Raising Awareness for Refugees With Rapper Star2

Star2 was born in a Thai refugee camp, Mae La, in Thailand. He lived there with his family until the age of six, then his grandmother and her four children migrated to San Diego, CA. Star2 and his family are Ka-ren, a persecuted indigenous tribe from Burma, now named Myanmar. He currently lives and works out of San Diego as a rapper with an affinity for conscious songwriting. His newest single, “Run Away” was recently released. The single is about the current state of the world, with references to the Black Lives Matter movement and current refugee crisis in Thailand, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. The music video for the single is just as powerful, with videos of current atrocities happening throughout the world on loop in the background. Star2’s hope is to raise awareness for these issues and give back to those helping out. He works with several nonprofits such as The Border Consortium, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Thailand, The International Rescue Committee, and Karen Outreach to support refugees in Thailand and Ukraine. Read on in our interview with Star2 to learn more about his music, upcoming EP, and how he is offering support to these organizations.

Temple Lester: The STEM Prodigy

Temple Lester is an Atlanta-based STEM prodigy. 14-year-old Temple is devoted to introducing those who lack representation to the STEM field. She was all too familiar with being one of the only minorities and women in STEM, now her mission is to change that. Not only did she create STEM Girl Swag and STEM Swag Box, both ways to get the youth engaged, but she has successfully exposed more than 100,000 youth through science workshops and social media. Temple takes action! Temple also interacts with seasoned masters of the STEM field such as Dr. Siam Proctor, the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft. She wishes to pass on that knowledge to the youth through fun and engaging activities curated by no other than Temple. The excellence does not stop there! Temple was nominated for the 2nd annual “Kid of The Year” Nickelodeon Awards. As an entrepreneur and leader Temple is sure to make a change! If you would like to know how, please continue reading this interview starring Temple Lester!

COVER - Meg Donnelly - Born To Stand Out

Meg Donnelly was born to stand out. From the sweet Taylor Otto in “American Housewife” to the aspiring Addison in “ZOMBIES”, Meg will act and sing her way into your heart. This Disney star is just getting started! We are excited to see the third installment of “ZOMBIES” coming out this year and, for those who can’t get enough of her beautiful voice, she will be in the new Disney “High School Musical” show! Finally, clearly Meg has a soft spot for the celestial, because she is joining the “Supernatural” world in the new prequel “The Winchesters”. While she will still be hanging out with interesting creatures, this role will be a whole new side for her. When Meg isn’t off fighting vampires and whatnot, she is tackling a whole other demon in our society — mental health. She has been very open about her own struggles with anxiety and hopes to be a positive role model for all her young fans. To learn more about Meg, please read our exclusive cover interview below.

Kamala Lopez Sets Out to Ensure That Equal Truly Means Equal

The Equal Means Equal campaign, founded by actress Kamala Lopez (‘Star Trek: Voyager’, ‘This Is Us’, ‘Mayans MC’), works to raise public awareness of the need for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The Equal Rights Amendment establishes equality under the law in the U.S. Constitution, regardless of sex. Surprisingly, women are currently not equal under federal law. To raise awareness for this disparity, Lopez directed the documentary ‘Equal Means Equal.’ The film utilizes historical precedents and contemporary case studies to show what women in the United States face today, and why it is important to complete the process of ratifying the ERA to give women and girls the legal foundation they need to live on an even playing field. In her interview with Jejune Magazine, Lopez goes over next steps for ratifying the amendment and what readers can do to support the cause. The Biden-Harris administration expressed their support for the cause on the campaign trail, but have since taken no steps in rescinding the memo issued under the previous administration or instructing the Archivist to publish the amendment. Time is of the essence. Read on to learn more.

