my soul glows

my astrology blog: It is no more my music blog zenobiadolli.tumblr.com

[spaceshipsandpurpledrank]

[throughthetreesblog]

Just Say No: African Ancestry’s DNA Tests

I cannot recommend African Ancestry’s DNA tests. African Ancestry, Inc., a genetic testing company targeting consumers of African descent, claims to use “the world’s largest database of African DNA lineages to determine your country and ethnic group of origin, all with a simple swab of your cheek.” But the truth is not so simple.

Ethnicity is a complex concept, a concept not as rooted in genetics as it is in sociopolitical and cultural constructs. There is no DNA test that can assign anyone to an African ethnic group or what some refer to as an “African tribe.”

Secondly, African Ancestry tests too few DNA markers to determine much of anything, much less substantiate their marketing claims. African Ancestry tests 8 Y-chromosome DNA STRs and about 350-370 mitochondrial DNA markers. That number of markers is insufficient for delivering the level of specificity that the marketing promises.

Moreover, the tests, which cost far more than their value, sell on the basis of deceptive and disturbing promotion practices. An effective marketing machine reliant on half-truths, celebrity reveals, and the lack of genetic literacy and critical thinking among the general public has made this company profitable. Notice how African Ancestry discusses none of the scientific details of their analysis on their website. In misleading advertisements declaring themselves better, bolder, and “blacker” than other direct-to-consumer DNA test companies, African Ancestry reminds prospective customers that the “100% black owned” firm “destroys all genetic information” and enables users to reverse “the original identity theft,” trading on feelings of racial dissension and mistrust among some members of the African American community. The results from African Ancestry consist largely of a certificate claiming that one “shares ancestry with” one or more African ethnic groups from whom the company has received DNA samples.

What African Ancestry marketing literature has historically failed to explain is that, in the vast majority of cases, no single African ethnic group has a monopoly on a genetic signature. African Ancestry avoids explaining that the results of their low resolution tests should show that one “shares ancestry with” many different ethnic groups across the continent. African Ancestry has evaded discussions of how some Africans enslaved and transported to the Americas during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries came from ethnic groups that do not exist now as they did then. African Ancestry, by virtue of omitting these caveats to their overhyped, overrated, and overpriced results, has earned the “scam” moniker among experienced genetic genealogists.

Over the years, African Ancestry customers have delivered testimony expressing disappointment, embarrassment, anger, and family humiliation after receiving less than accurate results. The most common word in these negative reactions: useless. African Ancestry offers no DNA matches and little to no historical context for the results. One cannot use these results to advance genealogical research.

African Ancestry customers previously did not even receive haplogroup determinations with their results; customers had to struggle with rude service to get the haplogroup assignment from the company. That haplogroup assignment African Ancestry delivered was often far less precise than that supplied by other companies who charge far less. In some cases, the African Ancestry haplogroup assignment or the interpretation of that assignment was completely erroneous. Some of the company’s customers were told that they could not get an African ethnicity report because their Y-DNA or mtDNA was not of African origin. Those same customers would test with other companies that test more Y-DNA and mtDNA markers than African Ancestry and learn that their Y-DNA or mtDNA was, in fact, African. For this level of service, customers should not pay anything, much less premium prices.

Professor Henry Louis Gates Junior’s misinterpreted results rank among the most disconcerting examples of African Ancestry’s low quality analysis. African Ancestry’s Rick Kittles told Professor Gates his Y-DNA signature was Egyptian. However, more comprehensive Y-DNA testing revealed Professor Gates had the same Y-DNA haplogroup as Niall of the Nine Hostages, suggesting European ancestry on his direct paternal line. This discrepancy inspired Professor Gates to partner with Family Tree DNA to start African DNA, a company that would provide higher resolution DNA testing for African Americans and include DNA relatives - the most accurate and useful data in genetic genealogy.

Ironically, Gates never used nor promoted his own company, African DNA, on any of his genealogy television programs. Instead, Gates continued to use and promote African Ancestry’s inferior products, before finally shuttering African DNA several months ago. African Ancestry continues to survive, despite the spurious results of their tests, because many who recognize the company’s questionable tactics and the products’ lack of efficacy remain silent and demand silence from others. Now, the industry has lost a far more affordable, more valuable alternative in African DNA. Far too many will fall prey to the marketing messages that have become African Ancestry’s siren song and waste time and resources on a test of no utility or value.

I could never recommend testing with African Ancestry; their racial marketing practices, low resolution products, and high prices raise ethical questions.

Anyone seeking to investigate their Y-DNA or mitochondrial DNA for genealogical research ought to respectively pursue Y-DNA (at least 37 markers) or full mitochondrial sequence testing at Family Tree DNA, join relevant haplogroup projects on Family Tree DNA, and research one’s results in academic literature.

