HEALTHIER YOU: What you need to know about cervical cancer
Date posted: January 23, 2026
BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on a disease that affects thousands of people each year, yet is often misunderstood. Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers, but it’s frequently confused with ovarian cancer. While both involve the reproductive system, they differ in location, causes, symptoms, treatment options, and survival rates. Knowing the facts about cervical cancer — and how it can be prevented or detected early — can make a life-saving difference.
Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the narrow lower part of the uterus that connects to the top of the vagina. In contrast, ovarian cancer usually starts in the ovaries or fallopian tubes, organs located on either side of the uterus. Cervical cancer tends to develop slowly, starting with abnormal changes in cervical cells that may become cancerous over time if not identified and treated early.
One of the challenges with cervical cancer is that early stages often show no obvious symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, warning signs can appear, making awareness essential. Common symptoms to watch for include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, particularly after sex, between periods, or after menopause. Heavy or irregular periods may also be a sign.
- Unusual vaginal discharge, which may contain blood.
- Pelvic pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Swelling in the legs.
- Changes in urination or bowel movements.
- Blood in the urine.
Early detection is the key to prevention and successful treatment. Women’s Innovative Care encourages anyone with concerns—or anyone due for a routine screening—to reach out. Schedule an appointment by calling (702) 413-7740 or visit 851 South Rampart Blvd, Suite 160, in Las Vegas. Taking action today could make all the difference tomorrow.
HISTORIC BLACK VEGAS: Myth Me in the New Year
Date posted:
BY CLAYTEE D. WHITE
It was a ritual when I was growing up: my father would walk into a neighbor’s house every New Year’s Day, bearing hopes of good fortune in their home for the next 365 days. Soon after, the man of the house Dad visited would arrive at our front door, bringing his own wishes for my family’s prosperity.
That was how the Black community in Bertie County, North Carolina lived out a mythical superstition: that a male visitor brings good luck with a drop-by on the first day of the year. We believed, needed, and wanted it — and it was serious business with a little bit of fun. I’m not sure how well it worked, since most of us lived in poverty and never experienced the promised wealth.
Those early morning visits were just the beginning. The food was always delicious because my mom (who embodied a sense of magic) was a great cook who made sure we ate black-eyed peas and greens later in the day — symbolizing the coins and dollar bills sure to pour into our lives for the next year.
There was never a lack trying to produce even a modicum of financial well being; we worked hard every day except Sundays, with just our labor — no real plans for creating ownership.
Poverty continues to nip at the heels of too many Black Americans, even as countless others have climbed their way out. That rise has never been easy. Decades of Jim Crow laws and systemic racism erected steep and unforgiving barriers, slowing progress and limiting opportunity. Yet still — like dust — we rise.
Our communities remain burdened by homelessness, substandard living conditions, and unequal access to quality education, often leading to limited job prospects. In the face of these realities, belief endures. We cling to rituals, dreams, and long shots — hoping for a lottery win or a breakthrough moment that changes everything. At times, hope fades and poor decisions follow, but the will to try again never disappears.
Through it all, we persist. We honor tradition by eating black-eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day, while also doing the work — planning, seeking training, building businesses, and striving for prosperity. As we enter 2026, let it be a year of financial abundance grounded in remembrance and responsibility. By honoring our history and committing to lift as we climb, we can make the path easier for those who follow.
KNIGHT MOVES | Everything is feeling new again
Date posted:
By Craig Knight
Happy New Year!
January has arrived — and with it comes fresh energy, first-quarter focus, and the unmistakable vibe of Capricorn season. As we step into 2026, the year’s opening month invites reflection, resolution, and celebration. It’s a natural pause point — an opportunity to reset intentions, prioritize well-being, and move forward with clarity and purpose.
The world ushers in the new year with fireworks, festivities, and renewed hope. It’s the ultimate symbol of fresh starts and future possibilities.
