The Charlotte Post Life! THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021 SECTION B

SARAH STRIPP | SPRINGBOARD TO OPPORTUNITIES The number of moms with health coverage participating in the Magnolia Mother's Trust, a guaranteed-income program, went up by a quarter during the program. Push for permanent DUKE UNIVERSITY Duke University computer science professor Nicki Washington is a Johnson C. Smith University graduate. She leads the Alli- ance for Identity-Inclusive Computing Education. policies to support JCSU grad widens opportunities in lower-income families By Katie Fleischer unrestricted cash, policies like the there's so much to get. The computer science MS. MAGAZINE child tax credit and guaranteed in- clothes, the shoes, the school While the pandemic didn't start come seek to create an economy supplies. I swear that list gets By Ashley Mahoney economic inequalities in the that works for everyone, including longer every year." [email protected] United States, it's certainly respon- marginalized communities. However, Biden’s expansion of Nicki Washington Ph.D. is taking a different ap- sible for exacerbating them, in- President Joe Biden has already the CTC is not permanent (al- proach to broadening participation in computer cluding race and gender taken an important step towards though a majority of voters want science. disparities in unemployment, making a more equitable economy it to continue): The monthly pay- Washington, a Duke University pro- working conditions and poverty a reality: His American Rescue ments started in July and will end fessor of the practice in computer levels. Almost two-thirds of Amer- Plan includes a child tax credit in December, and parents will get science, and colleague Shaundra Daily, icans have been living paycheck to that now provides monthly pay- the other half of their annual professor of the practice in electrical paycheck during the pandemic, ments of up to $250 per child ages amount when they file their 2021 and computer engineering and com- and women have been forced to 6-17 and $300 per child under 6 taxes. In response, moms across puter science, earned $10 million from bear the brunt of additional chal- for the 88% of families with kids the country are calling for Biden to the National Science Foundation to lenges like childcare and other do- that qualify. Already, struggling push for a more permanent policy create strategies to increase entry, re- mestic work that limit their ability families say these payments have to support all low-income families. Daily tention, and course completion for stu- to work outside the home. been life changing. “If I could talk to President dents from marginalized groups. In order to help Americans re- “To get the child tax credit pay- Biden, I would tell him that he Funding will be provided over five years to establish cover from the pandemic’s eco- ments that started coming last should make the child tax credit the Alliance for Identity-Inclusive Computing Educa- nomic fallout, feminists are calling month has been a huge help,” permanent, because so many tion, or AIICE. for new federal policies that would wrote one mom, I’esha (last name people are still unemployed and Their projected impact is 525,000 high school stu- help working moms, low-income withheld), in an essay for Ms. "I the pandemic is not over,” wrote dents and 35,000 college undergraduates; 7,000 women and women of color in was able to use the first payment I’esha. “And people need help high school computer science teachers; 2,000 post- particular. By offering the flexibil- in July to get prepared and buy my even without a pandemic going Please see |2B secondary computer science faculty and staff; 5,000 ity and efficiency that come with children their school things- SUPPORT teaching assistants and 500 computing departments. AIICE will combine social science and computer science to improve student and educator under- standing and knowledge of identity, support com- puter science educators and leaders in cultivating academic culture that are more inclusive and ad- dress policy-driven changes to computer science education. Jesse Jackson speaks about COVID battle “We see things like facial recognition technology, By Stacy M. Brown shots,” Jackson said in the surveillance technologies and medical algorithms NATIONAL NEWSPAPER telephone call from North- that disproportionately affect Black people for exam- PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION western Memorial Hospital. ple,” said Washington, a Johnson C. Smith University While he and his wife re- “My wife did not receive graduate. “Students don’t know this. We’re not teach- main hospitalized in a Chi- the vaccine because she ing this in computer science, but there’s so much cago hospital after positive has pre-existing conditions work in social science that is talking about the ways Covid tests, the Rev. Jesse that were of concern.” in which the work we create is harmful and it’s harm- Jackson told the Black Jackson, a Greenville, ful to people based on different identities. It could Press that he remains vig- South Carolina native and be race, it could be gender, it can be sexuality as well ilant in fighting for free- graduate of North Carolina or class. We need to start teaching students this.” dom, justice, and equality. A&T State University main- Washington