Soul food survivor: The transformation of Trazana Staples

Grist is proud to present the Change Gang — profiles of people who are leading change on the ground toward a more sustainable society and a greener planet. Some we’ve written about before; some are new to our pages. Some you’ll have heard of; most you probably won’t. Know someone we should add to the Change Gang? Tell us why.

 

In her backyard in Nashville, Tenn., Trazana Staples is growing turnip greens, mustard, kale, and two kinds of garlic (white and Siberian). “That’s the winter garden,” she says, with a tone of pleased satisfaction.

Her vegetable patch isn’t just a good source of produce. For Staples, it’s a daily reminder that profound personal change is possible.

Ten years ago, says Staples, her idea of “eating healthy” was to choose the chicken sandwich instead of the burger at McDonald’s. And it wasn’t working. Only 5 feet 4 inches, Staples weighed 325 pounds and suffered from a host of fitness-related medical problems. Before she turned 40, she’d already had her gallbladder removed and had a hysterectomy. Her doctor was warning her “that I had to decide whether I was going to live or die.”

She began trying to stick to a diet, but after losing weight, she’d quickly gain it back. “I was like a yo-yo,” she recalls, ruefully.

Then, one day in 2007, she went to a local theater that specialized in independent films and saw Food, Inc., the documentary on the dark side of the industrial food system.

“That movie totally changed my everything,” remembers Staples. “I saw how healthy food is connected to the environment — there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. And from that point on, I got involved.”

“I started learning how to blend and prepare my food. I began eating a lot of raw foods, fruits and vegetables, healthy food, tasty food. One of the challenges is to maintain our culture in natural foods, and I found that I can do that. I can keep my greens, and prepare them in a healthy way and they still taste good, and I can prepare my cornbread without the eggs, without the butter, and without the milk, and still have my soul food meal.”

Staples not only managed to change her eating habits once and for all (she has lost 120 pounds, and counting); she also remade herself into a crusader for healthy, sustainable food in her own community. She founded Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center to spread the new gospel and joined a half-dozen local progressive advocacy organizations.

The deck is still stacked against her. North Nashville, she says, is home to the largest “food desert” in Davidson County — a vast region where the only outlets for residents to buy groceries are corner stores that are more likely to sell fried potato wedges than bananas or apples. Even worse, notes Staples’ business partner, Bryan Trotter, some of the stores within driving distance that do sell organic food don’t accept food stamps for their produce. That places low income people who want to upgrade their diets in a double bind. To top it all off, for the last two years, Staples was pushing her healthy eating agenda with the help of a grant from the Tennessee Alliance for Progress — but when that group lost its funding, she lost hers.

But there’s no defeating Trazana Staples. She still intends, eventually, to turn the Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center into a natural foods store. She and Trotter have set plans in motion to create what they call a “Village of Industry” — a network of cooperative businesses based on sustainability that will provide sorely needed green jobs in an economically depressed area. In January, she kicked off Fruits Over French Fries, a new program targeting childhood obesity.

“I had to get a full-time job to keep the ship afloat until we get more funds,” acknowledges Staples. “We do have some people that give donations, or they come and do some physical labor; building garden beds or the compost bin or planting and composting, and all of that makes a difference, little by little. Rome wasn’t built in a day — these things take time. We have to change the mindset, and the best way to do that is for people to actually see you living it, doing it and applying those principles in your life. “

Andrew Leonard is a staff writer at Salon. He lives in Berkeley, California with his two children and likes to ride his bicycle. 

 http://grist.org/food/soul-food-survivor-the-transformation-of-trazana-staples/

Fruits Over French Fries © Let’s E.A.T.T.™

Fruits Over French Fries ©

                                       Let’s E.A.T.T.™

Fruits Over French Fries will kick off on Saturday, January 14, 2012 11am-2pm with an overview and open house of our project for Youth Service America & United Health Care at Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center and continue every Saturday until Saturday, April 21, 2012.

