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The term Afro-Latina helped me find beauty in my identity – Essence

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“Tell me about yourself” is an issue most of us dread hearing on a primary date or job interview. Yet, I’ve avoided it my entire life. My identity was a confusing topic of conversation until recently. Growing up with a Puerto Rican mother and a Dominican father of Haitian descent, identity was a subject of debate. To my mother, I used to be Puerto Rican and Dominican. To my father, I used to be black—easy. Choosing learn how to discover was like selecting between my parents. A alternative no child should should make.

There was a relentless war happening in my head about who I used to be, and entering the Latino community didn’t make it any easier. By the cultural standards of the time, I wasn’t “Latina enough.” My hair was considered “bad hair”, I actually have no curves and I didn’t speak Spanish until I used to be twenty.

As a young girl growing up in the 90s, there was no representation of ladies who shared my traits in my community. I discovered this by watching soap operas with my mother. These women had the traits I so desired on the time. Curvy bodies, long straight or wavy hair, and Spanish that flowed off the tongue. Not only did I not feel “Latina” enough, I also didn’t feel pretty.

Despite my growing insecurities, I discovered solace in other women outside of my community. Hilary Banks, the character I played in , became my salvation. She was the primary and only woman I knew who embraced her natural hair. Her curl texture was just like mine. Her confidence was seductive. I watched her endlessly as she appeared as herself in her best outfits. Part of me hoped that in the future I could wear my hair down in its natural state and be as confident as she was—even when it was all an act.

My Dominican-Haitian grandmother wasn’t as inspired by Hilary’s hair alternative. “Pero, mira eso pelo! Ella es bonita, pero tiene pelo malo,” she would say. It means, “Look at her hair! She’s pretty, but she’s got bad hair.” Her comments only served to calm my identity crisis: “Hilary and I have similar features; she’s got bad hair, so I must have bad hair,” I believed. In other words, “I shouldn’t wear my natural hair because who I am isn’t accepted, so I can’t be enough.”

This repetitive narrative began to materialize physically. I relaxed my hair to cover my roots, wore push-up bras to feel more “curvy,” and deciphered my mother’s Spanish. Outwardly, this was considered “lightening up.” Inwardly? It was a cry for help.

Deadline Afro-Latino was created by political scientists Anani Dzidzienyo and Pierre Michel Fontaine in 1970. It was a term developed to discover West African slaves who were delivered to Brazil. After continued research, it was discovered that there was African ancestry in the Caribbean.

By 1800s the colonial census confirmed that Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Venezuela, and Nicaragua were mostly African American. However, I used to be not aware of the term until my late twenties. In 2020, to be precise, at the peak of the Black Lives Matter movement.

In the chaos of anti-racism, I used to be rediscovering who I used to be. Afro-Latina became a term that liberated me in more ways than one. There was finally an area in my community where my roots were accepted. This revelation made me feel protected to acknowledge my Spanish and Haitian roots. I not had to decide on. It was an internal and physical liberation that naturally blossomed into radical acceptance. Plus, seeing other celebrities—like Zoe Saldana, Tatyana Ali, La La Anthony, and Sarunas Jackson—claim their Afro-Latina identities helped me find beauty in who I’m.

Being Afro-Latina is an attractive experience. We come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Our food and spirits are energetic, as are our textured coils, our contagious energy, and our addiction to celebrating life in all ways, all the time. There is not any mistaking after we are in the room, after we proceed to shine a light-weight on those around us—proudly shouting, “Wepa!” along the best way. And even after we are silent, one thing will all the time remain true—we’re black, Latina, beautiful, and proud. I do know that I’m. Always have been, never have been.

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

We tried out the wellness retreat for runners – the inside of the adidas Dream Retreat

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Cortney White

November, November, November… It was kind of a dumpster fire.

The month didn’t start well for obvious reasons. The elections have come and gone, but the painful feelings, disappointment and skeptical glances in various directions, well, for many, including me, remain.