said she understood the impact of In an exclusive telephone tained the importance of these practices to a degree as a Black woman but at- conversation from his hos- vaccination, noting that NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION tending a liberal arts college like JCSU meant taking pital bed on Sunday, the there are more stringent The Rev. Jesse Jackson and his wife Jacqueline both contracted more social science courses in order to graduate. civil rights leader ex- variants of the coronavi- the coronavirus. AIICE poses the question of what educators can do pressed his ongoing sup- rus. He said he and Jacque- Push Coalition, revealed CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis to better prepare students to rewrite the narrative. port for vaccinations while line are receiving the “best the positive tests and hos- Jr., a longtime friend and “We all know that there's a lack of representation explaining why his wife, of care.” pitalization. The call in- comrade in the fight for of people who identify as Black or indigenous, etc.,” Jacqueline, had not re- The telephone call came cluded National civil rights. Washington said. “This work is also saying we have ceived the vaccine. just one day after his or- Newspaper Publishers As- Both disciples of Martin Please see JCSU GRAD|2B “I have had both my ganization, the Rainbow sociation President and Please see REV. JESSE | 2B «RIDES Hyundai’s economic Venue veers toward the affordability lane By Winfred Cross day-to-day journey. zoom-zoom to get you in The Venue may be short SPECIAL TO THE POST Actually, Hyundai clas- and out of traffic without on power, but it has a great sifies the Venue as an extra white knuckles but it takes amount of equipment, de- The average price paid small SUV. It can hold five careful planning or a very pending on your model. for a new car in the United people but four would be heavy foot on the gas. It My test car was the Denim States is $41,000. Let that the most comfortable. If steers relatively well, and edition, which is the top of sink in. Yes, I said $41,000. you don’t have the extra the brakes are good. Han- the heap, but still very af- What’s a person on a small folks in back, the seats fold dling? Not bad, but what fordable. Pretty much budget to do? Look hard. and expands the cargo area you would expect from an every option available is in- Several manufacturers to 31.9 cubic feet. extra-small SUV. cluded and a plethora of offer lower priced cars but This isn’t the thing you The ride is comfortable driver aids are also stan- is it something you really buy if you want perform- and quiet but can get a lit- dard. Lane keeping assist, want to drive? Hyundai has ance. The 1.6-liter four cyl- tle uncomfortable on some blind spot monitoring, HYUNDAI a couple of things that fit inder makes 121 rough roads. I would sug- automatic emergency Hyundai’s Venue is a more economical mode of SUV. in a tight budget and aren’t horsepower with 113 gest keeping it on the road. braking and cross traffic Android Auto, Navigation, modes, leather wrapped bad to drive. One offering pounds-feet of torque. Sur- There is no all-wheel drive alert are those aids. eight-inch touch screen, steering wheel, power sun- is the Venue, a competent prisingly, the Venue available but a selectable The equipment list con- 17-inch wheels, six-speaker roof, keyless entry, heated little four-door that will doesn’t feel power snow setting in the drive tinues with Apple CarPlay, audio system, three driving take you safely on your Please see | 2B strapped. There’s enough mode. HYUNDAI Bring on the BOGOs. Nothing beats a great deal. That’s why we have lots of BOGOs on nearly every aisle! publix.com/BOGO 2B LIFE | The Charlotte Post Thursday, August 26, 2021 Support for poor families Hyundai Venue veers Continued from page 1B have a dinner and a trip would be short. So that felt on.” down to New Orleans for really, really good. Nor- Following a similar her birthday, and I was mally, I’d have to move strategy, economic justice able to do both because of something around to cover toward affordability organizations like the Mag- that help of the program taking time off. But my nolia Mother's Trust say Continued from page 1B country’s average purchase price. My and my family. I think baby got sick, and I was as-tested price came to $23,380. another policy would help that's probably the first able to say, ‘OK, I have seats and side mirrors, LED lighting ad low-income mothers, par- Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected car That’s still well below average. time we've been able to some money in the bank, The Venue isn’t for everyone but it’s ticularly women of color: take a trip as a family in at it's going to be fine.’ To not system. guaranteed income. Guar- The Denim gets its name from the for a lot for bargain hunters. The least seven years. It's been have that stress, it was safety equipment alone makes this anteed income involves a long, long time since we wonderful. Won-der-ful.” car’s paint color and the interior treat- payments directed to spe- ment. The cloth seats are denim col- worth a look. had a little vacation.” Policies like the CTC and Pros: cific groups, like women Too often, economic pol- guaranteed income place ored with faux leather trim. The roof living in poverty, in order is painted white as are the outside • Excellent price icy relies on faulty as- trust in low-income people, • Roomy interior to address economic in- sumptions that and allow them to make mirrors. equities. By focusing on This is the second year for the • Lots of standard equipment low-income people do not the best financial decisions • Handsome exterior marginalized com- know how to effectively for their specific circum- Venue so there isn’t much new, If you munities, guaranteed in- want the six-speed manual transmis- • Great fuel economy 30 city/33 manage money. In con- stances. highway come can help address trast, the moms receiving Existing welfare policies sion you are out of luck. Only a con- economic issues caused by tinuously variable automatic is Cons: guaranteed income too often take an overly pa- • Anemic engine systemic racism and sex- through MMT have proved ternalistic approach that available this year. ism and can give strug- The Venue is certainly a bargain. Email Winfred Cross at cross@allday- that they know how to requires low-income tech.com. gling Americans a way to save, invest and spend women to use benefits in You can get it in base form for a little meet their basic needs. over $18,000 which is well below the their money to best sup- specific ways that may not MMT is one example of port their families. be the most effective how federal economic pol- “I do a good job at sav- strategy for them. In Mis- icies could have a huge im- ing,” wrote MMT mom Sa- sissippi, for example, Sup- pact on marginalized brina. “I learned to save. I plemental Nutrition people. By providing Black do couponing, and I just Assistance Program (SNAP) mothers living in extreme put money to the side and benefits require everyone JCSU grad widens opportunities poverty $1,000 per month don’t touch it. I just think ages 16-60 capable of work for a year, MMT demon- about, ‘What is light, what to accept any offer of suit- strates that unrestricted fi- is gas, what is rent, what able work, and also re- with computer science initiative nancial benefits can have about an emergency?’” stricts people from using Continued from page 1B who I saw in these positions were not just extremely powerful ef- Another mom, Ebony, their benefits to order gro- to address that environment first before people who I randomly saw. They were fects. For example: said guaranteed income ceries online. These bar- we can even address the technology that my parents, friends, they were the par- • The percentage of has allowed her to start her riers make it harder for is developing. We have to make sure the ents of my friends growing up. I was al- MMT participants able to own beauty salon busi- people without transporta- people who are developing the technol- ways exposed to all of these ideas of who pay all their bills without ness: tion or childcare to effec- ogy not only understand the concept of and what I could be, and basically that my additional support soared “I’ve been able to invest tively utilize their benefits, identity, but also understand what's hap- only limit was myself.” from 37% to 80% during probably $11,000 into my and leave women vulner- pening in their work environment is just Washington was surrounded by profes- the program. salon since I started receiv- able to abusive workplaces a microcosm of what's playing out with sionals who attended historically Black • After receiving guaran- ing the money. New items or employers. the technology that they develop, and colleges and universities, but her high teed payments for a year, to sell, putting money into “Let’s give people then also what's happening in their work school teachers encouraged her to attend 85% of the moms had com- making it look nicer, now money-not vouchers, not environment is exactly mirroring what's Duke or other schools they considered pleted their high school we have this beautiful ped- subsidies-and not have happening at the undergraduate institu- better. Washington, who spent much of education, compared to icure area in the back. So I people prove to us that tion.” her childhood around North Carolina 63% at the beginning of the used the Magnolia they are poor enough for Washington joined Duke’s faculty in Central University, had no interest in at- program. Mother’s Trust money to support,” said Aisha Nyan- 2020, where she created the Cultural tending a predominantly white school. • MMT mothers were make money, and I’ve doro, CEO of Springboard Competence in Computing (3C) Fellows “When it came time to go to college, I 20% more likely to have helped some other moms to Opportunities and its Program with Daily and Cecilé Sadler, a knew that I wanted to be somewhere children performing at or in the program from my MMT. “Imagine having to Ph.D. student in electrical and computer where I could thrive and not be held back above grade level, and year do the same-one go back to prove that you engineering. The program recently con- because of who I am, how I present my- were 27% more likely to woman started a clothing are poor enough. What cluded recruiting for its second cohort. self, how I show up in the world and seek needed medical care boutique. And I have other would that do to you psy- An assessment tool will also be deployed Johnson C. Smith gave me that opportu- than other moms not re- dreams; one day you're chologically? What would as part of AIICE, said Washington, the pro- nity and then some, to not only learn, but ceiving guaranteed in- going to see my name in that do to your self- gram’s director. also to be poured into by people who look come. Essence. Maybe as a celeb- worth?” 