Tag: Inspiration

Culturally Connecting with the Puerto Rican Cultural Center on Art Therapy

Community, Culture News, Lifestyle, Personal Perspectives, Scholarly Works, Travel, What's Good?

Chicago, IL-In a Garden across the street from the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, hosted by Zaire, we gathered in the name of love, culture, and therapy. As modern-day social workers, we must have our work-life balance because we’re out here during the year combating crisis in our communities’ culture and helping to shape the new world into a better place.

I received an invite from an associate who also happens to be a close friend of mine earlier this week, and I was happy to attend and network even though it was a brief session. That’s really all you need for painting or any form of therapy.

The setup for our art tables.
Photo credit: Zaire
Full view of setup in the garden space.
Photo credit: Zaire
Painting with friends and family of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Photo Credit: Zaire
Friends and family of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Photo Credit: Zaire

Art Therapy

Art therapy is significant for several reasons. It provides a creative outlet for individuals to express themselves, explore their emotions, and process trauma or stress in a non-verbal way. It can help improve mental health by fostering self-awareness, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, it can aid in communication, especially for those who find it challenging to express their feelings verbally. Overall, art therapy offers a unique approach to healing and self-discovery.

Healing Creativity and Working Through Emotions of Grief

Art therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are grieving because it provides a safe space to express complex emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Through various artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, or sculpture, individuals can externalize their feelings of loss, sadness, anger, or confusion.

Engaging in the creative process allows them to explore and make sense of their grief journey at their own pace. Creating art can also serve as a distraction from overwhelming emotions and provide a sense of control during a time of upheaval.

Furthermore, art therapy encourages reflection and introspection, helping individuals gain insight into their grief experiences and find meaning in their loss. Group art therapy sessions can also offer a supportive environment where participants can connect with others who are going through similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and validation.

Overall, art therapy can facilitate the grieving process by promoting emotional expression, coping skills, and a sense of healing and renewal.

Embracing a New Chapter: My Journey with Illinois School District 163 as a Communications Specialist

Culture News, Economics, Lifestyle, Scholarly Works
Photojournalist: TSA Media @ Tim Streetz Winter Solstice Release Party

Dear School District 163 Community,

I am thrilled to embark on a new chapter of my professional journey as the Communications Specialist for School District 163 handling all your public relations & communications needs. From the moment I stepped foot into our vibrant community, I knew that I was stepping into a world of boundless possibilities, where every interaction, every conversation, and every connection has the power to make a difference.

Joining School District 163 fills me with an overwhelming sense of excitement and purpose. As someone deeply passionate about effective communication and community engagement as a social scientist, engineer, and entrepreneur, I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to serve our district and support its mission of academic excellence and student success.

Communication is at the heart of everything we do, and I am committed to ensuring that our voices are heard, our stories are shared, and our community is united. Whether it’s through crafting engaging content, managing our digital platforms, or collaborating with stakeholders, I am dedicated to fostering open, transparent, and meaningful communication across all levels of our organization.

But beyond the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, what truly excites me is the opportunity to be of service to each and every member of our district. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a student, or a community member, know that my door is always open, and my ears are always ready to listen. Your ideas, your feedback, and your concerns matter, and I am here to support you in any way I can.

As we embark on this journey together, I am filled with hope, optimism, and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve such a dynamic and diverse community. Together, let us embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and continue to build a brighter future for School District 163.

I look forward to getting to know each of you, learning from your experiences, and working together to make our district the best it can be. Together, we are stronger, together, we can achieve greatness.

Below is some general information on my system and ways that we can collaborate.

Thank you for welcoming me with open arms, and I am honored to be a part of this incredible community.

Gratitude,

BK
Communications Specialist

Experience the Ultimate Sunday Fête: “Secret Sundaze Social Brunch” in Chicago

Culture News

Chicago, IL — Feb. 20, 2024— Get ready to indulge in a culinary and cultural extravaganza like no other with the launch of the “Secret Sundaze Social Brunch” in Chicago. This exclusive event series, the first installment presented by I Vibe Hard LLC in partnership with Feed The Hood NFP, invites guests to savor gourmet cuisine, enjoy live entertainment, and support a worthy cause on a Sunday afternoon.

