FALL 2024 MOVES
best events, parties, and kickbacks of Fall 2024
STUDENT LIFE & FASHION EMPOWERING BLACK CREATIVES
BEC REMOVAL legislation that destroys Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices around Florida
OUR MISSION OUR MISSION
the Reader,
Thank you and welcome to the first installment of B3, “Student Life and Fashion Magazine!” It has been a long and gratifying process, but we are so happy to meet you! Our Mission is to capture the unique experiences, culture, and perspective of our audience through art, fashion, and publication. Based in Gainesville Florida, we hope to accomplish these things by uplifting the community and drawing attention to Black Student Life. This magazine is a love letter to all those things and aims to become a platform that can showcase creative passion front and center. Afterall, Black Beautiful Beings are not fit for the sidelines, rather “We Are the Main Character.”
As you read through the magazine for the very first time, we ask you to consider the efforts and collaboration behind it. We’d like to thank everyone who contributed, from the Models who realized the vision, to all designers and developers who helped this magazine come to be. The concept and therefore purpose is meant to highlight black talent and beauty, and hopefully share their unique perspectives. Feel free to take your time with this collection and enjoy what it is we have to offer.
WHY BLACK IVY? WHY BLACK IVY?
Black Ivy as a fashion trend/statement arose in the early 50s to mid-60s as a form of counter-fashion against traditional Ivy League fashion. During an era of segregation and even after segregation in academia was legally removed, there were still racial tensions that prevented African Americans from thriving or even being allowed in academic spaces. The “Black Ivy” aesthetic showcased the intellect and capability of African Americans at the time. Elements deviating from the traditional “Ivy League” look were things such as sunglasses; bright floral accessories, scarfs, handkerchiefs, hair wraps, and more.
Inspired by French fashion, where many Black intellectuals and musicians took political and social refuge. The key takeaway from Black Ivy is to uplift one’s own culture in spaces that actively demean it. Black ivy is an inherently defiant style and that is what we want to convey.
Key fashion icons include; civil rights leaders, famous musicians/athletes, and Black scholars of the era. Figures such as Miles Davis, Angela Davis, James Baldwin, Arthur Ashe, Shirley Chisholm, Muhammad Ali, and many others.
bec removal bec removal
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he Fall 2024 semester at the University has been filled with equal amounts of change and uncertainty. Cultural and political shifts happened faster than anyone could predict. While many of these changes may be for the betterment of the campus, a vast amount has lowered the standard of excellence and acceptance that the University of Florida could once have pride in. In particular, fascist-leaning Governor Ron DeSantis passed legislation destroying Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices across Florida. Also impacting many programs intended to help students navigate their environment. The disbandment of the DEI offices has led to the removal of the BEC (Black Enrichment Center), a similar space from the campus.
The BEC functioned as a small space where black students could cultivate and commune on campus. Providing them with a space to network, socialize, interact, and relax on campus. While the space was intended for the use of black students, it was open to and invited students of any background, interested in engaging with the black student body or culture on campus. The removal of the BEC, and similar spaces, was a shock to the black student population but also became a testament to the resilience of the University’s students. Alternative methods were employed to
facilitate the community once retained by the BEC.
Along with the removal of the BEC, the freshmen orientation program known as PAACT had been canceled because it was tailored for black students. This however did not stop the efforts to create a new introductory program for freshmen. BlackUF 101 revitalized the core concepts and ideas for the class of UF28, providing them with specific information unique to the black community at UF. Locally the “My Brothers Keeper,” program at Santa Fe College had been defunded by the state, but ultimately rebranded itself as “Mu Beta Kappa,” to keep the black community of Santa Fe College alive.
The removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in the state of Florida for many reasons may be daunting to both students and faculty; however, these limitations have given birth to new and innovative ways to cultivate a community amongst the students internally. The black student community should continue to thrive regardless of these setbacks. The current and most obvious solution has been to cultivate and nurture internal communal affairs to maintain a semblance to unity integral to the success of black students.
No justice
My PieCE
This year has been filled with unforgettable moments! Some good and some bad but none more historical than the 2024 election. As young Black Americans, we found ourselves juggling more than policy but misinformation, discrimination, and even the rights of women’s bodies. As we prepare for the new year, allow us to recollect upon this major moment and discuss our feelings towards the results, our recommendations for moving forward and some sweeping culture movements. With the journalism of this event in mind, our main goal is to curate further discussion of the choices we can make as young Black Americans to align our dreams for a better future with our current actions. We all play a part in the development of a healthier future for all. Strap on your introspection boots and let’s dissect our feelings.