During MLK Day and Global Youth Day, children will be taught the importance of giving back, caring for the earth and caring for each other. In teaching G.R.A.C.E (gardening, recycling, activism/action, composting, education) children will learn how to keep valuable vegetable and fruit peels from going into landfills. Winter leaves and vegetation to be composted make soil and prepare garden beds for spring planting. We will also engage helping elders in the community who need help with minor yard work, or minor task outside their homes.  In addition will provide homework tutoring and a healthy snack. Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center 1104 33rd Avenue N Nashville, TN 37209 For more information please call (615) 852-6203   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contacts:       Michelle Pendoley                         Youth Service America                          202-650-5064                          mpendoley@ysa.org                                                       Trazana A. Staples                                                                  Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center                            aanaturalfoods@gmail.com                         615-862-6203                                                                                          ANOTHER AVENUE CULTURAL RESOURCE CENTER RECEIVES YSA, UNITEDHEALTH GROUP ‘HEROES’ GRANT Youth-Led Project Addresses Childhood Obesity, Encourages Healthy Lifestyle in Nashville as Part of Global Youth Service Day Nashville, Tennessee – January 10,2012 – Trazana A. Staples Founder/Executive Director at ANOTHER AVENUE CULTURAL RESOURCE CENTER in NASHVILLE, was awarded a $500 UnitedHealth HEROES Grant from YSA (Youth Service America) and UnitedHealth Group. UnitedHealth HEROES grants support youth-led service-learning initiatives addressing childhood obesity and healthy lifestyles. One of 282 grants awarded nationwide, Trazana’s project; Fruits Over French Fries© will teach children will be taught the importance of giving back, caring for the earth and caring for each other . The semester-long initiative culminates on April 21 with Global Youth Service Day, the world’s largest and longest-running youth-led service campaign. “These grants were extremely competitive, and Fruits Over French Fries© exemplifies service-learning and the UnitedHealth HEROES program,” said Steve Culbertson, President and CEO of YSA. “Young people in Nashville want to make a difference, and UnitedHealth Group, in conjunction with YSA, offers them resources to make a positive, measurable impact on their community.” In its 24th year, Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) engages millions of young people via partnerships with schools and community and faith-based organizations. Projects and events will occur in more than 100 countries and all 50 states, and will address the most challenging local, national and global issues facing the world including health, literacy, childhood hunger and the environment.  “We believe that children are uniquely positioned to come up with creative ideas to help their peers in the fight against obesity and to encourage healthier living,” said Kate Rubin, UnitedHealth Group vice president of Social Responsibility. “With UnitedHealth HEROES, we are helping young people take action to improve their overall health and quality of life in a way that’s not only educational, but beneficial for their entire community.” “UnitedHealth HEROES is part of UnitedHealth Group’s overall commitment to help stem the rising tide of obesity, and related chronic health conditions like diabetes,” said Rubin. (more) For more information about Fruits Over French Fries© visit www.anotheravenueculturalresourcecenter@blogspot.com. For more information about Youth Service America and Global Youth Service Day, visit www.YSA.org. #          #          # Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center provides healthy living education and resources to address critical health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension YSA (Youth Service America) improves communities worldwide by increasing the number and the diversity of young people, ages 5-25, serving in substantive roles. Founded in 1986, YSA supports a global culture of engaged youth committed to a lifetime of service, learning, leadership, and achievement. The impact of YSA’s work through service and service-learning is measured in student achievement, workplace readiness, and healthy communities. For more information, visit www.YSA.org.   UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers.  The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 650,000 physicians and care professionals and 5,000 hospitals nationwide.  UnitedHealthcare serves more than 38 million people and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.

