From a children's book author to a spectacled, no nonsense, high school theatre critic in Stage Fright, Carrie Berk's career is nothing short of astounding - especially given her brief period activing working in entertainment.

In second grade, Carrie wrote The Cupcake Club, which explores relevant and compelling themes such as bullying, self esteem, and more. Today, Carrie campaigns against many of these issues through social media and her fashion/lifestyle blog Carrie's Chronicles, while serving as an ambassador for No Bully. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Carrie.

The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet - Part 2: How to have your Macro and Micro-nutrients too (and why!)

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. This is Part 2: How to have your Macro and Micro-nutrients too (and why!).

Preserving the arts with Tafari Anthony

Pop, R&B, Soul, however you choose to define it, this Toronto based artist and his youthful renditions of classic pop melodies and transient synths are a subtle demarcation of shift in R&B.

After a brief hiatus following the release of his two previous EP’s, “Die For You” and “Remember When,” musician, creator, Tafari Anthony unveiled his new single “Centerfold.” “Centerfold” is a cathartic release that easily channels post break-up emotions. It's a poetic detailing of the frustrations that comes with unfulfilling relationships.

Tafari’s music has been nominated for a Toronto Independent Music Award, with one of his singles being named one of CBC's Most Influential Songs of 2016.

He’s also been hard at work for a charity called Autism Canada. In addition, Tafari helps perform for events supporting music and songwriting education for children. He recently performed for a nonprofit called Rainbow Railroad which supports getting refugee status for LGBTQI people in places where being LGBTQI is still harmful. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Tafari Anthony.

zIssue 20, SWAC: InfluencerJejune ContributorApril 3, 2020musician, music, #singer, singer, singer song writer, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, children, youth, romance, #love, loveComment

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.

Hilary Roberts: From Pain to Happiness and Everything in Between

For Hilary Roberts, music goes beyond a top spot on the Billboard top 100 (she's got plenty of those); it’s multipurpose in function and personal. Hilary, as a victim of abuse, creates music to help encourage and strengthen the many who suffered through similar experiences.

She founded the Red Songbird Foundation which aims to help survivors of trauma caused by sexual, physical, and verbal abuse, by providing counseling, assisting members to enter treatment.

Hilary is currently working on finishing her first LP. Her past chart-toppers released this year include “There For You,” (charted #3 on Billboard Dance Club Chart in the US) and “Back To Life” (charted #1 on Billboard's Dance Club Chart in the US) and "Fight to the Other Side”. Please read our exclusive interview to learn about Hillary.

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.

Kate Drummond Challenges the Status Quo

Kate Drummond refuses to be cast or defined by any mold. A former elementary school teacher turned actress, writer, and producer conveys reinventing one's self is always an option.

Kate is currently starring in the new Hulu original series Utopia Falls, a coming of age story following a group of teens in the distant future colony of New Babyl as they uncover an ancient forbidden archive of historical, cultural and musical relics.

Kate’s other passion lies in her philanthropy work where she supports causes close to her heart, including The Snoopi Project, Playa Animal Rescue, DIBS (Dogs in Better Spots), Canadian Horse Defense Coalition (CHDC), KidSport Ontario and Bytowne Association for Rescued Kanines (BARK). Recently, Kate teamed up with The Children’s Miracle Network and SickKids Foundation, raising over $10,000 in just over a week, through her social media platforms. Please read on for our exclusive interview with Kate to learn more about her work.

Zahra Bentham Envisions a Colorful Future

Actress, singer, Zahra Bentham continues to convey her fervor for equality off-screen. She supports causes close to her heart which include “Black Women Film! Canada”, a leadership program and new collective dedicated to forwarding the careers, networks and skills of filmmakers and media artists who are Black female identified of the Canadian African diaspora. Zahra also teamed up with Karena Evans (award-winning director and actor) to use her voice as a platform for awareness and change amidst fears welling during the 2016 burgeoning stages of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Zahra and her works.

The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet - Part 1: What to Eat in 2020

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. We are starting with Part 1: What to Eat in 2020

Chen Tang Learns From His Childhood

Actor, Chen Tang was born in Kobe, Japan and is of Chinese ancestry. As Chinese citizen and US Permanent Resident, and fluent in both Mandarin and English - he is a picturesque embodiment of homogeny and uniqueness. As far as acting goes, Chen is set to start in Walt Disney Studios' highly anticipated film “Mulan.” It is a live action version of the 1998 classic Disney animated film with the 2020 version drawing a lot more inspiration from the original Chinese fable "The Ballad of Mulan.” Chen will also appear in Bruce Lee Entertainment and Cinemax series "Warrior” later this year.

