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TUV MAGAZINE 2022 WORLD AIDS DAY ISSUE FEATURING THE WEDDING OF ALIAH & TERRELL DAVIS!

By Gwen Clemons -
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This issue makes our 8th year highlighting World AIDS Day as a Signature Issue for TUV Magazine. Our plan is to intentionally publish it until HIV is eradicated in our communities! We know that one effective way to reduce new HIV diagnosis is through education and that is why we are intentional in every issue to include articles that speak about stigma and discrimination.  

As the world prepares to celebrate World AIDS Day on December 1, 2022. I am excited because this day presents an opportunity to rally and show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day. 

Despite the advancements in HIV prevention and care, the state of the HIV epidemic, particularly in the South remains at the forefront.  According to a recent report from Gilead Science – State of HIV “the epidemic today reminds us that there are many social, economic, and structural barriers that continue to prevent some people from accessing the care they need. As a result, progress has been unevenly made, with already marginalized groups who continue to bear the brunt of the HIV epidemic.” 

As a person, who has personally lost family members, and close friends to HIV it has become a personal call to action and lifelong mission of our businesses to help spread awareness and education. I don’t want another family to experience the suffering my family experienced because they did not have access to care or education for their loved ones. It won’t happen, NOT ON OUR WATCH! The number 474,786 represents the number of individuals living with HIV in the South! 

 

On the Cover: Meet Aliah and Terrell Davis – In a world where LGBTQ rights are constantly under attack. We take great pride in proudly sharing an example of a commitment to love through marriage! Representation matters and it gives us great pleasure to provide a glimpse of their fabulous wedding!

These newlyweds took a page from the Netflix Series “Bridgerton” and delivered a resounding wedding depicting a Queen Victoria era custom look. This is what happens when love meets fashion, a desire for excellence, and a commitment to have the best day of your life comes to fruition. By the way, LOVE ALWAYS WIN!

The National AIDS Memorial (NAM), steward of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, is partnering with the Southern AIDS Coalition to launch a major initiative bringing sections of the Quilt to communities in the southern United States as a teaching tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Funded by a $2.4 million grant by Gilead Sciences, the weeklong Quilt display and programming aims to raise awareness about health disparities and social justice issues that continue to disproportionately impact communities of color.

Through local events and programming, Change the Pattern will actively engage communities through Quilt displays, interactive experiences, storytelling, advocacy, and panel-making workshops. By creating an empowering message and safe spaces for conversation, we can uplift, inspire, and encourage all communities to take an active role in their health, challenge cultural stigmas, and continue the legacy of advocacy for our marginalized brothers, sisters, and others.

Entertainment News for the Holidays: Home For Christmas, the movie is right on time! 

Make sure you all check out Onyx Keesha Films, DreamN1, and 360 Films, latest holiday movie just in time for the 2022 holiday season. The trailer for the movie reveals that it will be centered around an LGBTQ family struggling to find the spirit of Christmas.  Written by B. Danielle Watkins and directed by Gino Payne, and Onyx Keesha, the trailer also shows scenes from the film which show grief and pain as well as joyous moments.

“Your Strength Was Never Meant To Crush You.” 

Founded in 2019, Black Women DO Heal (BWDH) is dedicated to creating safe, healing, and culturally competent spaces for Black and Brown Women to heal from trauma, abuse, mental health challenges, addictions, and the additional stressors of being a black woman. We do this by providing collective spaces to practice self-care, support groups, coaching, referrals, and outings to foster healing, community, support and self-care, and self-awareness to improve participants’ overall quality of life. Our approach helps to reduce the stigma of getting help and what help looks like for Black and Brown women. 

Cassandra James-Weathersby, Director Black Women DO Heal, Assistant Editor in Chief, Melanated Queen Magazine

Happy Holidays to all of you and may you be surrounded with those that love and celebrate you! To become a monthly subscriber or to featured please send us an email to info@tuvmag.com

 

AMIYAH SCOTT GETS COZY WITH TUV MAGAZINE IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

By Gwen Clemons -
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The Community Issue – The Line is Moving! 

