Why People Should Switch to Vegan Shoes and Why We Are Seeing More Brands Going This Route - By Crystal Toledano

Veganism is a concept that most people rarely see beyond the context of food. However, the growing interest in veganism has also spurred a slow but steadily increasing attraction towards vegan clothing and shoes. The vegan footwear market is set to grow by an average annual rate of 6.8% throughout the next decade. This shows that, although vegan shoes are not mainstream, just yet, we’re seeing it trend towards that direction.

The simple truth is that there is plenty of value to be found in vegan footwear, a significant portion of which lies in heightened care for the planet and everything in it. The best part is that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for your values. There are now many vegan shoes that could easily hold up to their animal-based counterparts; some might even hold up better. That said, here are some of the best reasons why people should begin making the switch to vegan shoes.

How Songwriting Saves The World

Songwriting Saves the World is a podcast started by Sasha Bellentine and Annick Blaize in April of 2020. Their inspiration behind the podcast was to create a community of writers and musicians that was both largely female and queer. You can listen to Songwriting Saves the World on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud and more. They also promote a diverse range of artists on their podcast and social media accounts to support female and queer artists in the music industry. This past holiday season the podcast featured representatives from I Support the Girls and Affirmations. I Support the Girls is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and collecting resources for homeless and impoverished women. Affirmations is an LGBTQ nonprofit centered in Michigan that provides resources for the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan and beyond. With this collaboration, the co-hosts wished to show ways to help women and LGBTQ outside of the music industry as well. Read on to learn more about the co-hosts, their philanthropy, and how songwriting truly does save the world.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 41Kaylyn WenzelMarch 15, 2022songwriting, save the world, podcast, community, musicians, female, queer, LGBTQ+, nonprofitComment

The Effects of TV on the Health of the Next Generation

No-Face’s feast from Spirited Away, the grey stuff from Beauty and the Beast, and an instant Mcdonald’s microwave from Spy Kids are all things we dreamed about at some point of our childhood. Movie after movie, we saw characters stuff their faces with feasts we could only pester our mom for on our weekly grocery shop. Whilst seemingly harmless, the effects of such representations can have a bigger impact on the well-being of the next generation than we would expect.

Editor's Pick, Articles, zIssue 41Saanvi SethiMarch 14, 2022kids, health, Wellness, eat healthy, kids health, healthy kids, obesity, cartoons, kid shows, veggie, start young, healthyComment

Breaking Down Clothing Labels: Eco-Friendly Materials to Look For

The fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions, which is expected to increase by 50% by 2030. With climate change impacts on the rise, more people are starting to shift toward a sustainable lifestyle.

Recent surveys have indicated that 75% of millennials consider sustainable practices when purchasing products and aim to align themselves with brands that share their environmental values. An additional one-third of consumers are willing to spend more on products if they’re eco-friendly.

Some fashion brands have started to recognize the demand for eco-friendliness. If you’re interested in buying eco-friendly clothing but do not know where to start, here is a breakdown of how to read labels for sustainable fabrics.

Meet Lucas Barker - From Shakespeare To Tech!

Lucas Barker may be young, but his experience as an actor started even before he could read. He is currently on the screens as Fleance, the son of Banquo on the thriller film 'The Tragedy of Macbeth,' written and directed by Joel Coen and based on the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. However, behind the scenes, Barker is a reasonably typical teenager interested in Computer Science. He belongs to his high school's robotics club, provides IT support to his neighborhood, and volunteers at a local senior community. In addition to being the local IT guy at the senior centers, Barker has helped raise money for women's shelters and clean water programs in California, and he has actively supported Riverhouse Children's House Durango in Colorado. To learn more about this young, but promising talent, please, continue reading below.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 41Prachedes Indyra GermanoMarch 9, 2022Actor, youngactor, technology, teen starComment

In Support Of A Better World

While I live in New York City, the digital explosion due to COVID has given me the gift to train pole dancing with incredible talent from all over the world, but mostly Ukraine and Russia. I feel so blessed to be able to work under and call these insanely passionate hardworking talented people friends. The Ukrainians and Russians however have a huge difference – their government. Ukrainian’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is very western leaning. He wants to continue with the separation of Ukraine from Russia. He wants Ukraine to join NATO and the EU, clearly for a good reason, and for his country to have a democracy. And then there is Putin, the Stalin of our day. His own people can’t even like a Facebook post opposing Russia’s government without the threat of going to prison.

zIssue 41, ArticlesKira BuccaMarch 7, 2022Ukraine, Russia, war, peace, a better world, politics, politicalComment

Tackling Space Travel and LGBTQ Support with Avery Cyrus

Avery Cyrus is a digital content creator based in Palm Beach, Florida. She is one of the top Hispanic LGBTQ creators on social media and known for showcasing her travels, adventures with her girlfriend, and DIY creations on TikTok and Instagram. Avery recently partnered with TikTok to donate $10,000 to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people. One of their main features is the Trevor hotline, where you can reach out via call, text, or chat through their website to speak to a trained counselor. As a strong advocate for LGBTQ youth, Avery has promoted the Trevor Project on her platforms on several occasions. She has also recently teamed up with Space Hero to train like an astronaut and show that space can be accessible for all. Although space travel seems light years away, Avery is hopeful to one day find a safe way to space or even Mars! Read on in her interview with Jejune to hear more about Avery’s platform and future projects!

