Roots Picnic & Other Festivals Are Starting Up Again, So How Can You Stay Safe?
We outside! Well, some of us have been outside for a minute, but music festivals were still few and far between due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, festivals are coming back making it irresistible to avoid them for much longer. And while we won’t judge you for having fun, if you do decide to attend festivals, we want to make sure that you are safe no matter what Coachella says about their COVID-19 restrictions.
Some festivals that have announced their return in 2022 are the Roots Picnic, Broccoli City, Jazz in the Gardens, Bonaroo, Coachella, and many more. Roots Picnic revealed its lineup recently that includes Mary J. Blige, Summer Walker, Jazmine Sullivan, Wizkid, and other fire acts.
Coachella’s lineup includes Big Sean, Giveon, Ari Lennox, Doja Cat, and Megan Thee Stallion. But before you vibe out to your favorite artists live, here are some precautions to take before and during the music festival.
Check the Music Festivals for Safety Guidelines
Before you attend a music festival, make sure to call or check the concert’s website to see if they are complying with the CDC guidelines or are taking extra measures to ensure the safety of attendees. Some of these precautions may include enforcing masks and/or temperature checks. You may also want to check out how the venue is laid out and if there is an option to get your money back if you come down with the virus.
Get Tested
Whether you’re vaccinated or not, you should get tested at least 1-3 days beforehand. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for the virus then you should sit this one out. For those that are unvaccinated, the CDC recommends that you get tested before and after you attend a large gathering.
Traveling to and From the Festival
If you are traveling, you want to make sure to keep your mask on if you come into contact with others and keep your hands washed. If you aren’t able to wash your hands then keep hand sanitizer on you. Also, try to stay six feet away from others.
Attending the Music Festival
Arrive early to avoid the crowd and keep a well-fitted mask on at all times. Wipe down surfaces that you come in contact with as well and wash or sanitize your hands often. Pack your own food and water and avoid going to the restroom during high-traffic times. Also, if you can, try to find a less populated area to watch the show from.
Featured image by Christian Vierig/GC Images
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole