Nadia George Sheds Light on The Indigenous Water Crisis

The indigenous communities across the globe have always been treated terribly, with no move to improve the situations they were forced into. While many countries like to pretend this doesn’t include them, this just isn’t so. Canadian born Mi'kmaq actress Nadia George is advocating to educate and inform the world about the indigenous water crisis happening in Canada (lack of water for indigenous populations in the US is a huge problem too). With COVID raging through the planet, this scarcity of water is a complete nightmare to an already very sensitive population. Nadia helps to spread the word about this water issue in the short film “Alongside the Water’s Edge”, which is a lyrical film that addresses the water crisis being faced by countless indigenous communities across Canada, before COVID. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Nadia George.

Reunited, Ebony Buckle's Fight For Immigration

The debate on immigration is riddled with controversy and divisiveness, yet distinctively universal. In America, we commonly think of the debate of immigration being associated with illegal immigration through the influx of aliens via the U.S. southern border. The UK faces a similar discussion. Those in favor of loosening stringent migration standards argue that countries can benefit from a greater cultural diversity, flexible labour markets, and a solution to aging populations. Those in favor of more secure borders often state free borders can result in lower wages for unskilled workers, overpopulation, and a negative impact on GDP per capita. With all said, it seems that like most political debates, an agreeable consensus seems distant. However, despite this, what remains true are the families and individuals suffering through the process.

UK artist Ebony Buckle experienced the impacts of tight UK immigration laws first hand. Her new single “Ghost” chronicles her plight with immigration when her marriage visa was refused shortly after her wedding, resulting in a two year separation from her husband. This experience inspired her to partner with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) to help fight for Asylum Seekers’ rights and provide legal support, food, medical support and more. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Ebony Buckle.

Art, zIssue 25Jejune ContributorAugust 4, 2020music, musician, singer, singer song writer, #singer, Immigration, immigrant, covid-19, humanity, human right, human rightsComment

Brandon Ash-Mohammed: A Place For Black Queer Comics

What does it mean to be a comedian in 2020? The etymology of comedy is derived from 14c., it was "narrative with a happy ending; any composition intended for amusement," from Old French comedie (14c.), "a poem" (not in the theatrical sense) and directly from Latin comoedia. Comedic styles have differed throughout the ages, some more performative in execution, some story driven, and others purely satirical.

Comedians have become the layman’s philosopher, they tackle topics, personal, relatable, controversial. They dissect our societal norms and provide a humorous analysis on our values. Brandon Ash-Mohammed is part of a new generation of comedians carving his own lane in stand up. For starters, he is the first ever queer black Canadian comedian to release a comedy album, Capricornication. Brandon is also the creator of The Ethnic Rainbow, Canada’s first and only comedy show for LGBTQ comedians of colour. Please read our exclusive interview to earn more about Brandon Ash-Mohammed.

Art, zIssue 25Jejune ContributorAugust 3, 2020comedy, performers, performing, gay, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, racial justice, black rights, African AmericanComment

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.

Trope Explores Truth On Eleutheromania

When one usually thinks of the rock scene in LA, bands like Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mötley Crüe, etc., mid 80s, glam rock, metal, and “Sex, Drugs, and Rock N’ Roll”, famously coined by British musician Ian Dury, come to mind. The impact of these words could be felt far across the ocean, and would eventually become a lifestyle rockstars would live by, and were revered for. It built a larger than life image that would come to define an era of music and culture.

The modern depiction of rock fails to conjure any real notable tropes. Good or bad, no matter how the genre shifts, individual bands are now dissected on a case by case basis, devoid of stereotypes. Trope is an alternative progressive/rock band located in Los Angeles. Formed in 2016, lead singer Diana Studenberg’s vocals help create their dark aura and introspective angst. Tropes debut album, Eleutheromania, expands on the ideas on truth, human behavior, and our ability to navigate through life challenges with faith in mankind. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Trope.

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!

Ainsley Ross Advocates In Support Of Music Theory For The Blind

Ainsley Ross has proven to be a an absolute treat of a human being, thanks, in part, to her extensive resume and talent. Actress, model, martial artist, singer, writer, and more, the Texas native began her career in entertainment at an early age. She began writing music and acting in a community theater when she was only nine, and had written over 80 songs by 14. Combining her love for martial arts (Taekwondo) and performing, Ainsley has honed her skill to compliment her stunt work. Her work in the entertainment industry also includes her role as a composer for “The Reins Maker” soundtrack. In her spare time, Ainsley is a mentor and public speaker, and volunteers at the Academy of Music for the Blind, teaching music theory. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Ainsley Ross.

