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Reyes’ Traditional Puncha Creama

Come holiday season everyone wants to talk about coquito! But have you heard of Puncha Creama? Instagram networking, I tell you. I have no idea how I stumbled upon Reyes' Puncha Creama. After weeks of viewing her posts, I gathered up the courage to hit Monique's DM and ask some questions. What started as an inquiry turned into taking in a story embedded in the love for her Trinidadian culture, and a desire to share it with her friends, family and loved ones. And so, I felt compelled to share with you. Read on!
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Not Asking For It.

Currently, there are roughly 18 Caribbean Carnivals held across the United States (pre-covid, of course) and I have found on many occasions the cultural experience to clash with American values and perceptions.
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AWM Spotlight: Tash Elzie

Next up in the AWM spotlight is Tash Elzie, co-host of the @preezeedoesit podcast, photographer, stand-up comedienne AND super-mom. Read all about her carnival love story, how she enjoys carnival despite her challenges with sensory sensitivity, and her perspectives on battling the mental health stigma in the black community.
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James Baldwin
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African without memory.

As soon as the Joshua Butler scandal came to light, people started to look left and right and ask: How do we keep another White Chocolate from happening again? Below depicts my lens and experiences in light of the four8 Interview.
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AWM Spotlight: Crystal Wallace

Curvy carnival queens, we honor you! Next up in the AWM spotlight is Crystal Walace, founder of The Curve Experience. Read about how she was inspired to create this platform, her thought s on curvy-girl inclusion and how TCE is not just for plus-sized women.
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Chadwick Boseman: A Clinical Reflection.

Black people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) at an earlier age with a later presentation of symptoms, higher overall mortality rate and a worse overall 5-year survival rate than Whites (American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 2018). And yet, when I look around I see very few initiatives to combat this devastating disease within our population.
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Carnival and Healing Trauma.

I honestly think that I can count on one hand how many black women I know that have NOT been a victim of child or adult sexual abuse/assault. This entry is a recount of my experiences with child sexual abuse and how Carnival has worked on healing fragmented pieces of my identity as a black woman.
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