LIVING: A HOUSE IS A HOME

Date posted: June 7, 2025

Build your castle without breaking the bank

Your home is your castle. It should be designed in such a way that it evokes tranquility and brings you peace. 

There are so many options for creating your “happy place,” and it doesn’t have to rely on expensive, showy things. Your home can be decorated based on personal comfort and what makes you smile. Sometimes it can be just a new piece of home décor that you can design around in order to give your home a fresh look. 

We recently discovered a furniture store — Ninush Furniture, Lighting and Accessories — with unique pieces that embody culture and creativity. It is located at 750 South Rampart Blvd. Suite 8 Las Vegas, and these photos demonstrate the impressive collection you’ll find there.

LIVING: PLANTING YOUR SEEDS

Date posted:

Your yard is ready to rock out

You can achieve bright freshness in your yard with a wonderful desert landscape. And there are economic benefits: in the name of water conservation, a colorful rock formation not only brings appeal but also promises savings on the water bill.

LIVING: Food for the Soul

Date posted:

Spicy Baked “Wild Caught” Salmon  

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 1 half piece of wild caught salmon 
• 1 lemon 
• 1 white onion 
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley 
• 1 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt 
• 1 teaspoon of pepper 
• 1 teaspoon of garlic 
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper 
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder 
• 1 teaspoon of paprika 
• 1 tablespoons of olive oil 
• 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper 
• ½ stick of butter 

Directions

Take the wild caught salmon and clean it in water. Place it in a large baking pan lined with tinfoil. It is optional to take the skin off the bottom of your salmon. Pour olive oil, squeeze lemon juice, and sprinkle seasoning all over the salmon. 

Slice white onion and lemon and place on salmon and sprinkle with parsley. It is optional to place butter slices along the salmon and squeeze a little more lemon juice over the fish. 

Fold tinfoil over the salmon, leaving just a little opening. Preheat the oven to 425 and bake or roast for 30-35 minutes. 

Ready to serve — enjoy!

YOU! HOLD THE KEY TO CHANGE | Practicing Openness in Conversations

Date posted:

BY DR. ELLEN BROWN

Black Americans are talking. Conversations are interactive, challenging and thought-provoking. This is a good thing as we face a turn in political etiquette. 

Through my interactions with random people, friends, family, colleagues, and media, the messages coming out of the White House and Congress bring forth more questions than understanding! How does this affect the direction and importance of Black voices? How can we know what the conversations are and their effects are on the Black communities and voters? 

Here are some options to consider. 

Accept it. The future is happening now! 

Whether we look at the future of our livelihood through jobs, where we stand (and sit) on politically influenced decisions of Congress, or the legality of eliminating long-standing, congressional-backed laws — change is here! 

To keep our focus, sanity, and optimism, we must remember this is not the first (nor the last) time that the power structure of this country has enacted changes that will not be favorable to all groups of people. We must each make choices about what we will allow. 

Make a difference. You do not have to wait until elections to express yourself: 

• Share your voice. Ask questions, Pay attention to both sides of the political agenda. Every story has two sides, (at least) so make sure you can specifically and accurately identify yours. 
  
• Know your legislative leaders. Decide to make your voice heard. If something is not sitting right with you, send them a message. Google your district representatives for state and national offices, and tell them what you think and feel. Visit their sites during your random searches. Knowing the current focus on topics of interest is very important. Often, we dismiss the opportunity because we believe it will not be important to those in power; however, if we do nothing, there is no pressure on them, and the conclusion is that we don’t care. Worse, it indicates that it does not matter. 
  
• Encourage your inner circle of friends, co-workers, church members, and family to openly express their minds about what is going on. We are entitled to our opinions and our expressions of them. 
  
• Contact your U.S. and State representatives. Find contact information for all of them at 270towin.com/elected-officials/nevada 

The stakes are high. The president and the national-level leadership seem to be in place and sync. That fact does not automatically lead to our voices having no power. We may not be able to change direction until the next election, but we can keep our voices heard loud and clear. 

You hold the key. Never give it up! 