Add to that a slew of individual annoyances, from unexpected automobile problems that left me with a rainy day fund, to non-public trials, a bit of SAD, and complete and utter burnout, and it was clear as day that I needed a break, and I needed it as soon as possible. it’s possible. I discovered an awesome copy in the most unexpected place – Austin, Texas.

We tried out the wellness retreat for runners - the inside of the adidas Dream Retreat
Cortney White

Some time ago I agreed to participate in the Dream Retreat, organized by Adidasfrom November 15-17 in the southern city. The draw, along with the opportunity to run and spend time without my young children, included the promise of “resetting, recharging and focusing on being the best version of myself” during the competition Miraval Resort and Spaknown for its mindfulness and wellness programs. SOLD. So I packed light, as adidas told me, and at the end of a particularly mentally exhausting week, I flew from cold New York to warm Texas.

I’m not recent to group runs or wellness trips, but this was my first experience of combining each worlds. So I liked the exclusive, thoughtful food (I didn’t eat a single piece of bread all weekend), the probability to hit the trail), in addition to moments of rest in a snug, cozy style. I did all of it while wearing head-to-toe adidas apparel and trainers all weekend long, including the latest offering, The rise of supernova 2.0.

We tried out the wellness retreat for runners - the inside of the adidas Dream Retreat
Adidas

We had the pleasure of attending a presentation on the latest shoe that goals to offer the highest quality, lightweight support that’s crucial for veteran runners and novices alike. The second Supernova Rise model is clearly 4 percent lighter than its predecessor, the Dreamstrike+ super foam ensures the highest comfort, and the toe box of the shoes has been constructed to be higher, which increases comfort on the road (as the flattened toes in tight shoes no socks). The midsole also encompasses a support rod system and an ADIWEAR outsole, each of which offer stability and sturdiness from the midsole to the outsole.

We tried out the wellness retreat for runners - the inside of the adidas Dream Retreat
Cortney White

I used to be capable of wear this shoe for each group runs because after not running for some time, I opted to stick with the group for the two miles. For me, as someone who suffers from plantar fasciitis, which tends to flare up as soon as I determine I need to begin running again, this shoe has made an enormous difference. So the right shoe is the clutch (and rest, of course!). As we explored the nature surrounding the gorgeous Miraval Resort property, running on gravel, dirt and more, I used to be motivated to maintain going. Not only because the shoes are truly priceless, but additionally because I used to be truly determined to deal with being the best version of myself, which is what this trip was going to assist with. The best version of me would not stop at every inconvenience in a hilly area or surrender jogging in favor of walking (although there isn’t any shame in that!). Before I got married and had kids, I could easily run six miles, and while I do not have to return, it jogs my memory of what I’m capable of. So I proudly ran two miles each days.

But along with having fun with good runs, good food, and learning the best way to properly get better from a run through exercise training, there was the opportunity to search out community with other women from different backgrounds.

We tried out the wellness retreat for runners - the inside of the adidas Dream Retreat
Cortney White

I met influencers, marathon runners, ladies who were just starting their adventure with running, and even one other black mom attempting to regain her self-esteem. To be completely transparent, this month I went on a press trip not very enthusiastic about attempting to mingle with others. But I’m glad I did it. The real joy is when people you do not know start a conversation and find commonalities of their experiences. (“You’re from the Midwest? Me too! You have two sons? Me too! Are you in a playful mood? Me too!”). It’s easy things.

The weekend was short, but there was enough activity to maintain me feeling full without being overwhelming. The pillar of the event was again the seating area. I went to bed earlier every night than I ever did at home, ate fresh meals and learned about healthy snacks, figured out ways to stretch more effectively before and after workouts, and even tried various technologies to assist the recovery process. I’ve received enough recent, sleek Adidas gear that I’m sticking to sportswear and athletic cuts until further notice. Since returning home, I’ve been running usually (even in the rain!), but I also take heed to my body to know when to rest, and I like how I feel now. When I do post-run stretches while rocking the Supernova Rise 2, I feel completed, I feel blissful with the endorphins, and I actually feel energized. Many things get in the way of prioritizing our needs as working moms and as women typically. It’s all the time good to return to the easy things that make me blissful. Because this joy allows me to beat burnout and ultimately be the best version of myself, not only for me, but additionally for those that need me.

