Featured Story: Celeste Lawson A National Voice on Cancer featuring an exclusive interview with Jehan A. Reaves, MHA, RHIT, CTR December 2021 Inside Valuable Gifts Managing Holiday Burnout Holiday Tips & Resources for Families Dealing with Alzheimer’s or Dementia Conquering Cancer: The Importance of Understanding the Value of a Cancer Registry 1
WRITERS & STAFF Editor-In-Chief Dwana Bradley Copy Editor Virgina Smith Contributors Creative Director Nikki Goldman - LosRos Graphix Donnetta Austin Debra Carr Terence Haynes Angela Jackson Celeste Lawson Gary Lawson Bert Moody Lori Young Caleb Thomas Courageous Fire MAGAZINE OUTLETS Broadlawns 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314 CareMore 1530 East Euclid, Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Central Library 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 DMACC Urban Campus 1100 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314 DSM Brew Coffee Co. 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Suite 140, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Drake Diner 1111 25th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311 Eastside Library 2559 Hubbell Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50317 Evelyn Davis Center 801 Suite #3, University Ave, Des Moines IA 50314 Fields Pharmacy 501 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50314 Iowa-Nebraska NAACP 1620 Pleseant Suite #210, Des Moines, IA 50314 Forest Library 1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 Franklin Library 5000 Franklin Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50310 Hy-Vee 3330 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50310 John R. Grubb YMCA 11th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50314 Johnston Library 6700 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, Iowa 50131 Northside Library 3516 5th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Mr. Bibbs 2705 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313 Senior Polk County 2008 Forest Ave, Des Moines IA 50314 Smokey Row Coffee Co. 1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines, Iowa 50314 Southside Library 1111 Porter Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50315 The Great Frame Up 5515 Mills Civic Parkway Suite #150, West Des Moines, IA 50266 The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights 602 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines IA 50309 COVID-19 The Urban Dreams 601 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50314 Traditions Grooming Parlor 1111 E. Army Post Road Ste. 154 Urbandale Public Library 3520 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322 Urbandale Chamber of Commerce 2830 100th Street, Suite 110, Urbandale, IA 50322 West Des Moines Library 4000 Mills Clive Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa 50365 The Zone of Comfort 3829 71st Street, Suite B, Urbandale, IA 50322 Also Available at churches, our directory can be found on our website at dsmurban.org
SUMMARY 6 16 26 Join our email club at: joindsmurban@gmail.com Submit your news to: dsmurbannews@gmail.com Become a Outlet for Urban: contactdsmurban@gmail.com 32 3 8 Thank You Drake Students 14 Valuable Gifts Henry Ossawa Tanner 16 25 22 Adora’s Story 26 Managing Holiday Burnout BW4LH Coconut 30 32 34 Holiday Tips & Resources for Families Dealing with Alzheimer’s or Dementia Happy Holidays Are Not Always So Happy for Everyone. Cancer: Understanding the Importance of Oncology Data
GET THE URBAN EXPERIENCE The Urban Experience Magazine was founded by my father Roderick Bradley. In the 80’s and early 90’s my father ran The Iowa Bystander/ The Communicator Newspaper which was the oldest African American publication in Iowa. After selling the newspaper he went onto be a Pastor and has been pastoring for over twenty years. In December 2014 my father wanted to start a magazine. Having no journalistic experience, I didn’t know if this is something I should touch knowing how my father felt about his newspaper years ago, I accepted the challenge. Our first publication was printed in February 2014 and distributed in churches. As time went on my father decreased with his assistance with the magazine and now, I run the magazine and our media company Iowa Urban Media which prints and publishes the magazine, and we have The Urban Impact Show which airs via social media on Sundays. We have grown from having our publication in churches to various locations across the city and social media. At first the why for doing the magazine was my father, but now I love to tell the stories of others. “Mainstream media portrays African Americans negatively. We make the news when there has been a murder or robbery. I knew there were stories to tell, stories that told of our struggles, stories that tell of our greatness, and stories that inspire.” The Urban Experience Magazine currently reaches people in the state of Iowa and across the United States digitally and in print. When you view the magazine, you will read articles related to health, arts and culture, education, spirituality, public affairs, and community. Our articles are positive and empower and educate our readers. To learn more, check out our website at www.theurbanexp.com to see the latest issue of the publication. Blessings, Dwana Bradley Dwana Bradley Iowa Urban Media The Urban Experience Magazine
EDITORIAL T he end of the year is near. Wow! What a year it has been! In reflecting over the year, I first thank God for keeping me and my family. This year has brought joy, sadness, and loss in my world. I always take the end of the year to reflect over myself personally and professionally. I plan for improvements and do all I can to be better and do better in the new year. This month I got a clear reminder of what my family means to me. I do not know about you, but I am awfully close to my family. I often look around at others and wonder why families are not close anymore. My family is all I got. When things get rough, when I am down and out, and when I need someone to pray for me, I turn to my family. I thank God for blessing me with an amazing group of people I call family. I hear what you’re saying, you’re probably thinking what I’m saying is too good to be true. Now my family is human just like anyone else’s. We say the wrong things to each other, give attitude, and at times hurt each other’s feelings, but we ALWAYS work it out, we say we love you to each other and do all we can to support one another. I do not know your story. I do not know the hurts and pains that your family has caused you. I urge if you can get it right. I pray you do not go into 2022 still holding grudges against family members and people in general. I am going into 2022 with a new mindset. Listening to Pastor Mike Todd of Transformation Church has blessed me. In one of his messages, he talks about idle talk. This type of talk causes division, discouragement, and could destroy others. I realized at times this type of talk has come out of my mouth and I am not going to carry that type of talk in 2022. I choose faith talk. I am going into 2022 trusting and believing God for all that He has for me. I will be sharing in next months issues just how faith talk has worked in my life, and I believe it can work in yours. Go to YouTube to check out Pastor Mike Todd’s Faith series. It blessed my life and I hope it blesses yours. Take time in the next few weeks to think about 2022. Write it down and make the vision plain. Expect wonderful things to happen and exercise your faith. As Pastor Mike Todd says it is only crazy until it happens. I pray that 2022 is your best season yet! It will be for me, and I believe that in faith. Crazy faith that is. Dwana Bradley Editor in Chief 5
Thank you! T he Urban Experience Magazine has been blessed as we are approaching 7 years of bringing uplifting, positive, and educational stories your way. We recently were adopted by Eric Ade’s Communications class at Drake University. Each group presented a very detailed and well-organized strategic plan on how to approach making the Urban Experience Magazine even greater in 2022 and beyond. My father and I are beyond grateful for the work that each group provided. We are truly blessed, and I wanted you the readers to see these students who will be responsible for the Urban Experience Magazine to grow beyond measure. I shared with the students when we get our first award or some type of recognition, I will personally be thanking the students at Drake University who poured their all into the work my father and I have started. Thank you again Mr. Eric Ade and your communication students. This will never be forgotten. May you all continually be blessed for blessings you provided the Urban Experience Magazine.