In addition, he is dedicated to giving back to his community and environmental preservation. He has partnered with the Cambodian Children’s Fund and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn about Chen Tang and his work.

Lawful

Everything happening at the border between the United States and Mexico is legal.

For over two years, I had been working to claw back money from financial crimes done against the government. As a seemingly interminable case finally seemed to be winding down, word had come in that my next assignment, until at least November, would be assisting ICE…

COVER - Elisabeth Röhm Is Classically Powerful

Elisabeth Röhm has played a plethora of creative roles, but most recently can be seen in the new film “Bombshell”, which gives a voice to the women who were sexually harassed by CEO Roger Ailes of Fox News. Click here to learn more about Elisabeth’s passionate views on women, and her many philanthropic endeavors.

Bloom Takes On The Algae Crisis

We all know by now that the fashion at large has, and remains, a continuous threat to our ecosystem. Carbon emissions, non-biodegradable polyesters, factory wastewater runoffs, etc., are just a few of the many issues plaguing the industry.

Our neglect of nature is rapidly changing our environment for the worse. Many lake waters across the U.S. are suffering from high levels of toxic algae, both to humans and wildlife.

This is where Bloom comes in, combating algae and creating sustainable footwear and shoe foams from bioplastic material derived from algae. Bloom is working to solve the algae crisis and restore the environment.

Please click here to learn about Bloom and their work.

Different Kinds of Healthy Tea and Their Benefits

Tea is the world's favorite beverage, as demonstrated by the wide variety of different teas to choose from. Popular across the globe, tea is a strong part of many countries’ heritage and history. Today, the overriding association of tea is with personal health and wellness, as research has found that different types of tea can help with many ailments. If you're in it for the health benefits, these are the varieties that you need to watch out for.

Just Comics' Commitment To Reduce Suffering

Amidst all the corporate deceit and uncertainty, there are some individuals who remain undeterred and true to their own values. They use their platforms to speak their hearts and hope others follow suit. Comic book artist Joan Chan, also known as Just Comics, makes it her duty and obligation to help mitigate the suffering animals and harm to our Earth. How? You may ask. Of course through comics! Read more here!

Praneet Akilla Stands For Equality

Praneet Akilla, known for his work on Netflix original series October Faction has had a steady ascension into the spotlight. Born in Mumbai, India and raised in Calgary, Alberta Canada, Praneet developed his taste for performance art and storytelling. His acting specialization originated in the theatre with his earliest role as Aladdin in his middle school play. During his college years, Praneet participated in community theatre productions including Iceland (Theatre Calgary), Coriolanus (Bard on The Beach), The Orchard (Arts Club), and many more.

Praneet’s ambitions extend to local and international scale social issues. Praneet is an avid supporter of his local food banks and Plan International’s Because I am a Girl program, a campaign designed to remedy the issue of gender discrimination around the world and bring them out of poverty. Please read more to learn about Praneet and his work.

The Highway Women Are Creating A Buzz

Comprised of band mates Drew Haley, Amanda Pruitt, Heather Harper, and Kristen Kae, The Highway Women are creating a buzz in the country music scene. The Highway Women are an all female music band bringing a feminist perspective to the modern country sound. In their new single God Made Me Right, themes of women’s empowerment are celebrated through self-love and confidence. God Made Me Right is an anthem embracing body positivity and the power of womanhood. Please read our exclusive interview to learn about The Highway Women and their work.

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.

Annie Tisshaw Is A Firecracker

Are you a woman, or man, who goes to the Women’s Marches? Are you looking for the right music to pump you up for the ever increasing revolution of our time? Wonderful, you need to immediately download all of Annie Tisshaw’s music now. You are welcome! This no nonsense Brit will have you cheering with her tunes in no time. Annie’s feminist nature comes out in her music as she sings about men sexualizing her and her body. Please read here to learn more about this fierce woman, her bad ass music, and her experiences with sexual assault and helping others.

Eco Art of Natalia Kapchuk

Many people worry about ecological challenges we face nowadays such as global warming, plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, glacier melting and many others. How does climate change reflect on contemporary art? Natalia Kapchuk is an artist, art ambassador for The Parliamentary Society of Arts, Fashion and Sports (UK), ambassador for Monaco Better World Forum (MBWF) and philanthropist, supports charity organizations dedicated to protecting the nature and oceans, and creates environmental-centric artworks about our world and ecological problems. To learn more about the eco art movement and Natalia’s art project ‘The Lost Planet’ read further in our interview here.