Diane Burko - Encapsulating Time Through Art

The planet and it’s people are constantly changing, and Diane Burko is helping us bear witness to it through her unique and beautiful way to documenting our world and climate change in her paintings and photographs. As a life long environmentalist and and advocate for indigenous rights, Diane encourages others to take in the world around us and work toward protecting it together. Her inspirational "time-based media" and collaboration with scientists to analyze and disseminate information has helped to educate viewers about the changes we are seeing on this planet. And while it might feel like a tough battle, Diane feels so much hope for the younger generations and their passion for our planet. Please read on to find out more about Diane Burko and how she sees the world.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 48Chelsea ChanApril 21, 2023enviornment, climate change, climate crises, lanscapes, photography, ecosystems, paintings, education, advocacy, ArtComment

Jacob Colvin — Protecting the Oceans, One Viewer at a Time!

Jacob Colvin is a popular content creator and marine animal rights activist! Based in Oregon, Jacob creates YouTube and TikTok content to raise awareness about the ocean and its inhabitants. Jacob has done a lot of cool stuff recently! For example, he’s partnered with Adidas for the “Run for the Oceans” campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Most recently, Jacob has partnered with Roblox to create a game called “Animal Rescue Island Tycoon” where players can rescue stranded animals on the beach and help better the ocean. To learn more about Jacob and his amazing movement, read more in our exclusive interview below.

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 46Milan JohnsonDecember 23, 2022TikTok, oceans, animal rescue, Animal Welfare, ocean life, animals, game, video game, educationComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Katie Darling, Louisiana's 1st Congressional District

This week we are profiling Katie Darling (she/her/hers). Katie is a millennial executive in Covington, Louisiana who works in education technology, with previous experience in the hospitality industry. When the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade this past June, Katie was seven months pregnant and suddenly inspired to run for Congress. She recently made waves when her campaign released a campaign commercial that incorporates footage from the delivery of her son Ollie on September 14, 2022. Katie is passionate about reproductive freedom, expanded and improved education, and better hurricane preparedness.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Mauree Turner, Oklahoma House of Representatives District 88

This week we are profiling Mauree Turner (they/them/theirs). Mauree is the first openly non-binary U.S. State lawmaker and first Muslim member of the Oklahoma legislature, serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As a Black, millennial, non-binary Muslim, Turner has described the Oklahoma legislature as unwelcoming to them, but continues to work every day for criminal justice reimaginement and rebuilding, affordable and accessible healthcare, fully-funded public education, and living wages for Oklahomans.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Taylor Small, Vermont House of Representatives - Chittenden-6-7

This week we are profiling Taylor Small (she/her/hers). Taylor is a millennial member of the Vermont House of Representatives and is the first openly transgender legislator in Vermont, running on the Vermont Progressive Party ticket. She is also the Education Manager at Pride Center of Vermont and has worked in mental health with homeless and runaway youth at Spectrum Youth and Family Services. She promotes youth literacy and local libraries, among other education issues.

Fashion With A Purpose

A show to remember! Restored Reflection, Inc. founders Rionel Fisher and Tamela Robinson-Fischer held their 2nd Annual Fashion With A Purpose Fashion Show, which was hosted by KJLH Radio Personality Tammi Mac. This event, held at Grand Hope Park in downtown Los Angeles, began with a red carpet and was followed by a fashion show featuring designers from around the world. All proceeds from this event will benefit Restored Reflections, Inc., a non-profit that provides economic impact training, education, and community development to at-risk, inner-city youth and young adults. Continue reading to learn more about four celebrity guests: actor Dustin Harnish, model Sabrina Ann Frontino, actor Chris Levine, and actor Christian McClure, and why Restored Reflections Inc is important to them.

Deep: The Art of Self-surrender

If someone hasn't told you already, meditation and yoga are cheat codes for life. Accruing internal balance and calmness from yoga will make your day-to-day peaceful and whole. Don't know where to start? Start with Deep! Based in Virginia and Washington D.C, Deep, AKA DeepElevation LLC, will take you to new heights. Deep is a Yogi, life coach, and author ready to guide the masses to tranquility. His Punjabi ancestry further helps him achieve spirituality on a deeper level, and he is prepared to share his gifts with the world. Deep is well versed in Ashtanga Vinyasa and Yoga Nidra, and his talents have opened him up to teaching in prisons and war zones. Not only is he the go-to guy for learning self harmony, but he is also a published author! His recently released book innocence, which is a collection of stories and poems that delves into vulnerability and embraces the concept of shedding social norms and influence. 50% of this book's profits go to the Khalsa Aid & Islamic Relief, which is providing necessities for those affected by poverty. Jejune is delighted to talk to the wise Deep about his insights on the world. This interview covers his incredible pro-Bono work, his book innocence, and how to self-surrender at will. Please continue reading below!

