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ThE issuEs

Bringing Hollandale Back to Life Depends on Leadership— Contaveia “CJ” Johnson feels he has just what it takes. By Christina Knight

3/11/2021

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​Contaveia “CJ” Johnson— a native of Hollandale, MS-- has said no more being an observer to the despaired reputation that has become of his beloved hometown. In 2017, Johnson embarked on a journey to run for the highest position in the town— the Mayor. Although he did not collect the votes needed to dominate, his determination to succeed did not fizzle there. CJ is back in the race, full-force for 2021’s election and he has some information he wants to share with the public in order to help them make an informed decision.
 
Check in Check Out Awareness believes you should “Feel what people are saying.” So, I hope these questions that I (Christina) have asked, will help you feel what Mr. Johnson is passionate about doing for you as a resident of Hollandale.
 


Interview with Mayor Elect, Contaveia Johnson
 
Me: Who is Contaveia a.k.a “CJ”? What is his area of expertise?
 
Contaveia: I am Contaveia Johnson. I’m a family man first. A friend. I’m very determined for any goal or cause that has an important message.
I went to school for elementary education because I felt like being a teacher, you would be able to help the kids. Help with the turn around. Because all I heard, growing up, was how much the kids have a downfall or disadvantage. But no one was talking about how to remedy the situations or provide solutions to help them. So that was my goal as a teacher.
My current career journey, embraces my managerial side. I have managed three multi-million-dollar companies.
 
Me: Tell me about where you grew up and what your family life was like.
 
Contaveia: I grew up here in Hollandale, Mississippi. I was born October 6, 1983. I remember a lot from the early 90’s and the early 2000’ to now. When I was growing up, Hollandale had game rooms, several places where kids went to head start, after school programs and we actually came together and looked after kids as a group. The old saying is it takes a village to raise a child; Hollandale really was a village when I was growing up. And we got away from that. That’s one of the things I hate that we have done and I would like to change that.
 
Me: What are some good things you remember about Hollandale in your childhood?
 
Contaveia: The fondest things I remember about growing up in Hollandale, is it being a close-knit town where everyone knows everyone. It was hard to get into trouble because if everyone knew you, it was always someone there to see you and get you back in line. That’s one thing we’re missing. We’re missing that small-town bond that we used to have. I don’t know anyone who has sat at someone’s table to eat growing up and still had any major worries.
 
Me: Yes, togetherness makes it easy.
 
Contaveia: Right. You know, it was just that small town bond we had, was just something that a small town has. Genuine love and friendship.
 
Me: What led you to the interest in the local government?
 
Contaveia: Just seeing the way this town has gone to the wayside, not progressing… it is hurtful. I know many people who come back to town and they love the town, but they feel it is nothing to do here. So that is one of my reason for getting into this race for Mayor.
 
Me: When did you notice the downward changes in the town?
 
Contaveia: I would say around the year 2000. As I began to explore other places, seeing more of the world… I could see a shift in Hollandale. The other places were progressing, while Hollandale was actually regressing.
It was kind of strange to see the place you love, take a nosedive. So, with seeing that, I made up my mind, that I wanted to do something for my city. Because we were always told that we are the future and we had to bring our town, our people into the future. We have to put in the work for the place we love. That always stayed and resonated with me and now I am at a place in my life where I can be that change to make that change.
 
Me: What are some of the main problem areas in Hollandale?
 
Contaveia: Lack of togetherness and fellowship. Lack of effort. Establishments have left, so that has a poor economic impact. Which in turn leads to the run-down quality of our streets, street lights, homes and so much more. And the people aren’t being heard.
 
Me: In your own words, what does it mean to be Mayor?
 
Contaveia: To me, the title of mayor means the person in charge of the city. They are in charge of the cities well-being and growth. Someone you can come talk to at any time, so with it being a small town, the mayor is someone we should all know.
 
Me: I agree. We should be comfortable reaching out to the Mayor. We shouldn’t be afraid to voice our opinions to someone who is supposed to be for all of us. We shouldn’t be worried that our concerns would be ignored.
 
Contaveia: Exactly, everyone should be able to talk to them comfortably no matter what. The citizens should be able to voice their concerns about the city, where it is going and where they think it should go.
 
