Presidential Candidate Cory Booker Speaks On Gun Violence & White Supremacy Arts & Music Des Moines Art Center Lecture Why are Men afraid? October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 1 Inside >>> 3L DRAKE LAW STUDENT MAKES A REAL DIFFERENCE FOR PRISONERS IN UGANDA >>> TRANZITIONS WORK OUT HAIR
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INDEX DISCLAIMER The Des Moines Urban Experience provides news, opinions and articles as a service to our readers. The views and opinions, political endorsements or statements expressed in the Des Moines Urban Experience publication do not necessarily represent the writers, columnists, editors, publisher, management or its agents. The Des Moines Urban Experience reserves the right to edit or not publish comments and/or articles in printed, mobile or digital format. Therefore, we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information written by external parties. No Part of any of our publication, whether in print or digital may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
OCTOBER 2019 11 Art & Music 17 Spirituality 21 Community SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO: dsmurbannews@gmail.com Join our email club at: joindsmurban@gmail.com 31 35 Beauty Public Affairs BECOME AN OUTLET OF THE URBAN EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE Contact Dwana Bradley at contactdsmurban@gmail.com ADVERTISE WITH THE URBAN EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE dsmurbanads@gmail.com October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 5 What’s Inside?
WRITERS & STAFF Editor-In-Chief Dwana Bradley Contributors Bert Moody Pastor Rosezine Wallace Hal Chase Margo Jones Gary Lawson Editor Lindsay Schwab Celeste Lawson Lori A. Young Angela M. Jackson Teresa Bradley Cle’Shai Harden Dr. Eric Johnson Copy Editor Virgina Smith Tiffany Braxton Donnetta Austin Terry Howell Tenelle Thomas (Queen T) Dani Relle Courtney Nevilles MAGAZINE OUTLETS Broadlawns 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314 CareMore 1530 East Euclid, Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Cardinal Cleaners 1245 21st, Des Moines IA 50311 Cardinal Cleaners 835 Hull Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316 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 Fifields 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 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 Graphic Designer Ashle` Easley Ty Daye
www.zumi.com facebook.com/zumicollection Twitter @ZumiCollection DISCOVER REAL POSSIBILITIES IN IOWA AARP is in Iowa creating real, meaningful change. We're proud to help all our communities become the best they can be. Like providing family caregivers with tips to take care of loved ones, helping to make our communities more livable and hosting fun, informative events all across the state. If you don't think Real Possibilities when you think AARP, then you don't know “aarp". Get to know us at aarp.org/ia. ---/aarpiowa -@aarpiowa Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP. October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 7
HOW DO YOU TREAT OTHERS? I’ve mentioned this before, but I have a strange addiction to the Queen of England. Her life story intrigues me, and I couldn’t imagine taking over a country at the age of 25. I could only imagine the stress of life she dealt with while having to follow the traditions of the monarch. I’ve watched TheCrown on Netflix three times now, and I decided to watch The Queen. We won’t talk about the fact that this movie came out approximately 13 years ago, and I’m just watching. The movie highlights the death of Princess Diana and how Tony Blair (Prime Minister at the time) andthe Queen handled this event. While watching this movie I was moved by the lives that Princess Diana touched, and many didn’t know her in a personal way. It wasn’t like she had connections to the millions who mourned her death, but there was something about her that made everyone feel like they knew her. While watching the movie I was reminded by what Maya Angelou stated, “People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” There is something powerful about that statement. The way in which you made someone feel. When someone makes us feel something it’s normally a feeling that we never forget because it makes an imprint on our heart. Can you recall a person who came into your life who and made you feel a certain way? I realized while watching the movie that many felt they could relate to Princess Diana. She made statements while conducting interviews that made her relatable to people. She seemed to be truthful in her speech and I believe this is what gave her the title of the People’s Princess. I was challenged by this movie to make sure I’m making people feel a certain way. I must be truthful in my speech, take