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THE GREAT FRAME UP SUPPORTS AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTISTS NOVEMBER FEATURE: HENRY OSSAWA TANNER BY ANGELA M. JACKSON DES MOINES, IOWA – As a local custom frame retailer and art gallery, The Great Frame Up in West Des Moines enjoys supporting the visual arts. This month we introduce readers to American visual artist Henry Ossawa Tanner.
“I will preach with my brush.” - Henry Ossawa Tanner “Tanner was born in 1859 and was the first black student to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Pittsburg. The artist moved to Atlanta but, disheartened by American racism, settled permanently in France in 1894. His painting technique is a blend of styles he encountered while working in Europe, including impressionism.” He has a wonderful tie to Iowa, several of his paintings are featured in the permanent collection of the Des Moines Art Center. Henry Ossawa Tanner was an American painter who frequently depicted biblical scenes and is best known for the paintings “Nicodemus Visiting Jesus,” “The Banjo Lesson” and “The Thankful Poor.” He was the first African-American painter to gain international fame. Henry Ossawa Tanner was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 21, 1859. As a young man, he studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. In 1891, Tanner moved to Paris, and after several exhibits, gained international 9
acclaim—becoming the first African-American painter to receive such attention. Early Life A pioneering African-America artist, Henry Ossawa Tanner was born on June 21, 1859, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The oldest of nine children, Tanner was the son of an Episcopal minister and a schoolteacher. When he was just a few years old, Tanner moved with his family to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he would spend most of his childhood. Tanner was the beneficiary of two education-minded parents; his father, Benjamin Tanner, had earned a college degree and become a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopalian Church. In Philadelphia, Tanner attended the Robert Vaux School, an all-black institution and of only a few African-American schools to offer a liberal arts curriculum. Despite his father’s initial objections, Tanner fell in love with the arts. He was 13 when he decided he wanted to become a painter, and throughout his teens, he painted and drew as much as he could. His attention to the creative side was furthered by his poor health: After falling significantly ill as a result of a taxing apprenticeship at a flourmill, the weak Tanner Let your heart sing once more! Dec. 3 – 19, 2021 DMPlayhouse.com FOR TICKETS: recuperated by staying home and painting. Finally, in 1880, a healthy Tanner resumed a regular life and enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. There, he studied under Thomas Eakins, an influential teacher who had a profound impact on Tanner’s life and work. Tanner ended up leaving the school early, however, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he would teach art and run his own gallery for the next two years. In 1891, Tanner’s life took a dramatic turn with a visit to Europe. In Paris, France, in particular, Tanner discovered a culture that seemed to be light years ahead of America in race relations. Free from the prejudicial confines that defined his life in his native country, Tanner made Paris his home, living out the rest of his life there. Aristic Success Tanner’s greatest early work depicted tender African-American scenes. Undoubtedly his most famous painting, “The Banjo Lesson,” which features an older gentleman teaching a young boy how to play the banjo, was created while visiting his family in Philadelphia in 1893. The following year, he produced another masterpiece: “The Thankful Poor.” By the mid-1890s, Tanner was a success, critically admired both in the United States and Europe. In 1899, he created one of his most famous works,
“Nicodemus Visiting Jesus,” an oil painting on canvas depicting the biblical figure Nicodemus’s meeting with Jesus Christ. For the work, he won the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Lippincott Prize in 1900. Also in 1899, Tanner married American singer, Jessie Olssen. The couple’s only child, Jesse, was born in 1903. Throughout much of the rest of his life, even as he shifted his focus to religious scenes, Tanner continued to receive praise and honors for his work, including being named honorary chevalier of the Order of the Legion Honor—France’s most distinguished award—in 1923. Four years later, Tanner was made a full academician of the National Academy of Design—becoming the first African-American to ever receive the distinction. Death and Legacy Henry Ossawa Tanner died at his Paris home on May 25, 1937. In the ensuing years, his name recognition dipped. However, in the late 1960s, beginning with a solo exhibition of his work at the Smithsonian, Tanner’s stature began to rise. In 1991, the Philadelphia Museum of Art assembled a touring retrospective of his paintings, setting off a new wave of interest in his life and work. (credits – Des Moines Art Center gallery guide; Biography.com) The Great Frame Up currently features originals, prints, sculptures and framed artwork of numerous African American and Iowa artists in the gallery. To see some of the prior artists featured visit www.westdesmoines.thegreatframeup.com and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ tgfuwdmiowa. Please follow us on Pinterest www. pinterest.com/tgfuwdm and Twitter @tgfuwdm. Art | Memories | Conservation Materials | Commercial & In-Home Consultation 25% Off Custom Framing! *Offer valid until 11/15/2021 West Glen Town Center | 5515 Mills Civic Parkway #150 West Des Moines, IA 50266 | 515-226-2310 | westdesmoines.thegreatframeup.com For millions of prints - shop our online store: shopthegreatframeupart.com 11
About The Great Frame Up The Great Frame Up is a custom picture framer, offering more than 1,000 custom frames, mat styles, ready to hang framed art and local artwork. The West Des Moines location of The Great Frame Up opened in 2005 and is located at 5515 Mills Civic Parkway in the West Glen Town Center and is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10- 6pm; Thursday 10- 8pm & Saturday 10- 5pm. discover the perfect holiday gifts at the art center THE MUSEUM STORE FEATURES GIFTS OF DESIGN | BOOKS | FASHION JEWELRY | TOYS AND GAMES HOME DECOR | HOLIDAY ITEMS GIVE THE GIFT OF ART CLASSES OR ART CENTER MEMBERSHIP FREE ADMISSION EVERY DAY VISIT DESMOINESARTCENTER.ORG 13
SPIRITUALITY Valuable Gifts Written By: Donnetta Austin Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man. The things which God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
can remember at a young age telling my parents how badly I wanted to learn how to ride a bicycle. One day they surprised me with a big wheel tricycle. I was so excited! It was red and yellow in color. Anytime my father would be outdoors doing yardwork, I would want to be outside with him riding my tricycle taking my baby doll along with me on my lap. I would be spinning the foot pedals so fast that my foot would slip. One day I quickly made a sharp turn around a corner and fell into a bush. At that point, the big wheel cracked to where I no longer could ride it again and scrapped both my knees. We do not realize the valuable lessons until we begin to mature and listen to those who were among us and wise. Luke 3:41-52 This scripture explains how every year Jesus and his parents would travel to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. Jesus was twelve years old at the time. When his parents returned home they lost sight of Jesus and began searching for him anxiously. By the time Jesus parents found him it was a few days later. His mother asked him why would you treat us like this? Jesus answered; didn’t you know I had to be in my father’s house? His mother treasured this in her heart and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature. By Author Donnetta Austin Amazon “Never Retire God” Email be.encouragedbyone@gmail.com I 15
“God gave you as a gift to me for sure. I can’t wait to see the rest of our lives together.”
Courageous TR UTHS ADORA’S STORY Adora’s1 very soul was touched by those words. She was so in love with the Creator of the Universe. God, her best friend, the being she felt most connected to, the one she felt the most reasons for which to be loyal. At 30 years of age, Adora2 had learned to be patient. She hadn’t rushed to go to college right after high school; she felt led to wait and become more in touch with what her gifts were and let them lead her to the right profession: teaching. She chuckled to herself when she thought of the first profession everyone was pushing her to go for. Veterinarian? It was totally mismatched with that part of her that wanted to see the information she had to share be absorbed by high school students full of promise and fear for their futures. She had been teaching since shortly after her college graduation 4 years ago, and was still full of giddiness every morning to get to the building and dig in. She had waited to sell her first modest home and the waiting had paid off. She caught the real estate explosion that occurred during the pandemic, tripled her initial investment, and had just purchased her second home with funds to spare for reinvestment!3 Yep, she was 30. She did want to have a life partner. Like everything else in her life though, she was patiently waiting for the “right one”. And while faithfully fulfilling her roles at school and church, she met him. Joseph. He was tall with a dignified walk, clean cut, eyes that looked directly at you while interacting, and an easy manner. His voice was just deep enough, which she discovered the first time he spoke to her. It was at her church; he was a visitor. She noticed him right away. He was just one of those people who stood out, you know? She was doing one of her favorite things, ushering, and he asked her for a seat down front “if one is available”. She couldn’t help noticing how comfortable he was going to the front of a new church. “That’s nice to see,” she thought to herself. “a man who’s not too cool to get close.” She seated him and went back to her ministry. 17
A few months later Joseph reappeared at church asking for a seat down front, which she gladly accommodated. After service, while she was picking up random hymnals and returning them to their appropriate positions in the pewbacks, when he spoke to her for something more than a seat. “Good afternoon, Sister. Thank you for the way you serve in the house of God. By the way, my name is Joseph.” She spun around just in time to see his smile as he left the sanctuary. “Joseph,” she thought to herself. “He shares a name with someone favored by God.” That summer was campmeeting and Joseph was there. The entire 10 days. So was Adora. She was delighted when she saw he had volunteered to teach the teens during the time. This put them both in the teen tent for the entire time and gave Adora a front row seat to watch Joseph’s humor, wisdom, and relatability with them. Along with his familiarity with the Word and provocative articulation of it. It was only natural that Adora agreed without hesitation when Joseph politely asked if he could share a meal with her. Their conversation was full of finishing one another’s sentences, laughter, sharing insights, and tearful recounting of their experiences of giving their lives and accepting Jesus as their Saviour. As she went to sleep that night, daydreaming of seeing Joseph the following day, Adora had no idea that Joseph had been in 3 other relationships that started off the very same way. Adora had no idea that Joseph had no sort of relationship with God or any other holy being. Adora certainly had no idea that Joseph’s being at her church and asking for the seat down front was all a part of his carefully constructed ruse that he had used on the 3 women who came before her.4 And she definitely had no idea that Joseph had quit his last job and moved to a new state to find a new woman to take care of him. The next day at the teen tent, no Joseph. During lunch the previous day, Joseph and she had exchanged numbers so Adora called him after the session. She was instantly concerned when she heard his troubled voice on the other end. Probing, she heard Joseph tell her about a situation with a sick relative that God had moved upon him to immediately attend to. Although he knew people would be disappointed, he was willing to endure the conflict to be obedient to God’s will. Adora was drawn even closer to Joseph at that moment and asked if she could be of any help. Joseph said all he wanted was her prayers, for her to share ILLUS
even more love with the teens in his absence, and to see her after this crisis was resolved. Adora obliged with all 3. They met up after campmeeting and they became an item right away. Joseph said he felt led to move in with her since there were things in her new home that needed remodeling and he believed he was sent to bless her with this for free. He should move in to make sure it was completed as fast as humanly possible to allow her to concentrate on her teaching and her ministry. When Adora was initially uncomfortable, Joseph assured her that it would contain nothing sexual, simply him fulfilling his duty as man and leader. Adora reluctantly agreed. That would become the pattern of their relationship. When Joseph began to demand use of her car and her money, he had a way to utilize some of her most revered scriptures to convince her it was God’s will. When he pushed for her to marry him when she wasn’t sure this was correct timing, he had the scripture from Paul about it better to be married than to burn. When he demanded to have access to work-sanctioned assets, such as her computer or other items, he had several scriptural passages that seemed to suggest he was her master and she should obey him as she would God.5 As Adora evaluated their relationship on this day, she felt foggy and unsure of its favor from God. She felt like she had been baited and switched. And on top of it all, today she had the courage to look up the meanings of his name and found the one that seemed to sum him up at this point: ILLUSION.6 In a moment of deep discouragement and despair, she called her church mentor, Shelondra. Shelondra was a therapist by trade and as a person, she was just great to talk with. She hadn’t spent much time in conversation with Shelondra since Joseph entered her life and was ashamed of that since they were practically inseparable prior to him. “Anyway, I can’t let that stop me now,” she thought. “Maybe she can provide some clarity.” Adora picked up the phone called Shelondra. “How divinely ordered that you called me today, Shug” her mentor cooed. “I just finished talking with this amazing lady I think you should meet. Her very name is Courageous. She shared a program with me and her work, and I think some of the things I’ve noticed about your life lately are aligned with it. Give her a call, 515-428-0077, or at the very least, go check out her website’s Tools for Us section and look at the type called “Spiritual/Religious”.7 I think some lights will come on for you.” SION 19