The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet - Part 8: What’s Your Flavor? Discover the Dietary Theory for Your Best Health

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. This is Part 8: What’s Your Flavor? Discover the Dietary Theory for Your Best Health.

Rufescent Lips Is The Perfect Shade Of Red

Born under the desire to find the perfect red lip color for black women, Kristin McIntyre created the vegan and cruelty free beauty brand (or according to her “beauty band”) Rufescent Lips. Rufescent — tinged with red, focuses on one thing, rich red lips, and Kristin’s goal is for these lips to empower other black women to feel beautiful while bringing the revolution. To learn more about Kristin McIntyre and Rufescent Lips, please read our exclusive interview here.

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!

Bernard Hiller - Your Life Is A Work Of Art

One may think that most actors are born perfect for the stage, but it takes years of training and the right teams behind them. Bernard Hill, life coach and acting teacher, is just one of the many people who can make a career. He has worked with stars such as Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Al Pacino. When he is not teaching the next star, he is focuses on giving back, especially fighting against climate change. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Bernard Hiller, as he helps us to stay creative during unusual times.

Francois Klark Bring ASL To His Music

As a well decorated artist, Francois Klark has won a number of awards, including the Oscar Peterson Award, Standard Bank Award for best original composition, and Most Promising Performing Solo Artist. His latest song, ‘Always’, recently got picked up by Resonate Entertainment to appear in their Netflix dance film, ‘Feel The Beat’, where the company, which has a deaf member, played by deaf actress Shaylee Mansfield, beautifully brings American Sign Language (ASL) into the choreography. This, along with Shaylee Mansfield’s instagram movement, #InstaCaptioning, inspired Francois to include an American Sign Language interpretation of the song, in addition to choreography that is influenced by the restraints of COVID-19, for his music video ‘Always’. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Francois Klark.

Art, zIssue 24Jejune ContributorJuly 21, 2020music, musician, singer, singer song writer, #singer, ASL, deaf, deaf cultureComment

EDITORIAL - The New Norm?

Social distancing — the act of keeping space (six feet) between yourself and other people, and limiting trips to places where you might interact with other people.

Humans all over the world are trying to find creative ways to be close while being apart. Never have we, as a planet, ever been so easily in communication, yet not allowed to connect in a physical way. Even as an introvert, I feel the strain of going months without seeing my family and friends. However, unlike during the 1918 pandemic, we do have the luxury of the internet and video calls. I am still able to workout, have group hangouts, play charades with my mother, and even do photo shoots. We may feel there is a lot to be concerned about, but there is even more to be grateful for.

Editorials, zIssue 24Kira BuccaJuly 20, 2020social distancing, covid-19, fashion, summer fashion, model, female model, Asian, female fashion, stay home, cats, animalsComment

Montana L. Jacobowitz Proves You Can Do It All

At 18 years old, Montana is an accomplished actress, musician, and writer. As a musician, she is a multi-instrumentalist, skilled in the electric and acoustic guitar, ukulele, piano, alto saxophone, etc. At the mere age of seven years old, Montana created her first play, in honor of her brother, Arizona, who is autistic. Her call to advocacy runs deeper than familial ties. She can be seen working hard to assist children and adults with special needs via the Special Olympics, 401 A League Of Our Own, and Power Of You Teens, an organization that helps young women in New York City plan their future through mentorship. Montana and her brothers even created an organization, Children’s Voice, which gives kids a platform to speak out about issues that affect them. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Montana Jascobowitz.

How to Stay Fit And Healthy During COVID-19 - By Krista Stryker

With gyms continuing to be closed in many places around the world due to COVID-19, more people than ever are trying to figure out how to work out using their own bodyweight or the few pieces of workout equipment they have at home. Here are some tips!

