How to Stay Politically Active in the New Year

The midterm elections have ended and elected officials are preparing to take their seats in office. So what happens next? A flight over who will be the next Speaker Of The House? That aside, we still have influence and an obligation to hold our elected officials accountable.

To stay engaged you will want to find a balance between education and action. Take the first step. Look up your candidates at the local, state, and national levels. Make good use of resources to understand the issues and make an impact. Continue reading to learn about what it looks like to stay politically active after the election, and why it is essential in the New Year.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 47Jessica MoraJanuary 10, 2023politics, get political, election, New Year, Volunteer, Give back, stay active, voteComment

Taylor Paige Henderson - All Things Witchy and Magical

Taylor Paige Henderson is a sensation on the rise. Living almost every young teenager’s dream, her life working in film is nothing short of dreamy! Her recent casting in Hocus Pocus 2 as young Winifred is, honestly, the highlight of the new movie. She is fresh and super sassy! Apart from being a super fun actress, she also volunteers at Lost Pets of Amarillo, which is a local animal rescue group that places abandoned pets with new loving forever homes. Let Jejune Magazine help you get to know Taylor and her witchy ways a bit more through our exclusive interview.

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 45Tejasvi PradeepNovember 4, 2022actress, Volunteer, petshelter, childactor, Actor, film, film industryComment

The Impacts of Social Media Activism

Social media has its pros as well as its cons… but in order to make a real impact on social justice in America, individuals and communities need to step outside and speak up for what they believe in.

Articles, zIssue 44Goldie AharonJuly 21, 2022social media, activism, women, BLM, Technology, online, balance, awareness, Volunteer, donation, protestComment

Ali Fumiko Whitney- Learning To Love Her Heritage

Ali Fumiko Whitney is an inspirational American actress of Japanese, English, and Scottish ancestry who has appeared in films such as "The Road Dance," "Snow Valley," and, most recently, "The Islander." Ali currently resides in New York City but previously lived in Los Angeles, where she attended UCLA and studied theater. Ali may be busy working on projects, but that doesn't stop her from volunteering for Harlem Village Academies and supporting environmentally friendly brands. She also works with non-profit organizations such as CAPE to give Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders a voice and empower them in entertainment and media. Her dedication to embracing her culture does not end there; she also enjoys Asian cuisine and, despite being gluten free, is able to find a variety of delicious meals and healthier alternatives. Read on to learn more about Ali Fumiko Whitney, her roles in "The Road Dance," "Snow Valley," and "The Islander," as well as to learn more about the nonprofit and volunteer organizations she has worked with.

Joy Nash On Embracing The Skin You Are In

Joy Nash is an actress based out of Los Angeles. Fifteen years ago, while YouTube was still an infant, Nash posted “A Fat Rant.” The monologue garnered over a million reviews and inspired a lot of people to start living for today, no matter the skin they are in. As an actress you may also recognize her from Dietland (2018), Twin Peaks (2017), and The Mindy Project (2013). Nash’s resume also includes writer, voice talent, and volunteer with ‘A Place Called Home’ in Downtown LA. Their art, education, and wellness program for kids in South Los Angeles works to improve their economic conditions and lead healthy purposeful lives. Read on in our interview with Joy Nash to learn more about her career, volunteer work, and upcoming projects!

Jeremy Ray Taylor Shows No Fear

Jeremy Ray Taylor is not new to the spotlight, having starred in several blockbusters such as the ‘It’ films, ‘Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween,’ ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark,’ and the CBS television series ‘Big Sky.’ In his interview with Jejune Magazine, Jeremy recounts his roles in these horror/fantasy films and shows, along with a sneak peek on some future projects. Before the pandemic, he had made his directorial debut in “Unarmed Divide,” a film about a military veteran struggling with PTSD. This is an issue close to Jeremy and his family’s heart. and he hopes upon viewing the film that there will be an increase in conversation around the topic of PTSD. He stresses that PTSD can affect a number of individuals, and it is time to break the fear and stigma around the disorder. On top of acting and directing, Jeremy is also involved with the Salvation Army, Free The Girls, Isaiah 117 House, and Feed My Lambs. Read on to learn more about Jeremy Ray Taylor, his acting and directing roles, and his volunteer work.

Kjersti Long Is No One's Princess

Kjersti Long is challenging all of your stereotypical thoughts in her new single, ‘Not Your Princess.’ The song was written after her dad made the mistake of calling her one, and after expressing her displeasure, Kjersti put pen to paper and wrote a song about it. The song celebrates the fact that we are all individual people that are more than a title or the judgement of others. While Kjersti is super fierce, she also has a heart of gold. This can be seen through her interpretation of the song ‘Eleanor Rigby’ by the Beatles. Her music video for ‘Eleanor Rigby’ highlights the feeling of loneliness, a feeling felt by most throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on in our interview to learn about Kjersti’s volunteer work with America’s Grow A Row, her live gigs where proceeds go to Mental Health and Wellness initiatives, and a sneak peek on some upcoming projects.

Hollis Morrissette, Formerly Mr. Michigan United States, is Now Mr. Self Love

Actor, singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, and a former Mr. United States pageant title holder Hollis Morrissette is a man of many talents. In his interview with Jejune, we asked him if he had a favorite passion, and his answer was self love. If you read farther into the interview you will truly understand this answer, as Hollis truly believes in giving back in any way that he can. He is a charity partner with Save the Children and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, where he helps raise funds and donates both his time and talents to each organization. As COVID restrictions begin to ease up, Hollis is hopeful to begin volunteering in person again. Right now he helps out with the LA Mission by serving food and packaging hygiene care packages for men and women, and will be volunteering with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank during the holidays. Read on in our interview with Hollis to read more about his volunteer work, the recent release of his new single “Your Love Is,” and more projects that he has in the works!

