Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Kim Jackson, Georgia State Senate District 41

This week we are profiling Rev. Kim Jackson (she/her/hers), an ordained Episcopal priest and the first openly LGBT+ state senator in Georgia. A Black millennial lesbian, Jackson works to protect voting rights, reform education and criminal justice, expand Medicaid, and protecting immigrants and refugees. She is the vicar of the Church of the Common Ground, a “church without walls” ministering to the needs of the unhoused in Atlanta, and is very passionate about providing affordable housing to Georgians.

Akilah Newton Is A Big Dreamer

Akilah Newton has a dream to have all kids have access to the arts, at least in Montreal, and she is making it happen through her organization Overture with the Arts (OWTA). OWTA offers inexpensive or free education in music, dance, drama and vocal training to children. In addition to this, Akilah has released an inspiring book series “Big Dreamers”, which helps to educate Canadians about their own Black history. With most education systems in Canada focusing a heavy emphasis on American Black History rather than Canadian, Akilah has been inspired to help highlight notable Black Canadians to help educate the youth about their own history. Again, Akilah is stepping up to the plate to help! To learn more about this incredible woman and her many endeavors, please read our exclusive interview below.

Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health As Seasons Change

As the seasons change, you may start to feel your mood shift. You could begin to feel down when the days get shorter and there are fewer hours of sunlight. Many people experience the same thing, which is why taking extra care of your mental health during this time is essential.

Wellness, zIssue 45Cora GoldOctober 11, 2022mental health, self care, Wellness, mental wellness, seasonal affective disorder, #fallComment

Why the Women of Iran are Leading a Revolution

Unveiled women are marching the streets of Iran protesting decades of oppression as the death of a young woman sparked a new wave of revolution. These women are challenging one of the main pillars of the Islamic Republic of Iran by cutting their hair and burning their hijabs in the streets. Despite being faced with violence, they are standing strong for the reform of a repressive system and the world is standing with them.

Articles, zIssue 45, Editor's PickElizabeth ShepherdOctober 7, 2022activism, equal opportunity, feminism, equal rights, unity, changeComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Aarika Nelson, Sheriff of Kent County, Delaware

Aarika Nelson (she/her) is a millennial whose progressive views have led her to believe that everyday Americans are suffering under policies enacted by the dual-party system that allows special interests to divide and conquer. A married mother of four, Aarika is the primary income earner in her family, making minimum wage working at Dollar Tree and living paycheck to paycheck, and is enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in order to feed her family. Aarika's life experience as a low-income, working-class woman have made her identify with other marginalized people like her. She is a strong advocate for Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ rights, the legalization of marijuana, and ending the failed War on Drugs.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 45Andrew FOctober 6, 2022police reform, policies, political, politics, Politics, #politics, queer, #queer, Motherhood, economy, Poverty, poverty, marijuanaComment

Boo Bitch! You will be hearing more about Alyssa Jirrels

From a commercial to your screens, Boo Bitch! Alyssa Jirrels is playing an unexpected mother in the Netflix comedy series, but you will see and hear much more of her. She is now filming to play the lead character, Ellen Gallagher, in the new Paramount+ Fatal Attraction series alongside Lizzy Caplan, Joshua Jackson, and Amanda Pete, to name a few in the drama-thriller series. Alyssa has been involved in bringing awareness to Autism, participating in "As We See It," and since her role in the short "Under the Lights," she has been a strong advocate for bringing awareness to Epilepsy. Please keep reading to know more about her career and projects.

Akelee Will Carry You To Hope

From Dallas, Tx, American Idol star, Akelee was born with the voice of a sultry angel! Inspired by the great Michael Jackson, Akelee aims to mix faith with pop culture to cultivate love and add positivity to our world. But she is doing this through more than just her music as she is very active with both the Peggy Beatrice Foundation and Dove Prosperity International to help restore communities. Please read further to learn more about her music and positive impact on the world in our exclusive interview with Akelee.

Lindsey Blackwell - Born A Star

Meet Lindsey Blackwell, a star who has worked in print, voiceover, commercials, film, and television. Blackwell has some exciting new projects to share: the Netflix Original film "13: The Musical," in which she will be playing the role of Kendra, and her brand-new EP, "Flowers," an original song that is now available to stream! Lindsey Blackwell also supports "Girls For A Change" and co-hosted their 2022 Diva Bag Auction to benefit the campaign. Continue reading to learn more about Lindsey Blackwell’s career in entertainment, her new film and single, and Girls For A Change!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Heidi Campbell, Tennessee's 5th Congressional District

This week we are profiling Heidi Campbell (she/her/hers). Heidi is a musician and former music publisher in the Nashville area. She was previously the mayor for the community of Oak Hill, and is currently a Tennessee State Senator for the 20th District. In the State Senate she has been a vocal proponent for public schools and teachers, women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and the legalization of marijuana. She is married with two children.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 45, Most PopularAndrew FSeptember 29, 2022music industry, music artist, music producer, executive, politician, politics, PoliticsComment

COVER - Victoria Vesce - Endless Summer

Jejune is excited to announce our newest cover model Victoria Vesce! Victoria comes from a beautiful farm girl past, and quickly rose to stardom after pageantry. She has danced for the NBA and modeled all over, recently for Sports Illustrated and obviously for Jejune. In 2017, Victoria was diagnosed with multiple Paraganglioma, a brain-skull tumor and a carotid body tumor. But being the inspiring individual she is, she not only has made a full recovery, but she now helps promote the National Brain Tumor Society and even went to law school! To learn more about Victoria, please read our exclusive interview below.

Cover, Editor's Pick, Editorials, Most Popular, zIssue 45Kira BuccaSeptember 27, 2022cover story, cover, model, fashion, editorial, summer, swimwear, beach, survivor, brain tumor, tumor, healthComment