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At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say

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INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Tanner Adell performs on the T-Mobile Mane Stage in the course of the Stagecoach 2024 Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 27, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

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Come to your senses, yes. Over the weekend, Stagecoach, California’s largest country music festival, showcased one in all its most diverse lineups since its inception, with nine black bands performing over three days. This weekend, Essence kept its feet on the bottom, meeting with six artists, each of whom stated in their own way: Country music is for everybody but Black people.

Tanner Adell, Leon Bridges, Miko Marks, Willie Jones, Brittney Spencer, The War and Treaty, RVSHVD, Shaboozey and even Wiz Khalifa graced Stagecoach 2024 with their own sets for the primary time. This wave of “newness” brought electrifying energy to the stages of Stagecoach; “back to” the country, as Michael Trotter Jr. put it. from The War and Treaty.

Stagecoach was never on my radar regardless that I lived in California – that’s, until I saw this yr’s lineup. While on the festival grounds, I experienced some not-so-friendly encounters, politically coded chants, and comments stemming from an exotic fascination (everyone knows the type), all of which were to be expected on this territory. But I also experienced many beautiful moments that showed how diverse, collective and friendly the Country space is. Black festival-goers looked as if it would naturally gravitate towards one another, and one North Carolinian spotted me in the group and shared how, after a decade of attending Stagecoach, he was overjoyed to see more of our community embrace a genre where we have long roots.

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At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty perform in the course of the Stagecoach 2024 Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 28, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo: Timothy Norris/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

For an artist like Willie Jones, welcoming and supporting artists from the Black Country “is a dream come true” and leaves him wanting much more for the collective. During the conversation, each artist pointedly named the opposite, singing one another’s praises and showing real-time support for their small community. From Randy Savvy and Compton Cowboys spreading awareness of black cowboy culture amongst Marks and sharing how the Bill Pickett Rodeo gave her her first platform, so many features of black country culture got here together to uplift one another.

The mutual feeling expressed by each performer can only be described as elation. For Spencer, being embraced on stage for her artistry was “empowering [to see] the future of country music will create space for different types of people.”

The Stagecoach platform provides a chance to attach with country fans and show them that “we are here,” as Shaboozey enthuses. They delve into what it’s prefer to perform for an audience that does not all the time reflect them physically. Some express occasional discomfort, while others describe their goal to create a universal experience through music that transcends physical identity. Spencer emphasizes that as Black people, “we listen to music where we see ourselves,” and reflects the interests of the collective, which goals to indicate the community that this too may be possible in country music. Trotter states, “we don’t just want [the Black community] at our shows, we are there.”

At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Singer Willie Jones performs on stage on day three of the Stagecoach Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 28, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

Adell focuses on creating an authentic space for her audience: “I want to perform in a way that I don’t have to [explain] why I did something,” she confirms, referring to her decisions of wearing Bantu knots on the CMT Awards or highlighting Harbin sisters, six black girls to bounce together with her on the Stagecoach stage. “I did it because the people who need to see it, if you know, you know and they knew. And if you didn’t, then it wasn’t news for you. Her stagecoach performance had taken place earlier in the day and was still met with the most spirited crowd, “that just says a lot about [the presence of] the Black community.” She goes on to say, “It’s harder for independent women to break through in country music, let alone women of color. I am grateful for our community.”

Reclaiming an area long defined by homogeneous gatekeepers may be exhausting, as Marks highlights in an interview following a decade-long hiatus from the genre. “I used to be just devastated because Nashville and the industry weren’t accepting of it. They loved the music, but they didn’t like me and the way in which I presented it. As a “seasoned” figure within the genre, she talks about how beautiful her comeback was, how she’s evolved since then, and reflects on the present era of country music. While she’s grateful for the increased focus they’re currently experiencing (thanks Cowboy Carter!), she also wants Black artists to be respected for the work they’ve put in.

