C E L E B R AT I N G B L AC K AC H I E V E M E N T T H RO U G H O U T F L O R I DA
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: HIS ART DENOUNCED VIOLENCE AGAINST BLACK PEOPLE
Carter G. Woodson
2024 CELEBRATES AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE ARTS
PRESERVING GLOBAL CULTURAL HISTORY
UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL WITH A MENTOR
CARTER G. WOODSON, PH.D. BLACK HISTORY MONTH'S FOUNDER'S VISION STILL MATTERS
$7.99 onyxmagazine.com
CONTENTS 6
From the Publisher
7
Mindfulness – Starting Out a New Year
8
Feature – African Americans & The Arts
10 Black History – Origins of Black History Month: Why They Still Matter 12 International Travel – Planning Ahead: Traveling for Next New Year's Eve 14 Day Tripping – Florida Destinations You Can Visit Today 16 Community – Get Active This Election Year 17 ONYX Reads – Books That Tell Our Living History 18 Greats of West Lakes – Hudie Stone: A Legacy of Service 20 Art & Culture – Relevant stories 21 Relationships – Happy Life…What Keeps the Flames Burning 22 Cultural Influencer – Jean-Michel Basquiat 25 Education – Teacher Pipeline Receives a Boost 26 The Quad – Stories From College Campuses 28 Generation Forward – Paying Homage to the Ones Who Paved the Way
10
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
A LOOK AT AFRICAN AMERICANS IN ART Cover photo: Carter G. Woodson. Cover photo and all historic photos on pages 8-9 and 10-11 can be found in the public domain.
4 ONYX MAGAZINE
29 Medically Speaking – Self Care for the New Year 30 Health & Wellness – What to Know About Diabetic Nerve Damage 32 Global Impact – Keeping Brazil’s Black History in Its Tech “Future” 36 Wealth & Finance – Money Whisperer? Why Americans Don't Talk About Money 38 Smart Consumer – Shop Smarter 39 Business – Is Air B&B Right For You? 41 Real Estate – Build Your Credit Score 42 ONYX on the Move 44 Workplace – Firm Up Your Soft Skills 46 Scholars – Scholars Program Expands to Florida 48 Career – New Year, New Career 49 Family – Tackling Challenging Behaviors 50 Mentorship – Unlock Your Full Potential With a Mentor 52 Florida Scope – Important Stories in the State 53 Environment – Water Protection 58 SAGE – Wisdom for the Ages 57 On Exhibit 60 Perspective – The Curious Joy of Being Wrong 62 Food & Wine – Red Cav
5000 ROLE MODELS OF EXCELLENCE FOUNDATION
ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
SCHOLARSHIP Breakfast
Omari Hardwick
Headliner and National Spokesman
JAN
15
th
2024
Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Ctr Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 8:30 AM
G E N E R AT I O N F O RWA R D
FRONTLINE: PAYING HOMAGE TO THE ONES WHO PAVED THE WAY
H
BY LENDSEY AUGUSTIN
ip-hop’s roots can be traced back to the summer block parties hosted by pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, who, armed with two turntables and a mixer, introduced the art of "breaking" - a style of dancing that would become synonymous with the genre. These block parties were the fertile ground where the four pillars of Hip-Hop took root: DJing, MCing (rapping), breaking (dance), and graffiti art. Today, the ebb and flow remain the same, the very roots that grew the tree we call Hip-Hop have evolved into multiple subgenres, weaving its history and essence throughout life’s most treasured symphonies. One artist in particular I had the pleasure of speaking with is 1990s rapper Kriss Kross inspired current student artists. Azariah Richardson, a local artist in Tallahassee. Richardson doesn’t subject himself to one genre of music, but by pulling from different kinds. “I feel like one of the most beautiful parts of Hip-Hop is its ability to pull from other genres and other styles. So of course in terms of the artists I would listen to, people like Smino, J-cole, that Dreamville pocket, Kendrick,” Richardson said. YAKIRA JONES “They’re all very unique in the way that they express themselves in hip-hop and very often During the HIPS concert at Railroad Square, he they pull influence from other genres. I say electrified the crowd and everyone was truly in that I do the same thing, I love to listen to neo- paradise during those couple minutes. It was soul, and reggae artists like EEKAMouse even astounding to see the transformation of the in terms of my vocal inflections. They influence artist into a performer. very heavily how I approach the microphone.” Another artist who has been climbing the Richardson has performed in countless musical ranks lately is Yakira Jones. events and showcases both on and off campus. Jones is a FAMU student, artist, business
“Creating music just really depends on what vibe I’m in that moment and what the beat is giving me.”
