Editor’s Extra
BY NJEMILE ALI
Copyright 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
I met a host of talented artists and entrepreneurs at the Eutaw, Alabama Summer Festival a few weeks ago. There were culinary artists, food-growing artists, artists producing beautiful things and much more. They gathered at the town square for this annual event.
Two of those artists are sharing their art and their perspective in this “Art & Artist” issue of KIZA: Annette Jordan, master weaver of beautiful pine straw baskets and Dr. Monica Nicole Morton, author of an inspiring children’s book series that follows little Nicole on adventures that will surely take her to a bright future.
Ms. Jordon and Dr. Morton are sharing a bit about how they relate to their art and how their art relates to the world.
Eryka Parker
Novelist & Developmental Editor
KIZA “Writing Biz” Columnist
Joia Jefferson Nuri
Executive Leadership Coach & Writer
What do we mean when we say God or Goddess? Are we describing separate divine beings, different expressions of the same mystery, or something beyond human comprehension? Can we define God without limiting the divine? What is goodness? What is mercy? And how do we recognize either when we are suffering? My essay explores these questions through a life-threatening illness that challenged everything I thought I understood about God. Perhaps the greatest spiritual discovery is not finding definite answers, but staying on the journey of discovery.
Shontay Luna
Poet
Goddess in one of my favorite words, I say this after battling low self-esteem for many years before and during my marriage. In the fall of 2019, I started listening toaffirmations while going to bed. Immediately, I scoffed at the statements. But as time went on, I took the sentiments to heart. And learned that we are what we tell ourselves. Therefore, I am a Goddess. And so are you.
Chris Courtney Martin
Multimedia Artist & Author
“Divinity feels somewhat like a scam when you think about the losing battle free will was set up to be. You can use your free will to sow seeds. Others will use theirs to salt and burn the earth that nurtures your hard work. Are the odds not in favor of those who have chosen violence? The sowers can walk away, pulling punches. Concerned about what is and is not worth it to their mortal souls. And Divinity-- God, Goddess, God-x-- looks down upon this. Divinity, by definition, allowed for this-- if not entirely engineered it. Or whatever.”
Shaundale Rena
Author & Editor
KIZA “New Releases” Columnist
The phrase God & Goddess embodies the culture and creativity of African Descendants of Slavery, particularly those never enslaved. We collectively walk the path of grandiose and unmitigated audacity that comes from a sense of being. More than anything, this knowing shapes the cooperative peoples we have become and are becoming. Not one group, but a distinct sister- and brotherhood uniquely our own. This is the walk of kings and queens. We are the artistry. We are the Art & Artist alike.