Me: I know you have run before in 2017… so can you tell me what has been the toughest part of the journey?
 
Contaveia: This time around it is not so nerve-wrecking because I actually know what to expect on this mayoral race. But it is always something new, every time you do something. It is still a learning process no matter what. I am just staying focused on the citizens and trying to answer any questions they may have, because we are in this together.
 
 
Me: Right. It takes everyone working together no matter the title. There is power in numbers.
Do you think the current leaders have been effective?

 
Contaveia: No, I don’t think leadership has done everything they could possibly have done.
 
Me: Have any been receptive to your thoughts and views?
 
Contaveia: I have spoken to several Aldermen individually to express that I am willing to help them in any way I can. But that is all it was; just a conversation.

Me: I feel that actions speak louder than words and in due time we will see who supports your initiatives and care enough to cast that vote. It is going to take progressive thinking to help new practices and people to be put into positions to create the change we want to see.

 
Contaveia: Right. The thing is I don’t mind lending a helping hand. I don’t mind offering ideas. I don’t mind piggy-backing off of genuine ideas... because that is the whole point of me running for mayor. I see so many ideas and initiatives falling to the wayside and no one is being held accountable to pick up the pieces. So… I just say if I want something done, I have to do it myself.
 
Me: True. Now to understand you a little more, how would friends and acquaintances describe you? How would colleagues describe you?
 
Contaveia: Friends and colleagues would all say the same. I’m nice. I’ll do anything for anybody. I’ll help anyway I can. Because that is what has been instilled in me by being raised in this town that I was raised in called Hollandale.
We all help each other and we all love each other. But sometimes we forget that. And those values we were raised with, have taken me a long way. People I have met in many other places always say, “Somebody did good,” and I say it was my parents and Hollandale because that's all I know. That’s all we know.
 
Me: That says a lot. Values speak volumes. The things you can accomplish with solid values. What are you most proud of accomplishing?
 
Contaveia: The one thing I’m most proud of accomplishing is actually… running for Mayor. That is one of the things I always talked about. I said once I reached a certain age, I always told my mother, if I ever moved back to Hollandale I would run for mayor to try to make a change here. Because I have a lot of friends who visit from out of town and express that they love this place, but it’s nothing here to do. So that speaks volumes on Hollandale’s charm and genuine appeal.
 
Me: Who have been your strongest influences in life?
 
Contaveia: I credit my mother and I have… umpteen-millions of school teachers that I credit too. Just Hollandale. Anyone who grew up here understands, especially if they grew up here when I was coming up. Hollandale shaped and molded us.
 
Me: What message do you want to convey to the people? Children, adults and elderly?
 
Contaveia: For the children, I am going to pass on the same message that was given to us— Children, you are the future. Whatever you want to do, you can do. Whatever goals you set, you can accomplish. That is what was told to us and that is what I will pass on because I truly believe it. And I know for a fact. I am a walking testimony. I have done most of the things I have wanted to accomplish and I’ve reached a lot of my goals. My next goal is, becoming mayor to help my town turn around.
To the elder generations, I want to give them the confidence in us and ask them to give us the confidence to help make a change and do better. I would like them to trust in us to help with their needs and carry on the devoted family legacy with pride.
 
Me: That is nice. I think some of the elders do lack trust in our generations because of the immature things they see from some. They stick to what they know to avoid the detriment they think our generation would create, but that is not all of us. Some of us want to lead and be taken seriously to prove we are a capable of creating the future they said we could have. I get it.
 
Contaveia: Exactly. I was always told to be a leader and not a follower... by some of those very ones; to create my own path. The path I’m blazing was not laid by me. It was laid by someone else and I am grateful. But this path I am walking, knowing that someone did it before, gives me assurance as well as fulfillment to know I’m walking it is so much different.
I say that because it is harder since people look at me and say I am too young. They ask me what experience do I have. I have management experience, but I understand this is a new lane in some ways. I understand some things in life you don’t always have to have experience; just determination and passion. You have to maneuver through it to gain experience. A new mom or dad, is not experienced so they have to learn. Those with multiple children, every day you still learn because each child is different.
 