the time to listen to others, volunteer and help when I can and in some small way make a difference in this world. People want to know that someone will stand up for them and while watching the movie I seen the idea of this being displayed. I didn’t plan this month to talk about a 13-year-old movie, but I hope you take the time to look at your life and think, was there someone who made you feel a certain way by doing, saying, or speaking up at something that you connected with. How do you treat others? I know we are living in some interesting times but think of the direction we could move the world if we thought about how we treated others. Life is short which is evident by the movie. I encourage you to make an impact on the lives of others and remember people want to know that you care and that you will be there for them. Blessings, Dwana Bradley Urban Experience -Dwana Bradley Dwana Bradley , Editor of Urban Experience Magazine October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 9
THE GREAT FRAME UP SUPPORTS AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTS OCTOBER FEATURE: Des Moines Art Center Lecture by Joyce Scott Written by Angela 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 encourage readers to take a drop-in tour at the Des Moines Art Center Recently on August 25, 2019, Joyce Scott gave a candid talk about her life and work Titled “Joyce Scott: My Best Voice is an Artist” at the Des Moines Art Center. During the lecture Joyce Scott shared multiple slides of her art work. She also shared multiple photos of her family members and gave the audience a sense of her self-discovery. She sang a few songs and told of her oral performance work on stage as well as her visual artistry. One of the most compelling points was when she pointed out the influences that Harriet Tubman has on her artwork. She has done several public sculpture installations using Harriet Tubman and has featured her in numerous other artworks. The lecture was well attended and the public gathering was an opportunity for the community to engage with a world renowned and celebrated visionary activist. Joyce Scott reminded us of how artists can incorporate social themes as well as humor in ways that encourage others to respond to turbulent times while using art
“You invent your own game –and then you push it forward” -Melvin Edwards, N.Y. Times as a change agent. Joyce Scott’s lecture was organized by the Des Moines Art Center. Joyce Scott was both inspiring and educational. “With Edmundson Art Foundation funds, the Art Center has purchased a major sculpture by the artist Joyce Scott, entitled “Mistaken Identity” (2018). This work by the MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient exemplifies her approach to art making, which often merges traditional handicraft with potent social commentary. Here, she combines beads and Murano glass forms in a seated figure with horns and a tail holding fire in its hands. Through this sculpture and others, Scott references social justice issues, such as gun violence, racial profiling, abuse of women, and sex trafficking.” On your next visit to the Des Moines Art Center ask to view the nearly two dozen works on view by African-American and African artists - works from artists Joyce Scott, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Romare Bearden, David Hammons, Betye Saar, Lorna Simpson, Carrie Mae Weems and Henry Ossawa Tanner -- several featured previously in the Des Moines Urban Experience. Readers are encouraged to explore for themselves and be inspired by the artworks currently on view by African and African American artists from the Des Moines Art Center’s collection. Take the family to the Des Moines Art Center and check it out! For more information- www. desmoinesartcenter.org We currently feature 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 tgfuwdm. and Twitter @ 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. The next exhibit at The Great Frame Up Features Local Artist: Kristie Burns & Andraya Stender: Open House Thurs., Oct. 3th 5-8pm; Exhibit thru Nov. 1st. October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 11
Upcoming Open House & Exhibit Local Artist Lainey Bird & others Open House Thursday, September 12, 2019 6-8pm. Exhibit through November 15, 2019. Art | Memories Conservation Materials | Commercial & In-Home Consultation Bring in this ad for 30% Off Your Custom Framing Order! 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
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URBANDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Serving, protecting and promoting businesses across the Des Moines Metro Experience what a 5 Star Acredited Chamber can do for your business! www.uniquelyurbandale.com | 515-331-6855