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

Sarah Jakes Roberts offers an update after her father suffered a medical emergency

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Eugenia R. Washington/Getty Images

Bishop TD Jakes is on the road to recovery.

The renowned evangelist suffered a medical crisis while delivering a sermon at The Potter’s House in Dallas on Sunday. The incident was captured on a live broadcast from the church and because it happened, when the seated bishop’s words fell silent and he dropped the microphone, he was surrounded by his team who instructed the faithful to hope. Medical staff were called. But in keeping with the House of Potter, he’s doing well after the scary moment.

“During today’s service, Bishop TD Jakes experienced a minor health issue and received immediate medical attention following his hour-long message,” noted the message issued on November 24. “Bishop Jakes is stable and under medical care. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support from the community. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers.”

In addition to the megachurch’s message, the bishop’s daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Toure’ Roberts, each pastors, also shared a video message letting followers know the way the beloved figure is doing and thanking them for the outpouring of affection.

“First of all, we want to thank you for your prayers, concern and support. It was truly a blessing,” she said. She said she feels positive, and Toure says she’s on the road again.

“We’re trying to get him to sit down. He is the strong bishop we know,” he said. “But we really can’t thank you enough for your prayers, for your intercession, for all your kind words.”

In addition to telling everyone to proceed to hope for Bishop Jakes and sharing encouraging words, Sarah also highlighted how this experience before the vacation season was a reminder to be glad about your people.

“I’m very grateful that his condition is already beginning to improve. “I think it’s just a reminder, even during the holiday season, that we need to love the people that are near and dear to us and just take time to be grateful for all the people that God has given us.”

We hope for Bishop Jakes’ continued speedy recovery.

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

“Find a Black Doctor” now lists health care professionals in every state

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This represents a significant step toward reducing health disparities and improving access to quality health care for Black communities across the United States. Find a black doctor currently boasts listings of board-certified healthcare professionals in all 50 states. This expansion ensures that folks searching for culturally competent care can easily find experienced and qualified Black physicians, dentists, psychologists and other health care professionals.

The expansion of the directory comes at a crucial time when health disparities proceed to disproportionately impact Black communities. The platform meets a critical need by providing an accurate and comprehensive directory of healthcare professionals who understand and are committed to meeting the unique healthcare needs of Black patients.

Founded with the mission of closing the healthcare access gap, the positioning offers a user-friendly interface that enables patients to go looking for providers based on their location and specific healthcare needs. The website accommodates detailed profiles of doctors, dentists, psychologists and other specialists. Advertisements are free for doctors. The website also includes content aimed toward increasing knowledge about health and healthcare.

The expansion of the directory also responds to the growing need for Black healthcare providers who can eliminate systemic bias and supply equitable treatment. Studies have shown that patients often experience higher health outcomes once they are treated by physicians of the identical racial or ethnic background. By connecting patients with Black healthcare professionals, whether in Atlanta or Alaska, the positioning works to enhance these outcomes and construct trust inside the Black community.

Founder Dr. Dina Strachan, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, notes, “Despite our technological advances, it can be more difficult these days to find what we want online. Having been to all 50 states has made me even more aware of the diverse challenges of accessing the Internet across our vast country.”

The team encourages the community to submit suggestions for Black physicians they would really like to see included in the directory. They also encourage physicians to nominate their very own practices or the practices of their colleagues for inclusion on the list, freed from charge. There is great interest in supporting physicians in independent practice.

As it continues to grow, the positioning stays committed to its mission of ensuring every Black person in America has access to the very best health care possible.

For more information or to search out a Black health care provider in your area, visit FindABlackDoctor.com


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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