My advice on African Ancestry: Steer clear.

[spanishskulduggery]

I’m at level A2 in Spanish. What verbs should I know?

ser = to be (permanent, personality, height/weight, color, description)

estar = to be (temporary, location, mood, condition, wellness, dead/alive)

ver = to see (sometimes “to watch”)

ir = to go

hacer = to do/make [also used with many idiomatic expressions like hacer calor etc.]

salir = to go out, to exit

decir = to say

tener = to have [also used with many idiomatic expressions like tener hambre etc.]

dar = to give

poder = to be able to

poner = to put

querer = to want / to love

venir = to come

saber = to know (facts)

conocer = to know (people/places) / to meet

deber = must, should

llegar = to arrive

llevar = to carry, to bring

parecer = to seem, to appear (as if/like)

amar = to love (usually romantic)

recordar / acordarse = to remind, to recall / to remember [if you haven’t learned reflexives, then just ignore acordarse for now]

empezar/comenzar = to start/begin

pensar = to think (or sometimes “to plan to (do something)”)

escribir = to write

soñar (con) = to dream (of/about) 

gustar / encantar = to like, to really like [used with indirect objects]

resolver = to resolve, to solve

contestar = to answer

preguntar = to ask, to question, to wonder

dormir = to sleep

hablar = to speak

comer = to eat

vivir = to live

cocinar = to cook

preparar = to prepare / to cook

seguir = to continue, to follow

conseguir = to achieve, to get

darse cuenta = to realize (in the sense of having an epiphany or gaining understanding) [reflexives again]

correr = to run

andar = to go, to walk

haber = to exist, to have (done something) [only the basics of hay at this point probably for A2]

dejar = to leave / to stop, to quit

llamar = to call

encontrar = to find

buscar = to look for

necesitar = to need

permitir = to allow, to permit

tomar = to take / to drink (usually with drinks and/or medicine)

trabajar = to work

leer = to read

escuchar = to listen, to hear

oír = to hear

creer = to believe

decidir = to decide

tocar = to touch / to play (an instrument)

jugar = to play (a game/sport)

sentir = to feel, to sense, to noticesentirse = to feel (emotions)

levantar = to raise, to lift uplevantarse = to stand up

acabar = to finish, to end

terminar = to stop, to finish

esperar = to wait / to hope for

añadir/agregar = to add

volver = to return, to come back

regresar = to return

caer = to fall

comprar = to buy

vender = to sell

mentir = to lie, to tell a lie

mirar = to look, to stare, to watch

ganar = to win, to earn

cambiar = to change

estudiar = to study

nacer = to be born

nadar = to swim

volar = to fly

beber = to drink

ayudar = to help

abrir = to open

cerrar = to close

llorar = to cry

reír(se) = to laugh

sonreír = to smile

intentar = to try, to attempt

recibir = to receive, to get

colocar = to place, to put

saltar = to jump

notar = to notice

mandar = to send / to give orders

enviar = to send

parar = to stop (doing something), to not move

construir = to build, to construct

destruir = to destroy

asistir = to attend, to assist

realizar = to accomplish, to finalize

lograr = to achieve, to accomplish, to get done

cumplir = to comply, to fulfill [in the A2 level this would show up more with the idea of birthdays as in “to turn (X number of years)”]

convertir(se) = to change (into), to convert

guardar = to hold onto, to save/reserve, to keep (objects/promises/silence)

ahorrar = to save (money)

despertar(se) = to awaken, to wake up

bañar(se) = to bathe, to take a bath

duchar(se) = to shower, to take a shower

replicar = to reply

responder = to respond, to answer

servir = to serve

invitar = to invite / to pay for, to treat

resultar = to happen [when used with indirect objects it means “to seem like”]ocurrir = to occur

considerar = to consider, to think about

llover = to rain

nevar = to snow

adquirir = to acquire

alquilar = to rent

prestar = to borrow

arreglar = to fix

corregir = to correct

examinar = to examine, to look over

pasar = to pass [also used in many idiomatic expressions]

quedar = to remainquedarse = to stay / to become [situationally]

entrar = to enter

repasar = to go over, to review

revisar = to revise, to look at

quitar = to remove, to get rid of

sacar = to take out

pedir = to request, to ask for

morir (probably) = to die

There might be some repeats or things I missed here. But these are the ones I could think of off the top of my head.

If there are any major ones people think of, let me know!

[stellarsexual]

[thenatalchart]

omg

[antifainternational]

Where those tough-talkin’, Constitution-defending, freedom warriors @?

[ms-demeanor]

Is Google Docs bad? Do you know of a good / safer, free, word processor? Thanks!

All Google products are bad!

There is an EXCELLENT free desktop office suite called Libre Office that you can download and install by clicking here: https://www.libreoffice.org/

If anyone reading this is a college student and thinking about purchasing microsoft home and student or an office 365 subscription please just install Libre Office instead. It is WONDERFUL.

If you’re looking to do something browser-based you should check out CryptPad, which is a zero-knowledge, encrypted online office suite with document storage and a spreadsheet maker and a complete boner for security. It allows for collaboration like gdocs does but it doesn’t track your data or store information about you because it *can’t* because all of your work is encrypted. Check out cryptpad here: https://cryptpad.fr/

And, as usual, if you want to ditch gmail check out protonmail.

[ms-demeanor]

Also maybe the best, easiest, and most important way to cut Google out of your life is to stop using chromium-based browsers because people using non-chromium browsers are the only reason that Google isn’t setting every single modern web standard and the fact that MOST internet users use Chromium browsers means that Google is de facto setting every single modern web standard.

Here’s how to migrate from chrome to firefox: https://www.howtogeek.com/333047/how-to-migrate-all-your-data-from-chrome-to-firefox/

(and yes, Opera and Brave are chromium browsers and I think it’s worthwhile to stop using them because SERIOUSLY everyone is using fucking chromium and Edge just switched over to chromium and please, please, please just install firefox)

ALSO REMEMBER FIREFOX CAN BE INSTALLED ON YOUR CELLPHONE.

Android users install Firefox and add the ublock origin extension; iOS users install Firefox Focus.

And reset your default search option in your browser. Other search engines do not return the same results and sometimes that’s frustrating but if you get used to just using duckduckgo as your first option and Google if that doesn’t give you an answer as a second option then you’re still doing a great job (because seriously, how many of your searches are just for basic information like spelling or history that will pop up on wikipedia or dictionary.com - DDG will totally do that even if it isn’t ideal for current news searches)

[ms-demeanor]

BTW the reason I’m recommending *most* of these things is because they’re open-source, which is one of the reasons I prefer LibreOffice over WPSWriter, but another reason is features.

Here’s what you can get in LibreOffice:

whereas WPSWriter has only the equivalent of those first three features (which in both products are “Word” “Excel” and “PowerPoint”)

[cthulhubert]

Yo! Do you know of a decent online collaborative document editor?

[ms-demeanor]

CryptPad! CryptPad is collaborative, it’s basically a zero-knowledge version of google docs and I love it.

Collaborators don’t even need to have an account to edit.

(cryptpad currently has a free version with a small amount of storage and a few paid tiers with larger amounts of storage, they are a tiny, open-source project, give ‘em a whirl and if you like it donate if you can)

[missjune75]

Damn. What to do if your institution of higher education forces you to use an Office account and Google products???

[ms-demeanor]

Use two browsers and use the office account and the google products in one browser (or if you’re using firefox you can use account containers and create a specific “google” container that you use google/microsoft/facebook/whatever weird privacy violating monopoly is hosting your meetings in and keep it separate from the rest of your online life).

[the-fox-fae-deactivated20220908]

What would you recommend for a search engine? And what was the email host going around that everyone should be switching to? (If you don't mind answering these).

I like the idea of not being constantly tracked. As it is, I'll be resuming using a written grocery list and leaving my phone at home (Android)

[ms-demeanor]

DuckDuckGo and ProtonMail!

[stellarsexual]

Day 2/365 still getting used to being on skates and being outside on skates. And being out of quarantine outside on skates! I fell twice today😅! One was REALLY funny and I’m sad it wasn’t filmed. 😂 Music: The Pharcyde “otha fish” • • • • #moxiskatedaily #moxiskatedaily2020 #quadskates https://www.instagram.com/p/CBUZVtphdXx/?igshid=ma1twbpau0kl

[stellarsexual]

Day 1/365 just getting used to being back on skates outside after 14 years! Trying to practice scooter pushes but people kept walking and skateboarding by. 🤪😭omg am I really about to commit to this for a year??? Lol. Let’s go! • • • • #moxiskatedaily #quadskates https://www.instagram.com/p/CBRrFVBhqEO/?igshid=mvnjmstqubgg

[stellarsexual]

Dinosaurs

[goawfma]

[vintagecongo]

LINGALA: ANIMALS

Cat-  Niao

Dog- Mbwa

Bird- Ndeke

Horse- Faraha/Cheval

Spider- Alulu

Baboon- Abula

Cow- Ngombe

Chicken- Soso

Owl- Ibu

Turtle- Koba

Butterfly- Kipepeo

Snake- Nyoka

Mouse/Rat- Puku

Duck- Libata

Bee- Nzoyi

[stellarsexual]

Are there any Black person run music blogs or playlisters who accept music submissions that you guys know of? I want to compile a master post but I can’t really find any.  I’m looking for something like how Afropunk used to be way back in the day. Blogs that cater to independent black artists making independent and/or alternative music.