As Adora read through the definition, she was in utter disbelief. He was led? Or was he misleading her? After reading that section, she called the number. The woman was funny, matter of fact, strong and gentle all at the same time. And knowledgeable. When she finished the conversation, she knew. Joseph had been spiritually abusing her. She knew she was gonna need some help gettin’ out of this one. Courageous told her about a Community Safe Space™8 close to her, and Adora (whose name means Gift) called and set up time to go there ASAP. Today at 34 years old, as she reflects upon that fateful day she seated The Illusion, she knows it’s a long road still but she’s going to be okay. “THAT,” she thought, “is the real gift.” Speaking of gifts, this is the month we talk so much about receiving gifts. This is the month I received the gift of life. I now celebrate that day and month differently. I think of the things that will bless me and fill my space with them. A dear friend and sister of mine has decided to share her survivor story from DV and I’m sharing that gift with you on #OurTalks. Depending on when this article appears, you can either go to our Facebook event page and be a part of the live broadcast OR you will be able to see the replay: Courageous Fire LLC Events Page. May this conversation be a gift of love, acceptance, and of course, #permission. Blessings. By Courageous Fire DV Advocate & Founder of Courageous Fire, LLC 1. Check out our blog. There are 2 subscription types: Blog 2. In a relationship? Make sure it’s healthy: Healthy Relationship Wheel Illustration. Or go to TheHotline.org, or Phone: 800-7997233 3. In an abusive relationship? a. Call us to get connected to a Community Safe Space to begin safety planning, 515-428-0077 b. At the Community Safe Courageous Space, talk to The Hotline.org to commence safety planning 4. Black female who is either actively in an abusive relationship OR out of the abusive relationship and want to know if there are specific tools just for you? Go to our new website page Tools for Us 5. Survivor and stable in your new life? Sign up for Empowerment through the Arts™; avoid future DV cycles: Survivor Support 6. Community member want to learn what you can do? Go to: Awareness Talks & Community Safe Spaces 7. Want to financially support the work? Donate Here Endnotes 1. Adora meaning as found in SheKnows.com 2. Adora is a fictitious, composite character, as well as the other characters in this story. Adora is used to demonstrate the factual material contained within this article. The characters’ attributes/demographics are taken from case studies, articles, and DV abuse definitions. 3. Adora’s traits taken from the FlyingFreeNow.com article: “What Kind of Woman Does an Abusive Man Target?” 4. Taken from the “know the type of abuse” section in PsychCentral.com article: “How to Come Out of the Abuse Fog”. 5. Behavior taken from ABC. net.au article: “Submit to your husbands’: Women told to endure domestic violence in the name of God” 6. Joseph’s name chosen for this meaning taken from Kidadl. com page “95 Enigmatic Names that Mean Dream” the specific section entitled ‘Boy Names that Mean Dream’ 7. Subpage from “Tools for Us” page of our website called “Types of Abuse” type is Spiritual/Religious 8. Community Safe Spaces information taken from our website on the culturallyresponsive crisis tools section of “Tools for Us” TR UTHS
G We d CONTACT US TODAY! 515-770-2271 •
COCONUT Written By: Arturo Rodriquez Prologue Have you ever seen the movie, Selena. I have, many times. For those of you unaware of the film from 1997, it is a biopic depicting the life of the titular Selena Quintanilla, “the Queen of Tejano Music.” The role of Selena is brilliantly performed by musician, Jennifer Lopez, and a Chicano success story of one of the trailblazers of Tejano music. The film tragically ends with the death of Quintanilla, the aftermath of her passing, and the legacy she left behind. Now, you may be wondering why I am talking about Selena and her movie. For starters, I love Selena’s music. Her fourth album, Amor Prohibido, is a classic and is filled with bangers. Every time I listen to Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, I cannot help myself and start dancing and singing along to the song. However, the film includes a scene that has impacted and shaped the way I view myself as a person. The scene depicts Selena and her brother, Abie (Jacob Vargas), riding along in their father’s car. Selena and Abie urge their father, Abraham (Edward James Olmos), to perform in Mexico much to his chagrin. Abraham is concerned and denies performing in Mexico because he is worried that his children aren’t “Mexican” enough to perform in Mexico. Abraham then goes on a rant of the troubles of living within two cultures. “Being Mexican-American is tough. Anglos Part 1
will jump all over you if you don’t speak English perfectly. Mexicans will jump all over you if you don’t speak Spanish perfectly. We got to be twice as perfect as anybody else… Our families have been here for centuries, and yet they treat us as we just swam across the Rio Grande. We got to know about John Wayne and Pedro Infante. We got to know about Frank Sinatra and Agustín Lara. We got to know about Oprah and Cristina... We got to be more Mexican than the Mexicans and more American than the Americans, both at the same time. It’s exhausting!” – Edward James Olmos as Abraham Quintanilla, 1997. What it means to be a “Coconut” I remember when I was younger, a friend of mine once described as a “coconut.” It was weird for me to be called such a thing because, at first, I didn’t understand what he was trying to say. I wasn’t sure if that was an insult, or some sort of joke. If you‘ve never been called such a thing, allow me to elaborate. When looking at a coconut, you will see a fruit covered by a hard brown outer shell. Within the coconut lies a fibrous white layer of meat called the copra. To put it simply, the coconut is brown on the outside, and white on the inside. I wasn’t sure what to make of the analogy at first. Should I be insulted? Looking back, I probably should have been at the time. However, I laughed and agreed with my friend that I am a “coconut.” That was my first big mistake. What made me a “coconut?”... Find out in the Januanary 2022 edition! Inspired by a great leader, Bright College is taking a new approach to education. Want to do school differently? So do we. Our two-year associate degrees are designed to accelerate your career. drake.edu/bright
FINDYOUROUR NEXT ... LIFE Changes. . . . Looking to turn your passion into profession? . . . Is it time to prioritize YOU? Finding your NEXT at DMACC is easier than you think, with . . . ›› A Range of Academic Pathways ›› 12 Campuses and Centers ›› Both In-Person and Online Classes Apply Today! CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 10, 2022 Find Your Next at the DMACC Urban Campus TODAY! 515-244-4226 | DMACC.edu/Urban Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services. The full DMACC Nondiscrimination policy is available online at nd.dmacc.edu. 14314-11-21-A DMACC.edu | 800-362-2127 |
BLACK WOMEN 4 HEALTHY LIVING Black Woman’s Health Coalition lack Women 4 Healthy Living (BW4HL) will be kicking off our Black Women’s Health Coalition on January 15, 2022, where it is all about Black women and our health, wellness, and wellbeing needs. Yes Sista, 2022 is about You. We will meet monthly at Corinthian Baptist Church in the lower level at 12:00 pm on the third Saturdays each month in 2022. Health Assessments will be given monthly to measure progress. We will engage in some low-impact physical activity and will discuss a health-related topic unique to Black women while enjoying a healthy snack. There will be resources and incentives for participants. F We are working with Health Care partners and students throughout the community to make this possible. Amerigroup is a sponsor. It is completely Free, and ALL Black women are welcome to join us. Childcare will be provided. If you have transportation needs, email us at info@bw4hl.org. You may register here. We will accept walk-ins. DMARC will also be at Corinthian Baptist that morning from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. So come early and grab some Free food for your household. All are welcome to the Free food regardless of income. We hope to see you there. 25