3C emerged in response to a course like me by everyone from the president • For many of the moms, rity stylist, or because I That's why programs like Washington created when she arrived at to the people who worked in the cafeteria the combination of guaran- started a school for entre- MMT, which center the Duke called race, gender, class in com- who were genuinely vested in academic teed income and the CTC preneurs." voices of those most af- puting. As social unrest spread across the success,” she said. “I had this opportunity gave them the ability to For Tia, guaranteed in- fected, instead of treating country, people began to pay more atten- to learn more than just computer science. support their families and come was life-changing be- guaranteed income as tion to what Washington and margin- We were reading books by bell hooks and start working towards their cause it alleviated much of simply an academic ques- alized people had been saying for years. Audre Lorde and all of these other great long-term goals-even dur- her financial stress. tion, are so valuable. Other faculty were interested in material Black social scientists and educators.” ing periods of unemploy- “I just wasn’t so stressed Based on the experiences to teach the course. Instead, she chal- Washington earned her bachelor’s de- ment or financial out about everything, be- of these moms, a per- lenged them to become students of social gree from JCSU in 2000, after which she instability caused by the cause it’s different when manent CTC and guaran- science. earned a master’s and a Ph.D. from North COVID-19 pandemic. you have that little extra teed income would give “I had the idea of putting together a de- Carolina State University, to become the For I’esha, “being a part help. My rent went up, and low-income Black mothers velopment program that over the course first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in com- of Magnolia Mother’s Trust that was OK, I could handle more opportunities to pro- of a two-year cohort will prepare other puter science there. Her career included has been so important in it. My car broke down, I vide for their children computer science faculty to understand stops at IBM, the Aerospace Corporation, getting me through this was able to get it fixed without financial stress these topics first and understand how Howard University and Winthrop Univer- year. Since I haven't had an right away. Things would and invest in their personal these topics like race, ethnicity, gender, sity. She is no stranger to being the first income since January, be- happen, but I could take goals. By getting cash into sexuality, white supremacy, transphobia, at something, including becoming How- fore the program started in care of them. Before, I the hands of people who homophobia, misogyny and even clas- ard’s first Black female computer science April, I was living off my would’ve had to wait at need it, these policies sism, how do all of those manifest in so- professor. savings and that was least until the next pay would make a huge differ- ciety,” Washington said. “How do we “We’re back to this idea of representa- stressful. Now that I have period to take my car in. It ence for struggling Ameri- understand those, and then how do those tion and why it matters, because even at the guaranteed income was always just living pay- cans and would be a step play out in the computing environment an HBCU, Howard in 2006 had never had money coming in, I don’t check to paycheck. towards creating an eco- and how can we use those to now build a Black woman faculty member [in that have to worry about “Then there’s just know- nomic system that values out different initiatives that will target department].” whether I can afford bills ing that if your kids get the lived experiences and students at their home institutions, be- Starting at Howard allowed Washington this month or be con- sick, it’s going to be OK. unique perspectives of cause everybody can’t teach a course, but to focus on her work and developing her cerned about affording That if I needed to, I could marginalized people. they may want to put something else to- career, as well as serving as an example household supplies. I take time off to care for my Katie Fleischer wrote this gether in place at their home institution.” for Black women in computing. She re- would love to see a pro- child without having to article for Ms. Magazine. Washington had access to computers called how even as a student at JCSU, gram like the Magnolia worry that my paycheck growing up in Durham. Her mother is a none of her professors were Black Mother’s Trust offered to retired IBM programmer and manager, women. more people, too. The gov- « The Charlotte Post and her father was a K12 educator and “I never saw a Black woman professor ernment should want to administrator. Both are JCSU alumni. in my department,” Washington said. “I pitch in a little more to Washington grew up surrounded by had them across campus but not in com- help with programs like HOUSES OF WORSHIP what she described as Durham’s “rich puting.” guaranteed income to