No Days Off with Akeem Mair

Akeem Mair, actor and activist from Pasadena, California, has big dreams and a big personality to match. In his interview with Jejune Magazine, Akeem explains the chance instance that inspired him to become an actor, the dedication he has to his profession, and his own ten year plan. Never one to take an off day, Akeem keeps a list of goals and action points to work on throughout the day. His new film, It’s On You, will also be finished later this year. Being a black man in the film industry has never been easy, but Akeem looks to the greats like Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier to provide representation and inspiration. Additionally, Akeem gets into his charity work as a community leader with the Mysankofi Live experience and his lifelong volunteer work with the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. Read on to learn more about the man himself and his developed sense of community created through his work.

Expanding Creativity with Dakota Gorman

Best known for her roles in Teen Wolf and Criminal Minds, Dakota Gorman is attaining more attention in Hollywood with her new creative endeavors as a director. She recently made her directional debut, All About Sex, in the Gravitas Ventures film. The movie takes us on a journey illuminating the flaws of the human condition and the inevitable mistakes we make in life as we forever grow into ourselves. What’s more than creating an influential movie is that Dakota is inspirational as she is an active volunteer with Water Drop LA helping her local community. Take a journey with Jejune to learn more about the up-and-rising director in the interview below.

Marcelo Deiss Moves Through Music

Brazilian Londoner Marcelo Deiss is a citizen of the world, and he shows this through his music. Embedded with politically and socially conscious messages, his music is a testament of Deiss’ commitment to making the world a more just one. The singer-songwriter latest EP, Hurl, is the story of an artist disenchanted with the status quo, yet hopeful about the future and art’s place in it. Jejune sat down with Deiss to learn more about his vision for Hurl, how he makes music from the melody to the lyrics, and how he uses his multicultural background to uplift others. To find out more about Marcelo Deiss, continue reading below.

Siaki Sii And Fancy Nancy Fifita: A lineage Of Entertainment And Magnanimity

With an extended family history in entertainment, cousins Siaki Sii and Nancy Fifita, aka Fancy Nancy Fifita, are the newest emerging talent on a path to stardom. The Tonga born teens are accomplished actors, musicians, and dancers, Siaki best known for his role as Owens on ABC's “Blackish” and Nancy as Lacy in the film GILLYMUCK.

Beyond acting, Siaki and Nancy are performers at heart. Nancy co-wrote and recorded her first single "You So Fancy" at age nine, while Siaki gained his highest recognition as a Tahitian dancer, at the age of nine where he won Best Lead-Role Dancer at Tahiti Fete 2012.

In addition to entertainment, volunteering and hospitality is a long running familial value. The teen duo hosted the East Coast Prom and were celebrity guests at the West Coast Prom through Virtual Prom Live. They have assisted with over 300 events to raise money by using her talents to sing, perform or give service hours to scout service projects. Nancy was selected as the United States Ambassador for the Tongan Red Cross. Siaki performs annually for local senior centers since he was five, between Los Angeles and Utah. He also joins his Boys Scouts of America troop annually to place flags at the cemetery for all the fallen heroes. In addition to this, they joined forces to start their own organization, S & N (Siaki and Nancy Serving Those in Need), to give back! To learn more about this incredible family, please read our exclusive interview here.

Erin Reese: Country's Anti-Bully

Erin Reese started her working career much younger than most. This 16 year old began as a model and developed a curiosity for entertainment. Now, as a singer and actor, the Florida native has amassed years of experience appearing in movies and shows such as “Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors” and “Chicken Girls”. Reese is also a strong anti-bullying proponent, and uses her platform to support others suffering from bullying. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Erin Reese.

Editorial - The Heart of the Desert

Most of the USA doesn’t really think about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), but it currently affects 70,000 to 80,000 Americans, click here to learn more and see beautiful images of London Knight; stunning model, survivor of SCD, and volunteer.

Reviewed, Editorials, zIssue 4Kira BuccaNovember 8, 2018Volunteer, give back, sickle cell, desert, fashion, woman's fashion

Be My Eyes - The App That Is Almost Single Handedly Bringing Sight To The Blind

Being an independent blind person just became a little easier in this world with the invention of this incredible app that connects the blind to kind volunteers at all hours of the day. Learn more here and help make a change!

Articles, Reviewed, zIssue 4Kira BuccaOctober 18, 2018blind, give back, Apps, Volunteer, visually impaired

First Hand Experience In Puerto Rico Post Hurricane Maria By Kira Bucca

It has been over three months and Puerto Rico still in need of a lot of help. Experience some of the stories and learn how you can help here.

The Everyday Super Hero, SpideySteve

Meet SpideySteve, he is just your friendly neighborhood Spiderman, yet, instead of web swinging he makes the world a better place by working with Hope for Henry to visit sick children in hospitals and help give them the strength and encouragement they need. When he is not a saving the world, he is also, appropriately, a trapeze artist and actor.

Articles, Reviewed, zIssue1.1Kira BuccaOctober 16, 2017super hero, spiderman, SpideySteve, Hope for Henry, volunteer, give back, sick kids, Volunteer