<<First Name>>, we need your help in spreading the word about Mighty Healthy!
With Mental Health Awareness Month in full swing, I wanted to spotlight people and organizations who are helping others to cope with stressful situations. This week is all about Al and Marjani Harris' Cancer Who? Cares Center. I wrote about them in this newsletter last year because of their status as one of the country's first-ever Black-owned cancer centers.
Launched in 2013, Cancer Who? is a nonprofit that offers patients and their loved ones a safe-haven to battle the disease, completely free of charge. Inspired by Al and Marjani's personal experiences—both have had loved ones pass on from the disease—they created this cancer-support center due to a gap in support for patients of color. The couple took into consideration how much those little things matter when it comes to dealing with cancer, with Al even quitting his job to do Cancer Who? Cares Center full-time.
The organization provides a range of free services, including companionship during cancer treatments, support groups for family members, homework help for kids, rides to appointments, and social get-togethers. For those patients who are successful in defeating cancer, they ring a bell to announce their win inside Cancer Who?'s facility. "That's a phenomenal experience," said Al to The Philadelphia Citizen, of a recent patient of color stopping by to celebrate his accomplishment. "It's not something we get used to. Every time somebody comes through our doors, it feels unique."
Done all the while Al and Marjani raise their three children, Cancer Who? has helped more than 250 families directly and impacted the lives of thousands more. With Al and Marjani taking no salary for the organization, they fund this much-needed enterprise through their own savings, fund-raising events, online crowdfunding, and individual donations. They even rent out their space for weekend events to offset any overhead costs. "We see [Cancer Who?] as an extended arm of us, Robin Capecci, an oncology social worker at St. Christopher's said in that same Philadelphia Citizen article. "Undergoing cancer treatment is a shock to a family. Cancer Who? makes families feel that they're not alone."
Please take some time out of your week to salute Cancer Who? Cares Center for their tireless work by supporting their efforts in Philly, and following them on Instagram to keep up with their growing calendar.
--
Lastly, please don't forget about my own effort to help patients and practitioners of color with my Mighty Healthy x Seed&Spark crowdfunding campaign. We are looking to garner press, interviews, and social shares to build awareness leading to our June 21st launch date (Father's Day). Any help that you can do (FYI: Campaign is not live, so save your coin!) please don't hesitate to reach out to me direct.
Are you ready to join #TeamMightyHealthy, <<First Name>>?! I really hope so.
--
Now, with that said, allow me to share some health care news that you need to know...
|
|
I Ain't Know That
- Inmates are pulling a Tekashi 6ix9ine and are purposely infecting themselves with COVID-19 in hopes of being released and placed on house arrest.
- Trump should stop blaming Obama and address the fact that he turned down millions of N95 masks before the pandemic swept the US.
- Meanwhile, Africa is not waiting to be saved from the life-threatening disease.
- Frontline nurse Sylvia Leroy, who tested positive for COVID-19, is a new mother who suffered a cardiac arrest and is in need of our help.
- Self-love and self-care go hand-in-hand as ESSENCE says that orgasms can be good as a daily skincare routine.
- ...But you may want to screen who you have sex with because coronavirus has been found in virus survivor's semen.
|
|
|
|
Nëither is an artist meant to stand out. A native on Oxon Hill in Prince George's County, Maryland, being normal wasn't in his DNA. I discovered the powerhouse artist via Instagram, where his song "Pull On You" had piqued my curiosity. Other jams like "Trust Issues" and his latest, "Say You Will," build Nëither out to be an ever-changing act who can play the background (as a vocalist with Childish Gambino) as well as be the star of the show standing at center stage.
|
|
|
How did you discover your own voice and sound?
Nëither: My voice was crafted through the diversity of my musical palette growing up, and specifically my move back to Atlanta for undergrad. I grew up in a household where musicianship and art were practiced, appreciated, and definitely influenced my sound. My experiences have taught me that you must be diverse and flexible in your sound and business. Whether OWN calls one day or Disney is looking for something, my experience and long commitment to art has shaped me to be fully prepared to deliver a myriad of sounds along the spectrum. Yes, I'm still a budding artist—a largely unknown talent—but when you peel back the layers, you'll see a dynamic creative and businessman who is creating his own path.