TOUCHED by Donnetta Austin In the NIV Bible Mark Chapter five beginning at verse twenty-one it talks about how Jesus is crossing by boat to the other side of the lake with huge crowds surrounding him. A synagogue ruler named Jairus approached Jesus and fell at his feet requesting that he would help heal his daughter who is severely ill and dying. As Jesus continued his path surrounded by a large crowd of followers he felt the presence of a particular person who barely with little strength they had left touches the garment of his clothes drawing the power right out of him. It was the woman with the issue of blood. She had no name which is significant because many of us can relate to her situation. This woman has been suffering for twelve long years. She has been seeking help from many doctors, her finances are running low and options are few. She does not have many resources left to use. The loss of blood has made her weak to the point she feels drained. People have distanced themselves from this woman which has caused her to isolate herself. This woman has hit rock bottom with trying to survive from day to day. One day she got fed up with her circumstances and decided to change her way of thinking. She needed a break through. This woman knew that her break through is going to challenge her in spite of what the rules are, what people have to say, or her financial status. She made October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 17 up in her mind as a believer that Jesus is the only way to being restored, transformed, and made new. This woman was not limited by her mindset, way of thinking or her actions. By faith she spoke life into existence of her situation. She chose to live and not be held back from her past history. The medical records or results showed a positive to having an issue of blood. Jesus said, “daughter your faith has healed you”. Go in peace and be free from suffering. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Galatians 5:25 If we live by the spirit, let us also walk by the spirit. Psalm 62:5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from him. By Author Donnetta Austin Book on Amazon: “Never Retire God” Email: be.encouragedbyone@ gmail.com Facebook Be Encouraged, Inspirational Books by Donnetta Austin
“ The Targeted Small Business team feels like family - they understand my business issues and offer a great support system.”” - Deshara Bohanna, Owner Design Fetish The Targeted Small Business program supports businesses 51 percent or more owned and operated by individuals who are women, minorities, have disabilities or are service-disabled veterans. Low-interest loans up to $50,000 are available for qualifying applicants. To learn more, visit: iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/tsb
Spiritual Wellness By LaTonya Shook Integrative medicine and health psychology are beginning to recognize that health is influenced not only by the physical body but the spiritual, mental, and emotional bodies as well. Your mind is affected by your body, and vice versa. Your mind is affected by your spirit and vice versa. Mind, Body, Spirit means that our well-being comes from not just physical health, but from mental health and spiritual health as well. www.zoneofcomfort.com Spiritual Health: What is Spiritual Health? First, “knowing God” and Second, accepting and embracing God for yourself. Then, its being in alignment with God to have order in your life and allow you to access and practice the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control. Meditate on the laws, which requires some selfreflection and application in your life. Make sure it is done somewhere there is no distractions. Practice submitting to God…listening and following instructions. The Zone of Comfort – Life Balance Center www.zoneofcomfort.com Why is it Important? Because you are a spiritual being, having a physical incarnation. These fruits allow you to live in harmony with yourself, all life sources and the universe. How can I attain and maintain it? A consistent prayer life. Develop the habit of worship. Study the spiritual principals of life. Interact with others and nature in a positive and harmonious way. Be involved in activities that create, rather than destroy. Respect the environment. Understand self-preservation does not involve hurting someone else. Journaling your journey: not only helps you see your growth and blessings and will help someone else along the way. October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 19