Current graduates discuss what they took away from the collaboration and where they’re headed. Jones appreciates the organization put into the creative process, Adell has learned the art of exercising some patience in her work, and Spencer emphatically states that she has learned to “belong.” Among other things, Beyoncé showed how versatile black musicians bring to the genre after they will not be closed off to themselves.

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At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 27: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Tanner Adell performs on the T-Mobile Mane Stage in the course of the Stagecoach 2024 Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 27, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

Navigating the spaces where others attempt to stop him, Willie Jones finds that he simply “doesn’t give a damn.” Jones is refreshingly himself in every room he enters, and that was immediately apparent when he sat down on the table with Essence. He talks about his love for what he calls “cultured country,” talks about his excitement for what Black musicians bring to the table, and ignores closed minds.

“Music has no boundaries. I’m doing this for the ancestors, for Shreveport, Louisiana,” Joes says. His music is heavily influenced by classic country sounds as well as southern hip-hop. While this gives it an enticing sound that anyone can enjoy, Jones also wanted Essence readers to know that it is actually “for the gworls.”

The War and the Treaty describes how they face the obstacles put in front of them and it comes all the way down to this: love, unity and discernment. Their love for music, vocation and one another is beyond enjoyable. Tanya Trotter, one half of the facility duo, explains what the industry tried to do to surround her as she transitioned from R&B to country music. “I wanted to do something different,” she explains, and one in all her only examples of black women on this space is Tracy Chapman, emphasizing the importance of being steadfast in yourself and your purpose.

At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty performs in the course of the 2024 Stagecoach Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 28, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo: Timothy Norris/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

She highlights the broader industry’s tendency to label all black artists as R&B and points to Baltimore native Brittney Spencer, who clearly positions herself as a rustic artist. “It’s beautiful and challenging,” Spencer assures. Black artists are sometimes burdened with additional pressures or labels as a result of a racial identity that is totally out of their control. Where they need to have the option to precise art without having a lot influence through the lens of their identity, that does not occur, especially in country music. On the opposite hand, this very identity shapes and refines the art they create.

The Trotters discuss the connectedness rooted within the Black musical tradition: “Without the blues, there isn’t a country music; blues without jazz and folk; and you will not get it without the gospel and Negro spirits. I believe re-education and deconstruction are essential. We must stop pondering it is not for us. Marks adds that he wants black audiences “to know that country music is part of our heritage and our essence, so move forward knowing that your roots are rooted in this music.”

Many of those artists aren’t any strangers to combining genres. From the aforementioned genres to hip hop and Americana, their masterful versatility sets them aside from the group while connecting them to the broader black music tradition. As Miko Marks herself describes: “the basis of everything I do is black music. That is, country, gospel, R&B, bluegrass, jazz, because we are the foundation of what was created. I don’t believe in being bound by a genre.”

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At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Singer Shaboozey performs on stage during day three of the Stagecoach Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 28, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

Shaboozey shares similar sentiments: “I’ve lived through so many eras,” he tells the audience on his set, “but [the support] means so much to me.” He develops broader diaspora connections, akin to the banjo’s origins in West Africa and the way that history influenced his own creative process. He attributes his ability to organically mix eclectic taste and sound to his Nigerian and Southern identity. “African music and country music are world music. It’s about sharing stories. [My identities] Let me see the beauty and culture in everything around me.” After a decade of natural development, Shaboozey’s powerful voice has brought him up to now.

If Stagecoach’s response to those black musicians is any indication of where the industry is heading, the long run looks brighter. Tanner Adell she decided to have fans running across the fields to arrange her set, War and treatysoulful voices filled the campsites and took us to church that Sunday afternoon Brittney SpencerThe artist’s raw talent and sensitivity made all her listeners feel like a “housewife” when she sang.

Willie Joneswealthy personality and voice shone through in his full of life performance on the Mane stage, Shaboozeythe surprise performance met with a packed house, RVSHVD’s vibrant, multi-generational audience sang along to each lyric, and Leon Bridges he couldn’t say a word without the audience erupting each time. Compton Cowboys contributed to this atmosphere by providing cultural lessons and Q&A chats for anyone thinking about the wealthy cultural history of the Black West.