TUV Magazine obtained an exclusive interview with Actress Amiyah Scott in the September – October Community Issue. Scott is best known for her critically acclaimed role as Cotton in Lee Daniels television series “Star!” With this role Amiyah broke history as the first transgender actress to play a transgender character on a major network television series.  In addition to modeling and acting, Amiyah made her mark when she was a teenager by pioneering the New Orleans underground ballroom scene.

Amiyah Scott

In this feature Scott opens up about being bullied, living as a Trans woman and how those experiences help shaped her into becoming an advocate. Check out an excerpt of her interview!

Q: What advice would you offer to other rising transgender/LGBTQ+ stars about the promise and the peril of using their platforms with both dignity and caution while opportunity and representation in mass media remains as limited as it does?

A: I would say to always be authentic. Many times, as trans people we’re expected to tiptoe, minimizing ourselves in order to be digestible. To me, it’s best to always be yourself, be strong and be proud. The right opportunities will come.

Q: What has been the biggest hurdle for you as a Trans Woman?

A: Everything. I fight for my respect and to live my life as I am daily. In this country my existence is questioned and threatened. I can only hope that one day trans people won’t have to fight for basic human rights.

You can find more about Amiyah Scott in TUV September – October Community Issue by through our digital issue https://issuu.com/theunleashedvoicemagazine/docs/1452965_the_unleashed_voice_magazine_september_oct or follow her amazing story and journey on social media or via her website.

IG @kingamiyahscott

Website: www.theamiyahscott.com

 

MONKEYPOX! PROTECT YOURSELF!

By Gwen Clemons -
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Vaccination is an important tool in preventing the spread of monkeypox. But given the current limited supply of vaccine, consider temporarily changing some behaviors that may
increase your risk of being exposed. These temporary changes will help slow the spread of monkeypox until vaccine supply is adequate. Reducing or avoiding behaviors that
increase risk of monkeypox exposure is also important when you are
between your first and second shots of vaccine. Your protection will be highest when you are two weeks after your second dose of vaccine.

Make a habit of exchanging contact information with any new partner to allow
for sexual health follow-up, if needed.

Talk with your partner about any monkeypox symptoms and be aware of any new or unexplained rash or lesion on either of your bodies, including the mouth, genitals (penis, testicles, vulva, or vagina), or anus (butthole). If you or your partner have or recently had monkeypox symptoms or have a new or unexplained rash anywhere on your body, do not have sex and see a healthcare provider. In some cases, symptoms may be mild, and
some people may not even know they have monkeypox.

If you or a partner has monkeypox or think you may have monkeypox, the best way to protect yourself and others is to avoid sex of any kind (oral, anal, vaginal) and kissing or touching each other’s bodies – while you are sick. Especially avoid touching any
rash. Do not share things like towels, fetish gear, sex toys, and
toothbrushes. Even if you feel well, here are some ways to reduce your chances
of being exposed to monkeypox if you are sexually active:

Visit cdc.gov for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/prevention/sexual-health.html

 

TUV Magazine 2022 PRIDE Issue – LIVING AUTHENTICALLY! An Exclusive Interview with Dyllón Burnside!

By Gwen Clemons -
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Dyllón Burnside is an American actor and singer. He is known for his role as Ricky Evangelista, a dancer, in the FX television series Pose. The television series Pose  highlighted New York City’s drag and ball culture scene. 

Dyllón Burnside (photo credit Bexx Francois LLC)

POSE and American Horror Stories talent Dyllón Burnside returns with his first new music of 2022, the inspirational Pride-themed anthem “Superpowers.”  https://youtu.be/OeasqZIsF4c

“Superpowers” is written by Dyllón Burnside, Jeremy Dussolliet and Tim Sommers, with production from the trio plus Kinetics and One Love. 

 “I wrote this song to my inner child. To the young man who was told that he was flawed because he was different. I learned that my differences were not a source of weakness but were, in fact, my Superpowers! This song is for everyone who has been marginalized, bullied, or attacked because of who they are. It is an anthem for the strong, the survivors, for the everyday superheroes fighting on the battlefield of life,” shares Burnside.

TRISTATE BLACK PRIDE MEMPHIS RECAP

In celebration of PRIDE Month, TSBPride Memphis capped off their biggest and largest PRIDE Convention to date. The four day convention began at The National Civil Rights Museum and ended at the Overton Park Shell with the 2nd Annual Music Festival headlined by the sensational rapper artist TRINA!