Then on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19) we will honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — a day rooted in service, justice, equality, and community uplift. Las Vegas will commemorate the occasion with the 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Downtown Las Vegas, alongside a full schedule of King Week activities, presented by the Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Committee and its community partners. This year’s parade theme — “Living the Dream: Justice in the Journey • Hope in the Hardship” — feels especially timely. For a complete list of events and details, visit: www.kingweeklasvegas.com
January also shines a light on critical causes that deserve attention and action:
● National Mentoring Month: celebrating the power of mentorship and its impact on shaping young lives
● Cervical Health Awareness Month: promoting prevention, screenings, and vaccination
● National Blood Donor Month: encouraging blood donations during a season when supplies often run low
● Poverty in America Awareness Month
● National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
And there are some special days to look out for:
● National Trivia Day (January 4): test your knowledge and embrace fun facts
● National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Day (January 11)
● National Popcorn Day (January 19): perfect excuse for a classic movie snack
● National Puzzle Day (January 29): a day for brain teasers, crosswords, and problem-solving fun
January is also a thrilling month for sports fans, with the NFL Playoffs and the College Football Playoff Championship heating up. A special congratulations to the UNLV Rebels football team on an impressive 10–3 season and their invitation to the Frisco Bowl vs. Ohio. Go Rebels!
As we celebrate the holidays, milestones, and sports seasons, let’s remember to engage responsibly and stay mindful of our communities.
Until the next edition of Knight Moves, continue to educate yourself — and share the knowledge with others. God Bless!
YOU! HAVE THE POWER | Happy New Year … or is it?
Date posted:
BY DR. ELLEN W. BROWN
We made it.
The questions of where we made it to, when we arrived, why we are here — and even why not — all rushed front and center the moment the bell rang, ushering in 2026 one second after midnight.
Whatever occupied our hearts and minds in that sacred hour, however we felt about the uncertainty of what comes next, one truth remains: when the Good Lord blesses us to see another year, we are called to be spiritually prepared and grounded for the challenges ahead.
The blessing is that we made it. The responsibility is what we do next.
As we move forward, we must carry our prayers, our celebrations, and yes—even our fears — about the unknown threats and inevitable changes that lie ahead. Preparation is not just spiritual; it is communal, intellectual, and intentional.
Before the bell rang, I reflected on several lists circulating across platforms and publications — lists of concerns shaping conversations for 2026. From those, I borrow ten critical topics that demand our attention: Economic Justice, Housing, Healthcare Access and Quality, Educational Equity, Public Safety, Voting Rights, Criminal Justice Reform, Gender Equity, Technology, AI, and Digital Equity Access, and Environmental Justice.
These are not abstract ideas. They are lived realities.
Which of these issues compels you most? What’s missing from this list? Your insights matter. Our lives are filled with opportunities for connection and understanding through meaningful conversation. Whether those discussions are serious and contemplative or casual and jovial — because sometimes we must laugh — what matters most is that we seek opportunities to engage deeply and thoughtfully.
Understanding leads to activation. Activation leads to change. And at the center of it all is power.
Everyone possesses power in one form or another. Power can be used to create good, to amplify harm, or to wrestle with the tension between the two. What makes power meaningful, however, is action.
Voting remains one of the most visible expressions of that power. A 2024 Tufts University report revealed encouraging trends among Black youth, showing increased civic engagement that extends beyond the ballot box. This shift may be tied to growing participation in churches, unions, and social organizations — with faith communities leading the way at 29 percent.
Our youth are not just the future; they are the present.
Here in Las Vegas, the Black community continues to step up and step out with a clear focus on empowering young people. Beyond the classroom, our churches, schools, youth organizations, sororities, fraternities, community-funded initiatives, and even neighborhood-based programs are creating pathways for growth, leadership, and purpose.
As we move deeper into 2026, the question is not whether challenges will come — they will. The question is whether we will meet them prepared, united, and ready to act.
The bell has rung. Now it’s time to move.
I welcome your input, questions, and ideas for topics; feel free to send them to ebrown.nci@gmail.com
BOOK IT
Date posted:
The Historic Westside turns a page with the new West Las Vegas Library opening its doors to the public
A long-anticipated dream has now become a reality, as hundreds gathered Dec. 9 to celebrate the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art West Las Vegas Library. Located at 1861 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., the two-story facility now stands as a modern landmark in the heart of Las Vegas’ Historic Westside.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked more than the opening of a building. For residents, it symbolized renewed investment, expanded opportunity, and a future rooted in learning, creativity, and connection. Designed as a vibrant community hub, the new West Las Vegas Library replaces its predecessor with a space that is more than double the size and exponentially broader in scope.