At Stagecoach, Black Country artists have their say
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Singer Shaboozey performs on stage during day three of the Stagecoach Festival on the Empire Polo Club on April 28, 2024 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach)

You can safely say: Yee-Hawa Program is fully valid. For those of you who have not taken up the challenge yet, or are only beginning to dip your toe within the water, this incredible line-up of Black Country stars is an amazing start. This is not Texas – it’s Stagecoach, but we’re here.


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This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

The General Surgeon Office warns about the correlation between alcohol consumption and cancer

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Before you roll your eyes to those that start the 12 months of “dry January”, you possibly can consider again.

According to counselor Published on Friday by an American surgeon, Dr. Vivek Murty, there could also be a direct relationship between alcohol consumption and increased risk of cancer.

“Alcohol is a recognized, preventing cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 deaths due to cancer a year in the United States-more than 13,500 accident accidents in the event of road accidents in the USA in the USA-Most Americans are not aware of this risk,” said Murty.

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Consulting notes that there’s a “well -established” link to at the very least seven varieties of cancer, including breast, large intestine, esophagus, liver, mouth (mouth), throat (throat) and voice box (larynx), no matter the kind of alcohol consumed.

The report stated that relating to breast cancer, 16.4% of breast cancer cases is attributable to alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, yearly alcohol contributes to about 100,000 cancer cases and about 20,000 deaths attributable to cancer.

The US General Surgeon Office also stated that the risk of cancer increases as alcohol consumption increases.

“For some cancers, such as breast, mouth and throat cancer, evidence shows that the risk of developing cancer can begin to grow about one or less drinks a day,” we read in the guide.

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According to the US surgeon, alcohol is now the third leading “possible to prevent” explanation for cancer in the US, for tobacco and (although not at all times possible to stop, but to treat) obesity.

Although alcohol consumption will not be the only decisive factor. Dorada emphasizes how the risk of developing an individual’s cancer related to alcohol consumption relies on a “complex” combination of things akin to genetics, environment, access and many others.

Despite this, Murty calls for increased correlation awareness between the American population. It proposes updated warning labels regarding products containing alcohol and other agents, including re -assessment of the limits of guidelines for alcohol consumption with a purpose to have in mind the risk.

25 small changes to which you can commit yourself for a healthier new year

Black Americans may not drink as much as other demographic data, and even develop some cancers at the same pace; nevertheless, Black Americans are dying of cancer the most. Not to say that some cancers grew amongst younger adults, including black younger adults. This advice arrives when breast cancer increases amongst younger ladies, and deaths attributable to cancer should increase amongst men, with black men the most threatened.

However, as the American Surgeon’s office advises, many cancers whose adults could be prevented by learning the risk and change of lifestyle.

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(tagstotranslander) alcohol

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Health and Wellness

Rooted in the tradition: doctrine practices from the diaspora you should know

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Rooted in the tradition: doctrine practices from the diaspora you should know

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2024 was the starting of my family Renaissance. As a licensed coach of well-being, healing doctor and an editor with over 15 years of experience specializing in health, well-being and spirituality, I spent my profession, examining how we are able to cultivate balance and transformation. But after reading MetamorFic in December 2023. Jonathan L. Dent– A astrologer, numerologist, REIKI practice and abôrisà (Bhacta Orisha, Divine forces in the spiritual tradition of Joruba) – I began to mix again with the practitioners of biological renewal rooted in African and Caribbean diasporas in the way they didn’t.

In a world where it is commonly created, these family rituals jogged my memory that an actual healing arises from wisdom, which we already wear deeply. Through practice and research, I discovered how evaporation, ritual baths and bush teas can ground us in something greater than ourselves, re -connecting with the parts of our being, that capitalism and colonialism undressed. It was a memorizing journey – a re -combination with timeless knowledge that nourishes the body, mind and spirit in a deeply releasing way.