TRINA – HEADLINER FOR 2022 TSBPRIDE MEMPHIS 2ND ANNUAL MUSIC FEST

2022 TSBPRIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL 

2022 TSBPRIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL

HONOREES AT THE OPENING CEREMONY @ NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM 

NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM OPENING CEREMONY “SOLD OUT” 

Dr. Randolph SCH Dept, Kieta Mutepfa & Patrick Lee (Job Fair & Educational Forum 

Ryan White – Shelby County Health Department (Job Fair & Educational Forum) 

 

FRIDAY’S EDUCATIONAL “FREE LUNCH” PLENARY

6th Annual Drag & Brunch hosted by Miss Sophia McIntosh 

6th Annual Drag & Brunch hosted by Miss Sophia McIntosh 

COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY “ALL WHITE AFFAIR” HYATT CENTRIC ROOFTOP DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS

COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY “ALL WHITE AFFAIR” HYATT CENTRIC ROOFTOP DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS

FRIDAY NIGHT @STOP 345 “STOP LIGHT PARTY!”

FRIDAY NIGHT @STOP 345 “STOP LIGHT PARTY!”

FRIDAY NIGHT @STOP 345 “STOP LIGHT PARTY!”

“If we are honest about the importance of Black queer folks, we know that they are the architects of so much of our popular culture from singers and songwriters and producers, to choreographers and stylists and content creators. And not just in today’s society where queerness is more generally widely accepted. But since the beginning of time, queer folks, if we want to take it back to the roots of where we get contemporary pop music from, it’s gospel. We know that in the church, so many of our music ministers were queer. We are so much ingrained in the culture of Black people, queer people and Black people’s identities are so intimately connected. And I think, really, at the root of it, it’s about us understanding that the future and the well-being of queer folks and trans folks are intimately connected to the well-being of all Black folks, and that we all must lift each other together.” _ Dyllón Burnside

Go ahead and dive into the current issue to read the impactful contributions on how to live authentically! Remember we celebrate PRIDE 365 and so should you!

Are you interested in being featured in TUV Magazine? Do you have a story to tell? If so, we want to hear from you! Email us at info@tuvmag.com 

 

 

WHO IS TIMEEKAH MURPHY?

By Gwen Clemons -
0
Timeekah Murphy (Army Veteran, Celebrity Fashion Designer, Actress, Influencer), the founder of Alani Taylor Co., a luxury high fashion streetwear company owner that has designed for the most influential celebs such as Beyonce, Cardi B, Nick Cannon, Da Baby and more. Timeekah has been featured on media outlets such as AT&T Dream in Black Future Maker Commercial, HBO Max “They Hype”, Bazaar, BET, Vogue, Compulsive, Sheen, Paper, Voyage LA, Influencer, Hello Beautiful, Essence, Travel Noire and more. 

When Timeekah Murphy first realized she wanted to get involved in fashion design, she was stationed at Fort Hood Texas in the army and had no idea she’d one day be designing iconic pieces for stars like Cardi B and Beyoncé. At the time, she simply knew she wasn’t being represented as a masculine female in the styles available. She carried this passion for gender fluid fashion into the creation of her own clothing line, Alani Taylor, named after her daughter after her birth in 2016. The brand proudly offers gender-free clothing that celebrates “reworked proportions,” Alani Taylor Co. is geared as both a high fashion and luxury streetwear brand bringing gender neutral fashion to the mainstream.

TUV Magazine obtained an exclusive interview with Murphy!

TIMEEKAH MURPHY

Q: What was your inspiration to start a fashion Line? 

A: “I started teaching myself how to sew because I didn’t want to look like everyone else. I love androgynous fashion and I’m a masculine woman, so I wanted to be comfortable in my clothing and still know that I’m a woman.

Q: Why did you create an Androgynous Fashion Line? 

A: There are a lot of men and women that can’t find clothes that fit them in a comfortable way. I get a lot of women all the time that come up to me and say ‘I finally found clothing that hides my curves as a masculine woman and I’m so glad.’ So, they are more confident, they walk with their head high, and they get that confidence they always had inside. Clothes can make you stand tall or slouch. Alani Taylor helps you stand tall with your head high.”

Q: What can one expect when buying Alani Taylor’s fashions? 

A: Alani Taylor’s high fashion line is high-end luxury with designer price tags. It features dropper pants, jackets, and long shirts with plenty of texture and layering in gender fluid styles and bold colors. The streetwear line features shorts, pants, hoodies, and shirts that come in unisex sizes, as well as kidswear with similar cuts and a vibrant aesthetic. 

For more info on Timeekah Murphy and her brand can be found on her website: https://www.alanitaylor.com/ 

LIVE YOUR LIFE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!

By Gwen Clemons -
0

Palliative Nurse Bronnie Ware just released her highly acclaimed book “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying.” Nurse Ware spent several years working in palliative care, caring for patients in the last 12 weeks of their lives. During this time, she would record their dying epiphanies which gathered so much attention that she decided to write this book. As for me it certainly grabbed my attention because one’s mortality is imminent. 

The 5 common regrets of the dying

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-top-five-regrets-of-the-dying-a-life-transformed-by-the-dearly-departing_bronnie-ware/381397/item/34009847/?mkwid=%7cdc&pcrid=76965978093513&pkw=&pmt=be&slid=&product=34009847&plc=&pgrid=1231453276361670&ptaid=pla-4580565452854995&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping+%7c+NEW+condition+books&utm_term=&utm_content=%7cdc%7cpcrid%7c76965978093513%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7cbe%7cproduct%7c34009847%7cslid%7c%7cpgrid%7c1231453276361670%7cptaid%7cpla-4580565452854995%7c&msclkid=5ac1e3f8b211182af58a811ff78eddcd#idiq=34009847&edition=21322586

1. I wish I’d had more courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. 

This is the most common regret of all. As for me I refuse to give anyone power and dominion over my life anymore. I lived under that cloud when I didn’t know any better but baby I am as free as free can get. This number 1 regret of the dying should definitely give pause and something to think about now that you know! 

2. I wish I hadn’t work so hard. 

This regret may be hard to believe because we are taught daily to “GRIND!” Nevertheless, it’s a known recorded fact that at the end of life many regretted missing out on their children’s youth, partner’s companionship, or stopping to smell the roses for themselves. Take out the time you need folks for what you may deem the little things now.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings. 

It was reported that many of the patients on their dying bed had developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. It’s important to speak your truth, even if you lose friends or relationship, please don’t bottle your feelings up, LET IT!

4. I wish I stayed in touch. 

Ware shared that people at the end of their lies also regretted losing touch with friends and significant others. We are all busy or take for granted that tomorrow will also be her to do a thing. But none of us know for sure so making a concerted effort now will eliminate the need for regretting such a matter now. I must do better with this one!

5. I wish I had let myself be happier. 

Ware shared that may of her patients expressed that they were afraid of change and stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. Many failed to realize that until the end of life that happiness was a choice. Life is a fleeting moment, and then you wake up to find that years have passed and that there are more days behind you than in front you! 

I don’t know about anyone reading this article, but I am here to tell you that these 5 regrets gave me some fuel and food for thought! I refuse to let another day in my life go by where I fail to acknowledge the person that I am because I am worried about what others think of me. In actuality, most people aren’t probably thinking nothing about you. I believe we anticipate things too much and create entire scenarios about this & that for no good reason. 

Listen honey, in the words of Beyonce “I’m telling everybody, you won’t BREAK MY SOUL!”

Coach Gwendolyn D. Clemons

 

IT’S HEALING TIME – NO MORE EXCUSES! THE UNLEASHED VOICE 2022 MAY-JUNE MAGAZINE ISSUE

By Gwen Clemons -
0

IT’S HEALING TIME 

Marvin Gaye once sang that there are “three thangs in life fo’ sho’: taxes, death, and trouble.” Somehow he inadvertently left off TRAUMA! It’s Healing Time Ya’ll because we deserve to live out fully from traumatic pain and memories. There is hope and there are options available to us as opposed to one to living in Chronic Trauma! It is our hope that mental wellness, self-care, and self-awareness become your priorities going forward. This may look like a temporary priority or a lifelong way of living, either way you will benefit from doing the work.