On the night of the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, most of us were glued to our seats seeking intelligent discussion between our running leaders of the free world. However, it felt as though something was off. Only one of our possible leaders was attempting to answer questions thoughtfully and with discretion. Meanwhile, our other leader spoke upon the supposed consumption of family pets by invading immigrants? Objectively, the distinction between both individuals seemed clear. One professed a desire to address the issues facing most Americans while the other was concerned about conspiracy and admitted so in front of millions of Americans. Nevertheless, that same individual obsessed with misinformation convinced millions of his capability to lead the free world. So, how do we feel? As Black Americans, we feel defeat, fear and regression. I know I personally looked into the future and felt nothing but hopelessness. There was true pain in seeing the effects of mass misinformation upon the populace of America. There was agony in knowing that hate and discrimination still had a place in this world. There was utter destruction of the soul in knowing our fight for equity had lost, yet again, to willful ignorance. Hope was dead.
Then I thought of all the progress we’d made as a people for equity. From the professed dreams of slaves sitting around fireplaces, praying for the freedom for their children that would follow them. To millions of lives lost in the American Civil War in an attempt to be seen as an American Patriot. Followed by the magnum opus of a professed dream of equity between all races in America living in peace and harmony. We, as a people, have lived in the most grueling and inhumane states of existence known to man and flourished. We’ve created cultures and foods and games and traditions fueled by struggle. Since birth, we are marked by resilience and lit with an eternal flame. No matter what the turbulence is of the present moment we will exist as the trailblazers of a better future. Do not lose hope. Hope is a gift that has been cherished and treasured for centuries. This gift will not be sullied. Become the men and women you wish the world believed in.
The men and women who see the souls of every man as brothers and sisters. Continue to dream of the world in which your children can live in peace and harmony until it becomes your present. To the able-bodied and capable, to the scared and recursive, to the courageous and prepared know we all have a part to play. Fight for freedom and equity never letting the aspiration be relinquished to the realm of broken promises and negligence. In a time like this, we must rely on each other. Look to your fellow young Black Americans as more than peers but family. Together we all face the same hostilities in political warfare. There are no greater weapons in this day and age than organization and intentional spending. Buy black, as giving money to major corporations whose sole operative is to use their excessive profit margins to continue to marginalize everyone fighting for a paycheck. You may save you a buck today but may cost you much more in the future. We must stay up-to-date and informed. I have recently been delighted by an independent news network called Grounded News which takes a journalism first perspective and posts news articles from a centralist perspective about BOTH parties. In addition, it informs you of the political leanings of each article’s news outlet to ensure transparency when staying informed of the daily haps. I would also like to recommend a couple of my favorite YouTubers speaking upon the political-economic state of things as it pertains to Black Americans. These would include: F.D. Signifier, Josh Johnson, Innuendo Studios and Dasia Sade. Become informed of this world and all its strengths and weaknesses. Find solace in a community and utilize your shared interest to strengthen your bonds as we embark on the journey of equity for all.
This leads me to my final topic. FAFO and our feelings regarding this movement. F*CK AROUND AND FIND OUT. As much as it is therapeutic to bask in your correctness this will not solve your problems. The solutions to the issues we all have with major sectors of the American government come from a unity of the people. We, the American people, must become conscious of the necessity of the power of a united front. We, regardless of gender, denomination, race, class, and sexuality all live for a dream of America where our hard work is rewarded, our schools are safe, and enlighten the young minds of tomorrow. Where our illnesses are cured, our jobs are fulfilling and we have time to live and breathe. We have become complacent with our demise, and fearful of our future at the same time. We live in an era in which we pray for the next politician to preach a doctrine of peace and prosperity to the American people. Yet, all we find is division. There is always blame thrown at the opposing political party and never solutions offered. We may find ourselves within a world divided upon every affair but we must never forget that while we may be separated by ideology we are aligned by our humanity.
Beings Black Beautiful
FALL 2024 MOVES FALL 2024 MOVES
Fall 2024 gave way to plenty of events, parties, and kickbacks that will surely be remembered down the line. While events like Florida Classic Weekend or Homecoming remain staples every year, what were the standout events for students this year? While Fall 2024 felt as if something was happening every weekend, their were undeniably clear contenders for the top spot of the semester. These were the events that either combined North and Central Florida, or created unique and fun experiences that would become highly regarded amongst a Black UF crowd. These were our picks for the Top Events of the Fall 2024 Semester!