Who are some musical influences you have that best reflect the artistic path you want for your own career and why?
Nëither: Man, if there is anyone whose path I admire, it is Kanye West! What has always captivated me about Ye is how he pushed the boundaries in multiple arenas. Who else has diversified their streams of income by building a fashion empire when everyone counted him out? In a world where everyone expects you to be monolithic, it is an artist like Kanye who gives permission to be multifaceted. [In my own path] I have been overlooked by a handful of labels who don't understand that aspect of being a powerhouse creative machine. The look, the sound, the feel, how, and who the music connects with, the edits and story direction of the visuals all matter [to me]. If Ye can do it, then yes, the process can be replicated [by me], even it is on a smaller scale.
What were a few lessons and memorable moments that you took away from working with Childish Gambino that you apply to your own creative projects?
Nëither: Good question! Working Childish [Gambino] and the [Royalty] team was incredible. You hear stories about how certain artists worked with other artists as they grew in their careers and this was that part of my journey. I am grateful to God that my homies would pull me into this opportunity to work, learn, and perform during the This Is America: World Tour. The three things I took away from that experience were: 1) the importance of teamwork, family, and community — there wasn't a single person who made you feel like you weren't part of the family; 2) you must have a vision and be hands-on in the creative process — [Gambino] is a visionary and does everything from direction to story to the musical direction to frame composition, and then gives everything he has in rehearsals. It makes me want to work [even] harder.
And 3) the importance of humility and gratitude — Donald [Glover] can walk into a room and address you as a human being. He sees you at the function and will have a genuine conversation with you, thanking you for being a part of his vision. Things like that are what keep people around you who want to work and also strive to be better people themselves. If he can be human with all his successes, there's no reason why anyone cannot take that on at whatever level they are in their career. For that, I am just grateful.
Describe in detail what you would like to see as the future for Aummaah?
Nëither: Today, I am an independent creative who gets to play with the majors on my own terms. I get to do it along with my friends, too. As long as I am able to make a living and provide opportunities for others through performing and creating art, then God has answered my prayers. Whether it is through my musical imprint, Signature, or my creative agency, Hyyer Creative, I am here to make impactful art and shift the narrative of young Black businessmen and women on the creative front. [So far], I don't think we're off to too bad of a start.
Follow Nëither on IG and SoundCloud to learn more.
|
|
|
Time (You and I)
Please don't sleep on Khruangbin, #tribe. The Texas trio has been banging out hits since 2018's Con Todo El Mundo, and "Time (You and I)" hints at more deliciousness to come. With a healthy blend on funk, disco, and soul, this mesmerizing song will kick off their upcoming album, Mordechai, out June 26th.
|
|
|
|
Introspection
UMI, the 21-year-old Seattle singing sensation, is readying her upcoming EP with some needed "Introspection". A soft and sultry song, UMI's voice envelopes the eardrums like your favorite Champion hoodie and finds her expressing candid lyrics about self-love and mental health. Keep this in your pocket for when her project drops on June 21st.
|
|
|
|
one life, might live
It's no secret that my love for Little Simz is real. With us all stuck in the house, the badass Brit delivers Drop 6, the sixth entry in a series that finds her still self-reliant despite wrestling with this global pandemic. "one life, might live" is a standout song that has an air of uncertainty, even while Simz delivers some solid vocal leaps.
|
|
|
Put You On Playlist
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we can all say just how much stress this year has been so far.
To add some serenity to your day, I've created this playlist called 2020 Vision: Meditating on Manifestation to help with your search for clarity.
Featuring chakra-realigning sounds by Mndsgn, Oddisee, Pixl Pyrmd, Kiefer, and more, stream this one while studying, working on your business plan, or just in need of some focus via Apple Music and Spotify.
|
|
|
Black Everywhere, a community organization dedicated to empowering people through social cohesion, is having a health-centered event with Safiya Hamid, also known as Safiya the Skin Geek.
Learn tools on how to combat de-aging, skin discoloration, and discover the perfect skincare routine as this Licensed Esthetician will host a webinar on May 17th from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PDT. The event is $10.
|
|
|
|
|
|