Broadlawns Medical Center Managing Holiday Burnout Written By: Kayla Bell-Consolver, LMHC The holidays can be a time of happiness; filled with social gatherings, activities, and rejoicing. But for some, it can be a period of painful loneliness, recognizing grief and loss, anxiety, or depression. It is often a time of high emotion and demands and a time when family and other interpersonal conflicts often surface. Even people who love the holidays can experience sadness. Feeling overwhelmed because of pressure from others or one’s own expectations associated with the holiday season is often referred to as “holiday burnout”. Holiday burnout can be influenced by the stress and overwhelm throughout the year, adjustments in your schedule around the holidays, family or interpersonal conflicts, and other previous mental health concerns. People with a prior mental health condition are more likely to experience holiday burnout or depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people with an existing mental illness report that the holidays make their condition worse. Holiday burnout may look like exhaustion from the tasks associated with preparation, giving/volunteering, and even spending time with family. If you feel you are prone to experiencing holiday burnout, consider the following ten tips to help manage your stress and emotions this holiday season: 1. Acknowledge your feelings. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season. 2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out comrade. Lean on friends, family, religious or other community groups. 3. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect. Families, traditions, and rituals often grow and change. Be open to finding new ways to celebrate. 4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, and try to be compassionate to any holiday stress or depression they may be experiencing as well. 5. Make a budget. Decide how much money you can afford to spend, then stick to your budget. Happiness cannot be bought. Kayla Bell-Consolver, LMHC 27
6. Make a Plan. Map out specific days for shopping, baking, and other holiday activities. Find ways to create efficiencies – make shopping lists now, save time by shopping online, divide responsibilities etc. This will help prevent stressful last minute scrambling. 7. Give yourself permission to say no. If saying yes will leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed, give yourself permission to say no. 8. Make time for your health. Don’t let the holidays become an excuse to neglect yourself. Make time for exercise, sleep, and activities that contribute to your physical and mental health. 9. Take a break. Find calm. Try spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, clearing your mind, slowing your breathing, and restoring inner calm. 10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad, anxious, or hopeless. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you need support with your mental health during the holidays, Broadlawns Medical Center is here to help. Broadlawns offers the most comprehensive delivery system for mental health services in Central Iowa. Our professionals are dedicated to excellence, compassion, and personalized care. Individual therapy is available in-person and virtually for patients of all ages. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit www.broadlawns.org or call (515) 282-5695. Kayla Bell-Consolver (she/her/hers) is the Director of the Drake University Counseling Center. Kayla has worked in the mental health field since 2016. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Drake University in 2016 and received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Drake University in 2019. She has training in EMDR Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but utilizes person-centered therapy to remain present with the individual and determine which treatment approach feels most helpful for them. Kayla specializes in trauma informed practices, especially as it relates to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC experiences.i
Syphilis is on the rise in Iowa. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. Early numbers show a 75% increase in syphilis cases in Iowa from 2020 to 2021. It’s more common and easier to get than you might think. Syphilis is curable but can cause serious health problems without treatment. Talk to your doctor about whether you are at risk. Find a testing location near you: gettested.cdc.gov Free and low cost options available 29
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION: Iowa Chapter Holiday Tips & Resources for Families Dealing with Alzheimer’s or Dementia By Lauren Livingston Alzheimer’s Association: As families come together this holiday season, they may notice cognitive changes in a loved one they don’t see regularly. The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline — 800.272.3900 — remains a vital resource for individuals and families who have concerns about cognitive changes affecting a loved one. The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline is a free service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year, offering a wide-range of services and support, including: • Specialists and master’s-level clinicians who offer confidential support and information, crisis assistance and emotional support. • Referrals to local resources and programs for ongoing support through Alzheimer’s Association local chapters across the country. • Translation services in more than 200 languages for people living with the disease, caregivers, families and the public. It is also important to be aware of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia when visiting family. Knowing the signs can help your family member get treatment sooner, which can help provide some relief of symptoms and help maintain independence longer. These are the 10 warning signs, and you can learn more by visiting alz.org/10signs: 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people living with dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving
to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game. 4. Confusion with time or place. People living with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving. 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. People living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “handclock”). 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses. 8. Decreased or poor judgement. Individuals may experience changes in judgment or decisionmaking. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, he or she may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. 10. Changes in mood and personality. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone. Today, there are more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including 66,000 in Iowa. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends are serving as caregivers, including 73,000 in Iowa. 31
Mental Health: Happy Holidays Are Not Always So Happy for Everyone. Written By: Caleb Thomas M.A. LMHC
M erry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanza. Once again, a time of joy, bliss and much happiness. A time for old family traditions, great food and family get togethers. Which Holiday you celebrate, I hope it’s a happy one. “Tis the season to be Jolly” as the famous Christmas song goes, but as a Mental Health Counselor I want to bring awareness to the most difficult and depressing time of the year for many people. Many parents get stressed out, the pressures of buying gifts for their kids they can’t afford, as well as other financial strains like costly dinners and inviting family and friends over. Tis also a time for thieves and hackers to steal your identity, break into homes to help themselves to cash, jewelry and other valuables. We’ve all watched enough commercials showing families happily snuggled up by a yuletide fire, snowflakes falling while good ole Saint Nick is bringing toys to those good little girls and boys. Unfortunately, he seemed to always miss my house growing up on 18th Street. So, I didn’t get the coolest toys and gadgets. Looking back, the thing I did get was greater than any toy I could have gotten for Christmas, the love of a hard-working single mom, and a grandma who not only raised her kids but helped to raise her grandkids along with all