I welcome your input, questions, and ideas for topics; feel free to send them to me at ebrown.nci@gmail.com

HEALTHIER YOU: Raising awareness of CMV

Date posted:

BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN

You might be asking: What is Cytomegalovirus (CMV)? The short answer is that it’s a common virus found in people of all ages. 

A healthy person’s immune system usually keeps the virus from causing illness, but some babies born with CMV can have health problems at birth or that develop later in life. In the United States, nearly 1 in 3 children is already infected with CMV by the age of 5. Over half of adults have been infected with CMV by age 40. Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life and can reactivate. A person can also be re-infected with a different strain of the virus. 

Babies born with CMV can have brain, liver, spleen, lung and growth problems. The most common long-term health problem in babies born with CMV infection is hearing loss. This may be detected soon after birth or may develop later in childhood. Anyone can get CMV. Some people are at higher risk for complications from CMV, such as those who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems. 

Healthcare providers can order tests to identify CMV infection in adults who have symptoms. However, blood is not the best fluid to test newborns with suspected CMV infection. 

Saliva or urine tests are preferred for newborns. These tests must be done within 2 to 3 weeks of birth to confirm if the baby has congenital CMV. 

Healthy people who are infected with CMV usually do not require medical treatment. However, there are medications, antivirals, that are available to treat CMV when needed. 

People with CMV can pass the virus through bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, blood, tears, semen, and breast milk. 

An infected person can spread CMV from direct contact with saliva or urine, especially from babies and young children. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact and from breast milk to nursing infants. Transplanted organs and blood transfusions can also pass the CMV infection. 

All women should have regular healthcare checkups, and it is especially important during pregnancy. Make your appointment today by calling Innovative Women’s Care at (702) 413-7740 or visit us at 851 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 165 in Las Vegas.

Legacy of Excellence Soirée Celebrates Las Vegas’ Black Medical Community

Date posted:

On April 26, the SNMA Chapter at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine hosted the 2nd Annual Legacy of Excellence Soirée, a powerful evening dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and connecting Black medical professionals and future leaders. With over 100 guests in attendance — including pre-medical students, medical students, residents, physicians, allies, deans, city council members, and community leaders — the event was a vibrant reflection of the excellence and unity within Las Vegas’ Black medical community. 

Held at the UNLV Medical Education Building, the soirée was more than a celebration — it was a catalyst for mentorship, collaboration, and representation. Attendees shared stories, built connections, and engaged in thoughtful conversation about advancing equity and support within healthcare. 

One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the SNMA Legacy of Excellence Scholarship, a new initiative created to break down financial barriers that disproportionately impact underrepresented students in medicine. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates strong leadership, a commitment to community service, and a passion for uplifting underserved populations. The inaugural fundraising effort sparked generosity across the room — and now continues online for those who couldn’t attend. 

The event was proudly supported by a group of incredible community sponsors:

Dr. Luther Adair | Adair Family Foundation; Dr. Candace Spann | Couture Dermatology & Plastic Surgery; Dr. Jade Norris | NSPIRE Primary Care; Shane Young | Young Law Group. 

This event also marked the launch of an online directory for Black medical professionals in the region. The directory serves as a growing network for those interested in mentorship, collaboration, and strengthening representation in medicine. Attendees were encouraged to view and join the platform as a step toward long-term connection. 

The Legacy of Excellence Soirée was brought to life by a passionate student-led planning board under the leadership of Jacquelyn Fields, founder and chair of the event. A current third-year medical student at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Fields created the soirée with the vision of building intentional spaces where Black excellence is not only seen, but celebrated, supported, and sustained. 

“We are the change we’ve been waiting for,” Fields said. “This event is about honoring our stories, creating space for one another, and building legacy.”

‘Discover the World’ at the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

Date posted:

Looking for fun and engaging ways to keep everyone learning this summer? The Library District’s Summer Challenge reading and activities program for kids, teens, and adults is being held through July 31, featuring great prizes from the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Smith Center, Freed’s Bakery, plus free Library District swag, and more). 

