How to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month respectfully This year marks the 54th year the U.S. has officially recognized and celebrated Hispanic heritage. President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the first Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, and 20 years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a 30-day event. Since then, Americans have been celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, and acknowledging the stories, histories and cultures of Hispanic and Latinx individuals, as well as the contributions they have made, not only to America, but to the world. Political powerhouses like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor; …

An insight into the modern practices of witchcraft and how they’ve become a trend Let’s talk witches. Yup, it’s that time of the year where we all feel a little magical, and I, for one, am loving this modern witchcraft trend I keep coming across. Yes, before you ask, I was a huge fan of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Buffy the Vampire Slayer growing up. This does have a lot to do with my interest, no doubt. But what I’m finding so interesting is these real-life witches taking time to explain what really goes on when practicing witchcraft, not …

 A deep dive into the rules and regulations of service animals, what is really allowed? An estimated 500,000 service dogs are aiding those with disabilities in the United States, but do we really know everything we can about service animals? According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as “a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.” This means a dog must be trained to take certain actions when assistance is needed by the owner. This could be a service dog alerting their owner …

A profile on professional artist Mobarick Abdullah III As a young boy, Mobarick Abdullah III got a set of crayons from his mother. He was so excited, he used them to draw all over her white walls. “I didn’t get in trouble for it, so I knew at that point I probably had a journey in the art world,” said Abdullah. Abdullah, a professional artist, has been showcasing his art work since high school, where he would use music events at school held as a way of advertising his artwork. He has always been into color and expression, using them …

In January 2020, an estimated 27,487 people in Florida were homeless on any given day, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As Jacksonville residents, we often come across individuals experiencing homelessness, especially Downtown, but what do we actually know about them and how did they get there? Living at the beach and working downtown, I am quite used to running into makeshift beds on sidewalks and seeing people with their entire life shoved into a backpack. We exchange a quick “hi” or maybe I offer a small smile, and I am off to the next …

You can watch the interview here When Robby Takac was a kid, he would watch a sitcom that opened with a shot of the Tyler Davidson Fountain in Cincinnati, Ohio. He thought it was cool the way the water comes out of the statue’s hands and now, years later, he stares out at it from his hotel room as he prepares for a concert in front of thousands of fans as he tells me about their recent journey with their upcoming album Chaos In Bloom. Takac, a founding member of the rock band Goo Goo Dolls, formed the band with …

What began as a fun hobby for Vanessa Nicolle in 2020 has turned into a brick-and-mortar dream come true for book lovers who are passionate about diversity and inclusion. Nicolle started Femme Fire Books as a way to “celebrate diversity and encourage reading for all.” You may wonder, what’s so different about this bookstore? Nicolle’s shop is stocked with books written by women and people of color who have been marginalized in the publishing industry in the past. Femme Fire Books is a way to raise the voices of those who have felt silenced. “Representation matters, and I felt as …

Illustration by Drew Arnett According to data compiled by the Human Rights Campaign, over 650 pieces of “potentially LGBTQ-related legislation” have been introduced or are pending in 2022 with nearly 340 “anti-LGBTQ” pieces of legislation introduced this year, with more thought to come. 2022 has been in a constant state of panic. The ever-changing status on government decisions and consistent questioning of morals and ethics have not treated us kindly, especially women’s rights and LGBTQ rights. Florida, unfortunately for the large LGBTQ community here, has made some things difficult when navigating a life that our government is biased against. Of …

Grammy Award winner Tedeschi Trucks has produced renowned albums throughout the years. Applying a mix of blues and rock music, they take their music to a higher level, aiming to create a lasting experience with their listeners. Following the pandemic, the 12-piece band featuring Derek Trucks and wife Susan Tedeschi have announced the release of an album and film series they plan to release throughout 2022. The band’s four-part album and film series, I Am the Moon, is an ambitious feat for the band while also creating an intimate energy for listeners, as it follows The Story of Layla and …

Move over coffee houses, there is a new café in town. Kava, made from the ground root of a kava plant, has become a new favorite in Florida. So much so, there new kava bars and cafes opening up all over. These bars offer a pleasant place to gather with friends where you can release pent up anxiety and feel relaxed, and no, I’m not exaggerating. Kava is a Western Pacific drink featuring a robust and earthy flavor. It is said to produce a state of calm and reduce anxiety. Affecting parts of the central nervous system in the brain, …