Revolutionary Beauty and Healing From the Inside Out With Julia Loggins

Julia Loggins is an author and certified colon hydro-therapist with a specialty in regenerative nutrition, and fertility health. Her newest book ‘Revolutionary Beauty’ recently came out and shares her story with debilitating health issues and her 7 step plan for healing from the inside out. Throughout the new book she collaborated closely with Patricia Bragg, founder of the first and largest natural foods products company in America. Through this book, the pair want women to know that they can reclaim energy, joy and optimism, and live a joyful, pain-free life. In her interview with Jejune, Julia breaks down their 7 step plan further and offers her expertise on a healthy and fulfilling diet. Additionally, she opens up about her support for KPFK Radio in LA and WBAI in NYC. She has donated hours of consulting and classes to promote gut health and wellness and has plans to do so in 2022! Read on in our interview with Julia Loggins to learn more.

Editor's Pick, Wellness, zIssue 42Kaylyn WenzelApril 4, 2022Beauty, Healing, Author, Therapist, Nutrition, Health, New Book, Diet, WellnessComment

COVER - Ultimate Boss Bae GG Townson

GG Townson is Los Angeles native best known for her role as “Salt” in the hit biopic Salt-N-Pepa. Granddaughter of Ron Townson, one of the lead singers of the iconic vocal group Fifth Dimension, GG is inspired by his life and career and plans to carry on the Townson legacy in the entertainment industry. She currently stars in BET+’s Sacrifice, which follows a high-powered entertainment attorney, Daniella Hernandez (Paula Patton), as she navigates the complicated lives of her clients. One of those clients is GG’s character Jameson, which she describes as both a loose cannon and the ultimate boss bae. When GG isn’t being a power woman on the screen, she is fighting for women through her support and work with the non-profit Breaking the Chains, an organization that works with artists and creators to bring awareness to eating disorders. Read on in our interview with GG to learn more about her career and activism!

The Effects of TV on the Health of the Next Generation

No-Face’s feast from Spirited Away, the grey stuff from Beauty and the Beast, and an instant Mcdonald’s microwave from Spy Kids are all things we dreamed about at some point of our childhood. Movie after movie, we saw characters stuff their faces with feasts we could only pester our mom for on our weekly grocery shop. Whilst seemingly harmless, the effects of such representations can have a bigger impact on the well-being of the next generation than we would expect.

Editor's Pick, Articles, zIssue 41Saanvi SethiMarch 14, 2022kids, health, Wellness, eat healthy, kids health, healthy kids, obesity, cartoons, kid shows, veggie, start young, healthyComment

Ways To Help The People Of Ukraine

On February 24th, Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to invade the neighboring country of Ukraine. Since then, the whole world has been keeping a close eye on the war evolving in the Eastern European country. According to a New York Times article, the number of refugees that have fled the country has surpassed half a million. Mr. Putin seems intent on capturing the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, which would dismantle the country’s democratically elected government and capture Ukraine under Russian rule.

Articles, Editor's Pick, Most Popular, zIssue 41Kaylyn WenzelMarch 2, 2022Ukraine, Russia, Help, Europe, NATO, Refugee, Government, Stay Informed, Donate, Evacuation, PlanComment

Celebrating Black Owned Businesses This Black History Month

Small black-owned businesses rarely get the limelight that they deserve. Therefore, Jejune has compiled a list of environmentally and socially responsible black-owned businesses to celebrate this month and every month thereon. According to Black Owned Now, an online advertising and marketing platform featured within this article, due to national microaggressions and systemic racism, black-owned businesses are inhibited from reaching great amounts of success. Supporting these businesses has a direct correlation to the welfare of the economy and job market, as black purchasing power amounts to $1.4 trillion as of 2021. This list covers a variety of industries, such as: fashion, beauty, advertising, and accessories. Enrich your wardrobe or daily routine by supporting the businesses below!

COVER - Double Dose Of Dopeness - Aint Afraid

Get a double dose of dopeness with Aint Afraid! Detroit-based Twin sisters Sakinah (Straingth) & Zakiyyah (Wizdumb) Rahman make their presence known through positive and honest messages from their music. Singing since the age of two, both sisters collaborate to share their gift with the world while also showing off some much-needed melanated Muslim representation. Influenced by the likes of Beyoncé and Lauren Hill, you can, without a doubt, admire the R&B and grace in their music and demeanor alike. Although they pull music influences, their fashion is 100% Aint Afraid; Sakinah and Zakiyyah pride themselves on their brilliant and authentic fashion taste, proven by Aint Afraid's sewing skills, one of their many talents picked up during lockdown.