Black Joy By Kaleb Nichols See I’m happy I’m not happy because I got a 4.0 Or because I got the newest kicks No I’m happy because of what this is I’m black And dammit I’m beautiful Handsome, I’m all of the above This golden sun reflective black skin is beyond a gift, how could my people not be happy ! See This black skin don’t weight me down, nahhh N#@!* it’s lifts me up How could Y’all not be happy with this African blood that lingers within us We carry the world in culture regardless if they tried to bring us over in ships N#@!* we set the wave!! And all they did was throw trash in it But that won’t ruin my black joy You see My black joy is built off years and years of hard work of my family, who made the most out of the October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 21 See my people have crawled through ever obstacles no matter the rut This BOLDNESS carried on my Skin is for sure to wake every eye up This joy will carry a smile on my face regardless of what y’all think of us
presents at hand when faced with the presidents at hand Cause when my grandparents made fun out of Jax’s and a ball for hours, free styling and rhyming without takin showers They created joy that filled the whole neighborhood See These family gatherings where you gotta remember every cousins and fake remember the aunts and uncles See with this black joy I can become any and everything Cause I can’t explain how goooood it feels to me, just to see what we’ve deemed With These locs n cantu it will for sure show everybody how my people can lock and focus on what we do Cause See we all felt like the president when Barack made it! And When Friday comes on, we all know what we sayin’! And When they playin’ swag surfinnnnnn’! Or That family business when y’all cookin’ up them mean greens and got all the kids waitin’ in the one room so the adults can talk and eat Or when our families were taught to ball on a beer budget but still taught to strive champagne taste Mannnnn All the memes and culture we transpire that have carried on throughout our wildest dreams I think y’all get what I’m sayin’ Cause when our ancestors walked, they suffered so We could run When my ancestors fought they did it so we wouldn’t have to fuss So when they pass us the torch I feel in my greatest need to light it up Cause no matter how much y’all take No matter how much y’all try to break us And no matter the difficulties we faced
We gotta stay happy No matter how much they try to lock us away We gotta stay happy No matter how much they try to discipline us in they European ways We gotta stay happy No matter how much they try to tear a brother down We gotta stay happy They envy that this joy drives us Cause when we as people carry ourselves on our own backs, they can’t even pack half of that, regardless of the less of the spine they got Moral of the poem is Just know I love being black And Black joy comes from the simplest of things.... Me lookin’ the mirror and simply smilin’ I love being black I love this joy I feel I know it’s sounds repetitive But with love you always gotta restate the way you feel
3L Drake Law Student Makes a Real Difference for Prisoners in Uganda By Drake University Law News Anthony Harris, a third-year Drake University Law School student, spent his summer combining his legal education with his passion for human rights. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, he majored in history at Morehouse College. Until his senior year, he had never considered going to law school. After taking a constitutional law class as an elective, he decided to pursue international law at Drake Law School. Harris quickly looked for opportunities to expand his knowledge outside of the classroom. This past spring, he applied and was accepted to Pepperdine Law School’s Sudreau Global Justice Program. Harris was the first non-Pepperdine student selected for the program. He and the others in the program traveled to Uganda at the end of May and stayed in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, for 9 weeks. There, he worked for six supreme court justices, completing individual assignments and researching concepts like joint representation. The problem, Harris explains, is that Uganda suffers from a severe case backlog. In fact, it is common for a case to take up to five years to go to trial. In combination with a first-in-first-out policy, many Ugandans wait in prison for years before their case even reaches a courtroom. An integral part of Harris’s work with the Global Justice Program was to speed up the process for some cases. “It’s definitely the most hands-on experience I’ve ever had. We’d read over the file … then we’d go in and interview the prisoner. Most of the time we got a translator so we could get the prisoner’s side of the story. We’d come up with a plan to present to the prosecutors. We’d agree on the charge, years, and fill out the paperwork. The prisoner signs it, the prosecutors sign it, the judge signs it, and then later that day they’d go to a hearing and everything would get put in the system.” In the course of just two weeks, he and his team completed around 300 cases. Harris said the most meaningful part was working with those in the prison system.
