Portland,Oregon-Hosted its 33rd Annual Providence Portland to Coast Walk & 42nd annual Providence Hood to Coast.
Congratulations 🎉 to our hometown team, Peace Runners 773 for their participation, doing it not just for the culture and city but for the hood! We need more health professionals curating positive images to encourage more representation in our fight for equality in social justice. Health is wealth 😊 and it all starts with us!
Recap with us
Recap visual
By the way Peace Runners is sponsored by LuLulemon.
Official Peace Runners IG and visual of them starting the relay
The Providence Hood & Portland To Coast Relays is the most popular and largest running and walking relay race in the world, annually drawing participants from over 40 countries and all 50 states. Known as the Mother of All Relays, the event takes 8 to 12 member relay teams 196 miles or 128 miles (from Portland) from the iconic top of Mount Hood to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. The event has sold-out for 36 straight years and on lottery opening day for 31 consecutive years!
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: ZaireFull view of setup in the garden space. Photo credit: ZairePainting 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.
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)
The “Secret Sundaze SocialBrunch” 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.
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.
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.
Real name Rakim Allen, PnB was transported to the hospital at 1:59 PM and pronounced dead after being involved in a robbery at 1:15 PM at the famous eatery Roscoes Chicken 🍗 and Waffles 🧇 located on Main Street and Manchester Avenue where he was dining with his girlfriend who’d posted a location tagged photo on Instagram allegedly an hour before the assault according to a law enforcement captain in Los Angeles, by the name of Kelly Muniz (Los Angeles Times; Draughorne & Winton).
It was a video posted of the artist laying in a pool of blood by a witness, and a witness also said that the suspect approached PnB while he was dining. This happen earlier today, Monday afternoon.
PnB and his girlfriend; and location tagged photo
It was reported that the suspect waved a gun inside the restaurant and demanded items from PnB, sources said he was targeted for his jewelry, he then shot him and ran out the side door to a getaway car 🚙 and then fled the scene. It is unclear how the assailant got the location but it is assumed that it could have been from his girlfriend’s post, a patron or a employer.
If you’re at a certain status or you wear expensive items be sure you have standard rules of engagement, carry protection, and make sure you travel safe. You never know what could happen. It’s unfortunate that this happen to PnB, he would have been 31 December 9 of this year.
I send my condolences 💐 to his family and loved 🥰 ones.
Chicago-One of our native people are mourning this week after losing their girlfriend, a award 🥇 winning film 🎞 maker, fitness guru, beauty, serial entrepreneur Raven Jackson.
“Jackson was a participant of Film at Lincoln Center’s Artist Academy during the 57th New York Film Festival (Obituary via Top of Info).” Raven was only 24 years of age and preparing for her birthday fitness camp in Miami
Check on your people who you feel or know are strong 💪🏾, pay attention to people who tell you they are battling depression because they hide well. Don’t be so detached as a human that you allow someone you love 💕 to leave this earth 🌍 feeling unloved or not appreciated. Be that one person to help change the direction to choosing death as a resolve.
Right now we all need love ❤️ and compassion. We need healing ❤️🩹 and to be connected to one’s who will poor into us as much as we pour into them. We need solutions and answers to questions that can only sometimes be answered through our shadow work. Our environment mentally, spiritually and physically can play a part in triggering us.
Let’s send some love ❤️ prayer 🤲🏾 and healing ❤️🩹 to Raven Jackson’s family and loved 🥰 ones who will be missing her presence. May she have traveled 🧳 well to the next realm and was met by her angels to help her transition heavenly.
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.
“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.
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.
Chicago, IL- Invited by Ta’Rhonda Jones, one of the presenters, who collaborated with Neighborhood Heroes, R.A.G.E. (Resident Association of Greater Englewood), Imagine Englewood If…, Project Hood, Kingdom Avenue, Teamwork Englewood, Ladies of Virtue, Alderwoman Coleman of the 16th Ward, Growing Home, Rebecca Zellview, CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), 28 To Brush Dental Studio, Oak Street Health, U.S. Army, Community Policing, Cook County Illinois, Project Exploration STEAM, and VOA Illinois.
They provided Italian Fiesta Pizza for the Volunteer Staff; who passed out basketballs, essentials such as soaps, facial cleansers, food items; and non essentials such as backpacks, haircuts, COVID TESTING; and more. Supplies were distributed on a first come serve basis, rain or shine, located on 60th Halsted to help make the remote learning process easier for the families in Englewood and greater Chicago area.
Credit: Cortez Carter of “A Carter Agency”, Video Journalist
The Connect
I connected with Martin “Crime Chaser” Johnson, Lamon Reccord, Kevin Freeman, Joseph Williams and I met some new community associates and I look forward to seeing the work they do in the community and beyond, check back for updates.
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.
Communications Generalist | Cultural Strategist | Data & Business Analyst 