[zenobiadolli]

I’m letting it go into the universe now. 🦢

[sensei-aishitemasu]

2019 Black-Owned Gift Guide!

It’s that time again! This Black Friday, try and support a Black-owned business for all your gift-giving needs. For last years gift guide, click here. For the 2017 gift guide, here. For the 2016 gift guide, click here. For the 2015 gift guide, click here. (This is the FIFTH annual gift guide! Time flies!) 

Similar to 2018, I kept every individual item listed under $100! Click on the links to be taken to the websites in order to peruse more yourselves. Every item and brand has been hand selected and curated. Sustainability has been increasingly on my mind, especially when it comes to fashion; as such, several brands on this list are ethically and sustainably sourced. Several also include donations from your purchase being made to philanthropic causes. 

[And as always, this guide has been split into categories to make it easier to get through, but feel free to mix and match for the person in your life that fits all of (or none of!) these categories!]

Gift Guide 2019 Items

For the Homebody:

eLo ‘Gloria’ Cotton Spray, $30

Shea Shea Bakery Candy Cane Candle, $22

Shea Shea Bakery Coffe Mug Candle, $12

Shea Shea Bakery Bowl of O’s Signature Candle, $20 

Shea Shea Bakery Milk & Cookies Bath Set, $16

Shea Shea Bakery Bath Whip - Confetti Cake, $12

Shea Shea Bakery Honey Bear Bubble Bath, $6

Shea Shea Bakery Milk Mates - Salts + Bubble Bath, $16

Shea Shea Bakery Milk + Honey + Syrup Bubble Bath Set, $22

Shea Shea Bakery Cast Iron Skillet Wax Burner, $22

Shea Shea Bakery Sweet Mini-Melt Cinnamon Bun Wax, $10

Shea Shea Bakery Sweet Mini-Melt Peanut Butter Cups, $10

228 Grant Street Candle Co. Amber + Sandalwood Apothecary Jar, $30 (pictured)

228 Grant Street Candle Co. Oakmoss + Amber Jar, $20

228 Grant Street Candle Co. Botanical Garden Gold Travel Tin, $10 

Kicky Mats ‘Don’t Bother, We’re Broke’ Doormat, $50 (pictured)

Jeffrey Manning “You Are” Art Print, $55

Jeffrey Manning “Mellow Bliss” Art Print, $40

Duchess 365 ‘When I Get Home’ Art Print, $23.99 (pictured)

Tactile Matter ‘Safe Space’ Art Print, $45 (pictured)

Tactile Matter ‘Peaches & Coffee’ Art Print, $45

Galerie.la Small Market Basket, $28

Galerie.la Botanica Medium Candle Harvest, $24

Galerie.la Relaxation Rituals Box, $44.95

Galerie.la Botanica Large Candle Nirvana, $32

Galerie.la Rooted Incense Holder In Gray, $68

Galeria.la Calma Herbal Salt Soaks, $20

‘Hypnotic’ Quilt Set by Justina Blakeney, $100 (pictured)

Brass Bette Planter by Justina Blakeney, $ 75

Ida Mirror by Justina Blakeney, $70

Kahelo Black and Gray Rug by Justina Blakeney, $89

Kashmir.VIII ‘The Party’ Pillow, $50 (pictured)

Cards For All People “Angry Moms” Card Game, $17.99

Cards For All People “Black Card Revoked” Card Game, $17.99 (pictured)

Trading Races Card Game, $24.99 (pictured)

Winsults Card Game, $25 (pictured)

For the Foodie:

Zach & Zoe Wildflower Honey, $12  Zach & Zoe Wildflower Honey - Lavender, $15

Zach & Zoe Wildflower Honey - Raspberry, $15 (pictured)

Zach & Zoe Honey with Ginger Root, $15

Soul Fit Grill Assorted Spices, $55.99 (pictured)

Raw Cells Mind Fudge, $15 (pictured)

Raw Cells Calm Cookie, $8

Raw Cells Brain Brownie, $5

Raw Cells Bliss Bar, $7 (pictured)

Chris Cardi ‘H Street’ Apron, $25.03

Cultured Kombucha ‘Flight Glass’ Set of 4, $35 (pictured)

Cultured Kombucha ‘Cultured’ Tote, $15 (pictured)

