In a time where it feels most shows and films are about superheroes, it is refreshing to watch content that just feels real. Writer and producer Carlton Jordan is a self proclaimed, and justifiably so, stigma-breaker. He writes stories that are not only relatable, but are on issues that no one is talking about. This can especially be seen on his YouTube show “POZ ROZ”, which is about a young black woman who contracts HIV. The viewer finds themselves loving Roz through her growth and struggles as she adjusts to her new reality. Warning, there are a few spoilers here, but Carlton made sure not to give away anything for Season 2 (even though I wanted him to)! Please read further to learn more about Carlton Jordan and his creations.

COVER - Corey O'Brien & Ryan Russell Embody Love

In a time when the country feels so divided, Corey O'Brien & Ryan Russell’s love solidifies to me how love can heal all. These two very unique men found each other during a time they didn’t think they were even interested in a relationship, but were so charming that they couldn’t get enough of each other. A year later, they are stronger than ever, supporting each other in the midst of 2020 chaos, celebrating sobriety, going to Black Lives Matter protests, and creating a YouTube Channel to celebrate their love and individuality. To learn about one of 2020’s cutest couples, please read further.

COVER - Good Trouble

This week marks two months of straight Black Lives Matter protests in New York City, and in many other places across the United States. In the midsts of a pandemic, people from all over the world have come together to support the black community and fight against police brutality. People are waking up and learning about systemic racism and what it actually means to defund the police. But there is always more to be done. Please check out our BLM Resource Book for more information.

This has been a unique time in history because everything has been closed and boarded up and artists are without work. So, the streets of SoHo have had more empty canvases for the incredible and relevant art sprouting up everywhere. Artists are listed last on the list of essential businesses, but as history is happening around us, we are busier than ever. It is the art people will look back on to document the past, and that art is screaming to be heard, for justice, and for change.

Staying Sheek In 2020 - 12 Sustainable Face Masks That Are A Breath Of Fresh Air

Fashion is in a weird place these days, with people leaving their homes less than ever, and many designers still in flux, but there is one way we can still make a huge fashion statement, and do a bit of good with it: a mask!

Soo many amazing brands are coming out with super cute masks these days that it is actually hard to decide which to go with! So, we tried to make your job a little easier. We found 12 great designers who are producing not only fashionable masks, but they are sustainable/give back in some away.

As always, it is important that we look amazing while we save the world. Remember, not all superheroes wear capes, but they do all wear masks!

Let Them Eat Cake (LTEC) - The Show Must Go On!

Let me tell you about Let Them Eat Cake (LTEC)! LTEC is a super fun aerial/circus/pole/burlesque show, and they were one of the first shows to quickly transport their show to the internet. While the rest of us were still shell shocked, Ina Du and Brenna Bradbury were planning on how they could keep us sane in the midsts of all this. Basically, within two weeks of the NYC lockdown, LTEC had their first online show, Homemade Edition, and they have been having a show every Thursday since (although, we believe they will be moving to every other Thursday now). To learn more, read our exclusive interview here, and tune into their show tonight!

The Unheard

Dr. King called riots the language of the unheard. That "unheard" is too passive a description. This element of society isn't unheard, it's forcibly silenced and held in place with a knee on its neck. The murder of George Floyd resonated so deeply because it wasn't like so many of the swift, brutal incidents we've grown so shockingly accustomed to. There was no sudden spray of bullets into unarmed black bodies. This was a slow, merciless, brutal suffocation. A killing horrifying not because it illustrated indifference, but rather the enjoyment taken in slowly snuffing out a life.

Cover - New York City Has Hope

New York City has been in lockdown for 106 days. Yes, things are slowly starting to open up, but most of us are still being as careful as possible as COVID rages through the rest of our country. This editorial was shot during the peak of the New York City shelter in place order. Like many business, fashion was hit very hard. As designers were forced to close shops, they were still able to make masks, leaving masks the only new fashion available.

Minhee Jones - 6 Feet Apart...

Musician Minhee Jones is an international melting pot of harmonies. Originally from Los Angeles, the London based artist denotes early classical influences from the likes of Beethoven. Her identity as biracial, born Korean and Black, helped to bolster the complexities of her artistry.

Directly off her new EP, the single “6 Feet,” was an almost prophetic analysis of mindfulness — of course more relevant, and literal, now amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With lyrics like “we stay 6 feet apart to stay 6 feet above”, this song is essentially an anthem to what we are living through right now.

In addition to being a powerful musician, Minhee teamed up with Fender, Ford, and Co-op Food and broke three Guinness World Records by playing concerts in 51 cities in 7 days to raise money and awareness for Music Venue Trust. Minhee encapsulates a mix of soulful rebellion, perhaps an ode to her punk bass playing roots. As an instrumentalist, specializing in drums, bass, analog synths, piano and vintage harmonium, it is her prolific style and adventurous nature that enables her to march to the beat of her own drum. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Minhee Jones.

Orenda Tribe Is Helping To Protect The Navajo Community

The Diné (Navajo) community, along with many other indigenous communities, have suffered greatly due to Covid-19. In fact, the Navajo Nation actually surpassed New York State for the highest infection rate in the US. Yet, they are seeing less help than most areas! Devastated to see her community suffering, indigenous fashion designer, Amy Yeung, founder of Orenda Tribe, has been working non-stop partnering with Outdoor Voices and NDN Collective to bring aid, food, water, masks, PPE, supplies, and awareness to these populations in need. Jejune had the pleasure to do an Instagram Live interview with Amy, which can be seen here (Part 1 and Part 2), but we at Jejune wanted to highlight some of the takeaways here.