In their latest album, which happens to be their debut, they provide 11 impressive tracks, some titled "Smile Today," "Somebody Loves You," and "Grow,"; All songs showcase their ability to spread harmony with a soulful and fun twist. All music from the album is streamable on Spotify, so Jejune urges you to check it out!

You think Aint Afraid can't get any cooler? Think Again! Sakinah and Zakiyyah are heavy advocates for education in the Gambia and even helped raise funds to build an all-girls school for students. Ain't Afraid uplifts the audience through their music and in their community alike. This is why Jejune is so excited for the sisters to be this month's cover! If you wish to learn more about Aint Afraid's music, their unique stage names, and all the fantastic humanitarian work they have done so far, please continue reading below.

Adi Yacobi Reminds Women How Special They Are!

Songwriter, singer, and an advocate for body positivity and women empowerment, Adi Yacobi shares her trajectory and how music changed her life. She uses her psychology and sociology background to understand not just her own feelings, but also to understand and help her listeners create a better reality. Everyone has a story or something related to their bodies and appearance that they want to change. Still, Adi comes with a message, "I'm Special", which reminds all women that they are “special, unique, beautiful, and gorgeous naturally — just the way they are”. Please, continue reading to learn more about Adi, her music, her projects, and how she has contributed to the world and community with the #WEMproject, Plastic Free Israel, and 4Ocean.

News We Missed In 2021

2021 was dominated by reports of vaccinations, COVID-19 variants, and coronavirus related restrictions, possibly causing us to miss many other important news from across the globe. Here are a few important stories you may have missed in 2021.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 40Saanvi SethiJanuary 24, 2022climate change, 2021, lgbt, news, students, debt, studentdebt, bhutan, Switzerland, usComment

COVER: Toni Trucks- Military Mother Made

Toni Trucks is currently kicking ass and taking names as Lisa Davis on the CBS hit series SEAL Team. In her interview with Jejune, Toni tells us what originally drew her to the character and what she has learned from playing this role. Inspired by her role on the show, this October Toni curated family themed boxes in partnership with Military Made. The boxes feature fun and luxurious items for the whole family and are made by entrepreneurs who were either in the military or are military spouses. Partnering with Military Made has given Toni the unique opportunity to engage and bring awareness to the military community. You can continue to purchase the boxes well into the New Year and of the proceeds go directly back to the business owners and Military Made. For her next role, Toni is gearing up to become a mother, as her and her partner Brandon are expecting a baby boy! Read on to learn more about her various roles, her partnership with Military Made and other charitable organizations, and the advice she has received regarding motherhood.

Editorial - Learning From Isabella Gomez

Isabella Gomez is the star of the new HBO Max comedy series “Head of the Class,” where she plays a young high school teacher looking to shake up the classroom. Gomez is not new to sitcoms, you may also recognize her as Elena Álvarez in the award winning comedy series “One Day at a Time.” At the heart of each show you can find an underlying theme of community and family support, which Gomez believes in wholeheartedly. She is also really attracted to what representation in the media can do for both individuals and whole communities, which can be seen in her two roles. On the charity front, Gomez is involved with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Wild Elements Foundation. Through her partnership with Wild Elements, she was matched with innovator, Rosamira Guillen, who is the executive director at Proyecto Tití in Colombia. Under her leadership, Gomez is fully fully educated on her work in order to bring that information and opportunities to her followers. Read on to learn more about Isabella Gomez, her roles in “Head of the Class” and “One Day at a Time,” upcoming projects, and her charity work.