28 ONYX MAGAZINE
owner, and emcee. During the HIPS concert, she would keep the crowd engaged with games or songs of her own. Jones has also performed at events on and off campus. This wasn’t something she wanted to do at first, but it grew into something bigger than herself. “Creating music just really depends on what vibe I’m in that moment and what the beat is giving me,” Jones said. “I do try to go off of more my style at the end of the day too, but sometimes with certain flows and cadences, I will test run those and see how they sound with my sound. And if I’m messing with it, I’ll integrate that in there.” Hip-hop has paved the way for a new era of fashion, a new era of creativity, and lifestyle. But it’s also an outlet. Many hit songs have been a vent session or a cry for help. Music often speaks to the pain that is too hard to vocalize. It gives a voice to those who want to share themselves with the world but may not know how. Music has been the bridge between sadness and relief, between anger and frustration. It has become our medium, our communicator. Vincent Pendergrast, a business administration student who moonlights as a rapper-songwriter, says his music has been his rock. “Like my music helped me tune out the world… a lot. A lot of times it just helped me tune out all the problems especially when I’m in the studio and I have something going on at home,” Pendergrast said. “But when I’m in the studio and it’s time to put that lyric on the beat, that’s where my head’s at.”
M E D I C A L LY S P E A K I N G
Self-Care for a Successful
NEW YEAR R
esolving to commit to better self-care can happen any time of the year, but there’s something about the calendar flipping to a new year that signals a fresh start. It’s the perfect starting point for new habits and a new approach to protecting your overall wellness. Self-care takes many forms. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise are some ways to promote your physical health. So is taking good care of your body’s largest organ: your skin. When it comes to mental health, getting organized is a surprisingly effective way to manage stress and keep your goals on track so you feel a sense of accomplishment. Start working toward a new year where your wellness is front and center with these ideas for simplifying and personalizing your journey. Look for more lifestyle advice and helpful wellness tips at eLivingtoday.com.
Family Features, photos courtesy of Shutterstock, Unsplash
PLAN FOR SUCCESS IN THE NEW YEAR Give yourself a boost toward tackling this year’s goals by getting organized. A planner can help you keep important information at your fingertips while making it easy to keep tabs on appointments, deadlines and more. You can even track progress against new habits or journal your way toward a heathier diet. Some people prefer physical planners they can write in and update manually while others find a digital version in a smart device is more convenient.
PREPARE FOR HEALTHIER EATING HABITS
ADD WHOLE GRAINS WITH EASE AND CONVENIENCE Eating whole grains has never been this easy or tasty. Convenient and ready in just 10 minutes, Minute Rice’s Instant Brown Rice and Rice & Quinoa are must-haves for busy families. For those in need of an on-the-go option, Minute Rice Cups, including Brown Rice, Brown & Wild Rice, Brown Rice & Quinoa, Multi-Grain Medley and Jasmine Rice & Red Quinoa, are ready in just 60 seconds. Start the year off right and discover more time-saving solutions at MinuteRice.com.
INTRODUCE WEIGHTS FOR YOUR WORKOUT Whether you’ve hit a plateau or you’re just bored with your workout, adding dumbbells can introduce a whole new dimension by helping build muscle and burn more fat. Rotating muscle groups lets you give your muscles a chance to recover between workouts. The options are nearly endless, so think about how you’ll use them, where you’ll store them, whether shape or color matters and how much you want to spend.
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD If stepping up your fitness game is part of your plan for 2024, be sure to start on the right foot with the right footwear for the job. Runners in particular should be conscious of quality shoes. Look for ample cushion, comfortable ankle support, overall quality construction and a snug fit that gives your toes some wiggle room. Even slight variations can affect your comfort, so trying on different options is likely your best path toward finding the perfect fit.
Portion control is a common challenge when you kick off a healthier eating plan. One way to keep your meals on the modest side is preparing them ahead of time. Meal prep containers make it easy to have freshly prepared foods in moderate portions ready whenever you’re ready to eat. Look for compartments that let you enjoy a main dish and at least one side, and be sure the containers seal tightly to keep food fresh and prevent leaks.
MAKE SKIN CARE A PERSONAL PRIORITY Your skin tells an important story about your overall health. Protecting it from harsh elements and sun damage can help ensure your skin stays supple and strong, providing the barrier it’s meant to as it protects the rest of your body. Even seemingly minor irritations like dry skin can be problematic as scratching or cracking can lead to wounds and infection. Rely on a regular moisturizer and be conscious of applying sunscreen whenever you’ll be outdoors. ONYX MAGAZINE 29