Editor-in-Chief Gwendolyn D. Clemons 

“Things don’t go away because you don’t to deal with it” _ Coach Gwen 

The Greek definition of trauma as “WOUND” which we will translate to emotional, physical, and or psychological. Trauma is the result of a negative event (s).  It occurs when you feel emotionally or mentally hurt by something that has happened, and it may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, which is commonly referred to as PTSD.

In this issue we are giving a plethora of advice to guide you toward healing. As you read each article, we know that something written will reach you. How do we know? We know because we are speaking it into existence!

On the cover: Meet Antoinette L. Beeks the Season 3 winner of The Androgynous Model Contest.  “The Androgynous Model” is an intentional, non-scripted, modeling competition show that encourages others to be brave in their journey to authenticity. Antoinette is a self described Musician, Nature Enthusiast, and Model. You can follow her journey on The Androgynous Model YouTube Channel Season 3 https://youtu.be/hWAz_1cYHGA

The Androgynous Model Contest Winner Antoinette L. Beeks 

LOVING OUR LGBTQ CHILDREN SPECIAL FEATURE

This is our 7th year highlighting Black Momma’s with loving messages to the world about what acceptance and love should look like for one’s children irrespective of being LGBTQIA+.  It is widely known how harrowing the stories from the opposite side are, from parents rejecting their kids, to kicking them out of their homes, to even resorting to murder, all because of their children’s sexual orientation or how they self- identity.

At the time of this publishing, 14 year old Giovanni Melton’s father was sentenced to life in prison for his senseless murder in 2018. This monster killed this baby because he found out he was GAY! Rest in peace Giovanni. You didn’t deserve this! 

The families featured are very important because we know that “representation matters” in a world measured by heteronormative standards. Each year we move the margins a little more to hopeful center love and acceptance as the norm not the exception for LGBTQIA+ folxs.

Mother Janice & Andre Wilson 

Kimberly Branch and Mother Althea Burks 

Virginia Hannah & Mother Vivian Jones 

One to Watch 

STEE MOGLIE, LONDON, UK

Stee Moglie is virtuoso in many musical instruments such as the guitar, bass, and drums. In addition, she writes her own lyrics along with her live band. You can find her name in so many links such as TED Talks London, Black Music Movement, Brixton Black Lives Matter music and the list can go on. I describe her as being an architect who proves you can have many gifts to fulfill your passions. Chill out and check out her dope ass sound!   https://www.rawmusicmedia.co.uk

As we continue to offer content that educate, enrich, and empower our readers it is our hopes that you reap the benefits. Each issue is intentionally planned to add value to your life as opposed to taking it away. In the meantime, stay the course and in the words of our Chief Editor Dr. Davin D. Clemons “TRUST THE PROCESS!

Connect with us by following our social media channels @tuvmagazine! Interested in being featured? We can be reached @info@tuvmag.com

 

 

B. Chase Williams “Community Choirs are About Community NOT Religion”

By Gwen Clemons -
0

“This story drives home for me personally because before there was a ‘B. Chase & Shabach’ I was homeless here in Atlanta. I know the struggle, I’ve slept in shelters and on park benches, and I never forgot that. I remember that being one of the most difficult periods of my life, and if I can help someone who is currently there, then it will have all been worth it…” -B. Chase Williams 

Williams has worked with some of the music industry’s biggest names who include Tasha Cobbs-Leonard (Billboard’s Top Gospel Artist of the Decade), Chrissy Collins (toured with Beyonce´ as one of three background singers for several years) and band members who have gone on to play for Justin Timberlake, Jill Scott, Bobby Brown, and more! Also, last year, the choir went VIRAL and made major headlines as one of the most soulful renditions of the “Happy Birthday Song” ever with OVER 2 MILLION VIEWS on TikTok. However, in spite of the success of his choir members, Williams is committed to making a direct impact on one of the city’s most marginalized communities and provide resources to people who need it most.

-B. Chase Williams (Photo credit Dru Phillips)

Williams, along with a staff inclusive of choir members, has created Mellie’s Pride, a 501(c)3 to provide housing to Atlanta’s LGBT youth. The foundation’s motto, H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Elevate) was birthed to encourage anyone that encounters the organization and find “HOPE” in often “hope-less” situations.