Li Dong: Be Kind

Li Dong, the Canadian-born Asian filmmaker, pushes boundaries to spread inclusivity through films. The multifaceted risk-taker, from undertaking med & law school to becoming a strip club DJ before settling on directing and screenwriting, released his first feature film - Stealing School - which was debuted in the USA by Vertical Entertainment recently. “Stealing School” reflects on systematic racism happening in higher institutions. Dong gets candid with Jejune on film directing and racism faced as an Asian creative. Keep on reading to find out how we can follow his example to create more inclusive spaces!

The 2021 New York Mayoral Race

The race for the office of Mayor of New York City, in the wake of the Trump presidency and the ongoing pandemic, is a litmus test for both the will for meaningful progress and the resiliency of old ideas. New York is a traditionally blue state, and its namesake city is the largest in the United States, with a population of over eight million people, of which three million of which are of foreign birth.

The primaries will be held on June 22nd, followed by an election on November 2nd. For the first time, the primaries will employ a ranked-choice system rather than the traditional plurality vote.

This article is intended to provide a thumbnail guide to the personalities and issues, with quick links to further information, along with some of our opinions.

Lalalow- The Electro-pop Duo Taking the World Of Musical Expression By Storm

Music has proven to be a cathartic outlet for many. But Lalalow takes that notion to the next level. Finland-based group Lalalow has integrated electric pop sounds with psychedelic aesthetics that will liberate your mind. The group consists of two members. Nina Jackson, vocalist and keyboard player, and Tommi Laivama, guitarist. Lalalow’s mission is simple: They let the sounds, rhythms, harmonies, and melodies do the talking. In a world where words often fail to capture the true essence of meaning, music serves as a direct form of expression. On the topic of expression, Lalalow’s latest single “Sensory Deprivation” will certainly get you into your feels. Most importantly, it reminds us we are all in this together. In our interview we cover all things “Sensory Deprivation,” the collective struggle of mental health, and Nina’s course, Generations ‘Lab, which is suited for creative thinkers who value inclusivity and wish to dedicate their time solving societal problems with modern solutions. Please read our exclusive interview with Lalalow below!

COVER: Adam Waheed - The King Of Comedy

If you don’t mind, I would like to tell you a little bit about Adam Waheed. This handsome Egyptian from New York City is a lot more than a pretty face. In fact, his good looks are almost an after thought in his comedy. He is known for playing innocent and playful roles where he is typically the ridiculous guy who leaves his ladies, friends, co-workers, or doctors completely flabbergasted. The shocking story behind Adam, and his massive social media following, is that he is a self-made man. He started out as wanting to be an actor, but there were just not enough roles for someone who looks like him. So, he took things into his own hands and started an empire of social media comedy. Cute, short skits that resemble videos one would see on sites like Funny or Die and CollegeHumor, with one small exception — Adam always casts a very diverse group of talent in all his videos. While the rest of the world is waking up to this, this is just natural for all of Adam’s skits. Adam’s skills don’t stop there. He has recently branched out to producing and acting in short films, like Tribes, and opening schools across the world for underprivileged kids. Adam certainly does it all. To learn more, please click here!

Feel Better with ALIX

Like many artists, navigating the music industry right now as an artist can be tough, but ALIX doesn’t let that stop her. Bay Area based artist, ALIX, let us join in on her livestream of her album “Feel Better” where she brings a California breath of fresh air to online viewers. Being the young artist she is, she gives us an inside feel of what it’s like to be a young artist in this tough industry and just exactly how she’s navigating through it. Besides music, ALIX is heavily involved in “Clear List Organization”, an organization dedicated to helping struggling teachers during Covid-19. ALIX shares with us why she feels teachers are essential workers and so important to the development of society. Please read our exclusive interview below.

Georgia Black - Heroes Stay Inside to Breathe

Many artists have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, especially with the closure of venues and live performances becoming a nostalgic memory of yesteryear. Here at Jejune, we are inspired by those who have found a way to pursue their art and continue creating during these times. For Georgia Black, her new single “Invisible Enemy” is a demonstration of both persistence of art and the unity felt amongst communities during quarantine and shelter-in-place across the world. We fell instantly for the sauntering sound of Black’s smooth voice accompanied by dreamy synths and violins (truly reminiscent of a James Bond Film), which come together in “Invisible Enemy” to positively depict citizens who stay at home as heroes. We speak to Black about her time in quarantine, where she draws inspiration, and about her day job as a Learning Support Assistant in the UK. For more about Georgia Black please read our exclusive interview below.