Event Details

  • Secret Sundaze Social Brunch
  • A secret location in the Chicagoland area (secretly revealed to confirmed guests)
  • February 25,2024, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

RSVP HERE

An Unforgettable Experience:

The “Secret Sundaze Social Brunch” promises to be a celebration of food, music, and community spirit. Guests will be treated to a curated menu featuring brunch favorites and delectable appetizers, prepared by local chefs and artisans. Sip on complimentary drinks while enjoying live performances by talented musicians and artists or entertainment professionals, creating a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding and socializing with friends and fellow brunch enthusiasts.

Supporting a Worthy Cause:

In partnership with Feed The Hood NFP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting socioeconomic insecurity in the Chicagoland area, a portion of the proceeds from each event will directly support their mission. By attending the “Secret Sundaze Social Brunch,” guests not only indulge in a luxurious brunch experience but also contribute to making a positive impact in the community.

Tickets and Pricing:

  • Standard Ticket: $25 per person (includes entry and one complimentary drink)
  • Deluxe Ticket: $45 per person (includes entry, one complimentary drink, and a selection of appetizers)

Executive Partners for this Installment:

I Vibe Hard LLC, a leading events and entertainment company known for their innovative and immersive urban experiences, joins as executive partners for the “Secret Sundaze Social Brunch.” With their expertise and passion for creating unforgettable moments, I Vibe Hard LLC adds an extra layer of excitement and creativity to the event, ensuring guests have an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

Join Us at the Table:

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exclusive culinary journey and support a meaningful cause. Tickets are limited, so secure your spot today by visiting our page.

About Feed The Hood NFP:

Feed The Hood NFP is a grassroots organization committed to addressing socioeconomic insecurity and promoting community empowerment in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods. Through innovative programs and partnerships, Feed The Hood NFP strives to create sustainable solutions and foster a more social equitable system for all.

The Nia (Purpose) of Spirituality, Family, and Culture, Finding Your Essence and Unique Self Purpose in Humanity, connect Kuumba (Creativity) with Imani (Faith)

Community, Culture News, Inspiration, Lifestyle

Now that the celebration 🍾 of the Fiscal New Year has ended, and all of the confusing pagan traditions are over we can focus 🧘🏽‍♀️ on new ways of celebrating 🥳, thinking 💭, and doing things.

Connecting throughout the diaspora is the most important and difficult thing to do for us, aboriginal communities and people.

The current evolution of culture is setting us up to practice discernment and understanding the truth of what it means to be human. It’s a time to remember who we are and the structure of the universe and natural world order. Especially when we’re at risk of being replaced with technology. The key to life now is standardization of traditional values and media. When I say media, I am referring to mediums used to share cultural, governing, and economic values.

I’m grounding myself in purpose with intentions and discipline to show up everywhere my presence is accepted, invited, and decided to go with purpose. Making sure I am places where I don’t have to chip off a piece of myself but where I learn something that shines and discovers parts of who I am. Still replacing old habits with new ones as I transit through cycles.

I’m directing very specific emotions and using art to create and share those perspectives, connections, and values in experiences.

Ujamma: Cooperative Economics by building and maintaining our own stores 🏬, shops 🏬, and other businesses, and profit from them together

Baba Kelan Phil Cohran
Credit: Phil Cohran dot com

Yesterday I was honored to attend “Music Maestro Please” a Documentary Screening about ancestor KELAN PHIL COHRAN directed and produced by Robert Lott, M Cochran, Dwight McFarland Bey, and Stephen “Kwesi” Mack, hosted by YogaSkills Kemetic Studio, with performances by Chicago artist inspired by ancestor Kelan Phil Cohran.

