Life is just a vapor!
Whew Chile… let me tell ya’ll something! This is the first month of 2023 and when I tell you life is still life-ing! One thing for certain I know to be true is that there are too many people who believe they are in control, in actuality they are not! They believe God’s time is on our calendar and the business of God, The Universe, Allah, Budda, or whatever you believe happens on their time. I am here to share that God (or whatever you believe in) is not a respecter of man-made rules and laws. In the words of Les Brown “in this life we have to learn to expect opposition, because it is surely coming.” As we continue to live and go through life there will always be wins and losses. Sometimes the losses seem bigger than the wins, but these are all about one’s perspective or lack thereof. This brings me to the point of this article. It’s time to “Unleash Your Vision” and stop waiting on the perfect time because time may not be on your side.
In 2023, I strongly urge you to begin to think of new ways to reinvent yourself everyday. Give birth to the “New You” this New Year! Don’t be the person looking out the window as life passes you by because you failed to put yourself first. I have heard the conversations of strangers who swear that they will no longer play small in life. The common whispers are that people are “sick and tired of being sick and tired” and they are determined to do something about it!
If this is you, I have the perfect course to help you further develop into the person you know you can be. Join me, Coach Gwen the week of February 28, 2023, through April 04, 2023, for a seven-week virtual E-Course titled “Unleashing Your Vision.” Learn intricate life skills and best practices to help lay the foundation for your personal development to becoming the best version of yourself. Visit www.gwenclemons.com and grab your seat. Let’s Get busy living!_ Editor-in-Chief Gwendolyn D. Clemons
Editor-in-Chief Gwendolyn D. Clemons
Gracing the cover of the 2023 inaugural Unleashed Issue is newly elected State Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, MSPPM a nationally recognized leader in the field of Reproductive Justice, Human Rights and leadership development for Black women and girls.
PA State Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes, MSPPM Photocredit (LDMHeadshotWhiteHat – Richena Brockinson)
Representative Mayes is known for her lifelong unapologetic advocacy career for health care, abortion access, Black maternal health, comprehensive sexuality education and so many other intersecting policy issues of reproductive health and rights.
Representative Mayes campaign slogan is “Disrupting politics as usual.” The politics as usual she is speaking about is the lack of respect and support for progressive Black women when we run for office. Usually, the lack of respect of support comes from political parties and political infrastructures. Specifically the ideas of electability, the politics as usual of giving lip service to campaign platform issues without any actual lived or professional experience or track record of leading on those issues are the driving forces.
Representation Matters!
Mayes is a stern believer that we can’t continue with politics as usual when candidates being selected during Special Elections by local party committee members instead of by the voters. (read more) https://issuu.com/theunleashedvoicemagazine/docs/tuv_magazine_2023_jan-feb_unleashed_issue
Move over Lowery Seasonings there’s a New Kid on the Block! Sister Soul Seasonings is taking the South by storm!
Sister Soul Seasonings is the brainchild of Ruby Davis and Dr. Tarcia Gilliam-Parrish. This aunt and niece team is the nucleus of their large family of believers. With grandma’s recipe in hand, the transition from the dusty Mississippi roads to kitchen tables worldwide has been a dream come true. Chitterlings have moved from a left over after thought to a delicacy. We do chitterlings right and the seasoning adds a soulful flavor to each bite.
Faith, family, and delicious food are always on the menu during our family gatherings. A small kitchen in Orange Mound, one of the oldest black communities in America, is the test kitchen for Sister Soul Seasonings. The first chitterling seasoning was created and cooked for years in our family home. You owe it to yourself to experience how much it enhances the flavor of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, eggs, soups, stews, french fries, and even popcorn! There is no finer seasoning! https://sistersoulseasonings.myshopify.com/
Ruby Davis and Dr. Tarcia Gilliam-Parrish (Photographer Rod Williams & T-shirts Lenorad Acey)
These young Men Can Jam!
Our community feature is excited to introduce 2 phenomenal young talented dancers from Memphis, TN. Meet Quincy and Jamar S. Oliver, The Founders and Head Coach of the Memphis Prancing Tigerette. The best hip hop community dance team to crack the cusp of majorette/dance in the city. This world-renowned team has danced their ways into the hearts of millions over the last few years. Quincy is a licensed cosmetologist, and Memphis native who established Memphis Prancing Tigerettes in 2007. Jamar is a graduate of Kirby High School (home of the Cougars) and has been in the dance/majorette/drill community 10+years.
There professional journey as dance and choreographer coaches has always been our passion, exclaims both Quincy & Oliver. They’ve built The Quincy Oliver brand into a household name, with appearances on Lifetime Movie Network’s television series “Bring It!”. The Memphis Prancing Tigerettes was selected to have a cameo appearance on the “Prancing Elites Project.”
Quincy and Jamar S. Oliver, The Founders and Head Coach of the Memphis Prancing Tigerette
“The Importance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day”
In January the Tennessee Department of Health shocked Tennessee nonprofits who provide HIV treatment, services, and testing with an unprecedent announcement. They announced that the State of Tennessee would end relationships with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) by not accepting funds related to these services. The only exception would be monies allotted to the Ryan White Program. This announcement could not have come at a worse time because the Ending The HIV Epidemic Campaign for Southern States was treading in the right direction. Shelby County, Tennessee (especially Memphis, TN ) has historically ranked in the top tier for HIV and new HIV diagnosis. So, why would the State of Tennessee make a bold move to cut funding directed to nonprofits to carry out these necessary services?
Tennessee is known for enacting Racists and Homophobic policies!
Organizations such as Relationship Unleashed http://www.runl.org a 501c3 nonprofit who intentionally provides HIV Services to the Black LGBTQA+ community will be directly impacted by the egregious and irresponsible decision of the Tennessee Department of Health. You can support Relationship Unleashed so that the important work they provide will continue to an already vulnerable community by clicking the link above with your tax deductible donation.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, (February 7, 2023) will be an important opportunity to a day to acknowledge progress in #HIV prevention and care among Black/African American people while recognizing much work still needs to be done. Black communities have made great progress in reducing HIV. Yet racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV prevention services. These issues may also reduce the likelihood of engaging in HIV treatment and care.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a chance to get more involved in getting the word out that HIV is preventable and treatable. With greater awareness about how the disease is spread and how to avoid risky behaviors, people can reduce their chance of infection. With appropriate treatment and medication, people living with HIV can live long and productive lives and manage their disease like other chronic illnesses. That is why it is so important for everyone to get screened for HIV and to know their HIV status. KNOW YOUR STATUS GET TESTED!
Dr. Davin D. Clemons, CFO of TUV Media
In the words of Dr. Davin D. Clemons, CFO of TUV Media let’s learn to practice gratitude because it could serve as game-changer: it has far reaching effects, from improving our mental health to boosting our relationships with others. Living your life with gratitude helps you notice the little wins which in turns create a web of well-being that, over time, strengthens your ability to notice the good.
Remember Life is just a vapor!
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