The Evolution of AWM
September 18 marked the 2nd year anniversary of AWM. In light of current events, its important to reflect on AWM has been and where it is going.
American Wines Matter (AWM) is a platform offering a fresh perspective on Caribbean Carnival culture. Through comprehensive guides, tips, and personal experiences, AWM assists both new and seasoned masqueraders in planning and enhancing their Carnival journeys. The blog covers topics such as Carnival planning, wellness for participants, and financial strategies to support the Carnival lifestyle. AWM also emphasizes inclusivity and cultural appreciation, encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to participate in and enjoy the rich traditions of Caribbean Carnival.
AWM Spotlight: Shujaa Smith
Today we catch up with Shujaa (pronounced shoe-jah) Smith, the co-founder of RBG Carnival. Read about his journey and intersection of culture and cause.
Chadwick Boseman: A Clinical Reflection.
Black people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) at an earlier age with a later presentation of symptoms, higher overall mortality rate and a worse overall 5-year survival rate than Whites (American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 2018). And yet, when I look around I see very few initiatives to...
Carnival and Healing Trauma.
I honestly think that I can count on one hand how many black women I know that have NOT been a victim of child or adult sexual abuse/assault. This entry is a recount of my experiences with child sexual abuse and how Carnival has worked on healing fragmented pieces...
AWM Spotlight: Erica Dixon
Today we will catch up with Erica Dixon, the founder of Unity Mas Band. Read all about how she came to love Carnival and started her own mas band.
Enjoy the Culture Responsibly.
Looking back at an experience that made me realize that I was not consuming the carnival culture responsibly, and what I did to change it.
Let’s Talk About Plastic Surgery.
In this blog, I discuss my experiences with plastic surgery (PS) and the serious life lessons learned along the way. I really dislike public figures that display their bodies but don’t want to admit they got work done. Honestly, I feel like if you’re in the eye of...
A professional. A masquerader.
September 19th will mark my 18th year of military service. This is a reflection of my experiences with body shaming, self-discovery in mas, and how I began to be comfortable about my life as a professional and a masquerader.
Honoring your Carnival Body at any Size.
Taking a moment to reflect on my struggles with weight and how I came to accept my carnival body at any size.
Fear of the Photo Shoot.
A brief discussion about overcoming the fear of my very first photo shoot in the wake of the COVID19 era.
Attitudes that contribute to the dilution of the Caribbean carnival culture
While I don't believe any masquerader intentionally does this, let's take a look at some attitudes/perceptions that people may have that contribute to the misappropriation of Caribbean carnival.