K. Osei Williams and the Art Is Alive Festival - Uniting Communities Through the Arts

K. Osei Williams is the driving force behind the Art is Alive festival, a dynamic event that brings together the community through the power of the arts. Located in Brooklyn, this festival strives to create a sense of unity and connection among its attendees. The festival offers a wide range of offerings, including free classes, workshops, and performances, all with the goal of providing access to artistic expression for all. This year's festival was especially significant as it marked the event's return after a challenging period of pandemic-related disruptions. This shows the festival's commitment to supporting artists' professional development. The event included performances by both youth and professional companies, making it a platform for artists at all stages of their careers. There were also African Diasporic dance workshops and an art showcase celebrating Africa's rich cultural heritage. To support this remarkable festival, readers are encouraged to attend events, explore the festival's website, and contribute through donations to ensure the ongoing success of the programs and initiatives offered by Art is Alive.

Art, zIssue 51Jessica MoraOctober 4, 2023Art is Alive, festival, Art, Community, performersComment

Did You Know That Oregon Is On Fire?

I know we don’t like to talk about climate change and how it is going to kill us all, but we need to start paying attention. I live in New York City where we are used to air pollution, but this past June was something else. We had orange skies of death and were told to avoid going outside at all costs, all because of fires in Canada. Canada! Miles and miles away! Yes, this was horrible and scary, but it got news coverage.

Allegra Shaw - Raising The Bar For Eco-Friendly Fashion With Uncle Studios

Allegra Shaw is not just your average digital content creator. With her fashion and lifestyle YouTube channel, she has become a prominent voice in the industry, inspiring and engaging close to 1M subscribers. But what truly sets Allegra apart is her commitment to making a positive impact on the world. In 2017, she co-founded Uncle Studios, an eco-friendly fashion brand that focuses on clean fabrics and community. Through her brand, she aims to take the modern human through life with elevated pieces that are also sustainable. Allegra's influence extends beyond the digital realm, as she has been recognized by prestigious publications and media outlets for her expertise in sustainability in the fashion and beauty marketplace. With her transparent and honest approach, she has built a strong community of like-minded individuals. But she doesn't stop at creating fashion; she also gives back through her involvement in charitable organizations. Continue reading to learn more about Allegra and how she’s making waves and proving that fashion and sustainability can go hand in hand.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 51Jessica MoraSeptember 29, 2023fashion sustainability, eco-friendly, Uncle StudiosComment

Staying Grounded with Zuri Adele

The multi-talented actress, Zuri Adele, continues to inspire the next generation on and off screen. She has had eye-opening opportunities teaching at UCLA and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa which allowed her to acknowledge the importance of art as a form of communication. Zuri has also pioneered the Be Accessible Scholarship which provides African-American students with wellness opportunities and the Zuri Adele Fellowship which provides Historically Black University Alumni with access to prestigious Masters Programs. Keep reading to learn more about her foundations, passion for health and wellness, and how Zuri stays grounded.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 51Elizabeth ShepherdSeptember 27, 2023yoga, health, wellness, opportunity, Black Artists, Black students, actress, meditation, spiritual healing, actingComment

Nxdia - Delivering a Compelling Mix of Vulnerability and Pop Prowess

Manchester-based alternative-pop singer-songwriter Nxdia is taking the music world by storm with its unique blend of vulnerable lyrics and modern production. Born in Egypt and raised in the UK, Nxdia draws inspiration from their multicultural background and writes and sings in English and Arabic. Their latest EP, "In the Flesh," delves deep into their personal experiences and emotions, exploring themes of self-reflection, frustration, and the limitations of interpersonal relationships. With gritty guitars, shimmering synths, and catchy lyrics, Nxdia's music captivates listeners and has garnered millions of streams and the support of significant platforms like BBC Radio 1 and Spotify. Their dynamic live performances have also made waves, including appearances at notable festivals like Liverpool SoundCity and Manchester Factory International. Please continue reading to learn more about Nxdia and their exciting musical work and passion for mental health.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 51Jessica MoraSeptember 25, 2023cheshiremind, in the flesh, EP, artist, musicComment

Emily Bhatnagar - Bringing Books With Answers To Kids With Cancer

When Emily’s dad was diagnosed with cancer, it felt like her world had turned upside down. During this time of uncertainty, she found comfort in the activity her father always encouraged her to continue — reading. Driven by a newfound purpose, she embarked on a heartwarming journey of organizing book drives, collecting tales of adventure, laughter, and wonder to bring smiles to the faces of young cancer patients. Read on to learn about Emily and her mission!

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 51, Most PopularChelsea ChanSeptember 22, 2023cancer, children's cancer, books, charity, buttercup, readingComment

Alonzo B. Slater - An Actor On Screen Making Homelessness Seen

While Alonzo B. Slater continues to make strides in the world of acting, he's also stepping into a different kind of role as a humanitarian, dedicating his time to serve those in need at St. James. From starring in “A Christmas Family Reunion,” to creating a fresh business in commercial acting, he not only continues to hone his craft but also helps open doors for aspiring talents in the industry. Read on to discover the captivating story of an actor with a heart as big as his dreams.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 51Chelsea ChanSeptember 20, 2023Actor, male actor, homelessness, homeless crisis, Community, community developmentComment

Dolling Up South Asian Feminism & Sustainability: Exploring Barbie’s Impact

Greta Gerwig’s Barbie has taken the world by storm, starring icons like Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Issa Rae, and more. The movie provides a peek into Barbie World, where things are quite the opposite of our real word, and where patriarchy is non existent…until it is. The movie’s delve into the concept of feminism and its relation to the main character, Barbie, is quite an interesting take on the subject, especially for young viewers. The movie’s portrayal of a strained mother daughter relationship that mends itself in the face of crisis is also emotionally stirring and might tug some strings in some sensitive audiences.