Spanning more than 41,000 square feet, the architectural gem brings robust children’s programming, literacy services, job-skills development, cultural celebration, and hands-on technology experiences under one roof. The modern facility reflects a commitment to empowering residents and bridging opportunity gaps through access to information and innovation.
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Executive Director Kelvin Watson joined state and local leaders to commemorate the momentous occasion. Among the speakers were Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley; Dr. Keith Rogers, chair of the Library District Board of Trustees; Las Vegas City Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong; Clark County Commissioner William McCurdy; former State Assemblyman Gene Collins; and Mel Green, principal of KME Architects. U.S. Congressman Steven Horsford addressed the crowd via video message, while community voices such as Dr. Claytee D. White and Cedric Crear underscored the library’s significance to the Historic Westside.
“This new West Las Vegas Library is a gem and truly a community hub,” Watson said during an exclusive interview with Las Vegas Black Image Magazine. “We broke ground in February 2024 on this $40 million, two-story facility, and opening it to the public represents a proud moment for the entire Library District.”
Watson credited architect Mel Green and KME Architects for bringing the vision of a 21st-century library to life. “They did a magnificent job,” he said.
Inside, the library offers far more than shelves of books — though the collection itself has grown significantly, with more than $1 million invested in new materials. Visitors will find DJ and podcast studios, multipurpose media rooms, a green room, and a new “Tween Space” designed for youth navigating the years between childhood and adolescence.
The facility also features an outdoor event plaza and terrace, multiple computer stations throughout both floors, and a first-of-its-kind business incubator for the Library District. Dedicated office spaces and a conference room are available for new and existing business owners, reinforcing the library’s role as an engine for economic opportunity.
Technology is woven deeply into every aspect of the library. Library cardholders can access GoPro cameras, the latest smartphones and tablets, 3D-printing equipment, and upcoming artificial intelligence projects that Watson says will be unveiled soon.
“The new library is wrapped around digital literacy education,” Watson explained. “We want the public to learn and not be fearful of new technology advancements.”
As for the former West Las Vegas Library site on Lake Mead Boulevard, Watson confirmed it will transition to the City of Las Vegas, continuing its role as a cultural and performance space tied to the Las Vegas Arts Center. The Library District will still utilize the Lake Mead facility several times a year, while the new MLK location will host flexible event programming suited to a multipurpose space.
Notably, the project faced few obstacles during development. “We were on budget, and the facility is great,” Watson said. The primary challenge — communicating the change to the community — became an opportunity to reintroduce residents to a library designed with their future in mind.
With Legacy Park located next door and discussions underway to improve pedestrian access, including a possible bridge along MLK Boulevard, the new West Las Vegas Library is positioned as a cornerstone of community life.
“There are only opportunities here,” Watson said.
And for the Historic Westside, the opening of this library signals a powerful new chapter — one built on access, innovation, and community pride.
New Year, New Us
Date posted:
Happy New Now!
As we step into 2026, we are proud to welcome you to a brand-new issue of Las Vegas Black Image. Since 2008, our mission has been rooted in telling our stories, uplifting our community, and celebrating excellence — and we thank you, our loyal readers and supporters, for continuing this journey with us.
This issue proudly celebrates the newly built West Las Vegas Library on Martin Luther King Boulevard, a stunning, state-of-the-art $40 million development in the heart of the Historic Westside. More than a new building, this library represents progress, access, and opportunity — a true community-centered resource. Congratulations to everyone whose vision and dedication helped bring this transformational project to life.
To further connect our readers with this remarkable space, we are pleased to include the West Las Vegas Library activity calendar for January through March 2026. We encourage you and your family to take full advantage of the educational, cultural, and technological resources available. You’ll also find photo highlights from the grand opening celebration. As an inspirational, educational, and technological hub, the West Las Vegas Library is nothing short of revolutionary.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our contributing writers whose insightful perspectives and exceptional talent enrich every page of this issue. A special salute goes once again to our Executive Publishing Team for their masterful editing and striking graphic design that makes Las Vegas Black Image a must-read.
