Jazmin Johnson Covid Diary #3

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Covid Diary #3

A year later, the coronavirus has become the new normal now to society. Wearing masks in public places is now a routine rather than a reminder. I do not personally know anyone who has gotten coronavirus, but I read about the increasing numbers. Ohio alone has approximately one million coronavirus cases sparking 18,000 deaths. Politics have become centered around coronavirus and the pandemic. The year started with the departure of Donald Trump as the 45th President, and the inauguration of newly elected Joe Biden as President along with Kamala Harris as Vice President. The election sparked many controversial events, with the people not knowing what the future may hold depending on which President would be elected. Once Joe Biden was elected, Trump supporters stormed the United States Capitol with a violent and deadly riot against congress on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. The rioters were hoping to overturn the electoral votes, but a police officer was beaten, a rioter was shot, and three other people died during the riot. Once this event happened, many people were able to see how this was handled improperly versus a Black Lives Matter event or protest. 

Racial disparities still exist today when it comes to crimes and punishments. When it comes to President Joe Biden, he is disappointing Americans as we wait to see if he makes any real changes versus just saying things we would like to hear. I find that the new President and Vice President have made many contradictions to their beliefs and previous statements. I know there is a heavy presence with Joe Biden pushing to get the coronavirus vaccines distributed, along with testing to Americans. This has become a goal, but people are dying right after getting the vaccine which is scaring many Americans into not trusting these proposed vaccines. Many doctors, nurses, and even people in the military are refusing to get the vaccine. I have done my own additional research, and have taken a stance against the vaccine. I put my trust in what I know and have read, not whatever everyone is doing at the current moment. I encourage everyone to read further before getting tested and getting the vaccine itself. Do not just get the vaccine because it is the thing to do. Know the potential risks for your body.

The Spring Semester seems to be going by fast, and before we know it, summer will arrive. I have my routine down-packed and am now able to balance school life. My course load is not as much as in the fall, so it has given me time to focus on more things outside of school. Currently, I have been making a bucket list of things to achieve for this year. Most people make New Year’s Resolutions and don’t stick to them, so I don’t want to categorize it under that. My list is realistic and achievable, pushing myself to the fullest, so I can be like the greats. I have started to realize how much impact my voice alone can have and what opportunities can arise if I work hard. After finishing last semester, I was able to create myself a school action plan looking at what worked for me, and what didn’t. When I started the Spring Semester, I was able to be more effective in my coursework and scheduled classes. I continue to maintain my current commitments of being a writer for Tri-C’s newspaper, The Voice, a member of the Art Club, and President of the Westshore Drama Club. 

I also came across a terrific opportunity to be a writer for The Cleveland Magazine and had my first article titled United Black Fund Achieves Maximum Results published in February’s issue. I also participated in Cleveland Public Theater’s “The Dark Room”, and in February I did a live virtual script reading with other actors. My artwork has transpired into paintings and marked a new realm for me. My latest art that I am working on is a mural piece for Victims of Police Brutality such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. This piece was inspired for others to see through my eyes, the harsh realities of these victims, and their names will be remembered through art. All these outlets still allow my voice to be heard, even if it must be expressed through my artwork, writings, and being part of the change.

My current Covid-19 Playlist is ranging from current and past artists/songs that have been in rotation on Tidal. In this Covid Journal, I decided to include a Covid-19 Movie Playlist to check out as well. My son, Preston Rice, who is 8 years old, had the film he was in, Judas and The Black Messiah released in theaters on February 12th, and my fiancé was in the film Cherry that was just released on February 26th in theaters. As a family, even during the Pandemic we are making a footprint and building our legacy. What does your legacy transpire to be? I encourage everyone to continue to do additional reading and focus on who they are and transpire to be. Please be safe during the coronavirus pandemic and continue to stay great.

Jazzy’s COVID 19 Music playlist

  1. Snoh Aalegra- Whoa
  2. Teyana Taylor- Rose in Harlem
  3. Jhene Aiko- Never Call Me
  4. H.E.R- Every Kind of Way
  5. Ashanti- 2:35 (you)

Jazzy’s COVID 19 Movie List

  1. Judas and The Black Messiah https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9784798/ 
  2. American Skin https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10195452/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 
  3. The Hate You Give https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5580266/ 
  4. Crown Heights https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3268340/ 
  5. Detroit https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5390504/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 
  6. Cherry https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9130508/ 

Link to My Article in the Cleveland Magazine:

https://clevelandmagazine.com/cleader/business/articles/united-bl

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