Looking At The World With My Sunglasses’ Off

Today was an ordinary day for me. Waking up, making things ( wo)manifest into my life. Every now again there are obstacles that I must overcome.  Like this morning, my electricity was disconnected yesterday. I knew it was coming, I haven’t paid my bill since October and there was no need  for me to call NES and try to make arrangements, because I knew I could not keep any commitments.  I had utilized the one time social service help for the year. I don’t to anyone’s church, mosque, or temple in this matrix. My money has been slow, trying to keep my ship afloat. Yes, I am dealing with some life issues, however,  I know  this temporary set back will change so I remain positive and “keep it movin”. So, this morning, I woke up at 7am, did my daily restroom rituals in cold water, meditated, envisioned my electricity being restored,  and drank my water and headed off to get my service turned back on. I put on my sunglasses because the sun was very bright and began walking. I stopped at Harpers Restaurant to indulge in a very unhealthy breakfast. I talked myself into it, “Hell you will walk it off today, besides you will start your detox after your birthday” So, I ordered coffee, grits, hash browns and fish…yes fish! I said.” fuck it today!”  I had to send the hash browns back because they were cold and old. As I ate the rest, I charged my phone, texted a couple friends, and reflected on how my day would turn out. 

Walking up Jefferson I go. I received a call from a dear brotha friend of mine who was able to help me see something else on another personal matter.  As I walked up to Rosa Parks and Jefferson to Regions Bank on the corner. I withdrew my remaining balance of $200 to pay an electric bill that required $305.10 to reconnect. I already knew I could not give them all of it because a Sista has to eat and black bean chili was on my menu since I could not prepare it yesterday. I left Regions and went to the NES Customer Service Station on Monroe and 9^th all for the customer service agent to politely tell me I would have to go to the Church St Main Office to make payment arrangements or pay the full amount of the bill. So I headed out to Jefferson  S. again with my sunglasses on to catch the next bus downtown. I purchased an all day MTA Bus pass. I stopped and purchased a homeless news paper, and entered onto the bus #29. I reflected on my friends who came to me within in the last few days seeking a ear and shoulder to cry on because they too are going through some life altering changes. I looked around the bus and saw many things but I was the only one with sunglasses on. I saw a man sippin on a bottle of brandy, I  started to ask him to slip some in my coffee, and decided that would not be a good idea. I saw a lady I passed on Jefferson St. three times, on the same bus.  Finally I made it downtown to transfer to the #10 bus to take me to NES Main Office. I had made up in my mind that all I could give them to reconnect my service would be $150. I waited to speak to a customer service representative and after speaking with her supervisor; my service would be reconnected for $166.78. I had it so I paid. With about $15 left, I could stop by the farmers market on my way home. As I went back out to the bus stop with my sunglasses on, an older gentleman who was on the #29 with me had the same disconnect notice except his power was not disconnected like mine. He was an older gentleman who shared with me that he had been unemployed for over a year. All of this was new to him. I asked him about going into business for himself. His reply was; ” how can I do that? All I know how to do is work for someone else and they are not hiring anyone my age these days.” The #10 come back to pick us up, and I get off on 5^th Street to walk to the Farmers’ Market with my sunglasses on. I went to my favorite vendor and

friends at Hardy’s Produce. I saw 6 over ripe tomatoes on a table, I asked, “Brotha Hardy, what’s wrong with these tomatoes? He replied, “Oh Sista T, they are too ripe to sell”. I said, “ I will kindly take them off your hands”.  I purchased some onions, green peppers and tangerines. My purchase of the bag full of produce came to $5. I love Hardy’s Produce, they always take care of me.

So I proceeded to walk up Rosa Parks with bag of produce in tow, and forgot to put my sunglasses on. Someone honked the horn. “Beeeeeppppp Beeeeeeppp, Do you need a ride? I’m one of your Face Book Friends, I know that hair anywhere”. I  didn’t think anyone would recognize me walking up Rosa Parks. But my sunglasses were off, now I am exposed and transparent.  Anyway, “No Sista, I am on my morning stroll, I just left the Farmers’ Market and I am on my way to Kroger’s.” She said, “Is it far?” I said, No, I’m close by” she waved and went on. I wondered who she was, I flipped my mine to my Face Book Friends, and I thought to myself, I bet that is Andrea, and it was.  Anyway I continued my walk to Kroger on Monroe.

Looking at the world before me, with my sunglasses ON; I saw broken glass, homeless people, and sad eyes. With my sunglasses OFF, I see a beautiful people with lost hope, no determination and no will. I also see those who just don’t give a damn. Those who don’t have a clue, and to be honest why should they? No one is sensitive to the needs of others until they have to walk in those same shoes. It is up to each individual to create their own sustainability, so why not have  enough compassion and help someone else along the way? You don’t have to, but it would be a nice thing to do.

Now I am walking with both pair of those shoes with my sunglasses off. I’m sequencing my eyes so I don’t go blind by the rays of the sun. I enter Kroger’s. I introduced myself to the store manager, who’s name is Joe, who happen to be standing at the front door as I entered. I said, “Hi Joe, My name is Trazana (as I extended my hand to shake his), I just came from the Farmers’ Market and purchased produce, but they put it in a Kroger bag so I am going to check my bag in a the customer service counter”. He looked mighty puzzled and said, “thank you”. I checked my bag in at the customer service desk. I finished my shopping with the $10 I had left.  I continued my walk back to Jefferson St.  to head home. I waited for the bus with my sunglasses off. I am smiling knowing that this morning although a bit irritated, everything I set out to do today (wo)manifested. I know that the day is not lost and I find it an honor to help others to see the world with their sunglasses off. Everyone I encountered today helped me with my mission today, and if I had kept my sunglasses on, I may not have been able to see the blessings. As long as I have breath and good health, I can do anything!  Who knows what tomorrow will bring. My water bill is due next, my rent is past due. Having my sunglasses on I wasn’t transparent. People could not recognize me. My eyes are the portal to my soul, and I there I stay hidden. Keep it real and let others know you are a “UNIVERSAL Woman”, a “GODIS” who is an a hue-(wo)man body. I write this because even the strongest of us go through things, be it financial, spiritual, relationships ect. We have problems, in order to overcome them, we have to be transparent, take off our sunglasses and see the world for what it is. We need each other; we need to make each other accountable. We need to our system work for us together.

My grandfather who will soon be an 105 years old once told me, “you will never be able to get over the system, you must learn how to maneuver through it, in order to live and be happy” . I see that now. I know so many others are dealing with same problems, but with my sunglasses off, I can see clearly and know I can overcome that too. You must discover who you are and what you are. Don’t let life beat you down to the point that you can not see your future. I am an advocate for healthy living, green jobs, ecoprenuership, and community and know these are our keys to get us out of this mess in the matrix. Owning your own business takes time, due diligence ,perseverance, determination, and patience. I am not going to lie, this is hard work.  You must do what you need to do to survive for yourself and your family without maliciously harming others along the way.

In a few weeks I will be going back into an office setting.  This has been the most fulfilling, exciting, challenging, and evolutionary year of my life.  I would not have been able to do anything without support from so many beloved friends and family, especially my mother and children. Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center will still stand and continue, and the decision to go back to a 9-5 is only temporary. I need to recharge and renew energy, which is money ,until I begin law school in August.  Everyone must come to their own reality, find your own truth, but do so with your sunglasses off.

Thankh you for reading, and I hope having my sunglasses off helps someone too.

Peace, Love, and Light!

Trazana
 

PORCELAIN PROJECT 2011

                                          

The Porcelain Project 2011 is a social enterprise initiative of Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center, that was made possible by Fox Farms.

Click Here To Learn More About The Porcelain Project 2011

 

                                                             

 

           http://porcelainproject2011.blogspot.com/

Thank You

We would like to Thank All who supported and attended the 

'Total Health, Healing, and Well Being Seminar'.

Trazana  Staples & Attendee

Return To Balance Display Table

Rare Jewel Designs Display Table

Azizah Nubia

Azizah Nubia

Azizah Nubia

                                             

Azizah Nubia & Isis Swink

Huni Bak Atun

Isis Swink

Isis Swink

Huni Bak Atun

Huni Bak Atun

Dr. Jeff Menzise (J Menaq)

Dr. Jeff Menzise (J Menaq)

Dr. Jeff Menzise

EAT...ARE YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE?