my aunts, uncles and cousins. I realize now this love I had was priceless, and better than any toy I could have wished for. As people celebrate the holidays, I pray all will experience love like I had growing up as a child. However, I want to tell you about an even greater love, the love of Jesus Christ. This love is so great that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him would not perish but have everlasting life-John 3:16. Now that’s what I call true unfiltered love! Please know whether you celebrate Christmas, another Holiday or no Holidays at all, Jesus loves you and He gives you the choice to accept Him or reject Him, regardless, He still loves you. He has a plan and a purpose for your life and His plan is to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan to give you hope and a future according to Jeremiah 29:11. Not everyone is happy this time of year, individuals of all persuasions attempt to take their own lives. Unfortunately, some succeed. I’ve never seen a commercial talk about suicide prevention. I want to address it now. If you are reading this article and are having thoughts about suicide, immediately contact the National Suicide Prevention number at 1800273-8255. I want to let you know that your life is worth living. I don’t care what you did or didn’t do, Jesus has the power to forgive and heal you from anything you may be going through. Let’s talk about hurts that may be causing you to feel like you don’t want to live anymore. Be it finances, fears, failures, or struggling with recent or past hurts, mental or physical abuse. You may be suffering with PTSD or other mental illnesses. Perhaps you don’t feel loved or feel you don’t bring anything to this world. I want you to know Jesus loves you. Your life has meaning and purpose that you may not see now. Some of you may be going through a divorce or gotten a divorce, I want you to know there is life after divorce and God extends grace and mercy. There is help for any situation you are going through. I know you may be saying to yourself: “I’m already getting counseling, taking my meds, I don’t feel like I’m getting better, or I have Jesus.” God answers prayers. I know from personal experience with deep depression and negative thoughts, things do and can get better. I didn’t give up, God brought me out more than a conqueror, and He will do the same for you if you let Him. Whatever you are going through this Holiday be encouraged and know Jesus loves you. There is help, (PLEASE) don’t suffer in silence. Tell a friend, a pastor, or a loved one you are feeling depressed or having suicidal thoughts. Call the National Suicide prevention hotline at 1800-273-8255. You can call the office of Thomas & Associates Counseling & Consulting for Counseling. Have a Safe and Blessed Holiday Season. Happy Holidays Caleb Thomas M.A. LMHC 319 206-0651 thomasacc.com Thomas & Associates Counseling & Consulting Counseling with a God given purpose! 33
Public affairs Cancer: Understanding the Importance of Oncology Data By: Celeste Lawson T he interview with Ms. Jehan A. Reaves, MHA, RHIT, CTR, was conducted on November 5, 2021, and the following is an excerpt, with some paraphrasing of the information provided, including the information relative to her background and experience. Jehan is an experienced healthcare professional with over 13 years in managing and delivering organizational services across a broad spectrum of oncology data management and program administration. In her role, Jehan is responsible for operations and cancer program oversight for the cancer registry. As a cancer registrar, she has worked with oncologists and other healthcare professionals to achieve optimal program functionality by ensuring estimated performance rates are met for quality of care metrics, assisting leadership in ongoing compliance with program accreditation standards, and contributed to improving cancer outcomes through data collection and analysis. Jehan has a successful track record of collaborating with clinicians, hospital administrators and healthcare organizations in efforts to collect and report cancer data She has built upon her expertise at the Pennsylvania Department of Health - Bureau of Health Statistics and Research, Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Howard University Cancer Center, and MedStar Washington
Hospital Center, Washington Cancer Institute. Throughout her professional career, she has volunteered for the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) and currently holds the position of Ethics Committee Chair while providing mentorship to transitioning careerists. Jehan also serves as a healthcare consultant performing a range of operational functions such as project manager, facilitator, research assistant and website development coordinator. Her latest endeavor is the Black Butterfly Project - Making Black Neighborhoods Matter. Jehan graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management from Lebanon Valley College and holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Washington Adventist University where she became a member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society. Additionally, she is a Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT), and a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR). Celeste: What is a cancer registry, and why do you think it is important that each state have one? Jehan: A cancer registry is a comprehensive data repository where cancer patients’ and survivors’ information is housed. This information consists of demographics, history, diagnosis, staging, and treatment. These data capture the continuum of care for the patient’s lifetime and serves as a reference for researchers, screening and prevention programs, healthcare providers, and public health officials. The cancer registry dates as far back as 16th century London, England, but the cancer registry as we know it today materialized in the United States in the 1900’s. A brief history of the cancer registry timeline (https://www. ncra-usa.org/About/CancerRegistry-Profession) is as follows: • 1926: First hospital registry at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. • 1935: First central cancer registry established in Connecticut. • 1956: American College of Surgeons requires a cancer registry for approved cancer programs. • 1971: National Cancer Act budgets monies to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for research, detection, and treatment of cancer. • 1973: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of NCI establishes the first national cancer registry. • 1983: National Cancer Registrar Association’s (NCRA’s) Council on Certification establishes the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR®) credential. • 1992: Congress establishes a National Program of Cancer Registries (PublicLaw 102-515). • 1993: State laws make cancer a reportable disease. There are 3 types of cancer registries: 1) Central Cancer Registry, or State Cancer Registry, where all the hospitals in that state, along with non-hospital sources such as physician offices and pathology laboratories, submit incidence data; 2) Hospitalbased Registry, a type of registry that maintains data on every patient diagnosed and treated at the facility. The hospital-based registry data collection concentrates efforts toward improving patient care, administrative processes and functions, clinical research, and education; and 3) Special Purpose, or simply termed Special Registry, registries that maintain data pertaining to a specific type of cancer and/or specific population. An example of a specific type of cancer in a special registry is lung cancer. The data in a registry, as previously mentioned, serves as a reference point for healthcare providers, public health officials, and researchers. Some examples of how the data is used are to: 1) Calculate cancer incidence; 2) Evaluate efficacy of treatment modalities; 3) Determine survival rates; 4) Develop targeted educational and screening programs; and 5) Conduct research on the 35