Kashmir.VIII ‘Ms. Hill’ Mug, $16

Kashmir.VIII ‘Easin’ Mug, $16

Kashmir.VIII ‘We Did It First’ Mug, $16 (pictured)

Kashmir.VIII ‘The Black Power Mixtape’ Coaster Sets, $35 (pictured)

Botanicals on Blush Kitchen Tea Towels by Justina Blakeney, $28 (pictured)

‘B. Smith Cooks Southern-Style’ by B. Smith, $29.99

For the Beauty Guru:

Oui The People ‘The Single’ Rose Gold Single-Blade Razor, $75 (pictured)

Oui The People ‘Sugarcoat’ Shave Gel-To-Milk, $64 (pictured)

Galerie.la Rose Quartz Facial Roller, $28

Galerie.la Jade Mask, $42

Galerie.la Base Coat Nail Polish Vault, $20

Galerie.la Base Coat Nail Polish The Simon Collective, $20

Galerie.la ‘The Makeup Bag’ (Navy), $59

Galerie.la ‘The Makeup Bag’ (Yellow), $59

Galerie.la Mermaid Milk Superfood Moisturizer, $42

Shea Shea Bakery Buttered Pound Cake Body Mist, $5 (pictured)

Shea Shea Bakery Glazed Donut Body Butter, $25

Shea Shea Bakery Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser, $15

Shea Shea Bakery Antibacterial Apple Cider Toner, $6

Shea Shea Bakery Almond Milk + Chocolate Peppermint Moisturizer, $6

Shea Shea Bakery Scar Healing Serum, $23

Shea Shea Bakery Gentle Foaming Cleanser, $8

Shea Shea Bakery Chocolate Coffee Bean Scrub, $12

Shea Shea Bakery Rose Garden Soap Bar, $5 (pictured)

Monie Squared Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Soap, $8

Monie Squared Brown Sugar Fig Goat Milk Soap, $7

Monie Squared Warm Vanilla Sugar Goat Milk Soap, $7

Monie Squared Leave-In Detangling Conditioner in Blood Orange, $16

Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner, $20

Camille Rose Youth Burst Anti-Aging Night Time Elixir, $18 (pictured)

Camille Rose Seedless Skin Pore-Perfecting Facial Exfoliator, $19

Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade, $13.99

Oyin Handmade Boing! All-In-One Coil Styler, $14.99

Oyin Handmade No Ash At All Lotion, $9.99

Hunny Bunny Boutique Hunny Lavender Face Bar, $9

Hunny Bunny Boutique Rose Clay Facial Mask, $8

Bejia Flor Naturals Acai Mango Lotion, $22

Vee + Co. Apothecary ‘Seven’ Aromatherapy Roller, $18

Vee + Co. Apothecary ‘Mellow’ Aromatherapy Roller, $18

Vee + Co. Apothecary ‘Faith’ Aromatherapy Roller, $18

Vee + Co. Apothecary ‘Tisane’ Body + Bath Oil, $25

Jade & Fox Co. Liquid Gold Facial Cleanser, $15 (pictured)

Jade & Fox Co. Neptune Hyaluronic Face Mist, $15

Jade & Fox Co. Flower Power Toner, $18 (pictured)

Jade & Fox Co. Fineapple Face Mask, $22

Jade & Fox Co. Maui Wowie Serum, $17 (pictured)

Jade & Fox Co. Angel Eyes Under Eye Cream, $24

Jade & Fox Co. Crushed Velvet Butter, $26

Jade & Fox Co. Honeysuckle Spray, $14

Jade & Fox Co. Lust Oil, $15

Jade & Fox Co. Crush Body Oil, $17

Jade & Fox Co. Vixen Oil, $15

Jade & Fox Co. ‘Show Girl’ Body Oil, $17

Jade & Fox Co. Siren Highlighter, $18 (pictured)

Makeup/Beauty/Hair Brands:

Plain Jane Beauty (pictured)

Mented Cosmetics (pictured) 

Beauty Bakerie 

Bovanti Cosmetics 

Colour U Cosmetics

Flori Roberts 

Hue Noir 

Gold Label Cosmetics 

Lamik Beauty

Lip Addyct 

Magnolia Makeup 

Lotus Moon Skincare

The Lip Bar (pictured)

Ginger + Liz Nail Polish

Foxie Cosmetics

Blac Minerals Cosmetics (pictured)

Danessa Lyrics Beauty

Lena Lashes

AJ Crimson Beauty

KSquared Nail Paint

Kinky Curly Yaki

Heat Free Hair Movement

Big Chop Hair

Princess Hair Shop

Haute Kinky Hair

Private Stock Kair

Catface Hair

Mischo Beauty (pictured)

Brown Butter Beauty (pictured)

