Blogs — Jejune Magazine

Posts in Editor's Pick

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

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

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!

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 48Kira BuccaMarch 22, 2023Art, stories, empowering women, empowerment, hero, blackgirlmagic, Black Artists, comedian, comedy, women empowerment, performance, show, generation, Joe's PubComment

The Right Wing Long Game - By Andrew Krueger

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

Cover - Gola - The Lioness Of Iran

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!

Traveling Vegan - What Is A Guadeloupe?

Traveling Vegan - What Is A Guadeloupe?

As an American who has traveled a lot, I was surprised to hear of an island in the Caribbean that I had never heard of before – Guadeloupe. Like all of the Americas, Guadeloupe was doing just fine until Christopher Columbus landed on it in November 1493. This beautiful butterflied shaped land actually consists of two main islands that are close enough to connect via a bridge, and a few smaller islands around.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 47Kira BuccaMarch 2, 2023travel, Guadaloupe, slavery, history, traveling vegan, travel tips, vegan, VeganComment

Behind the Lens - Documenting With Raphael Sbarge

Behind the Lens - Documenting With Raphael Sbarge

You may know Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket from Once Upon a Time, but his role as a conscience has expanded over the years as he has added directing to his skill set. Now it can be said he is “creating content with a conscience.” He has directed several films, short stories, and, most recently, documentaries — with an ever increasing drive to spread awareness of social and environmental issues within several different communities. Jejune got a chance to talk to him about his Emmy nomination, new film Only in Theaters, and his latest mini-series 10 Days In Watts, among other topics. Please read on!

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 47Elizabeth ShepherdFebruary 28, 2023community, community development, documentaries, Environmentally Conscious, Directors, actor, social justice, environmental justice, movies, community gardenComment

Queer Youth Animated - Through the Lens of the LGBTQIA+ Youth

Queer Youth Animated - Through the Lens of the LGBTQIA+ Youth

Queer Youth Animated is a new project from the Future Perfect Project. The team consists of Celeste Lecesne, Ryan Amador, Jon Wan, Julie Novak, and Emma Jane, based out of New York City, Kingston and Los Angeles. The project was initiated with the aim of encouraging youth belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community to share their stories in hopes of inspiring other members. The show features 2 seasons that start with heart warming stories in the United States and then expand to stories around the world. Bringing to light people’s stories from various walks of life, the show has inspired many to share their own journeys. Let Jejune Magazine take you through this interesting interview with the team at Future Perfect Project, and go check out what some of these inspiring kids have to say!

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 47Tejasvi PradeepFebruary 17, 2023queer, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ Support, Storytelling, animation, show, kids, youth, LGBTQ youth, young musicians, youth empowerment, young artistComment

How To Assist Earthquake Victims In Turkey and Syria

How To Assist Earthquake Victims In Turkey and Syria

Thousands of lives have been lost and many more have been wounded in the destructive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the Turkey-Syria border. This is the most powerful earthquake to hit the area in over a century. As the number of fatalities in Syria and Turkey continues to rise, charitable organizations are coming together to help those affected by the earthquake.

Here are some of the organizations that are providing relief and accepting donations so that you can support their efforts.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 47Jessica MoraFebruary 13, 2023earthquake, Turkey, Syria, donation, DonationsComment

Seth Maxwell - Saving the Planet One Drop at a Time

Seth Maxwell - Saving the Planet One Drop at a Time

Seth Maxwell started his career on stage, but soon left acting for activism. He began the Thirst Project as a way to raise awareness about the global water crisis, but never imagined the successful organization it turned out to be. With over 3,000 projects the Thirst Project has helped over 500,000 people around the world gain access to clean drinking water. Seth also created Legacy Youth Leadership which is a non-profit organization that provides students with the tools to reach their academic and philanthropic goals. Jejune got a chance to chat with Seth about his inspiration and hopes for the future generation.

Mary “Mandie” Davis - Bringing Home To You

Mary “Mandie” Davis - Bringing Home To You

Meet Marie “Mandie” Davis, founder of Worthy of Love, a non profit organization that hosts birthday parties for the homeless, allowing them to have a chance to celebrate themselves and experience new forms of self-love. Worthy of Love’s origin story has its roots in a sweet personal anecdote of Mandie (read on to learn more), and has been throwing monthly birthday parties since January 2013! Having been sponsored by celebrities like Steve Harvey, Mayim Bialik, and Kelly Clarkson, the non profit hopes to continue to expand in the future to other cities and events. Read Mary “Mandie” Davis’s interview with Jejune Magazine to know more about this wholesome initiative, and, remember, you are worthy of love.

Bourke Floyd - Returning to the Big Screen

Bourke Floyd - Returning to the Big Screen

Bourke Floyd, most known for his character Brady on Dawson’s Creek, is making his way back into the spotlight. In the past several years he has made his comeback in multiple series like A Grunts Life and The Cleaning Lady, and he hasn’t not stopped there. His new movie The Locksmith will be premiering this February. When he isn't starring on screen he spends time raising funds for the American Leukemia Lymphoma Society, walking for the Alzheimer’s Association, and auctioning off VIP experiences through Charity Buzz. Jejune got a chance to catch up with Bourke on his new projects and current charitable contributions.

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 47Elizabeth ShepherdJanuary 27, 2023leukemia, cancer, awareness, charity, actor, TV Series, alzheimer's, Dawson's CreekComment

COVER - Yves Mathieu East - The Face Of Change - Video

COVER - Yves Mathieu East - The Face Of Change - Video

Jejune is starting this new year off right, with cover model Yves Mathieu East! To see his full cover editorial and interview, please check it out here! We have a special set of video clips of Yves from the shoot where you can learn a bit more about him, please check out the below!

Editorials, Editor's Pick, zIssue 47Kira BuccaJanuary 23, 2023editorial, tattoos, blm, BLM, black lives matter, model, male model, fashion, video, sober, FashionComment

Experiencing Egypt - What I Wish I Knew Before Going, Plus Some Tips For My Vegan Friends

Experiencing Egypt - What I Wish I Knew Before Going, Plus Some Tips For My Vegan Friends

Egypt is a magical space, I just wish I knew certain things before getting there. Read my tips to learn more, including some hints for my vegan friends!

Editor's Pick, Articles, WellnessKira BuccaJanuary 18, 2023Egyptian, Egypt, travel, traveling vegan, Travel, travel tips, desert, Vegan Comments

Lachi - Bringing Music to Life

Lachi - Bringing Music to Life

New York City-based Lachi is an award-winning recording artist, prolific EDM vocalist, and producer. Being legally blind, Lachi advocates for Disability Culture, inclusion, and accessibility in the music and entertainment industries. A leader in disability inclusion, she is the Founder and President of RAMPD, a coalition of established Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities who serve to advocate in the music industry. Her winning smile and effervescent personality will undoubtedly give you the confidence you might be missing. Continue reading to learn more about Lachi’s career, advocacy, and new song “Black Girl Cornrows.”

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 47Jessica MoraJanuary 12, 2023music artist, advocate, disability representation, disability, recording artist, EDM, blind, musicComment

How to Stay Politically Active in the New Year

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

COVER - Yves Mathieu East - The Face Of Change

COVER - Yves Mathieu East - The Face Of Change

Jejune has the pleasure to share with you one of the most inspiring people we have ever met — Yves Mathieu East. Yves is a born and breed New Yorker, who is one of a kind. At the young age of 13 he convinced his mother to let him get his first tattoo, he is now head to toe covered in them. What is magical about Yves is once you start speaking to him, all you see is him, the tattoos are just a part of him that completely unquestionably make sense. A lot about Yves is like this. We were on set, and this guy was nothing but waves and “have a nice day” to every single person who walked by! It is actually pretty shocking that he grew up in NYC with how friendly he is.

This beautiful openness to the world does not come from naivety, Yves has seen the dark side of life, in fact, it is more that he wants to be that person who is the change — who gives those who need it the most hope. With no questions asks he will throw on his backpack, maybe pack up a pitbull, and head off to what issue needs him next, be this LGQTQ+ rights, Black Lives Matter, Abortion rights, rehabilitating pitbulls, or spending time with the elderly. This guy really does it all! Please read further to learn more about his incredible guy.

Helpsy - The Growing Business of Circular Fashion

Helpsy - The Growing Business of Circular Fashion

Helpsy is a B Corps clothing collection company that works with municipalities, retailers and brands for returns/overstock and liquidation. They are the largest collector of clothing in the Northeast. After sorting, most of the collected clothing items are sold and the damaged pieces are downcycled. Helpsy is working to radically change the way people think about recycling. Please read on to learn more!

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 46, Most PopularDisha GuptaJanuary 6, 2023fashion, Sustainability, circular fashion, recycle, resell, b corp, environment, Recycle, ReusableComment

10 Sustainable Resolutions for a Greener New Year

10 Sustainable Resolutions for a Greener New Year

The race is on to stop the worst ravages of climate change and everyone has a role to play. Why not make a new year’s resolution to treat the planet more kindly in the coming 12 months?

You don’t need to make grand gestures like moving off the grid or converting your home to solar. Small changes can make a big difference. What should you do? Here are 10 sustainable resolutions for a greener new year.

Editor's Pick, WellnessCora GoldDecember 30, 2022Sustainability, New Years, resolutions, ecofriendly, greenliving, recycleComment

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Skin Hydrated During the Colder Months

5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Skin Hydrated During the Colder Months

The colder months are upon us! When the seasons change, you may notice the condition of your skin change too. Sometimes the drastic change in weather— from hot to cold— causes the skin to dry. If you’re looking for methods to keep the skin hydrated during the cold season, keep reading. Here are five ways that you can keep your skin hydrated all winter long!

Jacob Colvin — Protecting the Oceans, One Viewer at a Time!

Jacob Colvin — Protecting the Oceans, One Viewer at a Time!

Jacob Colvin is a popular content creator and marine animal rights activist! Based in Oregon, Jacob creates YouTube and TikTok content to raise awareness about the ocean and its inhabitants. Jacob has done a lot of cool stuff recently! For example, he’s partnered with Adidas for the “Run for the Oceans” campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Most recently, Jacob has partnered with Roblox to create a game called “Animal Rescue Island Tycoon” where players can rescue stranded animals on the beach and help better the ocean. To learn more about Jacob and his amazing movement, read more in our exclusive interview below.

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 46Milan JohnsonDecember 23, 2022TikTok, oceans, animal rescue, Animal Welfare, ocean life, animals, game, video game, educationComment