etiology, diagnosis, and treatmen of cancer. In summary, cancer registries, whether special purpose, central, or hospital-based, houses cancer incidence data that is collected and analyzed to assist in monitoring cancer trends over time. Registry data is also used to develop community programs and improve cancer treatments. Registries also serve as a foundation for cancer research in an effort to reduce the cancer burden. It is important that every state have a cancer registry as they collect complete and accurate cancer information which plays a critical role in cancer prevention and control. Celeste: Has the data revealed any notable metastatic breast cancer trends, or patterns, among different racial groups in the United States? If so, how do you feel this data might be used to aid in the prevention, screening, and/or treatment of breast cancer? Jehan: I believe that understanding that breast cancer can be treated at any stage is notable. With continual developments in treatment, women with metastatic breast cancer have shown better survival rates and improved quality of life. I would like to note a few important statistics pertaining to metastatic breast cancer: six percent (6%) of women have metastatic breast cancer when they are first diagnosed (Cancer.Net). Some other notable cancer statistics reveal that the second most common cause of death from cancer in women is breast cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that an estimated 44,130 people (43,600 women and 530 men) will die from breast cancer this year [2021]. Regrettably, metastatic breast cancer will cause the vast majority of those deaths (Cancer.Net). Continuing with notable patterns and trends, U.S. breast cancer statistics show that death rates have been steady in women under 50 since 2007, but have continued to drop in women over 50. The overall death rate from breast cancer decreased by 1% per year from 2013 to 2018 (Breastcancer.org). Treatment advances, and early detection are said to be a significant contributing factor to these decreases in rates. According to cancer. org, incidence rates are highest among nonHispanic (NH) Whites (130.8 per 100,000), followed closely by NH Blacks (126.7). However, NH Black women have the highest breast cancer death rates (28.4 deaths per
100,000), more than double that in Asian/ Pacific Islander (API) women (11.5), who have the lowest incidence and death rates. This data supports the variability of race and ethnicity as it pertains to breast cancer and contributes to importance of early detection and prevention and screening. I mentioned that understanding breast cancer can be treated at any stage and would like to expound that a little more with a few statistics from the ACS. At the time of diagnosis, approximately 64% of breast cancer patients have local stage breast cancer, which represents a cancer that is confined to the breast, 27% have regional stage breast cancer, which means the cancer has extended to the lymph nodes, mostly located in the armpit, and 6% of patients have distant (metastatic) disease, and this means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. In my observation of collecting data, I am not sure if there is a greater incidence of triple-negative breast cancer. I personally do not usually see too many…triple-negative breast cancer is definitely more aggressively treated and rightfully so. Celeste: Do you have any additional comments for our readers? Jehan: The best advice I can give is to know your body, and become educated. A good reference for black women and breast cancer is https://aabcainc.org/. The African American Breast Cancer Alliance, Inc. provides information related to survivorship, education, support, and outreach. There are so many resources at our fingertips, I encourage everyone to take advantage of what’s out there. Celeste: Thank you. Jehan A. Reaves, MHA, RHIT, CTR 37
[ LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF IOWA News Release; immediate release; time-sensitive LWVIA and co-sponsors pe11on requests amendments to Iowa’s new vo1ng laws GRINNELL- The League of Women Voters of Iowa and nine Iowa-based co-sponsors will present pe??ons to the leadership of the 89th General Assembly at Iowa’s Capitol. The pe??ons, which contain signatures of Iowa voters, seek legislators to repeal sec?ons SF413 and SF568 from the newly-enacted vo?ng laws. Iowa’s new voter laws makes vo?ng harder, disqualifies voters easier, shortens the vo?ng ?me by 31%, makes elec?ons more difficult to administer and invites poli?cal party interference in elec?ons. Registered voters can sign the pe??on online at: hUps:// www.LWVIA.org/an?-voter-laws. Terese Grant, President, LWVIA, believes Iowa’s new vo?ng law disenfranchises voters and is an aUempt to disqualify voters - restric?ng suffrage - which is a Cons?tu?onal right to vote. “Defending democracy has been our moUo since our founding in 1920 and we have always supported an open and transparent government, including the right to vote,” said Grant. She con?nued, “Democracy works best when more people – not less – are involved. The pe??on drive to repeal sec?ons of SF413 and SF568 is one way in which Iowans can get involved and let their duly elected legislators know their opposi?on to Iowa’s newly imposed an?-voter law.” LWVIA’s co-sponsors are Common Good Iowa; Des Moines Chapter, The Links, Incorporated; Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Iowa Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Iowa Coali?on Against Sexual Assault; Iowa Federa?on of Labor, AFL-CIO; Iowa Shares; Interfaith Alliance of Iowa; Progressive Ac?on for the Common Good, Quad Ci?es; and Sierra Club Iowa Chapter. -30CONTACT: Terese Grant, President, League of Women Voters of Iowa; 641-990-4684; TAG@lwvia@gmail.com 39
Angela Jackson’s Bio Debra Carr Bio Angela Jackson, Esq. is an Entrepreneur and owner of The Great Frame Up which is an Art Gallery and Custom Framing Business located in West Des Moines. She also is Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Athene USA Corporation. Angela serves her community as Board Member of The West Des Moines Chamber, Des Moines Arts Festival, Cornerstone Family Church and an Honorary Board Member for Des Moines Performing Arts. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Des Moines Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Angela is a Thought Leader and alumni of Washington University School of Law and Duke University. Debra Carr serves professionally and personally as a champion for diversity, inclusion, and equity. Uplifting women and girls to become the best version of themselves is foundational. Debra is Principal Consultant and owner of Carr and Associates and works full-time for Des Moines Public Schools consulting for building level administrators, faculty, and staff to achieve school improvement goals. Debra has received numerous awards and is a champion for her community in which she has served for many years. Gary Lawson’s Bio Gary Lawson is a freelance writer who focuses on various aspects of business and government. He earned a graduate degree in Government Administration, and an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a duel concentration in Management and Marketing. He is a VietnamEra veteran who has served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. In addition, he has taught business courses at Drake University and Des Moines Area Community College. C O NTRIB UT O RS Celeste Lawson’s bio Celeste Lawson is a freelance writer who focuses on various aspects of education and cultural diversity. She earned a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, with concentrations in English and Language Arts. In addition, she has more than 20 years of classroom experience with teaching students at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels.
