of those who are historically underserved and undervalued. His work has been widely acclaimed and awarded due to his dedication to sparking awareness on human rights. His award-winning directorial projects, are Target: St. Louis, Detangling The South, and Free To Be Free. These projects have been widely acclaimed and awarded, and have made a huge impact on the world. Jejune is excited to put Damien D. Smith on your radar and explore his inspiring commitment to making the world a better place.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 48Jessica MoraMarch 24, 2023Actor, Director, writer, artist, human rights, advocateComment

Being A Hero Over The Generations

In celebration of Women’s History Month Joe’s Pub has an amazing cast of women coming to their stage! I had the pleasure to watch one of their monthly shows, Generation Women. This heartwarming show of female empowerment will have the audience laughing and crying in their seats in no time!

Otrium - Giving New Life To End-of-Season Fashion

Otrium is on a mission to create a more conscious and sustainable fashion industry. By leveraging technology to connect conscious consumers with excess stock from leading brands. They are empowering people to reduce industry waste and shop more consciously while giving fashion brands a lasting presence. With their innovative approach, Otrium is reducing the amount of clothing that is sent to landfills and providing customers with access to stylish and affordable fashion. By working directly with brands to sell their end-of-season inventory for up to 75% off, Otrium is helping to create a future where all clothing is worn. Jejune had the opportunity to speak with Zuhairah Scott Washington, President & Chief Operations Officer of Otrium, about their mission to create a more sustainable and affordable future for the fashion industry. Read our exclusive interview below to learn more!

SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 48Jessica MoraMarch 20, 2023fashion, sustainable, Sustainability, fashion sustainabilityComment

The Right Wing Long Game - By Andrew Krueger

This is a bad time to be queer. Alaska just gutted their LGBTQ+ Protections, Florida’s Bill SB254 is threatening to kidnap trans kids and tear apart queer families, and states across the country are introducing bills that mitigate gay rights, restrict access to gender affirming care, and expose the queer community as a whole to discrimination and violence. Iowa even attempted a fresh shot at rolling back marriage equality, along with the introduction of multiple anti-queer and anti-trans bills. These are just the tip of the iceberg; the legislation in progress is the opening move of the right wing’s long game to roll back rights, restrict healthcare, and force the queer community back into the closet.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 48Jejune ContributorMarch 17, 2023LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ+ kids, congress, politicsComment

Levina - Creating a Safe Space with Music

London-based musician Levina talks about mental health, her latest single Battleground, and how important it is to celebrate uniqueness in music. She tells Jejune how she overcame her own struggles with mental heath through the support she received from Help Musicians. Her story inspires people to seek the help they need, instead of keeping it all bottled in. Levina’s music is her way of expressing her emotions and helping others in their mental health journey. Please read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 48Disha GuptaMarch 15, 2023mental health advocate, music artist, singer song writer, therapy, stress, anxiety, singerComment

Elliot Frances Flynn - Making an Impact on the Film Industry

Elliot Frances Flynn is an actress, an artist, and a passionate advocate for storytelling. With her feature film debut in 2021 and her work with Collective Focus, Flynn has established herself as a multifaceted artist and a voice for positive change. She’s an inspiration to aspiring artists and a role model for young women. Her breakout performance in the film earned her praise from critics and fans alike. She is also set to appear in two feature films coming soon to theaters — “Linoleum” and “Confession.” But Flynn’s work goes beyond acting. She’s an artist, a philanthropist, and a passionate advocate for storytelling. Flynn is a founding member of Collective Focus, a donation-run artist collective operating a Resource Hub in Bushwick, NY. The Collective Focus Resource Hub provides space for artist-driven projects, workshops, and events that help foster collaboration, foster creativity, and create positive change. Continue reading as we explore the journey that has led Flynn to the forefront of the acting world and her work off-screen.

Substantial Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint This Year

Every small step toward sustainability can significantly impact the environment, like turning off your lights and unplugging items when they aren’t in use to reduce your energy consumption. However, there are bigger measures you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and make a lasting impact on the environment. Here are some other substantial ways to become more eco-friendly this year.

Wellness, zIssue 48Cora GoldMarch 10, 2023Sustainability, carbon footprint, carbon emissions, ecofriendly, zero waste, plant-basedComment

Marta Hobbs’ Journey to Healing and Self-Discovery

Marta Hobbs is a success story of courage and resilience. Born in Szczecin, Poland, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 13 as a political refugee. After a successful career in television production in New York City, Marta co-founded a multi-billion dollar business, CheapCaribbean.com, with her husband Jim. But the true success of her life came after a personal crisis that led her to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Marta’s new memoir ‘Unraveling’ details her riveting life’s journey, from overcoming hardships as a refugee to paving her new life in the United States where she ultimately finds her spiritual path and freedom. Today, Marta's mission is to help others on their own journey of healing and self-discovery. Through her spiritual practice, SoulCare, she leads people to practice self-love, forgiveness, and acceptance. Marta's story is an example of how we can all overcome our obstacles and find fulfillment in life. Continue reading to learn more about Marta and her journey to finding lasting happiness, love, health, fulfillment, and purpose in life.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 48Jessica MoraMarch 8, 2023Author, entrepreneur, Wellness, mental wellness, refugeeComment

Alt Pop Artist Cat Janice - Fighting Cancer Through Music

Alt Pop artist, Cat Janice’s story is truly inspiring. Between her battle with Cancer and passion for music, she has been able to tell her story through an artistic lens. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Cat’s love for music began at the ripe age of six and just kept on growing as she got involved in playing instruments and joining different musical groups. After being diagnosed with cancer, she felt like her life was completely falling apart and she began to lose focus on what she loves most, music. However, she realized that music was her outlet and decided to use it to raise awareness and express her self. Her new single, ‘Chill the fck out’ represents her way of relieving stress after her cancer diagnosis and sending the positive message of normalizing anxiety and finding ways to work through it. Besides music, Cat is involved in several nonprofits that focus on a variety of different, important causes. Keep reading to learn more about Cat Janice’s encouraging story and positive outlook on life!

Cover - Gola - The Lioness Of Iran

March is Women’s History Month and despite it being 2023, women are continuing to fight for basic human rights — in this country and around the world. One of the biggest female rights movements right now is taking over Iran. Jejune had the pleasure to photograph and chat with Iranian singer Gola, who is a force to be reckoned with. Born in Iran, she paved her way as a musical artist where there was none. Having been exiled from the place she calls home, Gola turns her pain into music that empowers the women of Iran and her listeners all over the world. Unafraid to show the real beauty and the brutal nature of the current regime, she has been rightfully called the Lioness or Iran. She makes those around her feel inspired, empowered, and wanting to do better. Jejune was excited to speak with Gola further on her personal journeys and the future of Iranian women, please read on to learn more!