help history of Black excellence,” particularly Washington strives to provide context more families.” the Hayti community, which urban re- for Black women pursuing computer The CTC and guaranteed BAPTIST newal swept away, but the legacy re- science, because she knows not everyone income put cash directly mains. grows up with a female figure like her into the hands of people “It had a rich community of Black engi- mom to aspire to be like. who need it most. Having neers, attorneys, entrepreneurs, edu- “It was important that they had it in "no strings attached" cators,” she said. “A lot of those people me,” Washington said. money allows women to make the best decisions for their families, and gives them the freedom to invest in long-term goals. Rev. Jesse Jackson talks about One mom, Chephirah, re- flected: “[MMT] has really helped me in preparing for his battle against COVID-19 [my daughter’s] school. The money has also helped Continued from page 1B ization, social media has ease, primarily affecting me cover my monthly bills Luther King, Jr., Jackson seen a flood of well motor skills. and get caught up on some and Chavis expressed con- wishers express love and “I am doing OK,” Jackson old debts. It also helps to cern that some media prayers to Rev. and Mrs. said. pay for things like my members would exploit Jackson. daughter’s schoolbooks. Jackson’s positive tests. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, And then she wanted to Jackson issued a reassur- Reverend Al Sharpton, and ance of his strength. King’s daughter, Bernice “I’m doing fine,” Jackson King, were among those insisted. “My wife is here, who sent prayers for the and she’s being cared for.” couple. Though he’s battling Par- “They need our sincere kinson’s disease and now and intense prayers,” Rev. diagnosed with Covid, Sharpton insisted. Jackson’s voice appeared Castro added, “Sending strong. strength and prayers to “He’s a fighter, a war- Rev. Jackson and his wife, rior,” Chavis added. Jacqueline.” Those who work closely King also said she was C.M.E. with the Rev. and Mrs. “praying” for the family. Jackson, were tested after Rev. Jackson, 79, and Jac- Jacqueline Jackson visited queline, 77, have been her doctors for a routine married for nearly 60 checkup. years. The couple has six As per medical protocol, children. Mrs. Jackson received a In 2017, doctors dia- Covid test, triggering doc- gnosed Jackson with Par- tors to test Rev. Jackson kinson's disease, a central and others. nervous system degener- Jackson said he wasn’t ative disorder. sure when he or his wife Actor Michael J. Fox and might be discharged. the late Muhammad Ali Since news of the cou- count among the more fa- ple’s illness and hospital- mous sufferers of the dis- 3B LIFE | The Charlotte Post Thursday, August 26, 2021 Third COVID shot OK for compromised immunity By Aaliyah Bowden est, Novant Health infec- of families with children, [email protected] tious disease specialist. and we care deeply about People with a compro- “We are actively working the health of children as mised immune system in on the process to make they begin school. We are Mecklenburg County can sure we get patients that also doing this to support receive a third dose of the third dose,” he said. “There the people who work in our Pfizer and Moderna vac- are operational logistics is- city, and this is a way for cine. sues we have to work our businesses to remain The U.S. Food and Drug through with the electronic open. We will work with Administration approved health record vendor we and support our business both vaccines for a booster use for that. So, we'll be community through this shot that would only be working through those is- time.” given to some immuno- sues, and we'll be giving The North Carolina compromised individuals, the third doses as soon as Health and Human Serv- such as those with cancer, possible.” ices has not released when HIV|AIDS, organ or stem Cases have continued to the third dose will be avail- cell transplant, or other se- rise in the state and Meck- able for everyone in the vere condition. lenburg County. state. Health experts esti- As of Aug. 17, there were mate that everyone vacci- STOCK PHOTO “At a time when the Delta variant is surging, an ad- 3,575 newly reported cases nated will need a COVID The transition to in-person classes or back to remote learning deserves parental attention for ditional vaccine dose for in North Carolina with 58% booster shot within eight symptoms of isolation among children. some people with weak- of the population fully vac- months of their second ened immune systems cinated. In Mecklenburg, dose. could help prevent serious there were 473 confirmed The CDC has rec- Tips for meeting kids’ and possibly life-threaten- cases in the past week ommended an extra do- ing COVID-19 cases within compared to 433 over a sage for the Pfizer and this population,” said Dr. two-week period. So far, Moderna vaccines only for Rochelle Walensky, direc- 54% of county residents the immunocompromised, social, emotional needs tor of the Centers for Dis- are partially vaccinated as there is not enough data ease Control and and 50% are fully vacci- to determine if people who By Lily Bohlke pointed of the day. Norman pointed Prevention. nated. received the Johnson & NORTH CAROLINA NEWS SERVICE out school counselors are trained to