Below I’ll share how you can activate these easy but powerful practices in your personal life and where they arrive from. If you are latest, connect with a trusted practitioner to make certain you exercise safely and with respect. Also be careful in your materials – if you don’t grow your personal, attempt to support suppliers who prioritize ethical acquisition, sustainable development and transparency, and search for certificates comparable to Good agricultural practices (gap)IN Good production practices (GMP)or organic labels.

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Ritual baths – doesn’t reach from the inside

As an individual with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder, baths are one in all my favorite ways to ground yourself. In particular, ritual baths are an actual act of self -love. In Afro-Karibs traditionsBathing will not be nearly physical purity – it’s a spiritual pure, a approach to wash negative energy and restore balance for the body and soul.

When I attempted my first ritual bath, I quickly realized that the intention was as vital as the ingredients. I might stop to heal or transform, using ingredients comparable to sea salt, rose petals and herbs comparable to chamomile or lavender. When I soaked, I might feel that the burden of all the things I wore was beginning to melt.

How to show it on: Add sea salt, rose petals or herbs, comparable to lavender and rosemary for bathing. When you settle in warm water, take a moment to set the intention. Regardless of whether it’s healing, peace or personal development, deal with enabling the water to soak up any energy that you are able to release.

Evaporation – Cleaning ritual

Evaporation is one in all the most sacred biological renewal practices in African and Caribbean cultures. For example, Yoni is evaporating-also often called vaginal evaporation or steaming V-Antine practice utilized by women around the world to advertise female health and well-being, especially in African and native cultures. For centuries, evaporation was used to cleanse the body, remove sinuses and rejuvenate the skin. But I discovered that it also has the power to cleanse the mind.

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Especially herbal evaporation is a ritual of presence – a slowdown in a world that’s at all times in motion. The act quietly with steam, inhaling healing herbs, brings moments of peace, clarity and relationship with our ancestors. Personally it was like that Rescuer during the respiratory system disease.

How to show it on: Cook water and add herbs, comparable to rosemary or eucalyptus – whatever resonates with you. Look through the towel on the head, bend over a pair and deeply inhale for 10-Quarter-hour. Let the warmth and herbs cleanse not only your body, but in addition the spirit.

Bush tea – healing tradition

In African and Caribbean diaspors, bush tea is greater than just drinks – healing, healing and deeply rooted in heritage. Historically, bush teas were made using plants feeding directly from wild boar – completely known as “bush”. Healers and herbs fastidiously selected herbs to unravel various fears, comparable to colds, digestive problems, menstrual discomfort and even spiritual purification.

Over the years, brewing tea is a grounding practice for me, a quiet moment after I connect with nature and my ancestors. Smipping a warm cup of ginger tea will not be only a hydration; It’s about honoring plants and the treatment they provide. Teas manufactured from plants comparable to Rooibos AND Ceasee (bitter melon plant) For generations they’ve been valued due to their powerful healing properties and I personally experienced their advantages.

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How to show it on: Even tea with herbs comparable to ginger, hibiscus or lemon grass. As you prefer it, spend just a few moments to inhale the aroma, enjoy the taste and take into consideration combining with nature and your personal healing. Add honey or lemon to extend the advantages. It can be an ideal practice of mindfulness to getting into the present.

Regardless of whether you cook herbs, take a ritual bath or brew tea from the bush, you again connect with the heritage of wisdom and healing transmitted by generations. These practices are each justified and a strong act of reclamation, cultivating your well -being while honoring your roots.

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This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

The Alfred cyclone is already retraumatized people who survived other disasters. I am one of them

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In 2011, AS ISA cyclone I was approaching the Queensland coast, I sat at home in a tropical north of the state and nervous what the longer term would bring. Would my family be okay? Would our house be destroyed? Would my workplace be damaged and my work is uncertain? Would my community be devastated?

Now that we’re waiting for Cyclone Alfred to make a landing, I watch from my recent home in Melbourne. I’m protected. But last night I couldn’t sleep. I have intrusive thoughts, remembering the way it was when Cyclone Yasi fell into us. I feel indignant, dispersed and restless. The report from the upcoming cyclone makes my heart race, so I turned off the TV.