“Working in the prisons, you knew that what you were doing was impacting people. Just seeing the looks on their faces. Imagine being in prison and knowing it’ll be five years before you even get a trial. So the fact that we were there and helping them, meant a lot.” Harris credits much of his success as a student to his involvement in organizations at Drake Law School, including the Black Law Students Association, International Law Society, and the Christian Legal Society. “I feel that a lot of the things that interest me don’t interest the traditional law student. Drake has taught me to just go after what you want. I learned how to make a way, use all of your available resources, and stay true to what you want.” After graduation, Harris has accepted a year-long clerkship position with Justice Edward Mansfield at the Iowa Supreme Court. October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 25
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
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WHY ARE MEN AFRAID? BY TERRY HOWELL
It is no secret that men are horrible when it comes to communication and sharing our feelings! In fact, let’s be honest. We suck at it! Often times, we are so concerned with our “reputation” or the way others will “perceive us” for allowing our feelings to show, that we would rather suffer in silence than to admit that we are struggling emotionally. Every day, there are millions upon millions of men walking around in self-imposed prisons. Some will never see the light of day, while others will, at some point, find freedom from their fear of expression. My goal is simple. I want to SET MEN FREE! So, why are men so afraid of showing their feelings? Why do we pretend that nothing affects us? Why can’t we just be REAL? I can sum it up in one word... PRIDE!!! Men are prideful to a fault! Here are just a few examples of our pride: 1) We won’t admit when we are lost! 2) We don’t want to ask for help. 3) We don’t want to admit that we are wrong. 4) We don’t ever want to use the phrase “I don’t know” because we think we should have all the answers. 5) We don’t like to appear weak. 6) We definitely don’t like to admit that women are just better at certain things than we are! That being said, let’s focus on the “feelings.” Holding our feelings in is one of the biggest culprits in sabotaging our relationships, friendships, parenthood, and even our careers. When we are posed with the question: “Are you okay?” because we had an obvious flicker of concern or fear in our eyes, or in our disposition, we use the infamous “I’m good” response. Well the truth is, WE ARE NOT GOOD! WE ARE NOT OKAY! WE NEED HELP! Of course, while we are screaming for help on the inside, our outer appearance shows confidence, poise, calmness, or arrogance. Even with that fleeting moment of outward insecurity and concern, we quickly shake it off and keep it moving. When I was a little boy, around the age of 7 or 8, I remember giving myself prep talks when I got hurt, disappointed, frustrated or upset. I would literally go and lock myself in the bathroom, stare at myself straight in the eyes, and say: “You’re good!” “You’re okay!” “Everything is going to be fine!” I would then get really serious. I would lean in closer to the mirror, squint my eyes, grit my teeth, and say “STOP CRYING!” Moments later, I would emerge from the bathroom as though nothing happened! There was no evidence of any pain, hurt or disappointment for anyone to see. I have no idea where those feelings went, but they were gone! (Or so I thought). We use the infamous “I’m good” response. Well the truth is, WE ARE NOT GOOD! WE ARE NOT OKAY! WE NEED HELP! I have spent the better part of my life hiding my feelings. I chose to ignore them as though they would magically disappear. To my conscious mind – they did. Over the course of time; however, those suppressed feelings began to surface in the form of uncharacteristic behavior, self-sabotage, poor judgment, unfulfilling relationships, womanizing, addictive behavior, bad decisions, depression, and low self-esteem. These are just a few of the unwanted manifestations of my suppressed feelings. I have suffered tremendously because of compartmentalizing. The question is: Why do we do this to ourselves? Is it to defend a false persona? A fake sense of confidence? A misrepresentation of who we truly are? At what point do we get real, and deal with our issues? October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 29
Guys, WE ARE HUMAN! We are subject to the same feelings as others around us. STOP PRETENDING! STOP HIDING! STOP IGNORING THE TRUTH! The sooner we are real with ourselves, the better our quality of life will become! It is okay to admit that we need to talk, and more importantly, TO ACTUALLY TALK! But because we don’t talk, we are hurting our wives, our girlfriends, our children, our families and most of all, OURSELVES! We have to heal in order for our children to be whole! Kids learn by example, and the more we hide from our feelings, the more they will hide from theirs! We are better than that. Are we going to continue to perpetuate this dysfunctional cycle of behavior, or are we going to be REAL MEN? I implore you to reach out to someone and express your pain. We have to become Men Above Pride! Contact TerryHowell: terryhowell@thconsultantsllc.com
Beauty Tips Workout Hairstyles by Quianna Tucker of TranZitions There have been so many times I’ve opted out of a workout class for the sake of my hair. It’s tough to get a schedule down, where you work out as often as you’d like and maintain your chosen haircare and styling routine. But you can do both. Below, find our best advice. These are the best and simple styles for your gym workouts. They are easy to maintain: Top Knot Bun Bantu Knots Cornrows October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 31
BEAUTY TIPS Pre-workout Products & items to use before heading out to the gym. Make sure hair is clean and dry. Spray your favorite dry shampoo brand throughout the hair. Brush and style to your desired look. Or if you don’t use alot of heat on your hair, you may use a fruity smell leave- in conditioner of your choice, or whatever works best for your texture hair. Rub natural oils at the back of ears & neck! You are set for your workout session! Always keep a sweat band, head wraps and / or hair pins to keep fly aways in place. Post- workout 1. Make sure hair is completely detangle before wash 2. Wash hair with clarifying shampoo (2×) this removes residue buildup from your hair 3. Use moisturizing shampoo right after clarifying wash. You have to put back all natural oils that was removed from your clarifying wash! 4. Use a hair mask for a deep conditioner treatment. This mask will penetrate & deeply hydrate your hair 5. Rinse, blow-dry and style for the night.