About 3% of the U.S. pop- Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles Johnson/Janssen single- RALEIGH – The school year is fast help meet the social and emotional ulation have weakened im- has issued a mask mandate shot vaccine will need a approaching, and many North Caro- needs of students, and can also con- mune systems. for the city of Charlotte ef- booster. It is also advised lina students will be headed back to nect them with outside resources. The CDC now rec- fective Aug. 18. She did not that people do not mix vac- the classroom for the first time in a Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical ommends people who are say when a county-man- cine brands. For instance, while, prompting reminders about en- officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer immunocompromised to date will take place. if you received two Mod- suring they’re handling the transition. and Individual, said parents should receive an extra dose of “More than 1,000 of our erna doses already, don’t Whether it was all distance learning check in regularly with kids, listening COVID vaccine at least four friends and loved ones switch to the Pfizer or J&J. or a hybrid situation, students are re- and watching for even subtle changes weeks after their second have died from COVID-19 Aaliyah Bowden, who turning after a year with plenty of iso- in their mood or behavior. shot. in Mecklenburg County – covers health at The Post, is lation. She advised it is important to sup- In Mecklenburg County, and people continue to a Report for America corps Brittany Norman, a school counselor port and validate kids' feelings if third doses are expected to die,” she said. “One of the member. and president of the North Carolina they’re anxious or upset. start as early as this week reasons we are doing this School Counselor Association, said it “One of the things that we talk about according to Dr. David Pri- is that we are a community is important for parents and teachers is sharing that we go through it as to focus on relationship-building with adults, too, and how we deal with students to make sure they can ad- stress,” Randall said. “The older you dress any needs that come up. get, the more practice and experience Boost the body’s immunity “It’s really going to be about com- you have dealing with that. So, letting FAMILY FEATURES found in Buddha Teas provide numerous munication, being intentional about your kids know that it's something Your body’s immune system protects health benefits. Options like Mushroom carving out that time to really check that all humans experience, even their against illness and infection, fighting off Wellness, Divine Immunity, Elderberry in with our students to see how parents.” threats before you even know there’s a Tea and Reiki Mushroom blends all con- they’re doing,” Norman explained. Randall emphasized families should problem. Even though your immune sys- tain immunity-boosting ingredients. “To get them to get to know them a lit- help children be prepared to be flex- tem usually does its job automatically, While they’re not an obvious ingredient, tle bit better, only because we’ve been ible about school disruptions, with you can give it a boost with habits that mushrooms have been incorporated into so disconnected in a multitude of COVID-19 variants still a concern. She promote wellness and support immunity. healing practices for thousands of years ways.” added signs kids may need some ad- Eat healthy fruits and vegetables. Al- for their immune-boosting, anti-inflam- She recommended open-ended ditional social and emotional assis- though you may not be aware they con- matory and antioxidant-rich properties. questions when talking to kids, so tance can be subtle, from changes in tain flavonoids, these phytochemicals There are several powerful medicinal they can bring up anything they may mood or sleep patterns to changes in found in some fruits and veggies are a mushrooms but one stand-out is the be feeling. She likes to ask her own their academic performance. vital part of maintaining health. Flavo- reishi mushroom, known as the “mush- nephew about his high and low noids are found in colorful fruits and room of immortality” and “divine plant of vegetables like cranberries and elder- longevity.” This anti-inflammatory pow- berries. When it comes to power foods, el- erhouse is known to promote healthy cell derberries’ exceptional flavanol levels growth and healthy blood pressure, along make them an immune system power- with improving immune function. house. Especially important during cold Learn more about boosting your immu- and flu season, elderberries can also be nity naturally at buddhateas.com. enjoyed in a cup of warm tea for instant Get better sleep comfort. While golden milk has become a trendy Reduce stress with outdoor activity. beverage of choice, this comforting, herb- Keeping physically fit provides numerous filled blend is actually ancient. For thou- health benefits such as reducing stress by sands of years, golden milk has been an being one with nature through taking a Ayurvedic ritual, with Indian families en- walk outside. 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AJANE’ K. WILLIAMS UNC Charlotte senior Ajane’ K. Williams is the 2021 Mary Mahoney scholar. Mahoney Scholarship winner By Ashley Mahoney [email protected]