Mellie’s Pride in Atlanta, GA 

B. Chase & Shabach has been known for their incredible voices and powerful messages and are no strangers to philanthropy work. “We’ve sang in prisons, nursing homes, shelters, retirement communities, you name it, we’ve been there because it’s important that we reach people where they are and not the other way around…” 

B. Chase & Shabach will be hosting a free event, entitled “Choirs Rock” on May 29 in Atlanta where attendees are encouraged to bring supplies to help the youth of Mellie’s Pride.  They are seeking donations of clothes, non-perishable food, toiletries, new underwear and more in order to give the community’s youth the items they need but may not have access to.

They are seeking donations of clothes, non-perishable food, toiletries, new underwear and more in order to give the community’s youth the items they need but may not have access to.

B. Chase & Shabach also has a new release climbing the charts entitled, ‘Grace of God’ that can be downloaded and streamed on all digital platforms.

 

AFTER THE PAIN COMES HEALING! by Dr. Umieca N. Hankton, Ph.D.

By Gwen Clemons -
0

I vividly recall learning how to ride a bike and the pain my body felt each time my knee or elbow hit the asphalt. For the life of me, I could not understand why my mother removed the training wheels from my unicorn bike or why she would not put them back on after witnessing my pain. Like many of you, I can remember my first heartbreak and believing I would never get over the lost love. And sadly, I also recall the pain of giving the doctors permission to remove my mother from life support. Each of these experiences reinforced my understanding that pain was inevitable. Asking for the return of the training wheels so that I would stop falling (AVOIDANCE), petitioning for a second chance at a failed relationship (AVOIDANCE), and asking to sustain my mother on life support a little longer (AVOIDANCE) were all instances in which I attempted to escape the coming of pain.

Just as the shore cannot control the ebb and flow of the ocean, we cannot control the arrival of pain. Pain is certain. Accepting that pain will happen shapes how we respond when it inevitably and inconveniently shows up. When we ready our minds to accept changes and shifts, we prepare our minds to take ownership and initiation of our healing.   Embracing the reality that we cannot control when or how physical, psychological, or spiritual pain makes its presence known in our lives allows us to focus on what we can control, which is how we respond. Avoidance of pain leads to suffering and suffering is a choice. However, just as suffering is a choice, so is healing. Viewing life from a healing lens looks and feels better than experiencing life from the lens of hurt. So, how do we begin to heal?

Dr. Umieca N. Hankton, Ph.D.

Start with these simple tips:

  1. DO NOT deny the presence of pain. Pretending things are okay or that you are okay when you are not will not make the pain disappear. Avoidance of pain does not lead to growth and healing.  
  2. DO NOT hurt in silence, isolation, or dark spaces because shame, hopelessness, and apathy grow in those conditions.
  3. DO NOT stay in distressing environments. Get out of spaces and away from people who flourish due to your pain. Misery loves miserable company and narcissists need someone to gaslight.   
  4. DO acknowledge your wounds to yourself and others. We cannot heal that which we do not acknowledge.
  5. DO seek support as soon as you can. There’s no need to wait until the pain becomes suffering or interferes with quality of life. We would not wait to seek medical attention for a broken bone. Therefore, we should not wait to seek mental health treatment for an emotional injury. 
  6. DO connect with a mental health provider, which permits healing to occur sooner than later. Early intervention is vital.
  7. DO strengthen your boundaries. After an emotional or physical injury, the body needs time and space to rest and regain strength. Limit the access of people who drain you of your emotional, spiritual, and financial resources, especially the “if I were you” folks.
  8. DO prioritize your health and needs over the needs of others. Ensuring your needs are met is not a selfish action. Putting YOU first is an invaluable gift you offer to yourself that will also benefit others. A vehicle without fuel cannot travel, nor can you pour into others from an empty cup. 
  9. DO extend grace and forgiveness to yourself for the ways you had to survive that may not have been most helpful. You are human, deserving of forgiveness, kindness, and compassion. May you offer these gifts to yourself first.

Dr. Hankton is a licensed clinical psychologist and the executive director of UNH Counseling Services. UNH Counseling Services is a private behavioral health agency that focuses on the health and wellness of Black women, LGBTQ+, clergy, and college students. Dr. Hankton provides clinical services to those located in TN, LA, TX, GA, WI, AL, D.C., IL, MN, & KY.  

DR. LIZ L. WEST, PH.D. OFFERS AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO “A NEW HEALING!”