I’m working on having another screening for the documentary and a discussion in partnership with YogaSkills and the Producers. Let’s see what happens soon 🔜.

Proclamation from and by The State of Illinois Celebrating 🥳 the Life of Honorable Master Teacher Genius Musician Baba Kelan Phil Cohran

The Honorable Kelan Phil Cohran

Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility Reflection

UIJIMMA was celebrated with Community Partner Taize Williams, and we’re working on a follow up event to keep the principle’s in circulation.

Themes and resources for 2023

Let it go, and still manifest that 💩 shit.
Don’t sink the ship 🚢 not applying what has already been taught to you.
Addressing the Light 💡 and Darkness 😈

Striving for and Maintaining Unity in the Family, Nation, and Race of Humanity, Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

Community, Culture News, Heritage-History, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Personal Perspectives

Habari Gani Family

It’s day 2 of Kwanzaa and we’re moving in a better direction for Umoja (Unity) and Kujichagulia (Self-Determinatiton). I know I am. Since the new moon in Capricorn I’ve just been on some new news. I respect the perspectives and opinions of others but they do not have to define who I am nor do their realization or acceptance of the meaning of a word or how they think a story should be told. I’ve learned to save space to share their ideas too. It doesn’t make anything right or wrong but the main goal is, to tell the truth. All people can live by the principles of Kwanzaa which is what I love ❤️ and we can build on this foundation to create a better condition because life isn’t a joke right now, and we need to consider building community as serious business. We can’t talk about reparations without repatriation and building for ourselves. I’m not failing to tell the story the way it should be. I honor my ancestors and want to create relationships that represent the truth of power and true power. We will unite politically, culturally, and economically.

Credit: Cecile Johnson
Credit: Cecile Johnson, CEO & Founder of The African Development Plan

We are celebrating the present, our future, and the past in merriment. We’re on the road to decolonization and self-determination as a family, nation, and people. It’s a great time to be living and practicing Sankofa. The path to self-determination has to be a true, consistent, and persistent one. It can’t just be doing festive times or when one is being killed in the streets or harassed by the police or even lied to by politicians and the governments. It must be and will be a way of life and come about during reflection of who we, who’s we are, and where we are to know what our path to development looks like. We’re more than entertainers, athletes, influencers, workers, and blacks or whatever you subscribe to. We are living beings having a human experience and we’re here to develop humanity’s consciousness.

We’re Growing Through Genocide

Credit: Cecile Johnson

Fetch What is at Risk of Being Left Behind

Sankofa is learning from the past, not forgetting our history and heritage. We have to communicate with each other what we know, our perspectives, and our insights. To inform the present and the future we must know the past truths, lies, and reality. My history and heritage has a large chunk of slavery, war, and people being misnomered. I will not turn the cheek to that nor act like it’s not part of what I have inherited as a descendant of my ancestors and elders. It will not be lost nor forgotten but used to determine solutions to problems and evolve our way of life. We are aborigines and we need to determine our status and stand on our rights. We must fetch what is at risk of being lost and asking questions not only to get answers but to remedy them. There’s always new learning as we move and discover what was left behind.

My Stance

I’m riding with mine, my people, and urbanely correcting what is wrong or misunderstood. I am not asking for permission to support anyone who may be taking their stance when it relates to who we are as a people that seem to be nationless when we are not. I am claiming my identity and inserting it. It’s not up for debate or to be questioned. I am lessening distractions and moving in truth while I’m here on earth.

I’m working on a level of diplomacy where I can accept the perspectives, opinions, and insights of others without allowing them to change who I am, how I’ve chosen to self-identify and determine how I express myself, I will not come off my throne to please others nor demean them for how they choose to see things. That is the true power of self-determination when acting based on ethics, ethnicity, and value.

Same time this shit is bigger than me. It’s bigger than you, it’s bigger than us but it’s us against everybody if I choose. And I choose.

Credit: Cecile Johnson

Remember and be encouraged that we are one people

Cecile Johnson

Benny The Butcher In Chicago, Live at Promontory: Tana Talk 4

Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, What's Good?