It is important to analyze the impact of a movie as big as Barbie, that has a bigger audience, and whose marketing was played out to perfection, with the press tours and the Malibu Dream House, on diverse communities like that of South Asia, and the consequence of the Barbie trend on sustainability and fashion.

Articles, SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 51Tejasvi PradeepSeptember 18, 2023barbie, Sustainable Fashion, sustainable, feminismComment

Stay Green In Your Back To School Routine

The end of summer often marks the beginning of a new chapter. But as the need for school supplies increases, we must consider the effects of our purchases. Whether you need backpacks or pencils, keep reading to discover the fashionable brands that are not only excellent for your class but also great for the environment.

Articles, SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 51Chelsea ChanSeptember 15, 2023school, notebooks, pencil, environmentallyfriendly, environment, Sustainability, Shopping, backtoschoolComment

What Does It Mean to Be a Conscious Consumer?

The concept of conscious consumerism has gained traction amid rapid consumption and dwindling resources. Being a conscious consumer goes beyond simply making purchases — it involves understanding your buying decisions' environmental, ethical and social implications. This approach can empower you to think more carefully about your shopping habits, creating a positive impact on a global and local scale.

Articles, zIssue 51Cora GoldSeptember 13, 2023consciousliving, consciousconsumerism, eco-friendly, Sustainability, Sustainable Fashion, low wasteComment

Keeping Up with Kelly Morgan

Kelly Morgan, the artist to watch out of Atlanta, Georgia is breaking into the music industry with her feel-good R&B hits. Her passion for music has not only kept her motivated, but has allowed her to use her platform to spread positivity. Kelly works with The Bully Exposed organization to help advocate for the end of bullying and promote awareness for those who cannot use their own voice. Keep reading to find out more about Kelly’s inspirations, upcoming projects, and advice for those struggling to stay strong.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 51Elizabeth ShepherdSeptember 11, 2023music, bullying, anti-bullying, new single, atlanta, artist, #motivation, stay strong, positivityComment

Surviving Competition Season/Working Out In General

National competition season for many sports is coming to a close, and I did it! I survived!! From July 15 through August 19 I competed in four different competitions and performed in ten different categories! I gratefully received five gold medals, one silver, and one bronze all in elite pole dancing categories. I qualified for the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) in three categories; so, there will be more competitions in October. But why do you care, and why do I say all this? At this point I think I have convinced you that I’m a crazy person who competes too much, yet, my body is still in junctional shape! How did this happen??

Let’s talk about how to take care of your body while doing any form of workout (especially high level)!

Editor's Pick, Wellness, zIssue 51Kira BuccaSeptember 8, 2023fitness, health, Health, pole, pole sport, competition, Nationals, Sport, work out, diet, Diet, WellnessComment

Giddy Up with the Americana Rock Band Me Nd Adam

The rambunctious duo, Me Nd Adam, are making their mark in the alternative rock scene. Straight out of Texas, the pair found their way to music through the depths of life, and have since used their talents to encourage others to keep going. With the release of their newest album American Drip Pt.II this July, we got a chance to chat with the group about their inspiration behind some of the singles and the message of the album itself. Keep reading to learn more about these rocker trailblazers and how they not only rock out but give back their community.

Faith Gara - Changing Cities and Rescuing Kittens

Aspiring artist and songwriter Faith Gara captures the struggle of chasing dreams in a new city through her new solo single, "Still Want It." This song delves into the feelings of homesickness and loneliness that Faith experienced after relocating to California, but you can feel her determination and strength shinning through. Despite the challenging nature of being an independent artist in any city, Faith hopes young artists feel a little more heard through her song, as perusing dreams never goes exactly as plained. One big positive to her move that didn’t make it into her song is that she is now volunteering at a kitten shelter. Somehow, that seems to make every day a little brighter, even if the sun isn’t shining outside. Continue reading to discover the resilience and passion that fuels Faith's inspiring journey.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 51Jessica MoraSeptember 4, 2023artist, independent artist, songwriter, singer, kitten season, SmokelinesComment

(Pickle)Ballin’ Through Life With Tara Bernstein

One wouldn’t know what a multifaceted individual looks like till they have met Tara Bernstein. A reigning Pickle Ball champ, she is an athlete and much more. As a fellow woman in sports, Tara gets personal with Jejune Magazine about the struggles faced by women athletes - a passionate subject for her. Tara also likes to dabble in the fashion industry, working with big names like Jovani for their New York Fashion Week Show. Read this exclusive interview with Tara Bernstein to learn more about her life, her sport, and her philanthropic attitude towards life!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 51Tejasvi PradeepSeptember 1, 2023athelete, athletes, pickleball, fashion, philanthropyComment

COVER - Yasmine Aker - Canaries In The Coal Mine

Iranian actress Yasmine Aker is capturing hearts on screen and beyond the camera's lens. Motivated by her humanitarian spirit, she uses her platform to spotlight issues near and dear to her heart. Yasmine takes on societal challenges and embraces the meaning of advocacy by spotlighting mental health awareness while standing up for LGBTQ+ rights and women's empowerment. Beyond her roles on screen, she provides a glimpse into the beauty of her Iranian heritage by taking on the role of a cultural representative in the industry and spreading a message of understanding. To learn more about Yasmine Aker, and all her activism, please read on!