I am a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), an essential worker on the front line. I prepare, assist and maintain the sterile field for and during surgical procedures. For 16 years, I have specialized in Labor and Delivery. I work the 1st shift.

A typical 12 hour day for me starts with me taking reports from the night shift and attending huddles with all nurses and doctors for daily scheduled procedures and deliveries. I prepare everything accordingly, taking into account the mind and the NEW life that I will help bring into the world during this pandemic.

Going through this has been soooo surreal, a nightmare if you will. This also includes the “Stay At Home” order. May I add, I love my career choice, but second thoughts do enter my mind from time to time.

Today, my 12 hours consisted of saying a “prayer for protection”, hoping there was enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), wiping down everything for myself, as well as six feet or more distance from my co-workers, and wearing layer upon layer of PPEs. It’s HOT AS HELL wearing all of this PPE, but I must guard myself from the patient. This is my typical day…my NEW NORMAL.

I must stay on “extreme high alert” because I have to treat everyone as if they are COVID positive.

The struggle is REAL!

NO ONE wants to DIE!

PEOPLE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY!

Ms. C
Labor & Delivery Medical Worker
Chicago, IL, USA

Michael Cox, a Chicago native, is an artist of the heart. Being surrounded by art most of his life, this self-trained artist took hold and harnessed his creative force. Although he studied at Clark-Atlanta University with a focus in radio/television broadcasting, it is in the artistic world where his presence dominates.

Through an intricate layering and blending of colors and mediums, Michael is able to create visually stimulating 3-dimensional works of art. The dynamic attention to detail in each art piece captures the essence of the human spirit. Michael believes that the eyes are the windows to one’s soul, and thru the eyes, true character is illuminated. This belief is reflected in the portraits of their creator.

Although Michael is best known for the creation of one-of-a-kind, hand-painted, works of wearable art; his unique 3-dimensional style is also captured on canvas. Michael’s work graces the walls of several private art collectors worldwide, and has been showcased in several art galleries in Chicago and Atlanta. Michael’s “ABSOLUTE BEST in wearable art” is available in several Chicago retail boutiques. BORN VAIN ART by Michael Cox has cultivated an underground following consisting of local and national celebrities, and those in a variety of industries including entertainment, sports, and fashion/ beauty.

Michael Cox is best known for the creation of one-of-a-kind, hand-painted works of wearable art. His unique 3-dimensional style is also captured on canvas and other mediums. Michael’s work graces the walls of several private art collectors worldwide, and has been showcased in several art galleries. Born Vain Art by Michael Cox has cultivated an underground following consisting of local, national and international celebrities and fashion/beauty stars (Oprah Winfrey, Verdine White, Fred Hammond, Eric Monte, Mike Epps, Gary Owen, Common, D’Wayne Wiggins, Bobby Brown, Steve Hurley) and athletes, including the late Ernie Banks.

Through many layers of love, paint, and deep seated fury in the innermost core of my spirit left there to manifest, over and over in a different form each time. But, each time you are overwhelmed with being…#BORNVAIN

GO BANG! Magazine:  How did you get started in artwork?

Michael Cox:  As a child, I was always interested in art, and that interest was deepened by watching my father’s talent as an artist. Throughout my teen years, I watched and attempted to emulate such artists as Ernie Barnes and Kevin Williams.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What type of art do you create?

Michael Cox:  I create a style of artwork known as BORN VAIN. A 3-dimensional abstract montage of color and layers.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What makes your artwork stand out from other artwork?

Michael Cox:  To me, it’s the texture and the 3D appearance that make my artwork different from others. My customers say it’s the incredible likeness to their image.

GO BANG! Magazine:  How did you come up with the idea of placing artwork on T-shirts?

Michael Cox:  The concept of wearable art has been around for a while, however, I loved the idea as not only an affordable way for people to have my artwork who wouldn’t normally buy canvas work, but also a great promotion tool…a walking art gallery.

GO BANG! Magazine:  Besides artwork, do you have any other hidden talents?

Michael Cox:  Basically, I am BORN VAIN!

GO BANG! Magazine:  You’ve designed artwork for several celebrities.  Are there any celebrities that you would like to create artwork for, that you haven’t?

Michael Cox:  Everyone is a celebrity when you have on a BORN VAIN!

GO BANG! Magazine:  Are you active in any type of community services events?

Michael Cox:  Yes, I have lectured on college campuses to inspire young Black creatives.

GO BANG! Magazine:  In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off-guard.  How are you dealing with it?

Michael Cox:  Social distancing is definitely key, as well as boosting my immune system with healthy eating and exercise.