This is a developing story, I have more to share.

Mr. Butcher is now added to my list of street artists, thanks to Covert Operations. His storytelling is impeccable. Once I saw my cousins, Charles and Paris in the mix, I knew that he had to be something decent but I had no clue he was going to be something this valuable to hip hop culture. Not that I was even expecting anything less because my people have good taste in music and culture, but just like the old head said. “Would you rather have one Maybach or 5 Acuras? He was framing the context of quality music from conception to modern flowing art. I wasn’t aware of who he was but I know now.

Press Associate Kash Photography of New York

“The concert atmosphere was lit. He could have done more songs”

Benny The Butcher Guest

I enjoyed the hip-hop enthusiast vibes and the game from a mid-range perspective. First day back outside, and this gives me clarity of the beats I need to be on for reviews, interviews, and media mixing.

The opening talent was solid, Enos and King Drive is whom I remember. I missed a few artists performing, but I did meet some artists backstage that was graceful, Corey St.Rose & Kid Flvsh. The event was sold out three days before the live show, with guests filling the venue from wall to wall. To walk to the bar was a tour, bumping into fellow peers and natives of the culture.

I look forward to seeing more of Benny The Butcher in the city. If you’re looking for high-end urban culture subscribe to Covert Operations for events, booking, and management. First time in Chicago? Need a social place? The Promontory is a good choice for established social services and food in the heart of the Chicago Culture. 

Parent Threatens to Bring Fully Loaded Gun Over Mask Mandates

Culture News

Amelia King of Virginia, 42, is accused of making an oral threat on school property after she was cut off during a public comment section of the Page County public school board meeting Thursday, the Luray Police Department said in a statement (Stelloh, NBC News).

King has been charged, and was arrested Friday then later released on 5,000 bond. She also issued an apology stating that she was “only figuratively speaking”. Yea right.

To hear her statement in full please watch video.

Sagacity: The Sacred Practice of Sage Burning

Community, Culture News, Health and Wellness, Heritage-History, Lifestyle

It is wise to know where your practices come from and to have deep insight into how they not only impact you, but the world. Sage comes in more than 900 species, according to Southern Living. It is a medicinal plant used in culinary and spiritual practices. It was once considered a medicinal cure-all, and can still be used to cure many dis-eases. The plant and the uses of it has become a trendy wellness practice. It is very important to know where this trend derived from and to protect the tradition by having a clear understanding of the practice to work effectively with indigenous peoples and Mother Nature.

The practice of burning sage is culturally sensitive to indigenous peoples but it’s something that we should also consider the agriculture process of and how it effects the environment.

Sage burning also known as smudging, is used for purifying and cleansing the spirit of negative energy in the home, room, or body, helping to maintain a satisfactory aura. The term smudging comes from indigenous tribes, commonly, in North America. A good question is, do they practice this medicine in other cultures, if so, where and what are they called ?

Bustle’s Nyla Burton, said “when non-native people burn sage to “smudge” their homes or other spaces, it can minimize the cultural importance of this ritual, and have a negative impact on how the herbs are grown. Instead, advocates say non-native people can learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive. There are lots of ways to achieve the benefits of smudging by using more ethical practices, terminology, and materials.”

Definition of Smudging

“Sacred smoke from burning medicinal or sacred plants, a traditional ceremony for purifying and cleansing soul of negative thoughts of a person or place.”

The Four Elements

  • Traditionally, a shell is used as a container representing water the first element
  • Four sacred plants that are gifts from mother earth represent the second element, earth.
    • Cedar
    • Sage
    • Sweetgrass
    • Tobacco
  • Lighting of the sacred plants produces the third element, fire.
  • Smoke from the fire produces the fourth element, air.

To learn more about working effectively with Indigenous Peoples visit Indigenous Corporate Training, Inc. for more.

