BLACK Audacity magazine A t l a n t a The Health & Wellness Issue welcome to wellness

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Publisher’s LETTER JANUARY 2023 OWNER & PUBLISHER LaWanda Morris, Esq. [email protected] EDITORS Brandyn Jack LaWanda Morris Tabitha Robinson Xavier Jones-Benjamin AD | LAYOUT | DESIGN Ann Watts LaWanda Morris CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brandyn Jack Natasha Bull LaWanda Morris Tabitha Robinson Xavier Jones-Benjamin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Javier Flores, LaWanda Morris, Natasha Bull, Evan Klein, Provided OFFICE MANAGER | EA| CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR Janis Riley PUBLISHING COMPANY Black Audacity Publishing www.BlackAudacityPublishing.com ON THE COVER The Wellness Spot www.BlackAudacityMagazine.com A Morris Media & Enterprises, LLC. Company Unapologetically and Unambiguously Black Welcome to our Health and Wellness January 2023 issue of Black Audacity Magazine. In this issue, you will learn about some of the best healthy lifestyle businesses in the Atlanta area. LaWanda Morris, Esq. I hope that you enjoy the content that we have put together for you in this issue. We wanted to use this issue to show our readers what starting the new year off healthy in Atlanta looks like from different angles. We spoke to business owners, artists, and community leaders to curate a diverse read that contains a little something for everyone. If you are looking to start juicing in 2023, this issue is for you. If you are looking to start a new workout routine but need to find new, comfortable workout clothes, this issue is for you. Are you looking to soothe your soul while meditating with the healing sounds of music? This issue is for you. Perhaps you are thinking of finally going vegan in 2023. If so, this issue has the perfect place for you to start. Whatever your new year resolution is…I think you will enjoy reading this month’s issue of Black Audacity Magazine! Please visit our website and let us know what you think of the job we are doing. Also, if you have a story idea, email for consideration. Thanks, @BlacAudacityMagazine @BlackAudacityMagazine @BlackAudacityMg FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

gardening = healthy you. 28 Kinetix Is Fitness Done Fabulously Get healthy in style. 31 Slutty Vegan Is Definitely Worth Your Dollar A very vegan success story. DEPARTMENTS 4 Publisher’s Letter 8 Good Times 12 Spa Day 15 Culinary Corner 16 Calendar 18 Local Artist 21 Hot Spot 24 Healthy Living 26 Driver’s Notebook 28 Fashion Update 31 Favorite Eatery 34 Publisher’s Picks 12 18 28 31 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine 6

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GOOD TIMES Left to Right: Mayor Dickens, Justine Boyd, Nicole Clifton, Robert Chiappetta All images courtesy of UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball January 2023 | BAM 8

GOOD TIMES UNCF 39th ANNUAL ATLANTA MAYOR’S MASKED BALL RAISED $2.1 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT “This year’s event was historic. It was record-breaking for UNCF Mayor’s Masked Balls generating the largest amount ever raised for this event. We far exceeded expectations by raising $2.1 million in scholarship support thanks to our awesome donors who love HBCUs,” said Justine Boyd, assistant vice president, Atlanta Region, UNCF. “I am enormously grateful for the outpouring of support for this legacy event, which brought together guests from around the nation. The excitement and enthusiastic support were simply amazing.” This was a record-breaking fundraiser attended by a sellout crowd of 1,300. Truly a night filled with generosity, raising $2.1M in scholarship funding, and a night to remember. Attendees and sponsors of UNCF’s 39th annual Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball made this a truly remarkable night.. Jermaine Dupri Danny Glover & Guest Timon Durrett, Master of Ceremonies Mayor Dickens & Daughter January 2023 | BAM 9

GOOD TIMES Jeezy and Jeannie Mai Jenkins 10 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine

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SIT BACK AND RELAX AT THE WELLNESS SPOT Venture into Atlanta for a day of pleasure and comfort at the blackowned fitness and day spa, The Wellness Spot. ARTICLE BRANDYN JACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS PROVIDED 12 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine

WE ARE HONORED TO SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON THE WELLNESS SPOT, A BLACK-OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS THAT IS MAKING WAVES IN THE INDUSTRY WITH ITS UNIQUE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES. Founded by talented entrepreneur Valaurie Lee, The Wellness Spot is a celebration of black culture and creativity. From its vibrant branding to its commitment to supporting the black community, this company is a true standout in the business world. At The Wellness Spot, the focus is on delivering high-quality products and services that aim to provide comforting energy and space for consumers. From luxury spa and relaxation services to fitness classes, as well as black-owned wellness items, this SPA DAY January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine 13

company offers a wide range of products that cater to a diverse audience. But The Wellness Spot is more than just a spa – it's a movement. Through its partnerships and initiatives, the company is dedicated to supporting black-owned products and promoting economic empowerment within the black community. If you want a day of relaxation, the spa services offered are endless, including skin, nail, massage therapy, and more. If that’s not your thing, the fitness classes you can sign up for change monthly to include and appeal to everyone’s taste. These include Yoga, in different forms like Zen, and power styles, or even more physical with Barre, a lower body and core fitness class. As well as dance classes like Zumba and dance fitness. No matter what you’re into there’s a place for you at the Wellness Spot. Another aspect of their business that is so widely applauded is the selling of their products and products from other black-owned businesses from around the city and the local community. Some include products like body butter, soap, bath soak and many more. Every time you step into the Wellness Spot it’s a new opportunity for you to explore. All these factors make The Wellness Spot a must-visit destination for anyone interested in quality amenities and services. So, if you want to make a positive impact in your community and support diversity and inclusion, consider supporting local black-owned businesses like this one. Their passion and determination are truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for this dynamic business. Visit The Wellness Spot at 3397 Main Street College Park, GA 30337 and follow them on Instagram @wellnessspotatl for updates! “Your Place to Rejuvenate, Relax and Reconnect with the Very Best You.” SPA DAY 14 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine

CULINARY CORNER MEDITERRANEAN ORZO SALAD ARTICLE NATASHA BULL & LAWANDA MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY NATASHA BULL This Mediterranean orzo salad is a perfect way to reset your diet in 2023! I tried this fabulous recipe from Natasha Bull’s Blog, www.SaltandLavender.com and it blew me away! It was simple to make and delicious! Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS • 1 cup uncooked orzo • ½ cup crumbled feta • 1-2 tbsp red onions, chopped • 1 (10 oz.) package grape or cherry tomatoes, halved • 3-4 mini cucumbers (or ½ English cucumber), chopped • ¼ cup Kalamata olives pitted & halved • ¼ tsp dried oregano • 1-2 tbsp red wine vinegar • 2 tbsp olive oil • Salt & pepper to taste • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) NUTRITION 284 Calories | 34g Carbs | 9g Protein | 13g Fat |4g Sat. Fat | 1g PolyUnsat. Fat | 17mg Cholesterol | 7g MonoUnsat. Fat | 352mg Sodium | 322mg Potassium | 2g Fiber | 4g Sugar | 122mg Calcium | 1mg Iron | 505IU Vit. A | 18mg Vit. C INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cook orzo al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water (to stop the cooking process). 2. Prep your other ingredients. 3. Once the orzo has cooled, add all ingredients to a large bowl. I suggest starting with 1 tbsp of the red wine, tossing the salad, then adding more if needed. Garnish with the fresh parsley if desired. NOTES • Serves 2-4 depending on plate size. • Feel free to add as much or little of each ingredient according to your preference. • You can substitute red wine vinegar with lemon juice and use a different cheese if you like. 15

events 12 Judith Hill City Winery Atlanta 650 North Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 8-9:30pm 14 15 16 Everything Prayer Conference 2023 Hilton Peachtree City Atlanta Hotel & Conf Ctr 2443 Hwy 54 W Peachtree City, GA 10-2pm BADD Girl Community Gala Grand Experience Even Center 4405 Hugh Howell Rd Tucker, GA 6-10pm Soul Sultry Kiz Dance Foundry 2977 E Ponce de Leon Ave E Decatur, GA 10pm-2am HBCU Culture & Battle of The Bands MLK Weekend Edition State Farm Arena 1 State Farm Dr. Atlanta, GA 5pm MLK, Jr Community Commemorate Ceremony Ebenezer Baptist Church 101 Jackson St. NE Atlanta, GA 10am-4pm Chante moore City Winery Atlanta 650 North Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 8-9:30pm 16 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine

CALENDAR JANUARY Charis Circle 184 S Chandler St Decatur, GA 7:30-8:30pm National day of racial healing 17 25 Decent People: De ’Shawn Charles Winslow in Convo w/Dr. Daniel Black Flourish: 2023 Black Family Homeschool Conf. Dekalb Conf Center 495 N Indian Creek Dr. Clarkston, GA 2-4:30pm 27 2023 Black & Multicultural Greek Empowerment Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel 2081 Convention Center Concourse Atlanta, GA The Ray Howard Band Earth, wind & fire tribute MadLife Stage & Studios 8722 Main St Woodstock, GA 9:55pm January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine 17

Dear Black Man, Your Health Matters Too! Bridging The Gap Between Mental And Spiritual Health ARTICLE TABITHA ROBINSON | PHOTOGRAPHY ARTIST PROVIDED 18 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine

The stigma around mental health is a negative one, especially in the black community. We are starting to recognize the need to unlearn the unhealthy habits we have adopted in the name of tradition. Especially when it comes to Black men. A common phrase spoken to men in the black community is, “a man doesn’t cry”. From a child, black men are taught to ignore their emotions, to act like they don’t exist. If they are never taught how to properly deal with these matters, where to begin is a mystery to them. So, why not stick with what they know, right? The result is a host of grown men who are afraid of sharing or expressing their emotions, because they think they will be labeled as weak. That pressure along with the stereotypes that are placed on black men can be detrimental to their mental and spiritual well-being. Our hope is to eradicate the thought and belief that black men have to be anything other than human. This starts with being spiritually aware. When one is spiritually aware, they have a sense of purpose, which not only motivates mental stability, but it encourages integral living. It also denounces the pressures to be anything other than who they are. We got the chance to speak with Desmond Nevels A.K.A Kamalzi, a gospel artist and Christ ambassador. Kamalzi began his gospel rap career in 2012 when feeling called to the ministry. After experiencing a series of events that turned his life upside down, Kamalzi began to realize how much he needs God to be at the center of his existence for him to experience peace. This humbling revelation prompted him to make changes that would benefit his health. “Culture already has a preconceived opinion about black men so we must carry ourselves and hold ourselves to a standard,” Kamalzi says. “Culture already has a preconceived opinion about black men so we must carry ourselves and hold ourselves to a standard,” LOCAL ARTIST January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine 19

He feeds his spirit through the reading of his Word, listening to gospel music, and fellowshipping with people who have some of the same values as he does. He also attributes his spiritual growth to his wife, Cydnee Nevels, who he says motivates him in the way God has for him by being the helpmate God has created her to be. It has become the norm to leave God out of our endeavors for a better and healthier life, but some still believe in allowing God to be at the center of life for an optimal experience. He has traveled over 800 miles across the country to share the gospel good news with other men, in hopes that someone else will accept Christ into their lives and begin their journey to mental and spiritual abundance. LOCAL ARTIST 20 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine

“Our mission is to serve and support the local community while being a partner in your health journey.“ Health food has become increasingly popular in recent years as people have become more aware of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. Atlanta has become a huge ground for new businesses promoting healthy options, a lot of them being blackowned. If you want someplace popping to visit here is a popular local health food spot that stands out. Located near downtown, Wadada Natural Foods and Juice Bar is a black woman-owned health market that specializes in serving healthy, holistic meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu at Wadada is diverse and all-natural to ensure that customers have access to the freshest produce and ingredients. Majority of the vendors they use and products that they serve come from other local black-owned businesses. One of the standout dishes at Wadada is their “Superfood Sea moss smoothies” which is packed with a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients such as maca, agave, turmeric, and berries. The smoothies are 100% vegan, organic and taste amazing. In addition to their juices, Wadada also offers a variety of desserts, herbs, and vitamins, made with whole, vegan ingredients. They also have a selection of hot foods, including soups, patties and lasagna, made with healthier flours like coconut. What sets Wadada apart from other health food spots is their commitment to using organic and blackowned products. The 100s of products they have to offer coming from the local community is incredible and a great expression of the community. Overall, Wadada is a great option for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. Their commitment to using fresh, organic ingredients and their focus on being green makes them a standout choice in the health food industry. Open 7 days a week and located in West-End Atlanta at 878 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd Southwest, give it a try and watch your body thank you! ARTICLE BRANDYN JACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS PROVIDED HOT AND HEALTHY HOT SPOT Visit this hot local Atlanta health business for a great time and to fuel your body, mind, and soul. January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine 21