Eat to Live...Are you ready for the challenge?

The bond between mother and daughter is a great experience... especially when mother and daughter overcome, dis-ease, hardship, and obesity together. 
Trazana & Azizah are that duo..Both suffering from diabetes, high-blood pressure, depression, and many more illnesses that stem from obesity. With a collective of over 200lbs lost.. these women know the secret to ultimate weight-loss..

2004

Trazana's Story:

2006

"For ears I suffered from and was diagnosed with hypertension, pre diabetes, and obesity. A one time I weighed in at 320 lbs at my height of 5'4" 1/4" tall.  I was absolutely miserable! Everything about me was hurting, my mind, my spirit and my body. I could not walk two feet without being out of breath. I felt as though my entire life was crumbling around me. 
Before the age of 40 I had several major surgeries, which included, removing my tonsils, adenoids, gallbladder, uterus, and a blood transfusion. My health continued to deteriorate, besides developing upper respiratory problems, I stayed sick all the time.  Missing work and other activities all because I did not feel week. My medications were costing me over $300 per month and that was with insurance." 

2007

Azizah story:

2010

"At the age of 22 I was was diagnosed with diabetes after giving birth to my 2nd child.. along with already dealing with high-blood pressure I knew if I kept up with my current life style I would not live to see 40. At 236 lbs I was depressed and unhappy with myself.. I knew I needed to make a change for the sake of my health and my children health."


What was the Changed?

2010

In 2004, Trazana decided she wanted to live Azizah 17 at the time followed in her foot steps. We loved food, and wanted to find ways of preparing food that was good for us but still tasteful.  Trazana began seeking and searching for ways to lose weight." I read books, joined several weight loss programs, local and national.  By 2006, I was on what appeared to be a see-saw. I had tried everything! Considering I had not eaten beef or pork since 1995. I thought there was no hope, and my doctors told me I would be on medication for the rest of my life.  My weight and health was up and down. I refused to go through weight loss surgery after it was recommended by my physician. I started asking more questions and seeking more answers". 

2011

In 2008 after the birth of her child and the news of being a diabetic Azizah began her quest for natural ways to heal... One day, my mom called me from Tennessee, ( I living in Cincinnati at the time) she had just seen the movie Food Inc. and shared with me how it changed her whole outlook on the food we eat. 

2011

Thus the journey began... Trazana & Azizah transformed their lives by educating themselves on natural food, herbs, and a holistic way of living. 
Making food her priority Trazana is now a author, premculturist and Founder / Executive Director of Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center who's mission is to educate the community on the importance of healthy foods , ecopreneurship and sustainable living.. as well as providing a natural foods market for the North Nashville Community. 
Azizah is now a author, natural herbalist, healer, and talk show host of Return to Balance is making it her mission to teach other how they can transform themselves by searching deep within to unlock the emotional roadblocks that cause dis-ease.
Together these woman are prime examples that healthy living requires a complete lifestyle change of mind body and spirit.

2011
Trazana in her garden

Azizah
Performing emotional clearing 2011

Sharing with the world their story of success Trazana & Azizah are starting their very own life transformation program to assist others on their journey of self renewal. The Eat to Live Program will be available November 11, 2011 to the world and as a special incentive Trazana & Azizah will open a contest for two lucky individuals to try the program completely free. The lucky winners will not only receive the free program, but they will be coached personally by Trazana & Azizah for the duration of the program.
 To enter into the contest go to www.returntobalance.webs.com


To learn more about Trazana and Azizah Journey check out www.returntobalance.webs.com

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Peace, Love and Light! My name is Trazana Staples,  I am the Founder/Executive Director of Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center. I  want to fulfill my passion to help and support the community in making available natural, healthy sustainable foods in what we know as ‘Food Deserts’ in poverty stricken neighborhoods. 