Her Muse Studio

Elo Lipcare (pictured)

Glam Goth Beauty (pictured)

For The Fashion Conscious:

Galerie.la Abbot Corduroy Knit Robe Berry, $98

Galerie.la Denim Crop Bra, $35

Galerie.la Golden Organic Cotton Crop Bra, $35 (pictured)

Galerie.la Recycled Cotton Baby Tee Black, $39

Galerie.la Alicia Crossbody Brown Bag, $85 (pictured)

Galerie.la Stacking Rings Brass, $25 (pictured)

Galerie.la Diamond Stacking Ring, $25

Galerie.la Petite Arch Earrings Brass, $34

Galerie.la Thelma Top Mauve, $48

Galerie.la Silver Hashtag Earrings, $58

Galerie.la Cascade Dress Charcoal, $59

Galerie.la Petra Jumpsuit Charcoal, $65 (pictured)

Galerie.la Sabbath Cocoon Tunic, $98

Galerie.la Flap Wallet Mustard, $79

Galerie.la Zipper Wallet Blush, $69

Glam Goth ‘Goon’ Beanie (red), $25

Glam Goth ‘Goon’ Beanie (black), $25

Glam Goth ‘Goth’ Cap, $30 (pictured)

Glam Goth ‘The Young Angel’ T-Shirt, $20

Instant Vintage - Azul by Giancarlo Bolero, $55

Instant Vintage - Merlot Veiled Hat, $30

Instant Vintage - Turquoise Velvet Bow with Headband, $45

Instant Vintage - Sweetheart Floral Dress, $48 (pictured)

Sir and Madame Striped Wool Split Back Shirt, $75

Sir and Madame Logo T-Shirt, $40

Sir and Madame ‘Madame’ Cropped Tank, $28

Sir and Madame 70′s Script T-Shirt, $45

Sir and Madame “A Better Tomorrow” T-Shirt, $40

Sir and Madame Red Wing Engineer Boot, $75

Sir and Madame Jungle Camo Woven Shirt, $45

A Life Well Dressed ‘Artsy’ Statement Cap, $16 (pictured)

A Life Well Dressed ‘Create’ Statement T-Shirt, $20

Gregory Sylvia ‘Farrah’ Watch, $95

Gregory Sylvia ‘Chandler’ Watch, $78 (pictured)

Gregory Sylvia ‘Rosen’ Watch, $105 (slightly over budget but a beautiful watch!)

Gregory Sylvia ‘Crimson Crave’ Wallet, $69

Tree Fairfax Lois Belt, $40

Tree Fairfax Distressed Wrap Clutch/Wallet, $54

Chris Cardi ‘H St. Nostalgia’ Tee, $30.03

Chris Cardi ‘Bastards’ Tee, $30.03

Sole Rebels ‘The Surge’ Shoe, $90

Sole Rebels ‘The Exodus Ahhh’ Shoe, $100

Sole Rebels ‘The StepUP’ Shoe, $95

Sole Rebels ‘The Exodus RIFF’ Shoe, $100 (pictured)

Sole Rebels ‘TooTOOS Holees’ Shoe, $85

Enbois ‘Jafari’ Watch (Zebra), $85

For the Bookworm:

‘The Water Dancer’ by Ta-Nehisi Coates, $28 (pictured)

‘Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland, $18.99 (pictured)

‘Black Talk: Words and Phrases from the Hood to the Amen Corner’ by Geneva Smitherman, $6.38 (pictured)

‘Talkin and Testifyin: The Language of Black America’ by Geneva Smitherman, $7.77 (pictured)

‘White Negroes: When Cornrows Were in Vogue … and Other Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation’ by Lauren Michele Jackson, $23.49

‘Mules and Men’ by Zora Neale Hurston, $15.99 (pictured)

‘The Black Book’ edited by Toni Morrison, $35

‘Bloodchild and Other Stories’ by Octavia Butler, $14

‘Rebel’ by Beverly Jenkins, $7.99

‘B. Smith: Rituals & Celebrations’ by B. Smith, $35 (pictured)

Rayo & Honey ‘Eat Words, Drink Stars’ Pin, $12 (pictured)

Rayo & Honey ‘Read More, Writer Better’ Banner, $50 (pictured)

Rayo & Honey ‘Books Change Your Mind’ Banner, $55

Rayo & Honey ‘Hundreds of Books Under My Skin’ Bookmark, $8 (pictured)

For the Kids:

Yinibini Baby ‘Trunk of Hearts’ Elephant One-Piece, $29.50

Yinibini Baby ‘My Neighborhood in DC’ Tee, $26.00 (pictured)