It is better to light the plant with a match then a gas lighter. You can burn both the leaves and the stems before wavering over the subject by hand or with a feather,traditionally natives use eagle feathers. The person being smudge can pull the smoke towards them to inhale softly. When finished the ashes are then returned to mother earth, for which this is where the gifts came from. It is said and believed that the ashes absorbs the negative thoughts and feelings.

Sources

When You Have Heroes as Friends: @SaintTheGoodBoy & Jesse James Saves the Day

Community, Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

Friday, September 7, 2018 King James (Jesse Stringer) and Saint “The Good Boy” (Lennell Davis) was looking for a party during after hours when they approached 79th Phillips and seen a building on fire.

I was told by a source that The Chicago Fire Department was on location and did not immediately respond to the fire. That’s what sparked both guys to go into the building on a rescue mission. Source reported that Jesse asked the Fire Fighters what were they waiting on to go into the building and one of the Fire Fighters responded by allegedly telling him to “go ahead and go in”.

I received a call from Saint shortly after they finished the rescue. For more information on the story, click link here, to get CBS2 Chicago’s account. They awkwardly produced their story deliberately stating that the The Chicago Fire Department’s Fire Fighters immediately responded, when I was told by a source, who was present, that they did not.

Nonetheless, it’s great to know that I have great friends/humans around who will sacrifice to ensure the well being of others. They could have kept riding and assumed that because the Chicago Fire Department was present they would take care of it. This is a good example of leadership and being an active citizen.

Chicago’s Legend in Making @FBG_DUCK Has Self-Confessed Chicago’s Legends

Culture News

FBG Duck, a Chicago Musical Illustrator, published a video recorded by Money Strong TV on his channel two days ago on Dec. 7, 2019; and with the apparent loss of legends from the City of Chicago, who are without a doubt gone too soon because of various tragic situations; he proclaims their affects in and on culture. In his illustrated story he mentions Jojo, Pappy, Zack TV, Lil Marc, Dooski, Nuski, Fredo Santana, LA Capone, Lil Mister, and Smylez. With the current loss of another great Chicago Legend Juice Wrld; and Famous Dex being recently hospitalized to recover from seizures, there is no concrete word if he has been released, there is much to be concerned about.

The murder and drug epidemic of Chicago has depreciated the circulation of producers in culture from the city, putting the ideas out there to be mocked by upcoming or lurking seasoned artist to develop from other markets. Every artist mentioned has a different level of success, impact, trade, and skill that contributed to the identity of who Chicago is in the urban culture world. A legend is someone who creates or develops a traditional story, who taps into their genius, and sculps a path for others to follow or to observe only to be influenced by their impact. No matter how well known the legend is globally, it can be very well known in pockets or wide areas to be proclaimed a legend.

Watch FBG Duck Declare Chicago Legends.

Subscribe to FBG Duck’s channel for more content.

This brings attention to the social issues that we need to solve in Chicago, and beyond, that deal ultimately with poverty, civic engagement, health, and the brotherhood of humanity. His piece of art pushes towards conversations that need to be had to better our community and restore unity between the gangs or just those who are conflicted and need to heal in order to let go of past conflicts or traumas. In the words of FBG Duck, “just to show yourself a better you”, is worth the participation in helping leaders like him carry messages like this far and wide in the diaspora to help appreciate the progress made in the culture.

I’d like to send love and light to all of the families of our lost and slain ones, even those we lost to non violent tragic situations because we are all still suffering from a bigger issue. Our health, wealth, and our mind state suffers or take constant hits (Urban Dark Hue Beings) because we are in a constant state of oppression while walking dead. We must prescribe a remedy to our ignorance, discipline ourselves, and love one another because the world is depending on it. We are depending on it. You existence is dependent on it.

We don’t die we multiply, so rest peacefully Juice Wrld , Jojo, Pappy, Zack TV, Lil Marc, Dooski, Nuski, Fredo Santana, LA Capone, Lil Mister, and Smylez . We love and wish you all where still among us but we will continue to push y(our) energy, that will never be destroyed, into the world with love.