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PLANNING TO EAT BETTER IN THE NEW YEAR…TRY GARDENING And Here are some mental health reasons why you should The COVID pandemic forced people to engage in new and interesting ways to preoccupy their downtime. One of the most beneficial and popular pastimes embarked upon, has been horticulture. The interest in horticulture, “the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants,” has created millions of new gardeners in the United States. According to the National Garden Association, 2021 saw 18.3 new gardeners. The isolation from work, outings, and general daily life took a mental toll on all of us, and many found solace in at-home and community gardens. Gardens have become even more important for the Black community as a form of therapy, community, and access to healthy foods. Generally, horticulture can help people feel more peaceful and content. By focusing on the immediate tasks and details at hand, negative and bitter emotions can be reduced. Gardening provides a pause in our hectic and frenetic lives and can give us the chance to rejuvenate ourselves. This calm pause also helps better our attention span, as gardeners give their full focus to a single activity. According to WebMD, studies have shown that outdoor activities can reduce similar symptoms of ADHD like troubles with concentration. For the Black community specifically, many of us have a will to “keep on keeping on,” through an unrelenting world. A world that has taken and continues to take any semblances of autonomy and control from us. This adage of inhuman resilience is not sustainable whatsoever, and we see its consequences, from generational trauma to heightened rates of depression and suicide. Gardening provides a necessary pause and control over something in our lives and allows us to reconnect with a longstanding Black tradition of self-sustenance and connection to the natural world. 24 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine

The social aspect of gardening is unequivocally important as well, whether as a family activity or community gardening. Gardening encourages social bonds as teamwork is needed to achieve shared goals. Community bonds can be strengthened, and support systems can be made through gardening with others. The value and importance of support systems cannot be understated, especially with a harrowing rise of suicides within our community amongst Black men. Community gardens can help sustain and strengthen our communities only for the better. If you’re looking for a new pastime for the new year, gardening should assuredly be in your considerations. HEALTHY LIVING January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine 25

Car Of The Year MotorTrend 2023, Genesis G90 ARTICLE LAWANDA MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY EVAN KLEIN

FEATURES MAKE MODEL Genesis G90 FUEL ECO/ENGINE/TORQUE Fuel Economy: 18/26 mpg Horsepower: 375@5,800 Torque:391@1,300 The 2023 Genesis G90 is a beauty to behold. It gives the Mercedes-Benz SClass, the BMW 7 Series, and the Audi AB a run for their money. Genesis has been described as an “innovative brand that flexes its design and engineering muscles,” by Frank Markus, a Writer at MotorTrend. This luxury brand was founded just a short 8 years ago in November of 2015. The brand redesigned and gently refined its look while at the same time introducing a new sophisticated silhouette. One MotorTrend judge and industry expert, Chris Theodore, described the roof design of this year’s winner as “a modern take on the classic formal roof that comes off quite fresh.” “It’s elegant, formal, and timeless in a way its competitors aren’t,” according to industry expert, Christian Seabaugh. And as far as the functionality, it drives (and rides) like a dream. Read the entire MotorTrend Review at www.motortrend.com. DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine 27

The saying is if you look good, you feel good. This would prove to be true for Keeli Brown, Personal Trainer and Founder of Kinetix Wear. In a Q&A, Brown disclosed that she fell in love with working out in 2011. After a bad breakup, looking in the mirror was seldom done without finding something she felt she needed to change about herself. One of those things was her weight. Brown unnecessarily blamed herself for the breakup and thought the way to fix herself was to “pick up a spoon… or a dumbbell.” So, she started working out. The positive feedback she received kept her motivated through her pregnancy with her son. Then it became more about being fit for pregnancy and getting a head start on her postpartum recovery. She had grown to love her physique by the time the pandemic started, but she noticed how her mood and motivation to work out would still be negatively affected when she didn’t wear clothing that made her feel confident. Kinetix Is Fitness Done Fabulously WORKOUT IN STYLE ARTICLE TABITHA ROBINSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS PROVIDED This was even more true when gyms closed, and she was forced to work out at home. She needed something to look forward to that motivated her to get to it. When she realized what she wore helped her performance, she came up with her own fitness clothing line. What started in 2020 as a passion project, quickly became her reality. Her desire to help other women feel confident and cute while working out has connected her with multiple women and impacted her business in a positive way. Kinetix Wear is an online lady's fitness boutique, based in Atlanta Georgia, but thanks to the internet, it can be accessed from anywhere. 28 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine

Black Ice from the ICE collection gets the most traction right now. It’s a three-piece set with a zip up crop jacket, crisscross sports bra and a pair of high waisted leggings. You can’t go wrong with that ensemble! Still, Brown’s recommendation would be the PRISM collection for this upcoming winter. The PRISM collection comes in an array of colors and is super stretchy and soft. It gives the perfect fit and comfort for any workout. It would also make a cute lounging set for those rest days, because those are important too. Brown says, “Ladies first!” As of right now, Kinetix Wear caters to women, though the future may hold some fitness wear for the men. So, ladies, if you’re looking to spend your winter days getting fit and cute, and doing it all with confidence, head on over to Kinetix Wear Boutique and grab you a set…or two! FASHION UPDATE January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine 29

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January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine 31

Slutty Vegan Is Definitely Worth Your Dollar The Oddly Named Burger Chain Is For the Community Slutty Vegan is a plant-based burger restaurant in Atlanta that has gained national attention for its provocative name and delicious food. Founded in 2018 by Aisha “Pinky” Cole, a former music industry executive and Clark Atlanta alumna, Slutty Vegan has quickly become a beloved staple in the Atlanta food scene and has expanded to multiple locations throughout the city and country. The restaurant's burgers, which are made from plant-based ingredients and served on a vegan bun, have earned rave reviews for their satisfying taste and texture. Despite its risqué name, Slutty Vegan is much more than a gimmick. While some have criticized the name as being inappropriate and demeaning, others argue that it is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the stereotype of vegan food being bland and unsexy. In an interview with Forbes, Cole explained that the name was chosen to challenge the notion that vegan food is not satisfying or enjoyable. Regardless of one's opinion on the name, it's clear that Slutty Vegan has struck a chord with diners. The restaurant's menu features a wide variety of innovative plant-based burgers, including the "One Night Stand," made with a Beyond Meat patty and topped with bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and Slutty sauce, and the "Stuffed in the Middle," a burger stuffed with mac and cheese and topped with caramelized onions and jalapenos. Just as important as their tasty food, Slutty Vegan is also known for its commitment to social justice. The restaurant has partnered with organizations such as the National Black Food and Justice Alliance and the Atlanta Community Food Bank to support food justice initiatives in the local community. The restaurant regularly hosts events and fundraisers for local charities and nonprofits. 32 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine

The Pinky Cole Foundation serves aspiring young Black entrepreneurs, providing them with educational programs, networking events, thought leadership, fundraising, and of course, philanthropy. The foundation has also provided jobs for juvenile offenders and is providing $10,000 in college funds annually for juvenile offenders with a high school diploma or GED. As a service to recent graduates of her alma mater, Cole fully paid the student balances for thirty Clark Atlanta alumni. When we think of individuals spearheading the current veganism trend, they aren’t Black nor people of color. To pursue a vegan diet in the United States requires privileges unavailable to many Black people, due to a lengthy history of food insecurity, fueled by food deserts. Being that as it may, Pinky Cole introducing a Black-owned vegan restaurant is groundbreaking and is assuredly helping persuade Black folk to adopt vegan diets. In a city known for its vibrant food scene, Slutty Vegan stands out for its bold flavors and its mission to make a positive impact. The restaurant and Pinky Cole are heralding a new era of veganism in America, where people of color are often not at its forefront. While the name may be controversial, there's no denying the restaurant's popularity and its commitment to improving Black communities. FAVORITE EATERY January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine 33

PUBLISHER’S PICKS LaWanda’s Wellness (Reading) Pick ARTICLE | PHOTOGRAPHY LAWANDA MORRIS LIKE LAUGHTER, THE WRITTEN WORD CAN ALSO BE FOOD FOR THE SOUL. I am an avid reader. I try to read two to four books each month. Yes, this is in addition to everything else that’s on my crazy schedule. I am also a big fan of Oprah Winfrey. Therefore, whenever I can bring these two things together – reading and Oprah, I’m like a kid in a candy store. The Path Made Clear by Winfrey is one of my favorite reads. I’ve read this title multiple times. In it, Oprah quotes from several of her most renowned interviewees. In this book you will find lessons learned and inspirational insights that will help you find your path toward a life filled with purpose. I won’t ruin it for you by giving too many details. I will instead tell you that it is a must read for all humans looking to live a purpose-driven life and be the very best version of yourself. I don’t believe in coincidence. I know there is a divine order to the magnificent mystery of our lives. - Oprah 34 January 2023 | Black Audacity Magazine

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