What is happening in Nigeria?

There have been a series of protests against “SARS” (Special Anti-robbery Squad) and the Nigerian Police Force. SARS was initially started as a targeted task force to prevent motor robbery, cattle rustling kidnapping, and firearm thief. However, SARS has abused their power by attacking, beating, murdering, torturing, and extorting citizens of Nigeria. These violent acts have triggered the #ENDSARS movement. This ongoing campaign wants to bring attention to the violation of human rights through demonstrations and protests. The Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had disbanded SARS on October 11th, 2020. However, the fight remains because SARS has been “reformed” and re-badged various times over the years, specifically taking on a new name “SWAT” (Special Weapons and Tactics Unit) or “FSARS” (Federal Special Anti-Robbery Unit).

Articles, zIssue 26SAMANTHA COLÓNNovember 4, 2020human rights, protests, endsars, police brutality, police reform, donate, Nigeria, learn, education, #helpComment

Fostering Debate Talent Academy is Nurturing Our Future Orators

Fostering Debate Talent (FDT) Academy is an environment in which ideas breathe, mingle, and evolve. Founded in 2016 by Frankie Cena, FDT works to create a thriving space, building foundations for public speech and debate. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, FDT Academy announced the launch of its first-ever nationwide virtual speaking competition in support of Food Banks Canada. The event is an effort to encourage the creation and promotion of positive activities for youth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and to raise funds for Food Banks Canada in a time of crisis and need for so many Canadians. To learn more, please read our exclusive interview here with founder Frankie Cena.

Chase Tang: The Earth Saving Super Villain

The Neflix's adaption of Jupiter’s Legacy, an American superhero comic book series, is set to unveil a new villain, Baryon — played by Chase Tang. Prior to acting, this Taiwanese born performer earned a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Guelph in Ontario and went on to be a successful corporate executive, before deciding to pursue his passion for the movie industry. When Chase isn’t playing a super villain, he is dedicating his time to his mental health campaigns and environmentalism, which is evident through his UN environmental campaign. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Chase Tang.

Madison Margot Is A Lover

The singer, songwriter, and actress Madison Margot has been creating music for a good majority of her life. Her now pop hits frequent themes of ardent romance and trust, which is no exception with her latest album, The Chronicles of Lovers, which was appropriately released today (Happy Valentines Day, everyone!). Starting at age 11, she began writing songs and playing instruments, proudly showcasing her early musical talents.

Madison's passion goes further beyond music. She believes in the importance of giving back. Madison is involved with the non-profit Aid For Africa, an alliance of U.S.-based nonprofits and their African partners that empowers children, families, and communities throughout Sub Saharan Africa.

Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Madison Margot and her work.

Joyce Penas Pilarsky Uses Her Fashion To Help Blossom A New Future For Others

Joyce Penas Pilarsky’s beautiful designs give her the power to help transform orphan children’s lives. To learn more, please click here.

SWAC: Fashion, zIssue 17Jejune ContributorDecember 2, 2019fashion, Give back, socially aware, flowers, runway, educationComment

Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle Are True Crime Obsessed

What is better than nerding out crime shows? Nerding out on funny crime shows! There is a reason why Drunk History and comedic news shows have become so popular. People want to learn, but why not make it fun! That’s exactly what Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle did with their podcast True Crime Obsessed! And to add a little glitter to the mix, unlike other crime shows, which focus on cis-heterosexual crime, these two cover a lot of LGBTQ+ issues. To learn more about this fascinating podcast, please read our exclusive interview here.

Articles, zIssue 16, zIssue16, Most PopularJejeune MagazineNovember 15, 2019crime, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ rights, radio, Transgender, transgender rights, education, comedy, podcastComment

COVER STORY - Marie Avgeropoulos - We Will Survive Together

Marie Avgeropoulos may be a complete bad ass on CW’s 100, in her role of Octavia Blake, but in real life she is so much more! This snowboarding Canadian, in addition to being proud to play such a strong woman on TV, is working towards making strong girls and women in India through Food For Life Vrindavan (FFLV), a nonprofit devoted to educating low-income girls in India. Please click here to learn more about Marie Avgeropoulos, FFLV, and how you can get involved!