Jade & Fox Co. Fantasy Body Lotion for Babies, $16

Duchess365 Framed Art Print [Ladybug], $57.99

Duchess365 Throw Pillow [Lollipop], $29.99 (pictured)

Duchess365 Framed Art Pillow, $47.99 (pictured)

Herbaceutikals Talc Free Baby Organic Baby Powder, $14.25 (pictured)

‘Party, A Mystery’ by Jamaica Kincaid, $17.95 (pictured)

‘The Last Last-Day-of-Summer’ by Lamar Giles, $8.49

‘Puppy Truck’ by Brian Pinkney, $11.38 (pictured)

‘Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten)’ by Laura Veirs, $17.99

‘Little Melba and Her Big Trombone’ by Katheryn Russell-Brown, $18.95 (pictured)

Vee + Co. Apothecary ‘Mamatoto’ Aromatherapy Roller, $12

KaAn’s Designs ‘Living The Dream’ Denim Jacket, $40 (pictured)

Sir & Madame ‘Sir’ Kids Pullover, $55

Amina Abdul Jillil Kids Velvet Sneaker, $89 (pictured)

For the Masculine:

Gregory Sylvia ‘Durham’ Watch, $78 (pictured)

Gregory Sylvia ‘Grayson’ Watch, $95

Gregory Sylvia ‘Fullerton’ Watch, $95.00

A Life Well Dressed ‘Create’ Sweater, $34

A Life Well Dressed ‘District of Champions’ Sweater, $48

Sir & Madame Scratch Goods Beard Oil, $24 (pictured)

Sir & Madame ‘Sir’ Shirt (Blue), $40 (pictured)

Sir & Madame ‘Sir Shirt (Orange), $40

Sir & Madame Classic Logo Beanie (Gray), $40

Sir & Madame Classic Logo Beanie (Orange), $40 (pictured)

Sir & Madame ‘Sir’ Long Sleeve Black Shirt, $55

Sir & Madame ‘Sir’ Lapel Pin, $10

Instant Vintage - Pink and Blue Plaid Pants, $50 (pictured)

Instant Vintage - Camel Leather Blazer, $90

Instant Vintage - Tan Trench Coat, $60

Enbois ‘The Weekend’ Bag, $60 (pictured)

Enbois ‘Cocoa Collection’ Bracelets, $50 (pictured)

Enbois ‘Garvey’ Watch (Black), $70 (pictured)

Vee + Co. Beard Mist, $12

Vee + Co. Beard Oil, $20

Vee + Co. Beard Wash Shampoo + Conditioner, $18

Mr. Blackmans Bergamot & Spice Beard Balm, $11.99

Scotch Porter Nourish & Repair Hair Conditioner, $24.99

Scotch Porter Hydrating Hair Wash, $24.99

Scotch Porter Charcoal & Licorice Moisture Defend Face Lotion, $19.99

Levi Fisher Balm Diggity Softening Beard Butter, $12.99

Levi Fisher Smooth Operator Detangling & Conditioning Beard Serum, $9.99

Levi Fisher Go Tea Herbal Grooming Spray for Short Hair and Beards, $9.99

Sole Rebels ‘exodus Traveller ‘Shoes, $100

Sole Rebels ‘stepUP Ed. 2′ Shoes, $95 (pictured)

Sole Rebels ‘the SURGE any’ Shoes, $90

For The Technologically Savvy:

Enbois Case iPhone 7/7plus/8/8plus/iPhone X/iPhone XS/iPhone XR, $12 (pictured)

Enbois Walnut Case iPhone 6/7/8, $8

Enbois Rosewood Case iPhone 6/7/8, $8

Enbois Power Bank, $15 (pictured)

Enbois Grip Socket, $3 (pictured)

Embrii Shop Iridescent Macbook Case, $49

Embrii Shop Matte Gold Messenger Laptop Sleeve, $39

Embrii Shop Champagne Gold Glitter Macbook Case, $49

Embrii Shop Emerald Tartan MacBook Case, $49

Chic Geeks Black Faux Crocodile MacBook Case, $78

Chic Geeks Emerald Faux Crocodile MacBook Case, $78

Chic Geeks Grey Marble MacBook Case, $68 (pictured)

Chic Geeks Rose Gold Keyboard Cover, $12 (pictured)

Chic Geeks Space Gray Ombre Keyboard Cover, $12

Chic Geeks Emerald Faux Crocodile iPad Case, $78 (pictured)

Chic Geeks Unicorn Sparkle iPad Case, $68 (pictured)

Chic Geeks Emerald Glitter MacBook Case, $58

Chic Geeks Black Marble MacBook Case, $68

Chic Geeks Gray Marble iPad Case, $58

Puku G8 Earphones, $29 (pictured)

