Life and its struggles often come at us fast, especially for Lavender, a young Black, indigenous girl coming of age in tumultuous surroundings. Lavender’s story and thoughts of her once permeated the mind of first-time author Monica McCollough (pen name) for over fifteen years, but these days the fictional character is no longer a constant,...
Category: Food, Lifestyle & Culture
Exploring the Power of Life Writing: A Path to Self-Discovery and Healing
In a world that often moves at a relentless pace, finding moments of reflection and self-discovery can be a challenge. However, November brings with it a unique opportunity for individuals across the United States, and indeed the world, to dive into the realm of life writing. National Life Writing Month, celebrated throughout November, is a...
Uncle Sam’s Reality Show: A Fifth Act of Free Tests, a $600M Lifeline, and the Saga of America’s Test-Making Odyssey
Act One: The Government Turns “Test Master” The U.S. government’s stepping back into the “Test Ring” folks, for the fifth time! They’re doing a double-decker: meeting our COVID cravings and giving a lifeline to the sinking ship that’s the domestic rapid test market. It’s like the American Idol of medical supplies, and everyone’s invited. 🎤...
H3O Group closing the income gap in STEM education
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Hozell Odom III understands the importance of serving and giving back to his community for the greater good. With his military career now far behind him, Odom is using the leadership skills, training, and education he acquired throughout his career to offer opportunities to the next generation of leaders in...
Effective Strategies for Employee Recruitment and Retention
Employee recruitment and retention is a major focus point for all organizations, regardless of size or industry. After all, employees are an organization’s most valuable asset. Here are a few effective strategies for employee recruitment and retention from the experts at The Region: HR Consulting Firm: Develop strong employer branding: Highlight your company’s values, culture,...
How to Encourage a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Promoting a healthy work-life balance is crucial for the well-being and productivity of employees. We have a few tips that would assist with fostering a healthy work-life balance in the workplace: Encourage flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible work hours, such as compressed workweeks or telecommuting options, where feasible. This allows employees to better manage their...
Network ‘n’ Chill: Season Finale Sets the Stage for Collaboration and Human Connection
An Unforgettable Evening of Networking, Entertainment, and Meaningful Partnerships Are you ready to be captivated by the power of collaboration and witness the magic that unfolds when diverse individuals come together for a common cause? Look no further than the Network ‘n’ Chill: Season Finale, an event that celebrated the spirit of humanity, connection, and...
Juneteenth: Let the Good Times Roll Festival celebrates Black culture
A community organization founded by one of the oldest Black fraternities, Rho Omega and Friends is behind Louisiana’s largest and longest running Juneteenth festival that also serves as a fundraiser to help send local youth to college. Rho Omega and Friends will present the 36th annual Let the Good Times Roll Festival honoring the culture, music, art, fashion and...
Stick A Fork In It culinary classes help build children’s character
When Lowndes County elementary school teacher Shawntay Gray began brainstorming ideas to take her love for teaching outside the traditional classroom, she envisioned ways to inspire children through creativity and new opportunities they may not have access to at home and in their communities. Looking back on her own childhood, Gray said she recalled how...
CACAO’s Caribbean food and music festival returns June 10
Reggae and Soca beats, the scent of mouthwatering food and bold, vibrant Caribbean colors of red, green and yellow infuse the air with an intoxicating feast for the senses at the annual Caribbean Food and Music Festival hosted by the Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization (CACAO). It’s a scene that CACAO and festival founder Pauline...