BEAUTY TIPS Follow us on Instagram and Facebook IG- Tranzitionsbeauty FB- TranZitions Salon and Beauty Bar At TranZitions Beauty our passion is to create and inspire. We realize that we are all given gifts and talents. Our hope is that in using our given talents we are able to inspire others to recognize and utilize their own. We specialize in Hair and spa services. ————————————————Ty Daye is a well know licensed hair Stylist in the Des Moines area who has been in the industry for over 15 years. She enjoys teaching all she’s learned over the years. Courtney Nevilles is licensed Esthetican in Des Moines area who has over 2 years experience. She offers Semi Permanent makeup, full body waxing, facials, chemical peels, Microdermabrasion, Eyelash extensions. Quianna Tucker is Chicago native licensed hair Stylist in the Des Moines area who has been in the industry for over 15 years. She specializes in braids and natural hair. Gives you the latest care tips about how to take care of your braids & save your “edges ladies”. Teen Boss Mentorship Program Does your teen have a natural talent for hair, nails, skin care, fashion or make up? Yes! Then they are the perfect candidate for our TranZitions Beauty Teen Boss Mentor Program. Please Contact at Tranzitonsbeauty@yahoo.com Send pictures of work and social media outlets. If you are selected we will contact you with next steps. Marsai Martin Essynce Moore October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 33
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS The Urban Experience Magazine is a full color print magazine that features stories about education, health, careers, arts & culture, fashion, music, and much more! What are we looking for? Poetry, interviews, short stories, comics, photography, music & performance reviews, opinion pieces, or whatever you are thinking! When do we want it? The deadline for all content is the 15th of each month. What kind of writers do we like? Experienced creative writers and those who have NEVER written before. So what do YOU do? Checkout the website at www.theurbanexp.com Email your submissions to lhenkle0805@gmail.com, and help us make each edition of the magazine great! The Urban Experience Magazine
Presidential Candidate Cory Booker Speaks On Gun Violence & White Supremacy by Celeste & Gary Lawson
During August, only weeks following recent deadly mass shootings, and about a week following his speech concerning gun violence and white nationalism at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where a white supremacist gunman killed nine African-Americans in 2015, Democrat United States Senator and Presidential Candidate, Cory Booker, announced a plan to combat hate crimes, extremism, and white supremacist violence. We first interviewed Senator Booker in February about his campaign seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination to become the next President of the United States. His campaign recently reached out to us and we arranged for an exclusive telephone interview with Senator Booker, that took place on August 27, discussing his plan to combat hate crimes, extremism, and white supremacist violence. Gary: Senator Booker, would you please elaborate on your planned efforts concerning gun control in the United States? Sen. Booker: Certainly. We are at a point now in America where we have a mass shooting crisis…and a homicide crisis…and a suicide crisis that is so grand, that in the last sixty years alone more people have died from gun violence than folks who have died in every single war we’ve had combined… from the Revolutionary War all the way to the present wars. It is unconscionable, and it is unacceptable, and particularly hitting our communities of color…where AfricanAmerican men make up the majority of the homicide victims in our country. Now this is an issue that is affecting every community… everywhere…and a fear in our society is growing so great, that we are doing nothing about it. In fact, we’re so capitulating to the fear of our society…and giving up our freedom… freedom from fear, freedom from violence and we’re sending kids to school now with a message that ‘we can’t protect you…so we’re going to teach you how to shelterin-place…and how to hide should there be a bathroom in your school’. That’s unacceptable. As a man who lives in a community that has much gun violence… where I had a young man shot on my block last year with an assault rifle…I feel an urgent need…an urgent call…to do something about this. African-American men make up the majority of the homicide victims in our