 

YOU CAN FOLLOW MICHAEL:

FaceBook @BORNVAINART

Instagram @mrbornvain

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.comNDigo.comChicagoDefender.comEmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine.  Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

 

 

A native of Chicago’s very own Englewood neighborhood, James Lett III, actor/producer has appeared in 14 independent movies, film and web series combined. You may have seen him in “Magic the Movie”, directed by Billy Ray Valentine, In “To Kill a Rapper” and “Disconnected”, James’ ability to transform and tap in to his character is amazing. He has been recognized by the A Taste of Theater Festival as one of Chicago’s fastest rising talents.  


GO BANG! Magazine: How long have you been acting?

James Lett III: Well, actually four years and a couple months. It seems like yesterday.

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved in acting?

James Lett III: Well, George Byron invited me out to a table reading my first time, for a movie still in the works called “Prayer.” I was selected to be the Alderman Elect over the City of Chicago. I met Director MeMe Wallace there. She called me a while later and was like, “Can you be a preacher in my play “FOREVER?” I’m like “Yup, I can pull this off.”
Her play was in the “A Taste of Theater Festival”, where I actually met you. Mr. Pierre is a fast moving, fast calculating kind of guy that I shadowed for a whole week. I also met Victor Gulley, Kay Abraham, Jerome Benton, Renako Jahi, Harold Dennis, and a bunch of up and coming stars. “A Taste of Theater” made me!

GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved with the movie “Magic?”

James Lett III: Man…Magic…Billy Ray Valentine…25 years or more. He’s one of my brothers’ best friends. He was talking about filming “Magic.” I told him when he was ready, to give me a call. He did. He wanted me to play my brother. NOPE. This is not gonna happen. I told Billy Ray, I will call you back. I called up my brother, got the green light, and showed up at his (Billy) house with over 40 of Chicago’s actors and background actors. We were smack dab in his front room. He look like “James, what are you doing?” I’m like, “Your movie.” LOL

GO BANG! Magazine: What about “Magic” attracted you to want to be a part of it?

James Lett III: I know most of the people portrayed. I cast the movie. Most, if not all of the actors picked had attributes or looked almost close to their actual character. My wife was Script Supervisor and acted in it. We became Craft Services, bbq’n on set. I knew this was a hit.

GO BANG! Magazine: How would you describe your character in the film?

James Lett III: I’m portraying my brother. He was involved, got out in the nick of time, and moved on. It’s crazy playing your real life brother.

GO BANG! Magazine: As an actor, what type of roles are you currently interested in?

James Lett III: Anything that will push the envelope and also, top my last performance.

GO BANG! Magazine: Who inspires or motivates you?

James Lett III: My Dad. He came from nothing and made something. He instilled in me solid principles and a steady work ethic. Salute my Dad!

GO BANG! Magazine: You are also an entrepreneur? Tell is more about your business.

James Lett III: Yes… Lett Promotions is a “branding” company. My company specializes in making your brand STAND OUT. We are the best in Movie Promoting, but we promote all entertainment, from shows to concerts.

GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?

James Lett III: I’m pretty much staying out the way. Praying, thinking smart and moving safely. This too shall blow over.

Be on the lookout for another Billy Ray Valentine’s film “Lil Ceaser” where he brings the character Doc M.F. Mays to life.

YOU CAN FOLLOW JAMES ON Facebook @James Lett III
To date, “Magic” has been viewed over 1,400,000 times. You can watch “Magic” on Prime Video using the link::
https://watch.amazon.com/detail?asin=B085JS64T8&territory=US&ref_=share_ios_movie&r=web



Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Join GO BANG! Magazine in wishing our magazine founder and Senior Editor Pierre Andre’ Evans, a Happy Belated 53rd birthday!!! HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR DAY!!! 

(4/19/67) (Aries/Taurus)



Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

Choreographer, producer, impersonator, and author, ERIKA JARVIS studied dance under the direction of Deidre M. Dawson, Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Company and The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising from International Academy of Design and Technology.  

As Artistic Director of Creative Soul Entertainment and Unleash Your Inhibitions, Erika and her company has appeared on television shows, music videos and radio.  In addition to performing, Erika is the 2018-2019 recipient of the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARD as “Outstanding Achievement in Film – Best Actress for David Weathersby’s documentary, Thee Debauchery Ball.  Her self-published book, “Unleashed, Seductive Poetry”, is available on Amazon.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What inspires you?

Erika Jarvis:  I’m inspired by love, music, children and experiences. Actually, there isn’t one particular thing that inspires me. Waking up inspires me to inhale and embrace every breath taken and exhale my God-given talent.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What is erotic poetry?

Erika Jarvis:  Erotic poetry is a form of creative expression where written or spoken prose marries sensual phrases. The product is a sexy and seductive piece of art that’ll make any sapiosexual salivate. At least that’s what happens to me. 😉

GO BANG! Magazine:  How would you describe your style of poetry?

Erika Jarvis:  I believe it’s sensual and whimsical. I’m a romantic.