Khristian A. Howell Fig Life Sleek and Chic Phone Case, $39.99 (pictured)

Khristian A. Howell Deuces Sleek and Chic Phone Case, $39.99

Khristian A. Howell Buffalo Plaid Sleek and Chic Phone Case, $39.99

Cards, Stationery and Gift Wrap:

Greentop Gifts Clarence Claus Candy Canes & Trees Gift Wrap, $7.50 (pictured)

Greentop Gifts Clarence Claus ‘HOHOHO’ Gift Wrap, $7.50 (pictured)

Greentop Gifts Clarence Claus Close Up Gift Wrap, $7.50 

Greentop Gifts Clarence Claus Gift Bag, $4.50

Sweet Potato Paper Red Plaid Gift Wrap, $9.95

Sweet Potato Paper Yellow Triangles Gift Wrap, $9.95

Sweet Potato Paper ‘Can Swim’ Gift Wrap, $9.95 (pictured)

Sweet Potato Paper ‘No Worries’ Notecards, $10.50

Sweet Potato Paper ‘Sunny Thanks’ Thank You Cards, $1.25 per card 

Sweet Potato Paper ‘Audio Thanks’ Thank You Cards, $1.25 per card (pictured)

Sweet Potato Paper Blotting Paper, $1.25 per sheet 

The DynaSmiles Stationery & Gifts Assorted Christmas Cards Bundle, $28

The DynaSmiles "Fro La La" 4x6 Sticker Sheet, $3.50 (pictured)

The DynaSmiles "Santa’s Beard" Christmas Collectible Mug, $20 (pictured)

Addie Rawr ‘A Room Full of Dolls’ Adult Coloring Book, $15

Addie Rawr Fall Dolls Stickers (Die Cut & Sticker Sheets), $6.50

Midnight Reflections Melanin Prima Ballerina Ceramic Ornaments, $15.99 (pictured)

Midnight Reflections Kwanzaa Wrapping Paper Kit, $15.99

Midnight Reflections Black Santa Gift Bag Kit, $18.99

Midnight Reflections Black Angel Wrapping Paper Kit, $8.99 (pictured)

Midnight Reflections Black Santa with Snow Flakes Wrapping Paper Kit, $8.99 

Khristian A. Howell Rosey Holiday Gift Wrap, $8.99

Khristian A. Howell Rosy Twinkle Gift Wrap, $8.99

Khristian A. Howell Ansley Park Gift Wrap, $8.99

Kashmir.VIII ‘Maya’ Notebook, $11 (pictured)

Kashmir.VIII ‘The Marathon Continues’ Sticker, $9-$20

[amusementindustries]

Save the OA

[vintagecongo]

Here are chapters from the book ‘Central Africans and Cultural Transformations in the American Diaspora’ Edited by Linda M. Heywood  the links are from my google drive let me know if don’t work

Introduction by Linda M. Heywood

PART ONE - CENTRAL AFRICA: SOCIETY, CULTURE, AND THE SLAVE TRADE

1 - Central Africa During the Era of the Slave Trade, c. 1490s–1850s by  Joseph C. Miller

2 - Religious and Ceremonial Life in the Kongo and Mbundu Areas, 1500–1700 by John K. Thornton

3 - Portuguese into African: The Eighteenth-Century Central African Background to Atlantic Creole Cultures by  Linda M. Heywood

PART TWO - CENTRAL AFRICANS IN BRAZIL 

4 - Central Africans in Central Brazil, 1780–1835 by Mary C. Karasch

5 - Who Is the King of Congo? A New Look at African and Afro-Brazilian Kings in Brazil by  Elizabeth W. Kiddy

6 - The Great Porpoise-Skull Strike: Central African Water Spirits and Slave Identity in Early-Nineteenth-Century Rio de Janeiro by  Robert W. Slenes

PART THREE - CENTRAL AFRICANS IN HAITI AND SPANISH AMERICA

7 - Twins, Simbi Spirits, and Lwas in Kongo and Haiti by Wyatt MacGaffey

8 - The Central African Presence in Spanish Maroon Communities by Jane Landers

9 - Central African Popular Christianity and the Making of Haitian Vodou Religion by Hein Vanhee

10 - Kongolese Catholic Influences on Haitian Popular Catholicism: A Sociohistorical Exploration by Terry Rey

PART FOUR - CENTRAL AFRICANS IN NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

11 - “Walk in the Feenda”: West-Central Africans and the Forest in the South Carolina–Georgia Lowcountry by Ras Michael Brown

12 - Liberated Central Africans in Nineteenth-Century Guyana by Monica Schuler

13 - Combat and the Crossing of the Kalunga by T. J. Desch-Obi