country. Now this is an issue that is affecting every community Our plan is based upon evidence-based strategies that have shown to work in other places. For example, our gun licensing part of our plan…it is common sense that someone should need a license…you need a license to buy a car…to drive a car… you should need a license to buy and own a hand gun. That is just such an important pillar because the states that have done it, like Connecticut, have seen about a 3% drop in homicides…a 41% drop in gun deaths, including a 15% drop in suicides. I’m going to fight for this issue with the urgency of someone who lives in a community and sees these deaths all too often. I’m bringing a plan that will end this epidemic of mass shooting and address issues of suicide.
I know, as President of the United States, that this is something we will get done. Celeste: Would you please elaborate on your planned efforts to address white supremacy? Sen. Booker: Absolutely. I said this a few weeks ago at Mother Emanuel Church, addressing white supremacy is not an issue of charity or philanthropy, it’s an issue of national security. We’ve seen the majority of terrorist attacks in our country since 9/11…and then right-wing extremist groups, and the majority of them have been white supremacists groups and individuals. This is something that we have to do more of to combat with efforts that are proportionate to the size of the problem. So, if I am President of the United States, I would create a White House Office to combat hate crimes and white supremacist violence…that really focuses on coordinating efforts between federal agencies and community organizations…to make sure that federal resources work to reverse the rising tide of hate crimes in our country… we are quickly able to respond to them when they occur…and provide the victims and communities harmed by white supremacy violence the resources they need to heal and to thrive. And I’m going to charge this office with coordinating with federal and local responders combating the spread of hate online, where you see a lot of this white supremacist hate and ideology and, ultimately violence, fester, and I am going to make sure…again…that we focus on the victims to make sure that they have the resources that they need to heal, but also focus on those communities that are disproportionately targeted to make sure that they have the protection they need to prevent future acts of violence. We have a terrible underreporting of white supremacists and acts of hate crimes in our country, and so we are going to make sure that we have improved data collection… reporting by the DOJ (Department of Justice) and FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) because we really can’t combat these threats unless we fully understand the extent to which they take place…and know a lot more about the contours of these historically underreported crimes. Gary: Do you have any other thoughts regarding these issues that you would like to share with the readers? Sen. Booker: Yes, this is not something that a government can do alone…we all have to do something about it. There is no neutrality, or sidelines-sitting, on this issue. If there is racism and white supremacy in this country, then it’s not enough to just say that I’m not a racist or a white supremacist… we always need an anti-white supremacy… anti-racism…and take responsibility for trying to have our culture healed and reject these kinds of cancers. I think all of us have to understand what we need to be doing to help end hate in our own lives…what are we doing to help promote understanding…to help banish ignorance… and to help create more unity. At the end of the day, our generation has to do a better job of getting rid of hate and creating more ‘indivisible’ in this one nation under God. I think that is something that we all have to take responsibility for. Celeste and Gary: Thank you. October 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 37
Celeste and Gary conduct interviews with politicians, and others who are prominent in public affairs, for the purpose of elevating and increasing voter education and governmental interaction. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ ______________________________ 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 postsecondary levels. RICKI KING Ricki@RootsToBranchesGenealogy.com www.RootsToBranchesGenealogy.com 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 Vietnam-Era 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.
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