Me: That is true also. It is not always about the years of “experience” a person has that qualifies them, but more so about their intentions, ready and willingness to work towards betterment.
 
Contaveia: Correct. Me personally, I had the chance to become the youngest manager in Kroger history, but I turned it down because I felt I wasn’t ready. And my store manager told me then, “you’re ready. Sometimes you have the mindset where you believe you’re not ready because in your heart (doubt) you feel like you are not ready. Just believe in yourself and you can do it.”
 
Then three years later, I went to another company and I became the manager there within the first six-months. My next position was at Dollar General and I became the store manager within a year. Becoming Manager at Dollar General was also one of my biggest accomplishments. I took a company that was making roughly $1.3 Million a year to a company earning $2.5 Million in a years’ time. I am proud to say I accomplished a lot of goals working with Dollar General. I underestimated myself with a lot of things, but I overcame those doubtful thoughts through staying determined as well as persistent. Once my determination kicks in, I feel like there is nothing I can’t do
 
Me: Describe your vision for Hollandale’s future.
 
Contaveia: Being mayor is a part of that vision. I want to be at the forefront, bringing everyone together who has the same goal— bringing Hollandale back to life.
I don’t have to be mayor to do it, but I feel like the mayor should be the main person focused and attentive to what the people’s collective mission is…and this is my main focus now. I want to see Hollandale thriving again financially, I want the community to come together as one and I want the town to be plentiful in entertainment and advancements. I want everyone to be proud of Hollandale all around.
When I’m focused and headstrong about my duties, I know I cannot be stopped. So that is why I believe me being mayor is the best route for us, as a collective, to accomplish these goals that will help bring this town back to life.
 
Me: Well, I think that just about covers it. I thank you for allowing me to ask some of these questions for the people. They deserve to get to know you in depth. To know you is to understand you as well as your intentions. Your heart seems pure and the vision for the town sounds like so many of ours and what we want. I am excited to continue to hear your thoughts and see your actions. Good luck Mr. Contaveia “CJ” Johnson.
 
Contaveia: Thank you.
 
 

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Connect with him on
Facebook @  https://www.facebook.com/contaveia.johnson

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Strong Black Women are Wrong Black Women

12/16/2020

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Hey you guys, this is Christina. I wanted to share a piece that I shared with the world a few years ago. Just a few thoughts that boggles my mind. Back in 2016, I was asked to be a guest blogger on the No Lies Told Then Platform. The question that was posed to me was, "What is the biggest lie you've been told about your black womanhood?" And this is what I had to say. 


Strong Black Women are Wrong Black Women...in so many words, that is the lie they tell us. They say society today has allowed women in general to forget their place. But for black women it is ten times worse because of almost everything we do. They describe it as being over the top; being "extra".
A vocal black woman is an angry black woman. A black woman embracing her natural femininity and choosing natural appearance is a pro black and an anti white, black woman. She is labeled ugly because she doesn't meet society’s standards of beauty. A single black woman working two jobs, careful about whom she spends time with and splurges on herself is a black woman who is TOO independent.
We don't know our place. Strong Black Women are Wrong Black Women...at least that's what they tell us.
But I am a Strong Black Woman who was raised at the hands of two even Stronger Black Women— my mother and my grandmother. They worked for everything they had and have. They made sure their family was fed, safe and loved. They spoke up when they saw something wrong and they always taught me to be the unique person I am. It was about doing what was right and making sure I was happy and healthy. That was all I needed to see and hear in my life because it has molded me into a strong black woman myself.
That's the exact mentality I have. I was taught to be the voice when something is wrong. I was taught to not care so much about what people think of my appearance and choices. I was taught to make a plan for what needs to be done and dominate.
My truth: I’ve heard that lack of submission will be the cause of me being single for the rest of my life. And also being too guarded will allow my true love to pass me by. Some people may say that these qualities will block love finding us. So could strength and caution be potential downfalls?
No, I do not believe that. I choose to be a single black working woman, who can handle my own. I learned that it's okay to do it alone and it’ll be even better IF the right man enters my life WILLING to contribute equally. It will definitely be a team effort. But until then, I still have needs that must be taken care of. If I don’t do it, who will? All of these qualities are qualities of a virtuous woman; someone who speaks for what is right, confident in herself and doesn't mind hard work. What man wouldn't appreciate that? What person wouldn't respect that? I guess people who think Strong Black Women are Wrong Black Women when they ONLY focus on skin color and stereotypes. Or, are the people who are feeling guilty about the fact that Black women have had to step up to be more than women in today's society, because the dependable Strong Black Man population is becoming extinct? But that's another subject for another day...
All in all, I am not against being that submissive wife in my future. But right now, I am just fine with being a single Strong Black Woman waiting for my Boaz.
 