Caleb Thomas Bio Bert Moody Bio For over ten years Caleb has worked in the field of counseling with youth and their families, as a school counselor, behavioral health intervention services counselor, and a mental health counselor. Today Caleb has his own Mental Health private practice, Thomas & Associates Counseling & Consulting which is located in Iowa City, Iowa. His practice focuses on the spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional well-being of each individual client. Caleb works with children, youth, adults, couples and families helping them solve tough problems with a Christ-centered, solution-focused approach. His desire is to bring about a positive change to the various challenges life can bring. Caleb is an Ordained and Licensed Minister and Elder and volunteers his time as a Ministry Director for Lifepointe Christian Faith Center. Bert Moody is a Photographer, an IT Consultant, and Web Designer for the Urban Experience Magazine. He has been with the magazine from its inception. He has been a Freelance Photographer in the Des Moines area since 1985, first with Esquire Photo Agency and now with Imagez Photo Studio (www. imagezphotostudio.com). He also is a longtime associate at Nationwide Insurance as is a part of their National Network of Black Associates. Bert volunteers for many activities in the community and is a Board member with The Des Moines Urban Experience. Bert is married with three grown children. C O NTRIB UT O RS Donetta Austin Donnetta Austin is from the Midwest. Her accomplishments include graduating from Scott Eastern Iowa Community College as a Registered & Certified Dental Assistant. She has worked in healthcare for seventeen years. She also provides care for elderly as a certified nurse aide and currently attending DMACC as a Nursing student. Donnetta became an author of her book “Never Retire God” in 2017. This book can be purchased on Amazon. She enjoys writing inspirational books and articles. She feels this is apart of her life’s purpose. Her writing expresses the importance of living a life with no regrets, uplifting others, and making a significant impact by sharing her testimony. It is her life’s goal to make a difference in the lives of others. 41 Lori A. Young Bio Lori A. Young is a native of Des Moines and a graduate of Tech High School and Grand View University. Her professional experience lies in corporate internal and marketing communications. Currently she is self-employed on assignment with the non-profit organization, Just Voices Iowa, as a Communications Director and Project Manager. In her spare time, she’s a feature writer, artist, and community organizer/social activist fighting on issues such as racial, environmental, and economic justice for over 10 years.
Cleophus “Cleo” Franklin Jr.’s Bio Cleophus “Cleo” Franklin Jr.’s leadership expertise is globally recognized. His passion for designing robust business growth, brand strategies, and implementing innovative, disruptive business models have benefited many global businesses and industries. Franklin’s values and beliefs are centered on approaching difficult challenges with curiosity and a beginner’s mindset. He is a purpose-driven leader who embraces servant leadership and investing in the personal and professional development of the next generation of leaders. His leadership career spans over thirty years with John Deere, Case-New Holland, and Mahindra as a global executive. Franklin is a published author. His global leadership book Coffee with Cleo (coffeewithcleo.com) was launched in June 2020. His book highlights ten leadership lessons from his global business executive career. Through artful and engaging storytelling, it showcases how one can navigate challenges successfully in our ever-changing, fastpaced, and complex business world by using an innovative entrepreneurship mindset and proven framework to improve your livelihood, but more importantly, your life. Courageous Bio Negus Sankofa Imhotep’s Bio Courageous exited a 13-year intimate partner relationship because she discovered it was steeped in multiple abuses, including psychological, sexual, and spiritual. This experience made her not only want to learn how and why it happened to her, but how she and other Black sisters could avoid it in the future. Her gift of converting personal life experiences into educational currency is well proven; however, this time she believes it has led her to develop what may be the most important work in her 9 years of curriculum design and delivery - Empowerment through the Arts™. Black trauma-informed therapists recommend it and Black female focus group participants are finding the program’s gains to be sustainable. Courageous has begun the work in the community that interacts with the Black female survivor as well, bringing tools that allow them to see the Black female victimsurvivor’s needs and address them appropriately in her Awareness Education, Survivor Empowerment, and Community Support Training. She is thrilled to bring the work of Courageous Fire, LLC to the pages of the Urban Experience Magazine to keep growing the numbers of Black sisters that get the help they need. Stay Connected to Courageous: Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter C O NTRIB UT O RS Negus Sankofa Imhotep is the Academic & Workforce Coordinator at Urban Dreams and the Deferred Expulsion Case Manager for Des Moines Public Schools. In these roles, he has connected several of Central Iowa’s top employers with highly skilled untapped talent, assisted hundreds of marginalized central Iowans in securing gainful employment, and successfully advocated on behalf of more than 50 students who faced expulsion from the Des Moines Public School district. Negus is also a sought-after orator and community ally, having served as an Executive Board Member for the Iowa Human Rights Board, a past Chair and Commissioner of the Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans. In 2015, Negus launched Rudison Consultancy Group, LLC to offer cultural community network advising and cultural competency training to agencies and organizations across the region. His commitment to educating emerging leaders is what led him to teaching positions at Hawkeye Community College and Joshua Christian Academy in 2013. Negus holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Political Science from Excelsior College, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Norwich University, and is currently writing his dissertation for a Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Northcentral University.
It's important to take the time to acknowledge the uniqueness of the deceased: the individuality of their personality, and the uniqueness of their life's path. Not just for them, but for you; it affirms the relationship, and leads to healing after loss. Honoring their life is truly an act of love – for the both of you. “WE’RE FAMILY” PHONE: (515) 309-6550 3500 SIXTH AVENUE DES MOINES, IA 50313 HENDERSONSHP.COM 43
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES SELF CARE FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. Here are some ideas to help you practice self-care. Spend time in the sunshine Take a deep breath, take 10 more Listen to your favorite music Write three things you’re grateful for Read a good book Unplug from technology Talk with your loved ones about your concerns Video chat with friends and family Exercise We’re here to help VIRTUAL CARE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE Schedule an appointment: (515) 282-5695 | 24/7 Crisis Line: (515) 282-5752
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