The Art of Soul

To celebrate black history means to know the culture behind it all...

Growing up as an African American I learned to be very cultured, nurturing and driven. I developed a passion for art, history, and reading which help me to learn about the leaders behind it all.

With a passion for art, I discovered that blacks not only have a gift of talent but a purpose behind it. The black artist shared portrayals of their struggles through their paintings and artwork.

Jacob Lawrence was born in Atlantic City, NJ. "The MIGRATION SERIES" was a painting that not only strikes brightness of color but showed the strength and courage behind African Americans who relocated from the south to the north for better educational opportunities. This was during World War I and World War II.

Faith Ringgold was born in Harlem, NY. This woman had a voice behind every painting! One of my favorites was "The American People Series #20: Die (1967)" which was about racism. In 1964, the tension between blacks and whites grew hectic and many blacks suffered long enough and wanted justice.

This painting was directly addressing to the riots. Faith stated "One of the most difficult things I ever painted in my life." It was because of the blood, she recalled. Blood meant to hurt and death and in order to express the realness of the pain, people suffered it had to be added to the painting.

Many of these artists not only expressed the pain that blacks endured in their paintings, but the courage it took and the perseverance of many African Americans who never stop striving for freedom, education, and peace.

Written by Shikoma M.

Lunar New Year

Many cultures have a great way of celebrating the New Year. On a recent trip to San Jose, Ca. I had the pleasure to celebrate the Chinese "New Year" in 2020. The Chinese culture believes in health, wealth, and years of success. The Chinese "New Year" ranges from January 21st to February 20th. It's a day that the Chinese pray to their ancestors (The Gods) for a good planting and harvest season. The Chinese have a tradition of lighting fireworks on New Year's Eve. This was brought on a long time ago from a story about a monster named "Nian" that would come about every New Year's Eve. Many Chinese people would hide away until one day a brave guy came out and fought him off with fireworks! Now every year after the people would light fireworks to scare off any monsters and bad luck. The Chinese New Year is the longest holiday in their culture and can last up to fifth teen days. It's the busiest time of the year for Chinese culture. Most people go back home for the New Year to have dinner on New Year Eve with their families. Chinese culture can be very strict around the 5th of the New Year. Taking a nice hot shower is not allowed on New Year's Day and don't even think about sweeping the floors or taking out the trash before the 5th of Feb. This is just a way for you not to lose your good luck by washing it down the drain before you get it. One of my favorite traditions in Chinese culture is the exchange of red envelopes to children, family, and friends. This is to help transfer fortune from elders to kids, family, and friends. Many of my family members

and friends know I love the taste of wine and being in good company. I must say I enjoy the fact the Chinese drink wine specifically for the New Year and Spring Festival. They are very detailed about how you hold your wine glass, the order of toasts and etiquette rules are a must. Every year the Chinese will hang up red lanterns and strings of chili peppers. Red clothing is known to bring in good luck and start fresh for the New Year. To top it off the New Year ends with the lantern festival. It's a night of partying and freedom for everyone. It's also known as Valentine's Day in China. To be honest I was so excited to join the festival, and be a part of such a rich and meaningful culture. I went out and purchased myself a red "Cheongsam and Qipao". I encourage you to take a leap of faith and try celebrating with a different culture in the years to come!

Written by Shikoma M.

Mindfulness

This means being able to live in the moment. Now, be

present and aware of your current feelings, surroundings, and thoughts.

Give gratitude to the Universe and speak of all the things you are grateful for now, and remember to be thankful for this very day!

Mindfulness isn’t only for people with anxiety and depression. Anyone can benefit from unplugging and being present in the moment.

The editors from TIME put together the guide “TIME Mindfulness” to help explain the science behind mindfulness and its benefits.

https://images.app.goo.gl/1eFUrcY3v281VRAv5

XoXo Shikoma M.