As someone who has been investigating the influence of disasters for over 20 years, I will realize that now, I feel like I feel, it is just like how I felt all these years ago. Again, I experience the conventional range of common stress reactions after surviving the disaster, although this one doesn’t affect me directly.

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This is referred to as Retraumatizationwhere we experience stress reactions experienced because of this of a traumatic event within the face of a brand new, similar incident.

As an emergency researcher to a big selection of disasters, I understand why I feel like this.

However, many people may not realize that the stress they are actually experiencing is related to an earlier disaster or a traumatic event of their lives. This earlier disaster could be one other cyclone or other event, corresponding to a flood or fire in bushes.

There could also be some signs and symptoms of retraumatization:

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  • Informational thoughts (for instance, I remember my fear of the expected tide of the water tides throwing at me in the dead of night when Cyclone Yasi landed)

  • nightmares and sleep problems

  • Hypervigilance (for instance, feeling “on the edge” all day)

  • Sensitivity to triggers (for instance, the sound of intense wind and windows may cause intense feelings because they remind me of the night by which we experienced cyclone yasi passing over us)

  • I feel isolated

  • Thinking about planning or attempting to suicide

  • Panic

  • Use/abuse of substances corresponding to alcohol and other drugs

  • Height of unhealthy behavior (for instance, being more at risk of aggression or violence).

For many of us, the Alfred cyclone arouses memories and feelings, and the re -appearance of these stress reactions could be confronted. It could seem that the re -opening of the wound, which didn’t quite heal.

The catastrophe after the disaster take their toll

We are actually starting to grasp the results of exposure to many disasters – fires of bushes, cyclones, floods and don’t forget in regards to the pandemic with Kodcja – which eroded our immunity.

This type of repeated exposure affects our sense of security, security and even our hope for the longer term, all increase the chance worse mental health.

In the case of people with post -traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), retrajumatization may cause that people are experiencing their past traumas in intense details. It could seem Earlier traumatic events occur again.

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What to do now and in the longer term

However, there are steps that we are able to take to assist construct our immunity within the face of many disasters.

For now

It is value understanding in the meanwhile How we react to trauma. We can see a number of physical reactions (for instance, my heart raced), psychological reactions (for instance, I feel more restless than usual) and social effects (for instance, I canceled dinner plans last night, because I didn’t want to go away the home).

It is also essential Stay in touch with our odd social supportBecause they’ll act as a big stress response buffer.

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So, despite the incontrovertible fact that I stopped last night, I was in group chat, discussing real housewives from Sydney with friends, which helped reduce each the reactions of physical and mental stress I experienced.

It will help stick with friends, family, neighbors and other support.
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For later

In the long term, it is useful to develop and implement Self -clinic plan This includes activities supporting our emotional, physical and spiritual health.

Care, which implies devoting time to doing things that help your well -being and improve physical health and mental health. This may help cope with stress reactions which will appear as part of retrajumatization. Even small self -care acts in on a regular basis life can have an amazing impact.

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Today I devoted time for a brief walk across the park and listened to some of my favorite music. It helped in the meanwhile, nevertheless it also helps me in the long term, when I routinely include these little self -care acts in my on a regular basis life.

We must also consider The first respondents and volunteers who will prepare for the Alfred cyclone i community Similar disasters devastated previously (for instance, floods 2022 in Lismore, recent southern Wales). With their exposure to cumulative trauma, these groups will need Permanent, concentrated support.

Most importantly, we must understand that the best way we feel is normal. Be patient with yourself and search for small opportunities to take control of reactions.

I keep the tv switching off (except when real housewives are turned on).

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Some resources

The Blukot website, from the National Center of Excellence for Complex Trauma, comprises more information on how we do Answer the trauma. Black Dog Institute leads you by developing Self -clinic plan.

If you’re the primary respondent, you’ll be able to access free treatment and support via a number of suppliers, including: Phoenix AustraliaIN Australian Strong and Black Dog Institute.


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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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