The theme for this year’s Summer Challenge invites participants to “Discover the World” through our local libraries. 

“As summer approaches, parents and caregivers are looking for fun, meaningful ways to keep kids engaged and learning,” said Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Executive Director Kelvin Watson. “Research shows that over those summer months, children and teens can lose important academic skills, which we call ‘summer slide.’ That’s why the Summer Challenge is our biggest event of the year, to motivate kids with great prizes and show them that learning can be fun.” 

According to Watson, the program is for all ages — even babies. “This year’s theme, ‘Discover the World,’ invites kids, teens, and adults to explore new ideas, cultures, and experiences through their local libraries,” Watson said, “and even babies and toddlers can participate. Parents can read to them, sing songs, explore nature, and talk about everyday activities like grocery shopping. The first five years of a child’s life are critical in early brain development. These simple moments to share together builds a lifelong love of learning.” 

Watson added that the program is just as engaging for adults. “Many adults are looking for their next beach read or a way to escape the heat with new hobbies,” he explained. “Summer Challenge offers activities for all ages, from reading anything they like, even comic books or poetry, to learning a new language, using a 3D printer, and creating music. Everything you read, do, or discover earns credits toward prizes from our amazing community partners. We are grateful for their support in promoting literacy across the Las Vegas Valley.” 

The 2025 Summer Challenge partners include: Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, NBA 2K Summer League, The Smith Center, Freed’s Bakery, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Panda Express, Cox, Three Square, Nevada Arts Council, Vegas PBS, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, and University of Nevada Extension. 

The Library District makes it easy to participate in Summer Challenge with suggested weekly line-ups of fascinating, free events, and activities. Visit any of the 25 branches and discover art galleries, live performances, craft and language classes, job skills training, hands-on technology experiences — the list of possibilities is endless! 

Visit TheLibraryDistrict.org/SummerChallenge for events and dates all summer long or stop by your nearest branch and talk to a friendly librarian. We are here to help! 

How Summer Challenge Works 

It’s simple. Participate in activities like storytimes, maker spaces, crafts & painting, hands-on technology like 3D printing, plus guest lectures, astrology, poetry writing, learning the guitar, and so much more! And read whatever you like: books, audiobooks, comic books, graphic novels, poetry, the daily news—anything you enjoy. 

Simply record your progress on the paper logs available to pick up at any library branch or visit TheLibraryDistrict.org/SummerChallenge and follow the link to Beanstack, where you can track your progress online. All participants qualify for prizes each time they complete a level, while supplies last. You can earn great prizes including Library District swag for completing each level.

Road to Reunification

Date posted:

By Wonswayla Mackey
Deputy Director of Clark County Family Services

June is recognized as National Reunification Month, as social service agencies raise awareness and celebrate the extraordinary work that goes into strengthening and helping families. Family Services celebrates families — and the advocates who help families stay together — by building on family strengths and actively engaging parents, youth and families as experts in their own lives. 

Reunification is the ideal goal for children in foster care. When children are separated from their families, the goal is to return the children to their birth family, when it is safe to do so. 

Reunification is a delicate yet rewarding process. It requires many individuals to come together and work towards the best interest of the child. Foster caregivers play an important role in reunification; they temporarily care for children during their family’s time of need, and model appropriate parenting skills, behaviors, and modes of positively interacting with children. 

In the words of a foster parent, “If you support birth parents and treat them with respect, it helps them and it lessens the trauma of the child when they go home.” 

Keeping birth parents in the loop and involving them in key decision making are building blocks to forming healthy relationships between foster parents and biological parents. These relationships provide continuity and a sense of safety for the child. 

Here are some tips for reunification from foster and biological families: 

1. Build connections from the start. 

2. Work with your caseworker. 

3. Keep an open mind and an open heart. 

4. Maintaining contact after reunification or other permanency 

5. Partnership Resources 

Reunification is a critical process for children in foster care. While it can be challenging and may take time, reunification is an achievable goal that can have positive long-term outcomes from both children and their families. It is important that biological families are supported through the process and be provided with the skills and resources to help their children thrive. 