Zarna Garg is Whipping Up Some Laughs

Comedian Zarna Garg, affectionally known as ‘Auntie Z,’ is a TikTok sensation. Encouraged by her son, Zarna downloaded TikTok early in the pandemic and uploaded some of her jokes to the platform. Within the first week, her jokes had garnered 3 million views. Before TikTok fame and stand-up, Zarna had passed the bar and became a lawyer before trying her hand in comedy. She encourages everyone, especially young Indians, to veer off the beaten path and try comedy, if that is where their heart is. Zarna also currently helps out with Comedy Cures and fundraises for Children's Hope India. Both are organizations near and dear to her heart where she can share her comedy to help out those in need. Continue reading our interview with Zarna Garg to learn (and laugh) some more!

'What She Said': Amy Northup And The Unheard Voice

Amy Northup is an actor, director, Intimacy Coordinator, and a trained victims advocate with the Crime Victims Treatment Center. Amy has dedicated her career to advocating for sexual assault victims, which led to her recent directorial debut in the film ‘What She Said.’ This film follows Sam, a sexual assault survivor, as she deals with the trauma of the assault and the process of convicting her attacker. Sam has a strong community of friends and family who want to help her heal from this experience, but she ultimately feels frustrated with herself and others as she tries to build back her autonomy. In this interview, Amy eloquently answers all of our questions regarding the film, the production process, and how she is advocating for sexual assault victims in all aspects of her career.

Emiliana Guereca on Women's Reproductive Rights and Equality for All

Emiliana Guereca is the President of the Women’s March LA Foundation, which was founded in 2016. In her interview with Jejune Magazine, Emiliana explains that the Foundation was established due to the 2016 election and the amounting threats towards Women’s Rights from both parties. Even today, their work is more prevalent then ever. Recently, the states of Texas and Mississippi have created legislation to ban abortion well before fetal viability. In response, the Women’s March Foundation is putting together a direct mail postcard campaign aimed at big brass Texas businesses asking them to support women’s reproductive rights. Over 250k postcards have already been sent to CEO’S of Texas organizations that supposedly support women. Readers can get involved by visiting their website, listed down below. Read on to learn more about the important work Emiliana Guereca and the Women’s March Foundation of LA is doing to advocate for equality.

COVER: Constance Marie - Empowering The Latinx Community

Constance Marie is a Los Angeles-based Latinx force. While she has had a prolific career from the beginning, she has always prioritized working on projects that highlight the Latinx community and social causes. You may recognize her from her powerful performance of Regina Vasquez in the revolutionary show “Switched At Birth”. But this month, she will be seen as 'Beatriz Diaz' on "With Love" — the new Latinx romantic comedy series for Amazon Prime Video, created and written by Gloria Calderon Kellett. Constance will be playing a character that many women in America will be able to relate to, answering questions like: "What happens after the happily ever after?" Constance Marie is more than a powerful actress. She is a mother, a humanitarian, and a fighter for a better world and planet for future generations. Please continue reading below to learn more!

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids

Shopping for eco-friendly kids toys has proven to be a challenge. That is why we have compiled a list of environmentally and socially responsible kids toys just in time for the holiday season! Below you will find toys, books, and DIY kits for kids of all ages. Want to support wilderness preservation and give a plush toy while doing so? Check out The World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Symbolic Species Adoption Kits. Or get the whole family matching holiday pajamas for only $25 at Hanna Andersson’s sustainable clothing brand. The playtime possibilities are endless, read on to find the toys that are best fit for your child!

Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas for the Whole Family

Shopping for gifts for the whole family? Look no farther than Jejune’s list of eco-friendly holiday gifts! Within this feature you can find the perfect gifts for mom, pop, grandma, and your crazy aunts and uncles. For your stocking stuffers make sure to check out the Conscious Step sock collection and Nailtopia, which sells environmentally responsible nail polish. Looking to profess your undying love this holiday season? We have collected a few responsible jewelry brands that are using recycled materials or finding new innovative ways to leave the world better than they found it. For instance, Nikki Reed’s Bayou With Love has the perfect collection of rings for a holiday proposal. Then, make sure to wrap up your each gifts in recycled wrapping paper from Wrappily! Under each brand is a specific gift idea, but feel free to shop around each website to find the perfect gift for you and your family. From our team here at Jejune, we want to wish you all a happy, safe, and ethical holiday season!