GO BANG! Magazine:  In addition to doing poetry, you’re also a choreographer, educator, writer, producer and model. How do you do it all?

Erika Jarvis:  With faith, perseverance and patience. It stems from a supportive family and an amazing circle of friends. I would not have done all of these exciting things alone without the people in my life.  Never take anything and anyone for granted.

GO BANG! Magazine:  You are also the Artistic Director of Creative Soul Entertainment.  Please describe the company, your role and what the company does.

Erika Jarvis:  A multi-talented company that showcases various artists through movement, music and fashion.

GO BANG! Magazine:  I see that you actively give back to the community. Please describe your community involvement, and why it’s important to you.

Erika Jarvis:  Being a woman, a woman of color, a Black Woman, who happens to be an artist, I have a responsibility to my community.  I don’t speak much on what I do. I find joy and helping others without social media or public announcements. To answer your question, I contribute my efforts to women and children. I’m committed to them.  I was a teen mom who struggled between classes, job and raising a child before graduating high school. The organizations who helped me like Catholic Charities, taught me to give back.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What words of advice can you offer an aspiring artist?

Erika Jarvis:  Be honest.  Be intentional.  Work hard.  Don’t worry what others think, it’s none of your business.

GO BANG! Magazine:  Are you currently doing any poetry gigs?

Erika Jarvis:  During this time of worldwide pandemic, all of my events are on hold.

GO BANG! Magazine:  What does the future hold for you?

Erika Jarvis:  More blessings and lessons. After all, I’m a work-in-progress.

You can follow Erika on ALL social media formats!

 

Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.comNDigo.comChicagoDefender.comEmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine.  Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.

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mus·ing /ˈmyo͞oziNG/ (plural noun): musings: A period of reflection or thought.

Right now, I am listening to the sounds of sirens. They go off so often because I live just a few blocks from a fire station. All day I hear them, and I feel fleeting hope when there is silence for a stretch of time. Some nights there are no sirens and I think maybe that is a good sign, maybe less people are sick, less people are dying, less people need help. The news then reminds me that we have not even peaked yet and I feel the dread that many of us are experiencing right now.

I am sure I am not the only one for whom reactions to this pandemic fit the well-known Kubler-Ross and Kessler stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Many of us have already run through the entire spectrum and some of us are stuck in one phase or another. All of which feels appropriate for what is happening.

I think we were all in denial as we traveled and danced in just a short while ago while the virus was silently wreaking havoc in the bodies of thousands. Anger that our government chose to ignore the warnings. We bargain with the God to let the scourge will pass our doors, we sink into depression when it hits home and for so many, we accept that this will be with us for a while.

Unfortunately, we do not have a lot of great tools to deal with all of this, but we do have some. What gives me hope and sometimes even joy is knowing that I can make better use of the a few tools that are free solutions to life’s greatest challenges. These are mine:

1) Practice silence. There is no greater gift to all of us than our ability to calm ourselves by looking within. By taking a few minutes throughout the day (I do it at the start of mine) to just be still is the ultimate reset. If we want to hear God’s voice, we need to stop doing and start being. If it is hard to just be still, start by listening to sounds inside first and outside. Start with your breath, your heart, your room, your home, the birds outside your window, the wind, the passing plane, the universe. Yes – listening to everything will eventually result in silence and that is where your spirit will rest and be replenished.

2) Practice gratitude. It is almost impossible to hold anger, uncertainty, or fear in your heart when you are being grateful. Try it. Gratitude is salve for the soul. The power in saying thank you (whether to your higher power, your parents, your family or friends) is a way to affirm and increase the bounty of blessings that we have and that we will receive.

3) Practice connection. Right now our inclination may be to withdraw to protect ourselves and our families. Wearing masks, social distancing and sheltering in place certainly reinforce that instinct but these barriers should not serve to disconnect us from each other. And it is the recognition of our connection that lifts our mood and normalizes this very abnormal situation. It is okay to wave to your neighbors who are sitting on their front porch. Go ahead and join that Zoom group that you think will be silly. When greeting people out in the world smile. Your smile will shine through your mask and others will feel the warmth of your spirit.

4) Practice forgiveness. What a great time to just let everyone off the hook. Forgive that money you never got back. Forgive any insults or slights. Forgive everyone. Forgiveness is a gift for you that allows the release of mental and emotional chains never meant to serve you in the first place.

5) Practice creativity. Everyone is blessed with a generative instinct, meaning we are meant to create more than we are meant to consume. Unfortunately, our smart phones, televisions, computers are made for 24/7 consumption and can trick us into believing we are inadequate and untalented. The truth is we are just the opposite. Taking the time to cultivate our creative juices forces us all to be present in life and to bring new expressions into existence. So cook, draw, garden, write, sing, play, produce.