Family Services commends the biological parents who put forth the effort to reunite with their children. It does not go unnoticed! We also want to send a special thank you to our relative and foster caregivers; you are truly making a difference in the lives of our children and families.

KNIGHT MOVES | Summer is here, not a moment too June

Date posted:

By Craig Knight

Summer is officially here! It’s already June, and 2025 is moving at a fast pace! 

Kicking off June is Black Music Month, created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to celebrate and honor the roots of Black music — which includes genres like spirituals, gospel, folk, blues, jazz, country, R&B, rock and roll, and hip-hop. African-American composers have also made huge contributions to traditional genres like opera, classical symphony, musical theater, and choral music. The African-American musical influences comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage. 

Thursday, June 19 is Juneteenth — a blend of two words: “June” and “nineteenth.” Juneteenth has been a federal holiday in the U.S. since 2021. Slavery in the United States traces back to the 16th century, when Spanish explorers brought African slaves with them to the New World. It lasted until the Emancipation Proclamation came into effect on January 1, 1863. On that date Texas was largely controlled by forces fighting for the Confederate States, which opposed the abolition of slavery. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived to take control of Texas and enforce the emancipation of slaves in the state. In Galveston, the newly freed slaves held large public celebrations, and so laid the base for future Juneteenth activities. 

A range of public, community and private events will be held to celebrate Juneteenth, often on a weekend close to June 19. These include: 

• Outdoor cookouts/barbecues
• Neighborhood or block parties 
• Community flag-raising ceremonies 
• Juneteenth displays in city halls, libraries, schools, and post offices 
• Essay or artwork competitions for young people 
• Presentations of community service awards 
• The distribution of Juneteenth buttons, t-shirts, mugs, and bags 

One particular celebration, the F.A.I.T.H. Freedom Festival, will be held exactly on June 19 at Craig Ranch Park. The brainchild of the Chaney Family and F.A.I.T.H. Wellness Services Incorporated, this festival is free and fun for the whole family. There will be cultural vendors and food trucks available to patronize, a kid zone, music by KCEP Power 88.1’s own DJ Benzo, and hosted by Sweet Lou! The entertainment will include local performances, and feature national recording artist Karyn White! Gates open at 4 p.m. ending, and the celebration will culminate with a Fireworks finale at 8:30 p.m. 

Sports are big in June: the WNBA Season is in full effect, with the Las Vegas Aces attempting to return to the WNBA Championship; and the NBA Finals will be held beginning June 5. Who do you have winning it all between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers? 

June is also a time for a number of awareness months, including: 

• Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month 
• Men’s Health Month 
• National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month 
• LGBTQ Pride Month 
• Caribbean American Heritage Month 
• Immigrant Heritage Month 

As we celebrate Black Music Month, Juneteenth, professional sports, and all of the awareness of June, let’s remember to do it responsibly! 

Until the next edition of Knight Moves, educate yourself and share the knowledge with others.God bless you!

Until the next edition of Knight Moves, educate yourself and share the knowledge with others! 

God bless you!

‘Hamilton’ Cast Members Join Mr. Billy for Hip-Hop Storytime

Date posted:

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District presented an extra-special Hip-Hop Storytime as cast members from touring Broadway musical “Hamilton” joined host Mr. Billy onstage at Whitney Library on May 23. Performers included Blaine Alden Krauss and Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama.

Whitney Library Branch Manager Billy Allen created Hip-Hop Storytime as a fun way to engage children in reading through movement and rhythm. Capitalizing on his “Mr. Billy” character from his popular @3KingsVision Instagram and YouTube channels, Allen emphasizes the importance of creating positive reading experience for children and their families.

“Mr. Billy” appears regularly in the Whitney Library, and library customers are very familiar with his passion for neighborhood outreach, engaging programming and exceptional customer service, which have made a profound impact on the community. Allen is a recipient of the City of Las Vegas Compassionate City Award and was recently named the James Partridge Outstanding African American Information Professional by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. He was also featured on Season 9 of the Netflix series “Queer Eye.”