By Gwen Clemons -
0
Dr. Liz L. West, Ph.D.

Allow me to point out that “anger” is not society’s number one emotional issue, “uncontrolled anger” is society’s number one emotional issue _Dr. Liz West

We have all come to the conclusion that we, as a society, need healing. We have also come to the conclusion that the healing that we once knew is not working for us. So, how and where do we start? We start by seeking a new type of healing first (since the old one isn’t serving us well), and given the fact that emotions are at the seat of the soul, let’s start there. There are many emotional issues, but I will discuss society’s number one emotional issue—uncontrolled anger. Yes, uncontrolled anger has become society’s number one emotional issue. Allow me to point out that “anger” is not society’s number one emotional issue, “uncontrolled anger” is society’s number one emotional issue. Anger is not number one because anger is not a bad emotion. The negative response to anger is what is unfavorable for everyone involved. It is at this point where crime usually comes into play. 

https://anewhealing.org/

We have been unwilling to accept the fact that violence, as a result of anger, is everyone’s individual responsibility. Instead of taking on the responsibility, we have sought scapegoats in minority cultures, racial groups, the mentally ill, as well as subcultures. Look at the crime we see in the news. Instead of taking responsibility, we result to committing crimes. Crime is at an all-time high and is, unfortunately, becoming more and more bazaar. People are dropping babies off bridges, adults are abusing children, filming it and putting it on social media, as well as parents beating children to their deaths.  We’re becoming more aware of rape, child molestation, bombings, and suicide/homicide attempts and commitments. Not to mention sports figures who are abusing women, children, and animals, mass shootings, school shootings, theater shootings, mall shootings, drive-by shootings, and even church shootings. The underlying issue here is uncontrolled anger. 

Pay attention the next time you go to a game or any crowded stadium. When at a football game, I’m always intrigued by the action of the fans. Observe the next time you’re in the stands, and you will notice irrational fits of anger, uncontrolled frustration oozing from people that masquerade under the façade of excitement or “team spirit”. Notice the booing, catcalls, drunkenness, fights in the stands, and unrestrained selfishness in the name of “team loyalty”. These people are trying desperately to release tension from within because these are not people who are at peace with themselves, they are secretly angry. I’ve long stopped looking at the news, but if you still do so, watch and observe the amount of anger and rage that is exhibited by people who are featured in the news. Listen to the lyrics of the most popular songs that are playing today. People also exhibit anger, rage, frustration, discontent, and stress in inequalities. When we are ready to accept that the problem is within ourselves and when we are willing to heal both psychologically and spiritually, then and only then can we approach the cycle of anger, end the suffering, and begin the healing process. This process begins with the connection to a licensed mental health professional, it also requires honest communication to that mental health professional, as well as a commitment to the healing journey. 

“A New Healing” is the name of an intervention that I often use to approach healing from a psychological and spiritual aspect. Healing is not an event; it is a journey, an evolution. Just as we are always learning, we are also always healing (once we decide to begin the healing journey). I can’t tell you how to get healed, I can only share with you how to begin the healing journey, then you take it from there.

I will share five tips to recognize that healing would be beneficial. I will also share 5 tips that will guide you in beginning the healing journey. 

How do I know I need healing?

Tip 1: When it is difficult to forgive yourself or someone else.

Tip 2: When you want to get revenge after someone has offended you.

Tip 3: When it is difficult to let go of past trauma.

Tip 4: If you become triggered and respond emotionally to stimuli such as words, images, music, videos, smells, memories, thoughts, activities, gestures, etc.

Tip 5: When there is no sense of fulfillment.  

How to begin your healing journey?

Tip 1: Realize, admit, and determine that you will begin your healing journey. 

Tip 2: Connect with a mental health professional

Tip 3: Connect with a spiritual advisor, mentor, or guide

Tip 4: Communicate openly and honestly with mental health professionals.

Tip 5: Make the commitment to begin the journey and do the self-work.

Remember, this is a journey, not an event or destination. So, begin your journey to “A New Healing” with honor instead of judgment, and I wish you well.

 Dr. Liz L. West, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, CCBT, CART. Dr Liz West is a clinical psychotherapist and founder of A New Healing Inc “Healing For The Culture”.

Dr. West can be found on all social media platforms http://@anewhealinginc.

 

 

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