6) Practice love. Say “I love you” to everyone who has touched your life. Say it to the people whose lives you want to touch. Say it to yourself and know you deserve it.

We are in this situation for a while and if we can practice wellness by using these tools we will not only survive, we can be the generation that produces a new era of enlightenment. One that will be filled with people that are generous, loving, kind and forgiving.

I am still hearing sirens but I am also hearing the birds singing every day. I think we can learn a lesson from them. Keep moving, keep producing and keep signing. We will all be okay.

DJ Lori Branch
Chicago, IL, USA

“In the month of January, 2020, I began to hear about the Coronavirus. I thought it was just another new strain pf a virus similar to the flu. Then the people of China began to get very sick and dying from the virus, which began in Wuhan, China. Why should I be stressed? Next, it was awarded its own personal acronym (Covid-19.)

Now, I’m beginning to pay more attention to the news. The virus was spreading throughout the entire country of China. Next, it began spreading to Italy, Spain and eventually reaching the United States.

The Covid-19 had become a deadly virus and I am a senior citizen…reason to be concerned. There was a new term created for people to allow at least six feet between each other when in public called “social distancing.” Fear began to grow inside of me.
I thought about going outside to shop for food, doctor appointments, and visiting friends or relatives. But, instead of experiences the feeling of separation, it brought the world together. People realized that this method was the only way to get control of Covid-19. So far, this confinement has been a revelation for our society.

Since this order of ”shelter in place,” also known as “stay at home,” has been implemented, people are exhibiting more thoughtfulness and kindness. Instead of wondering how I will be getting to my doctor appointment and shopping, my three doctors are visiting me by phone and asking if I need food or someone to go shopping for me. Never before have I seen such genuine kindness before. College students are volunteering to go shopping for seniors and the disabled. There are many food bank donations, plus rent and utility extensions, just to name a few contributions. My belief has been restored that unity and kindness can and will always exist within our society.

Helen LaNoyette Evans
A Concerned Citizen
Merrillville, IN, USA

My Name is Sandra and I’m an RN. My experience working has been quite challenging, when dealing with the Coronavirus Pandemic. As a hospice nurse, our practice is not limited to just hospitals. We see patients in hospitals, nursing homes and in their home. Hospice nurses provide “End of Life Care” to patients in all settings.

So far, my experience has been extremely challenging. I have been exposed twice, with two different patients, in their homes. Well, actually one patient, and the other person was a family member of a patient I cared for.

Working with home patients during the pandemic I am finding to be extremely challenging, due to the fact that when families have a loved one not doing well, they call and we visit. Upon screening the patient and family members, I find most of the times family members will say the patient, themselves or any household members are not exhibiting symptoms, only to find out upon arrival that there’s a family member or two who are exhibiting symptoms.

We ask screening questions to protect ourselves and to minimize the spread of the Coronavirus. However, when family members are in a crisis, the only thing they are concerned about is getting their loved ones needs met.

In the beginning, this was an extreme challenge for me due to the fact I didn’t feel family members were being honest. After experiencing this a couple of times, I took it upon myself to just assume that everyone was positive or exhibiting symptoms and used the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE.)

I feel extremely helpless seeing a patient and their family go through dying, particularly from COVID-19. Many of our patients have a life expectancy of SIX months or less. However, since the pandemic, I am seeing higher incidences of deaths happen a lot quicker than I normally would see them.

Many of them are stable when they come on to our service. However, I am seeing more and more patients come on to service and within a week or so, they pass away. I feel terrible for the families, due to the fact that they will not be able to properly funeralize their loved one, or because the funeral will have to be limited to only 10 people, which can be stressful for a family. I would also like to add, that I am seeing more and more families choose cremation over the traditional burial services.

When our patients go into the hospital due to COVID-19; we are not allowed to visit those patients in the hospitals due to the goal, which is to minimize exposure. Families are not able to visit patients either. So, after I visit a patient (nurse of the patient,) I’ll call the family and update them on a daily basis. This helps alleviate any worries they may have and provide additional support to them. My experience has been, families are extremely grateful for the telephone call and the caring support I provide. The hospital nurses are doing an excellent job with video calls for family members, especially when they know the patient is not doing too well.

My professional opinion on how people are protecting themselves; it gives me great comfort seeing more and more people wearing masks and gloves. I feel for the most part, people are taking this serious. It most certainly disheartens me when I see individuals not taking it seriously, especially people of color. As a race, we are at higher risk for contracting this virus, due to the many comorbidities people of color have. I have two diabetics in my home. It is my job to protect not only myself, but my loved ones as well.

The pandemic has certainly changed the entire healthcare profession, especially for nurses. Many of my colleagues have mentioned changing professions. However, once we reflect on why we became nurses, we do what nurses do…and that’s to continue to care for those in need.

STAY SAFE!


Sandra
Registered Nurse

Chicago, IL, USA