Wellness, zIssue 24Jejune ContributorJuly 15, 2020health care, health, healthy, #health, #healthy, Wellness, #wellness, wellness, covid-19, stay home, stay strong, fitnessComment

Kenny Sway: To Protest & Unify Through R&B

Music has a strange way of conveying emotions. Our memories, conversations, relationships with people, and their personalities, can be permanently etched into hearts, even if just fleeting. Kenny Sway has an innate ability to evoke these feeling, whether it be joyful, sorrowful, or contemplative. As a student of musical greats, he grew up listening to the likes of R&B and soul legends like Whitney Houston, and Marvin Gaye.

Now Kenny has adopted his own style and approach to music and performance. He was known as a street performer, sharing his grassroots performances directly with audiences. So, it was no shock when he took his voice to the Washington D.C. police brutality protests and inspired the crowd to sing along with him as he sang the Bill Withers classic, "Lean On Me". Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Kenny Sway.

Bear Walker: The Skateboard Craftsman

The skateboarding subculture has long thrived on it rebellious inclinations. Quite like graffiti and punk rock subcultures, skateboarding held an anti-establishment sensibility derived from pure instinct. In the late 80s - 90s, when the popularity of vert skating was on the decline, many skaters turned to street skating as a means of accessibility to complex spots. However, in recent times the modern perception of skateboarding has changed drastically. Skateboard decks are now seen as genuine art pieces and even designed by revered artists, designer fashion houses, and collected in mass with brands like Supreme at the forefront of the revolution. Some skateboard artists are even taking their art and using it for good.

Bear Walker creates custom boards by incorporating intricate carving techniques, encompassing aspects of art and functionality. For every board sold, the Bear Walker brand plants two trees. In addition, they’ve also partnered with Shazam’s Zachary Levi to help create a limited edition run of skateboards that were auctioned off with all proceeds going to Covenant House. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Bear Walker and his beautiful boards.

Art, zIssue 24Jejune ContributorJuly 13, 2020sports, #sports, #positivity, Art, artisans, art, artist, environment, eco friendly, climate change, Eco-Friendly, #eco-friendlyComment

Denell Nawrocki: Holistic Healing & HPV

While modern medicine presents qualities both miraculous and restrained in nature, there is more that can be done. Preventative and holistic medicine often takes a backseat in our heavy science and drug based culture. It often feels like why heal or prevent, when we can make more money by treating. Denell Barbara Nawrocki, MA, a guide, speaker, and specializing in Women's wellness and Earth-based health, is on the side of using natural and preventative measures and, it seems, she is on the right path! After having a run in with HPV, she learned how important self care and natural methods could be in helping her regain her health. She received her MA in Integrative Health Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), and a BA in History from UC Davis. Denell has done extensive study in the fields of health, healing, personal transformation, indigenous wisdom, plant medicine and history, which can be seen in her latest book “Informed, Aware, Empowered: A Self-Guided Journey to Clear Paps”. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Denell Nawrocki, and her journey with HPV.

Treasure's "Suffocation & Air" EP Is A Re-Calibration Of The Ego

Music is well known to have a significant beneficial impact on mental health — both for creator and listener. The therapeutic aspects of composition and soothing harmonies are thought to engage a variety of brain areas involved in emotion, motivation, cognition, and motor functions. Musical interventions have been used to increase socialization and cognitive, emotional, and neuromotor functioning. North London musician, Treasure, utilizes his passion to explore the therapeutic and creative components melody. Coincidentally, he works for a mental health hospital, which is a valiant testimony to his authenticity and intrigue in psychology and mental health.

The nine track EP “Suffocation & Air” is a revelation to emotions held close — it’s an entry into the psyche, the trauma, and ego. It chronicles his journey to coexist with his demons. The release skirts on modern genres of R&B, pop, with a blend of funky synthscapes. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Treasure.

Savannah Maddison: How Country Encourages Our Country's Finest

Florida-born, Nashville based singer-songwriter, author, and philanthropist Savannah Maddison takes on Country through the lens of the modern adolescent. The 19 year old country artists explores themes of love and relationships centered in contemporary youth experiences.

Savannah's prowess includes her writing endeavors, one of which is her book entitled “Sincerely: YOU, Letter Writing to Change the World,” which tells the story of her organization’s roots and encourages youth to start their own movements and service projects. Additionally, Savannah founded “Savannah’s Soldiers", an organization that sent over 350,000 letters of encouragement to soldiers deployed globally from students across the country. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Savannah.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 24Jejune ContributorJuly 7, 2020music, musician, #singer, singer, empowering girls, female power, #positivity, kids, USAComment