This issue also explores “Living” — celebrating quality homes, food, and gardens — because living our best lives is a mandate for those who embrace Las Vegas Black Image.
Finally, don’t miss our highlight of the upcoming performance by the 350 The Rolle Project dance troupe at CSN’s Horn Theatre — an event sure to inspire.
Thank you to our advertisers for giving voice to our community and supporting the platform that supports us all.
Peace and continued blessings to all.
Rise,
Charles Tureaud & Kimberly Bailey Tureaud
Publishers
(702) 615-8216
cdalasvegas@gmail.com
LasVegasBlackImage.com
Seven Rangers, One Purpose
Date posted:
A new theatrical dance production brings movement, meaning, and mental health awareness to families in Las Vegas.
On a Sunday afternoon this January, the stage at CSN’s Horn Theatre will transform into a world where dance becomes a superpower — and self-belief is the ultimate hero.
305 Rangers, a family-friendly theatrical dance production presented by Studio 305 Dance and The Rolle Project, will arrive in Las Vegas on January 11 — blending high-energy choreography with storytelling rooted in emotional growth, resilience, and youth empowerment. Inspired by the excitement of classic Power Ranger–style heroes and reimagined for today’s generation, the production speaks directly to young audiences navigating school, identity, and confidence in an increasingly complex world.
When the curtain rises on 305 Rangers, audiences won’t just be watching a dance performance — they’ll be witnessing a call to confidence, community, and courage, powered by the next generation. Because this isn’t just a show — it’s a message in motion.
At the heart of 305 Rangers are seven dynamic Rangers, each representing a distinct inner strength: confidence, self-esteem, royal wisdom, leadership, resilience, courage, and belief in one’s ability to overcome obstacles. Through expressive movement and character-driven storytelling, the Rangers face challenges familiar to many young people — self-doubt, peer pressure, and fear of failure — while modeling positive decision-making and emotional awareness.
Creators of the production describe the show as a kind of “safety kit” for youth: a creative space where kids can see their struggles reflected, and their potential celebrated. Rather than preaching, 305 Rangers invites its audience to feel the message — through music, movement, and the power of collective storytelling.
Seven Rangers. Seven Powers. One Purpose: To remind young people that who they are matters, their voice is powerful, and their future is worth protecting.
As conversations around youth mental health, confidence-building, and arts education continue to grow nationwide, 305 Rangers positions dance as an accessible tool for healing and motivation. The production emphasizes that emotional strength is just as heroic as physical power — and that asking for help, staying engaged in school, and believing in oneself are victories worth celebrating.
Parents and educators will recognize familiar themes woven throughout the performance: perseverance through challenges, kindness toward others, and the importance of community support. For kids, the takeaway is simple but profound: you already have what you need inside you.
Featuring talented young performers from the Las Vegas community, 305 Rangers offers youth dancers the rare opportunity to perform in a professional theater setting while delivering a message that resonates beyond the stage. For many of the performers, the show is not only a creative milestone but also a personal one — an embodiment of the same confidence and leadership the story promotes.
By spotlighting local youth, Studio 305 Dance and The Rolle Project reinforce their commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people can grow artistically, emotionally, and academically.
Billions Of Reasons To Be Against Wealth Concentration
Date posted:
BY LOUIE OVERSTREET
The control of wealth in America is in the hands of slightly more than 900 billionaires and heads of 500 corporations. The combined wealth of the billionaires is $6.6 trillion and revenue generated by Fortune 500 companies is $20 trillion annually.
The total amount paid out in wages to the entire American workforce of 170.7 million people is $11.7 trillion.
Let’s talk about averages, before I list six harms caused by this concentration of wealth.
Let’s start with 6.6 trillion divided by 900, meaning the average billionaire is worth about $7.3 billion.
The annual average revenue for a Fortune 500 company is $40 billion. There are 170.7 million working stiffs generating $11.7 trillion annually, thus the average salary is $68,500.
1. Billionaires, whose revenues are largely derived from passive income and with the president ruling corporations are people who can contribute untold amounts to campaigns, this combined group of 1,400 basically controls the infected body politic.