Editor’s note: Mary Mahoney is Ashley Mahoney’s mother. Art is freedom for Ajane’ K. Williams. The UNC Charlotte senior’s artist statement challenges the oppressive way society pushes Black women into a box. The Charlotte Post Foundation’s 2021 Mary Memorial Scholarship recip- ient declares no one can define her. The scholarship was established in 2018 in honor of Mary Mahoney, who died from cancer in 2017 but nurtured countless artists during her life. The scholarship honors her legacy of sup- porting young artists in their craft as COURTESY JUSTIN ELLIS they pursue higher education. Past re- Justin Ellis went from homeless to artist-in-residence and gallery artist at Sozo Gallery. cipients include Bryana Mainor, Marcus Fitzpatrick and Malik J. Norman. It is presented annually and community funded. “Ajane’ K. Williams is an extraordinary Perseverance pays for creative mind,” Norman said. “She thinks so abstractly and is so adept at her work and she is a painter, and I know nothing about painting. The in- tention of why she paints and where it comes from and her history with it is awe inspiring to be able to connect to mixed media artist who you are through what you do. Watch her.” By Ashley Mahoney St.), because something in his soul due to the pandemic. His journey Williams is a product of a military en- [email protected] told him to paint three wooden transitioned to a Brooklyn Collective vironment. She was born on an Army Pursuing art full time did not come panels covering broken windows. He artist-in-residence and gallery artist base in Fort Stewart, Georgia, and lived easily for Justin Ellis. met Jason Wolf, who owns three with Sozo Gallery, which collaborates in Alaska, both Carolinas, Germany, The Charlotte native stepped away buildings that make up the Brooklyn with Brooklyn Collective on art Japan and South Korea. in 2017 when he was homeless at age Collective, Kevin and Monique Doug- shows. Art was not Williams’ original goal. 27 in Durham. The two-month period las, who own and operate Studio 229, “It's just been different to show She intended to become a professional he and his then-girlfriend lived in which is inside. Monique is also the somebody my portfolio versus my basketball player but injured her knee transition was enough for him to put director of community engagement resume, because I'm so used to work- as a high school junior. Painting helped aside his passion and focus on find- for Brooklyn Collective. ing, for someone to actually appreci- pass the time as she recovered and fell ing a consistent paycheck. They re- “They took interest in, ‘what pos- ate my artwork and see the beauty in in love with the craft. When she enrolled turned to their new Charlotte sessed you to keep coming here?’” it just raised my confidence,” said at Wake Tech Community College to apartment on Feb. 13, 2017, and four Ellis said. “‘How do you possibly Ellis, a mixed media artist. “That is pursue an associate degree in science years later, Ellis is a full-time artist. have the time to just come here and what they continue to do every day with the intention of becoming a phys- In June 2020, Ellis stopped by just paint?’” is nurture me and build my con- ical therapist, a fine arts class was re- Brooklyn Collective (229 S. Brevard Ellis, like many people, lost his job Please see PERSEVERANCE | 6B quired. A professor recognized Williams’ talent and passion and con- vinced her to switch majors. She trans- ferred to Appalachian State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, then to Charlotte. More than a painter Williams considers herself more of a Josephine Baker given Paris burial honor creator than painter. She enjoys film, learning how to DJ and video art. At THE ASSOCIATED PRESS present, she is focusing on how music and sound fit into her practice. PARIS — The remains of American- “I am very passionate about techno born singer and dancer Josephine and ambient electronica and how much Baker will be reinterred at the Pantheon it has changed my life and also my monument in Paris, making the enter- paintings,” Williams said. “That is the tainer who is a World War II hero in plan for the entire semester, learning France the first Black woman to get the more about sound and how it heals the country’s highest honor. human body, because it healed me. Le Parisien newspaper reported Sun- Next semester when I have my senior day that French President Emmanuel show, I want to showcase that and show Macron decided to organize a cere- people a different realm of painting and mony on Nov. 30 at the Paris monu- sound combined.” ment, which houses the remains of Said Charlotte professor Maja God- scientist Marie Curie, French philos- lewska: “As a student, she is someone opher Voltaire, writer Victor Hugo and who something that is good enough is other French luminaries. never good enough. She will always try The presidential palace confirmed to excel and go further with everything the newspaper’s report. that she does. She’s extremely curious, After her death in 1975, Baker was and she listens and she explores the buried in Monaco, dressed in a French world around her way beyond visual military uniform with the medals she arts. She is just learning all the time.” received for her role as part of the Williams wants to attend graduate French Resistance during the war. school at the Art Institute