Ways To Help The People Of Ukraine

On February 24th, Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to invade the neighboring country of Ukraine. Since then, the whole world has been keeping a close eye on the war evolving in the Eastern European country. According to a New York Times article, the number of refugees that have fled the country has surpassed half a million. Mr. Putin seems intent on capturing the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, which would dismantle the country’s democratically elected government and capture Ukraine under Russian rule.

Articles, Editor's Pick, Most Popular, zIssue 41Kaylyn WenzelMarch 2, 2022Ukraine, Russia, Help, Europe, NATO, Refugee, Government, Stay Informed, Donate, Evacuation, PlanComment

Shooting for the Moon with Marcelle LeBlanc

Marcelle LeBlanc is a shining star you’ll want to learn more about! This Alabama based multitalented actress developed an interest in the arts at a young age, doing readings as Shirley Temple and playing Annie in “Annie”. Since we have had the pleasure to see her in “Stranger Things”, “Cobra Kai”, and her first voiceover role Hulu’s “PEN15”. Most recently, Marcelle stars as ‘Mary Ellen’ in the CW “The Waltons: The Homecoming”. Marcelle has so much to offer, and her dedication extends beyond her work as an actress. She is an advocate for arts education, and is passionate about finding a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease, where she has helped to raise funds for the cause. At only 14 years old she founded nonprofit “S.T.A.R.S,”. “S.T.A.R.S” is a scholarship program that works directly with the Alabama Arts Alliance to create opportunities for kids from all backgrounds who want and need access to after school arts programs. Continue reading below to learn more about the multitalented Marcelle LeBlanc!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 41Sophie LaSalaFebruary 28, 2022kids, Kids, child actor, Actor, actress, Art, artist, kid artist, CW, Stranger Things, givebackComment

The Brave, Honest, Beautiful Sydney Morgan

Sydney Morgan is a digital creator and make-up artist based in Los Angeles, California. In 2018, she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, which is a chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Sydney became home schooled and bedridden while battling this disease; so, she turned to makeup videos to distract herself. As makeup was something she could do from home, it became the creative outlet and therapy she needed. Sydney took her talent and wisdom to Instagram, and eventually TikTok and Youtube, which has now garnered a large following. Sydney takes advantage of this following by taking every opportunity she gets to bring awareness to Colitis and Crohn’s disease on her platforms. Sydney also is active in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, where she has her own team, Sydney’s Superheroes, for the annual Take Steps event which benefits the foundation. Read on in our interview with Sydney to learn more about Colitis and Crohn’s disease and some future projects she has coming up!

The Queen of Comedy - Jiaoying Summers

Jiaoying Summers is more than a pretty face! She is a comedian, producer, CEO, and Founder of Summers Media. She does philanthropic work uniting Asia and the USA and is also a spokesperson empowering women and providing a safe space for all black, all women, all Latino, LGBTQ, and Asian to be themselves on her two open mic clubs in LA and Pasadena. Summers became a sensation on TikTok during the pandemic and talked with Jejune about giving a voice to the minority and the misrepresentation of the Asian community, and much more. Keep reading to know more about the Queen of Comedy.

Celebrating Black Owned Businesses This Black History Month

Small black-owned businesses rarely get the limelight that they deserve. Therefore, Jejune has compiled a list of environmentally and socially responsible black-owned businesses to celebrate this month and every month thereon. According to Black Owned Now, an online advertising and marketing platform featured within this article, due to national microaggressions and systemic racism, black-owned businesses are inhibited from reaching great amounts of success. Supporting these businesses has a direct correlation to the welfare of the economy and job market, as black purchasing power amounts to $1.4 trillion as of 2021. This list covers a variety of industries, such as: fashion, beauty, advertising, and accessories. Enrich your wardrobe or daily routine by supporting the businesses below!

COVER - Double Dose Of Dopeness - Aint Afraid

Get a double dose of dopeness with Aint Afraid! Detroit-based Twin sisters Sakinah (Straingth) & Zakiyyah (Wizdumb) Rahman make their presence known through positive and honest messages from their music. Singing since the age of two, both sisters collaborate to share their gift with the world while also showing off some much-needed melanated Muslim representation. Influenced by the likes of Beyoncé and Lauren Hill, you can, without a doubt, admire the R&B and grace in their music and demeanor alike. Although they pull music influences, their fashion is 100% Aint Afraid; Sakinah and Zakiyyah pride themselves on their brilliant and authentic fashion taste, proven by Aint Afraid's sewing skills, one of their many talents picked up during lockdown.

In their latest album, which happens to be their debut, they provide 11 impressive tracks, some titled "Smile Today," "Somebody Loves You," and "Grow,"; All songs showcase their ability to spread harmony with a soulful and fun twist. All music from the album is streamable on Spotify, so Jejune urges you to check it out!

You think Aint Afraid can't get any cooler? Think Again! Sakinah and Zakiyyah are heavy advocates for education in the Gambia and even helped raise funds to build an all-girls school for students. Ain't Afraid uplifts the audience through their music and in their community alike. This is why Jejune is so excited for the sisters to be this month's cover! If you wish to learn more about Aint Afraid's music, their unique stage names, and all the fantastic humanitarian work they have done so far, please continue reading below.