2. A billionaire controls Bloomberg News, though its reporting is fairly balanced. However, Fox News paid out a huge sum for its false reporting and/or influencing public opinion in unhealthy ways.
3. The wealth gap in America is not sustainable if more Americans fall below the poverty line, which is now $32,150 for a family of four. Frankly speaking, with no money, chances are good the poor will remain poor, uneducated, and totally controlled by the wealthy few,
4. With the demonstrated ability to buy politicians, the super-rich are able to constantly raid the public till under the guise of a need to promote capitalism.
5. The concentration of wealth allows for the status quo to be maintained, such as making sure the Constitution remains unchanged regarding the Electoral College and term limits.
6. And the final harm I will list is the ability to cover up information from the public, such as the truth about the pandemic and the Epstein files.
If you ain’t a billionaire, at least now you know where the harm is coming from!
It’s OK
Date posted:
BY KIMBERLY BAILEY-TUREAUD
We’ve just welcomed 2026, and I couldn’t be more elated to have celebrated New Year’s Eve surrounded by my family — especially my mother, Anna Bailey, who was born in 1926. Yes, a hundred years of life, love, and resilience. As I reflect on her remarkable journey, I wonder how many times she faced challenges, persevered, and emerged stronger.
Some navigate life with protest, conflict, or even malice. I can’t help but wonder how long that approach sustains them, or if they, too, will have the chance to celebrate a century of life. Focusing on drama or bitterness may make time feel louder, but it does not bring peace.
For my mother, the landing space of a long life has always been wrapped in grace. She embodies optimism and trust that, no matter what comes, everything will be “OK.” Through faith, even in the quiet moments when mortality whispers, she finds light — and that light allows her to live each moment with peace.
As a child, I watched my mother work side by side with my father, the late Bob Bailey, to build not only a better life for our family but also a better world for those around them. Laughter, smiles, and love were the foundation boards upon which we all grew.
Each day brimmed with the excitement of possibility, and every gentle moment carried hope. In our quiet, shared conversations, I glimpsed the journeys she had walked and the lessons she had learned along the way.
Time, I’ve realized, is her companion. It embraces her like a warm bath — never rushed, never harsh, moving in harmony to offer comfort. She has always upheld the goodness of humanity, allowing others to be seen for who they are, both their strengths and flaws.
The steps she takes forward are measured and confident because she has already navigated the path. And the gift she gives me every day, through example and love, is simple yet profound: “It’s OK.”
In a world that often rushes and rages, her life is a testament to the power of grace, patience, and faith. Her century-long journey reminds me — and all of us — that peace is not the absence of struggle, but the ability to walk through it with love, courage, and the quiet certainty that, in the end, everything will be okay.
Bringing Smiles Through Art
Date posted: December 7, 2025
Joseph Watson is spreading joy with his gift for imagery
Widely recognized by his signature “JOEE,” Joseph Watson has been channeling creativity since his early days growing up in Gardena, California Art became his refuge and outlet for expression, shaped not only by exceptional mentors but also by the vivid backdrop of Los Angeles. The city’s rhythm — its excitement, danger, culture, and love — deeply influenced his artistic lens. An attentive observer of everyday life, Joseph creates work driven by story, transformation, and the subtle moments that make daily life extraordinary.
In 1998, he graduated with honors from the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, a milestone that reflected his dedication and artistic strength.
Life after college opened the doors to a dynamic and expansive career. Joseph’s talents have touched everything from concept design for major video game companies to toy creation at Mattel. He founded and operated his own gallery for 12 years, contributed philanthropic art to community causes, made television appearances, and produced original commissioned paintings—including pieces now featured inside the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium.
His creativity is also showcased in children’s literature. Watson is the illustrator behind the “Go, Go, Greta” and “Jo Jo Goose” book series, bringing playful characters and vibrant worlds to young readers. He continues to expand his artistic reach as a proud member of the powerhouse collective, the Art School Giants.
Whether through fine art, storytelling, or mentorship, Joseph Watson creates work that lingers — art that sparks joy, reflection, and connection long after the first encounter.
Explore More of Joseph Watson’s Work Official Website: josephwatsonart.com Children’s Book Site & Free Coloring Pages: gogogreta.com Art School Giants: artschoolgiants.com