of Chicago, Baker will be the fifth woman to be THE ASSOCIATED PRESS but first she has her eyes set on the honored with a Pantheon burial and Hayama Artist Residency, a one-month will also be the first entertainer hon- In this file photo dated March 6, 1961, singer Josephine Baker poses in her dressing summer residency in Japan. ored. room at the Strand Theater in New York City. The remains of the American-born Williams and Norman were featured in Holocaust survivor Simone Veil, one singer and dancer will be reinterred at the Pantheon monument in Paris, Le Parisien the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhi- of France’s most revered politicians, newspaper reported Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron has de- bition at the Museum of Science + In- was buried at the Pantheon in 2018. cided to bestow the honor. Baker is a World War II hero in France and will be the dustry Chicago’s longest-running The other women are two who fought first Black woman to get the country’s highest honor. exhibition of Black art, which has been with the French Resistance during Baker quickly became famous for her German officials she met at parties and annually displayed at MSI since 1970. World War II — Germaine Tillion and “banana skirt” dance routines and carried messages hidden in her under- They had an opportunity to visit the ex- Genevieve de Gaulle-Anthonioz — and wowed audiences at the Theatre des wear to England and other countries, hibit over the summer. They were also Nobel Prize-winning chemist Curie. Champs-Elysees and later at the Folies using her star status to justify her included in the same show in the The monument also holds the re- Bergere in Paris. travels. summer of 2020 in “H20/20, Elemental mains of 72 men. She became a French citizen after her A civil rights activist, she took part in Retribution” at the Gallery C3 at C3 Lab. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Baker be- marriage to industrialist Jean Lion in 1963 in the March on Washington for “Ever since going to Chicago and see- came a megastar in the 1930s, espe- 1937. Jobs and Freedom alongside the Rev. ing their community and seeing how cially in France, where she moved in During World War II, she joined the Martin Luther King Jr., who made his “I they work together has inspired me to 1925 as she was seeking to flee racism French Resistance. Amid other mis- Have A Dream” speech. get my master’s degree,” Williams said. and segregation in the United States. sions, she collected information from 6B A&E | The Charlotte Post Thursday, August 26, 2021 Author Nichole Perkins celebrates strength of the Perseverance pays for South’s Black womanhood mixed media artist By Molly Sprayregen vision to sexual fantasies has allowed herself the Continued from page 5B can do this.’” THE ASSOCIATED PRESS to “Frasier” to body image space to grow and change, fidence and I can’t ask for more.” His spirit was right. Ellis is now a “Sometimes I Trip On issues to Miss Piggy, Per- but also one who has re- Ellis, a Northwest School of the Arts resident artist at “Immersive Van How Happy We Could Be,” kins paints a deeply per- mained steadfast in de- alumnus, earned a degree in graphic Gogh” at Camp North End through Nichole Perkins (Grand sonal and unapologetic manding the best possible design from the Art Institute of Ra- Sept. 22. He will also be featured in Central Publishing) portrait of her journey to life for herself. She is also leigh-Durham. He also studied mar- “Reconstructing Deconstruction,” a “Sometimes I Trip On becoming the strong, em- not shy in sharing with keting at North Carolina Central collaboration between Brooklyn Col- How Happy We Could Be” powered woman she is readers some of the ex- University. lective and Sozo Gallery, which runs is about seeking, nay, de- today. treme hardships she has Taking the leap at Brooklyn Collective Aug. 27-Jan. 2. manding pleasure for one- One of the most fearless been through. Ellis decided to pursue art full time He has also been featured at Sozo Gal- self. Nichole Perkins shares books out there, it opens Above all else, this is a in October 2020. He was working at lery and the Light Factory. His first essay after brilliant essay with a young, inex- book about desire, and Michael’s and was informed his solo exhibition opened on Jan. 10 at on life as a Southern Black perienced Perkins navigat- more specifically, shame- schedule was a conflict. Sozo gallery. woman learning to own her ing sex and love and ends lessly owning that desire. “They told me to choose between “Out of 48 pieces, over half of them own power. with a woman who knows Utilizing humor, raw hon- the studio and them,” Ellis said. sold that day,” Ellis said. “It was the The poet and Nashville exactly what she wants and esty, and an intimate writ- “Something in my spirit told me, ‘you kickstart to my year.” native expertly uses pop isn’t afraid to go and get it. ing style with which culture as a lens through Through additional media- readers can easily connect, which to examine her life, tions on race, religion, Perkins has crafted a pow- and mostly her sexuality. mental health, and fem- erful memoir that is well Through musings on ev- ininity, Perkins presents worth the read. erything from reality tele- herself as a woman who

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