 
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#TALKTHATTALKTUESDAY - STOP DISRESPECTING THE FLAG..!??!

12/5/2017

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Stop disrespecting the flag, they say. Stop disrespecting our soldiers, they say. Stop bringing up your ancestor’s oppression, they say. Stop taking a knee.
Those statements let me know that there are people who still do not understand why the knee is being taken. It is not just because someone wants to be a jerk. It is because someone with a platform decided enough is enough. I applaud Colin for taking a knee. He didn’t have to. He could have continued playing the game, he could be mingling with sadity A-listers and could be continuing to collect a fat check. But this man has shown that money and status means nothing when you are living in an unjust world that says you are nothing but a black man deserving of racist treatment, you are nothing but another black person that has a bullet with your name on it.

Taking a knee is a non-violent protest statement that says we have had enough. It says that our country has failed at what it stands for. The land of the free. What does that mean if we are told we cannot protest when we witness injustice? The land of the free. What does that mean when an entire race does not feel safe in a country they work so hard in? Why do we still have to fight and kneel for these injustices to be seen in a land we call the free world and is supposed to be just as much of ours as others? Taking a knee is just what the flag, what our soldiers and what this country stands for. As a country, we are always defending other countries who lack a strong voice or are fighting civil wars in their own land. Yet civil rights and our lack of safety is still prevalent in our own country.
Are blind eyes turned toward these issues? Yes.
Are they saying we should forget it because legal segregation and racism does not exist? Yes. Does awareness need to be brought in order for change to take place? Yes.
Therefore, a knee is needed. It is a peaceful and non-violent protest to get the United States in check with their morals and values. The flag does not (nor does the National Anthem) live up to its words. From my knowledge, the flag represented strength, unity and freedom to express. It was about fairness for all. There is an elephant in the room. There is a glass ceiling placed upon certain races. There are things that shouldn’t exist and instead of changing it for a better future, some people choose not to speak on its existence in order to make themselves feel better. Opportunities we have, but limits are placed on a lot of us due to our skin color.

I know we aren’t our ancestors but in today’s society there are different methods of enslavement and belittling to keep us down (Prison systems, drugs, lower income wages, racial profiling and more).
The point of taking a knee is to bring awareness that the country needs to unite more than ever. We need to ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly across the board. Taking a knee is a calm protest that is a CALL FOR ACTION. Make a change. Positive action is needed so that everyone can feel proud of our country.  Join us in making these issues disappear so we ALL can stand for the flag with dignity and honor proudly. Take a knee, support taking a knee.
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If you can’t see the issues of racism and modern day enslavement. If you feel your privilege is at stake if you join. If you just won’t understand the points we make peacefully, then you are the problem. You’re not listening. You choose to turn a blind eye to the elephant in the room because it does not affect your privilege. Walk in our shoes. Let’s list the issues, face them and help fix the problem. If you choose not to, just keep quiet while we make a change. Because we won’t shut up. #CheckInCheckOut #TakeAKnee 

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It Is Never Too Late...

9/17/2016

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I dislike that we are always in a rush or focus heavily on time. I think it is one major kryptonite we have as a society. I say that because when we focus heavily on time, we begin to rush. We begin to forget how to enjoy the simple things in life. And most of all we forget what truly matter the most to us; our family goals, career goals and simply life goals. But I don’t want that to discourage anyone in any way for focusing on time. In fact I want to challenge you. Think back to your childhood, your high school days or even your college days. What is it that you wanted to do—the one thing that made your heart smile? What was that goal? 
 
Just think on that for a second.
Does it still send sunshine into your heart? Does it put a smile on your face as you think of it? Has it crossed your mind over the years? If so, I would say that it is a passion of yours and I also say it is time to do something about it. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE!!! 
 
Let me say that again…IT IS NEVER TOO LATE!!!

I too had those feelings, that life has moved so quickly and I haven't done half of what is on my life’s to-do list. I could wash my hands of it all and say, well what is done, is done (or in this case what isn't done, isn't done) BUT I choose to make life more exciting by venturing out into new things. 
I must admit the time has flown by quickly. I graduated high school, attended community college, gave birth to an amazing daughter, and got caught up with life. Responsibilities rolled in and I knocked each out with my all. I would say I am a homerun hitter in the parenting field if life was a baseball game. I am proud to have worked hard to raise my daughter, but it is so much more to me than being a mom. There is so much that I could have done to make a difference in this world.
 
My daughter and I have had this conversation and she understands wholeheartedly. She supports every decision I am making about really living life! She is on this journey too. After she graduated college, I said why shouldn't I continue my education as well?

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE. Four years later, I have a Bachelors Degree in Business Marketing. What is next?

Law School! Because...IT IS NEVER TOO LATE!! I’m starting over in a new career field and starting a business that promotes awareness campaigns among other things.

This is my truth. I am 47 years old and I continue to say IT IS NEVER TOO LATE. 
 
Your dreams will merely be dreams if no action is put behind it. Get up now, and get moving. Start small even if it's just an outline for a one year plan or a two year plan. You don't have to start out with big moves, but you do have to start. This is a challenge. Let us know at least one goal you want to accomplish in the next five years. Let us know if we can help.
I truly believe continuous passion and action will drive you to the success you are looking for if you only remember that...
​IT IS NEVER TOO LATE!!!!

#CheckInCheckOut

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What is C.I.C.O Awar​eness???

9/15/2016

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​Welcome To the World of C.I.C.O. You may have plenty of questions. Like what is this? What is it all about? Why should I care? Well stayed tuned. Continuing reading and I will try to answer as many questions as I can.

First off, Check In Check Out is on a mission! We are on a mission to be the voice our society needs to create more change than ever. There are so many things going on in this world that requires all of our attention, but many of us do not focus on it because we do not see the significance at first glance. If we do not see how it affects us, we go about our day without it even crossing our mind again…UNTIL something pertaining to it happens and affects us personally. We are here to tell you that you should be aware at all times, think twice often, understand how things will affect you and always stand up for what is right.  

This will NOT change overnight. I understand we all fall short sometimes when it comes to informing people on what they need to know and letting them know what would help them in different situations. We understand you get busy. We all get busy with life, but we want to be a constant reminder to DO SOMETHING!
I see it all the time with issues in the news. Something tragic happens and there is all this commotion surrounding it. People are voicing their opinion on what should have been done or what should be done. Many are sad making Facebook and Twitter posts about it. Protests and rallies are formed and just a lot of fuss. All of this happens in a week, and next week no one is mentioning it as much. The cycle continues. More and more similar tragedies occur because we allow it. We don’t nip it in the bud.

Short attention spans allow us to fall off, but the purpose of Check In Check Out is to SOUND OFF CONSTANTLY!!! We want to be the echo after shouting on a mountain top. You will hear it over and over and over until proper action is taken. We want to create an avalanche of advertising and PSA’s; a large outflow of knowledge. This will help people remember action should be taken and that the cause is not lost. Some campaigns may be silent, but we want to be that complementary noise that continues to say what needs to be said when no one else is being vocal about it and what needs to be done; which will keep the movements alive.

I know this sound like something you may have heard before. It may be, but I promise that the enthusiasm, the passion we have and the creative mediums (Words, Voice, Images, Music and more) we will use will help make a change. We do not focus on only big issues; we focus on the small ones as well. Sometimes the smallest things could make the biggest impact. A quick phone call or text message with a piece of information could save a life. We want to serve as a constant reminder on many issues. We want you to Check In before you Check Out.
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#CheckInCheckOut

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    Authors

    Doristine Devin​e - Mother, Dreamer, Believer and Ground-breaker; striving to make a difference.
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    Christina Knight - Daughter, Dreamer, Podcaster, GFX Designer; striving to help contribute to making a difference.​

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