For years I suffered from and was diagnosed with hypertension, pre-diabetes, and obesity. At one time I weighed in at 320 lbs at my height of 5'4 1/4" tall. I was absolutely miserable! Everything about me was hurting,  my mind, my spirit, and my body. I could not walk two feet  without being out of breath. I felt as though my entire life was crumbling around me. Before the age of 40 I had several major surgeries, which included, removing my tonsils, adenoids, gallbladder, uterus, and a blood transfusion.  My health continued to deteriorate, besides developing upper respiratory problems, I stayed sick all the time. Missing work and other activities all because I did not feel well. My medications were costing me over $300 per month and that was with insurance.  

In 2004, I decided I wanted to live. I loved food, and wanted to find ways of preparing food that was good for me but still tasteful.  I also began seeking and searching for ways to lose weight. I read books, joined several weight loss programs, local and national.  By 2006, I was on what appeared to be a see-saw. I had tried everything! Considering I had not eaten beef or pork since 1995. I thought there was no hope, and my doctors told me I would be on medication for the rest of my life.  My weight and health was up and down. I refused to go through weight loss surgery after it was recommended by my physician. I started asking more questions and seeking more answers. 

Then one by one, although years a part, The Creator began sending people into my life to help me while on my journey. People who would either support me, encourage me, and/or give me helpful advice and tips. For them I am so grateful. I will always hold dear to my heart, Shronder Gentry, Iris Wray, Sizwe Herring, Willam Scruggs, Cherokee Lewis, Djehuty Ma'at Ra, and Dr. Jeff Menszie (J. Menaq). With their help and support, I discovered wellness activities, new ways of eating; preparing my food, and gardening. I learned about full body detoxing, meditation, yoga and metaphysics. I was given a new look on life and discovered that healthy living was not a 'get well quick' pill, but a lifestyle change. 

Today, although I am still on my weight loss journey, I have lost over 130lbs.  I am no longer on medication of any kind, I can breath, walk, run, swim, and garden. There is nothing I can not do. I am enjoying my life!

Being healthy required a well rounded state of mind. Not only did I have to get my body right, I had to get my mental frame of mind, and my spirit right. I had to change the way I thought about food. I had to learn who I was, and learn to love myself. I had to spend time and become one with nature. I had to learn how to forgive by releasing hurts, pains, and disappointments that occurred throughout my life. I had to learn to build healthy relationships and participate in community.  A healthy lifestyle, Mind, Body, and Spirit is a daily application. I chose to live and enjoy the life given to me.

It is my desire to share with my community and the world the resources I found on my journey. My journey to healthy living unlocked many doors: sustainability, Green jobs, saving the earth, permaculture, and making new friends.  

My ultimate goal is to have an natural foods market in the community in which I live, which is a 'food desert', until then, Another Avenue Cultural Resource Center is dedicated to educate support and outreach for those seeking healither ways of eating and living. We have a backyard sanctuary and a 15 bed community garden, however we need your support to continue on our mission to help support others in taking control of their lives to be happy and healthy.  

All 3 of our presenters for the 'Total Health, Healing, and Well Being Seminar'; Djehuty Ma'at-Ra, and Dr. Jeff Menzise (J.Menaq) ,  have helped me through my journey. Separately from 2007 to present, they all have been a part of my healing journey ,and now they are coming together in Nashville to share with you too! Please register  and Let YOUR Healing Begin! on Saturday, November 12, 2011 9am-4pm
http://anotheravenueculturalresourcecenter.blogspot.com/p/eventsworkshopsseminars.html

Please Join our Blog and Thank you for reading!

 

Trazana has a Bachelor's degree in Management and Human Relations from Trevecca Nazarene University and an Associate’s Degree from Xavier University in Criminal Justice. She has over fifteen years of progressive administration and management experience working as a community organizer and with various community organizations.  Trazana is also active with the Green Jobs Task Force of Davidson County, Tennessee Alliance for Progress, and  EarthMatters TN.  She has volunteered with Health Care For America Now and Organizing for America Now. She is affiliated with several community organizations such as; The Urban EpiCenter, Re/Storing Nashville Program, and Community Food Advocates. In addition, she an author, song writer, mother and grandmother.

BEFORE

NOW