Police Brutality: Compassion, Anguish, and Love are Universal

Whenever news breaks of another black man falling victim to police brutality, part of me wants to despair at the futility of justice. I feel most people subconsciously share, at least partially, in my defeatist, encroaching on nihilistic, sentiment. A George Floyd will almost undoubtedly happen again and, as unproductive as these thoughts are, it is based in reality. It is a sempiternal threat that constitutes heightened prudence when interactions with police occur — civil or otherwise. Continually, we see black men (Charles Kinsey, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, etc.) face deadly or near deadly encounters with law enforcement.

How NY State Failed Their Elderly During COVID-19

I’m angry. I’m not going to lie. I have hit that point in my grief. But I’m also happy to hear that the murmurs of unrest are starting to rise. People are moving past clutching their rolls of toilet paper as they hang on every word NY Governor Andrew Cuomo tells them. The panic and fear are starting to melt away as the sun is slowly finally starting to shine again on New York City. Yes, we are slowly starting to open up, and we can debate on how much longer that will take, I don’t have the answer to that. There is one thing I do know, there will be a lot less elderly to worry about during any additional waves in New York, thanks to our state government and Andrew Cuomo.

#BLM Resource Book

Amid the Black Lives Matter protests going on worldwide, there’s no better time to educate yourself on racial injustice then now. Please use the presentation below as a resource to learn how to support and help the black community during this time, and to continue to spread the message.

Feminism and Mental Health: The Diary of Sravya Attaluri

“Today I choose to be happy.” These are very powerful words coming from artist and illustrator Sravya Attaluri. These are words we can all learn to live by a little more. Art is used for many things, but one of my favorites is when it is used to make you happy and to celebrate yourself. Well, I’m also all about it being used to fight the man and bring light to important issues. The beautiful thing about Sravya’s work is that she does all of the above! Born in India, raised in Korea and Hong Kong, Sravya uses her artistic and creative prowess to encourage feminist thought and debunk mental health stigmas. Please look here to read our exclusive interview with Sravya and see some of our favorites.

The Masks Now Coalition

In the midst of a global pandemic everyone is struggling to feel safe, and yet, ironically, more puzzling than the origin of the virus is the overwhelming lack of ability to provide preventative measures in the form of PPE. Big N95 mask suppliers have been nationalized by China, and the U.S. based innovation tech company, 3M, has faced the impossible task of keeping with nationwide demand for N95 masks.

With the general public and, more specifically, healthcare professionals facing compromised safety, many are taking action to create makeshift PPE. The Masks Now Coalition (TMNC) is one of many groups leading this fight to help provide masks to hospitals, essential workers, and, well, everyone who needs one (aka everyone). TMNC is working in a grassroots way, by bringing in individuals to help however they can, and use their large information network and dedication to educating the public. Please read our exclusive interview with Sarah Kendrick to learn more about The Masks Now Coalition.

COVER - Uniquely Female

Right now, we might be wearing less make-up than ever before. With shelter in place, humans are putting less and less work into their appearance. We can give our faces and bodies a break, and when we go back to putting on make-up, let’s make better choices. Let’s move this planet towards a kinder more sustainable direction. Your face has been healing. Let’s only put on clean, natural, organic, vegan make-up brands! And if this editorial isn’t convincing that those type of brands are nothing but beautiful, I don’t know what is!

An Inside View Of NYC’s ICU, During The Mounting COVID-19 Crisis

Six weeks ago, my life was changed forever. I got one of those texts that you never want to get: “Kira, I had a heart attack. I’m in the ICU…”. Unfortunately, this couldn’t come at a worse time as the COVID-19 pandemic quickly took over the New York City hospitals. Please read further to learn about one ICU patient’s story in the midst of a crisis.

What to Foods to Stock up on During COVID-19 Quarantine

While the Corona outbreak is threatening to become an over-engulfing pandemic, many people are panicking and stocking up on essentials in case of an impending quarantine. Social distancing and staying home as much as possible are thought to be the best ways to keep from contracting the virus. To help quell some of these worries, I came up with some tips for your pantry essentials to stay healthy at home.

Traveling Vegan - Nicaragua

Nicaragua, a country of 19 active volcanos, is exotic, but not as dangerous as the US government may want you to believe. On top of that, it is lovely to travel, the locals are delightful, the volcanos are exciting, and vegan food is at your fingertips! Click here to learn more about traveling vegan in Nicaragua.

Paxton Booth Is Seriously Woke

Nine year old Paxton Booth can teach everyone of us a little bit about how to be a better and more woke person. Actor, activist, fashionista, and stuntman, Paxton will having you smiling ear to ear as you watch him being rad on his BMX bike, doing stunts on his show Coop & Cami, and being more stylish than most New Yorkers I know. Paxton is an active animal rights advocate and is looking to start his own fashion line for kids, which will help fight bullying and give other youngsters a chance to fully embrace who they are. To learn more about Paxton, who I hope to be as cool as when I grow up, please read our exclusive interview here.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 20, Editor's PickKira BuccaFebruary 21, 2020kids, youth, animal rights, animals, fashion, actor, fitness, athlete, FashionComment

EDITORIAL - Nathan Kehn Is The Cat's Meow

Actor Nathan Kehn, aka Nathan The Cat Lady, is definitely not shy about his love for animals. Currently, he has amassed 214k followers on Instagram for comedic prowess and his four adorable cats who, more often than not, gracefully contend with him for the spotlight, which you see is consistent in our exclusive fashion editorial and interview below. Please click here to see our adorable exclusive editorial, that we are all obsessed with, and learn how this Cat Lady uses his powers for good to help multiple animal orientated charities.