3 APEX//FLORIDA CLASSIC WEEKEND
Apex Invasion was a collaborative event of the semester during Florida Classics Weekend. Between the BCU and FAMU game, tailgates, and community events, APEX was able to garner a large audience that spanned the entire Florida Area. While their were other events and parties taking place during APEX splitting the crowd, a large majority of college students ended up at its unique venue located in a secluded bowling alley. Although cosigned by a Greek organization APEX didn’t feel specific to one and was open to everyone willing to attend leading to a great experience.
2 FOAMCHELLA 2024
Yet another staple for the Black UF community Coachella 2024 scratches the Caribbean itch felt by students during the beginning on the Fall semester. It is also a great way to begin the semester as it kicked off party culture for many new and returning students. Those in attendance report having a great time during the event and wishing for more like it as the year continues. The iconic foam is what makes this event stand out amongst the rest as it resonates with many students as the year goes on.
1 WHITE BOY WASTED
“White Boy Wasted finna hit the Party,” is exactly what everyone was saying as they dressed up in theme to this unique and surprising end of year event. The theme “White Boy Wasted,” was a fun and goofy way to end the year for the students at the University of Florida. While its arrival and success were unexpected, the party was, by all means an all around hit ending the semester off.
WE ARE CHARACTERS
ARE MAIN the CHARACTERS
We wanted to create a logo that had a chic, sharp, and almost bladelike structure. The logo is meant to be simple, but still show the character of our brand. The logo takes the form of a B but also consists of a three, bringing together the B and the 3. Our character was inspired by the chibi style. We wanted to create a character that would be androgynous and be able to provide a new style and feel to our brand character.
THE VI
THE VISION
THE MAKI NG THE MAKI NG
A behind the scenes look at the evolution and creation of the B3 logo and our very own character, B.B!
EMPOWERING bLACK CREATIVES
Artist, Jasmine Byrd
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Simeon Glover
MODELS MODELS
Alexandra Adrien, cover, pg. 12, 13, 34 42
Micah Agree, pg. 21, 22, 23, 26, 31, 32
Seven Alexander, pg. 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 34, 42
Briana Ball, pg. 11
Tabby Bishop, pg 10, 11
Anthony Castra, pg. 22, 23, 28
Carlassia Collins, pg. 7, 9, 12
Alex Creed, pg. 2, 5, 34, 38, 43
Sutton Crouch, pg. 21, 22, 23, 25
Magnus Darrington, pg. 29, 35, 36, 39
Marthe Dorcenat, pg. 42
Jodi Gray, pg. 35, 28, 43
Janae Hodge, pg. 7, 12, 13, 18
Jayden Houston Johnson, pg. 35, 36
Zeveon Jones, pg. 35, 36
Tatiana Joseph, pg. 32, 33, 42
Desrae Morris, pg. 2, 5, 6, 12, 13, 18 34, 43
Chimela Oncheckewa, pg. 34, 36
Kendrick Onwuchekwa, pg. 35, 36
Julian Parker, pg. 4, 29, 35, 36, 30
Rainer N. St. Fort-Ricks, pg.3,5, 22,23,27,30,34-36,41,43,
Samari Sales, pg.42
Alvin Tuma, pg. 29, 34, 36
Nick Vinkle, pg.15-17
Lael, Executive Head and Lead Stylist
Tarik, Chief Executive Editor and Photographer
Kaleb, Photographer and Stylist
Jasmine, Creative Director and Social Media Manager
Simeon, Graphic Designer
STAFF STAFF
If you’ve made it this far, I want to give a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. These past couple of months have been, by far, the best months of my life, working on this project and brainstorming future ideas for you, the reader. No one does anything worthwhile alone, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team for all the amazing work they’ve done.
Firstly, I want to thank Tarik for being my right-hand man throughout this process, taking the creative mess in my brain and turning it into a cohesive and comprehensible plan. Truly a “6th man”; Tarik did everything from photoshoots to distribution logistics. Frankly, this magazine wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without him.
I’d also like to thank Kaleb for bringing a spark of life and out-ofthe-box thinking that pushed our creative limits. I am someone who likes to secure decisions, but sometimes spontaneity is needed, and Kaleb brought that front and center. Ideas that I thought were too wild or out there, Kaleb shaped them in a way that not only made them presentable but also kept their essence intact. Not to mention the amazing photography and editing work he’s done.
Jasmine, our lead graphic designer and social media manager, took the vision we had and brought it to life. She also gave us an online presence so that our art didn’t stay confined within our personal networks but could reach as many Black creatives as possible.
Last but certainly not least, I want to thank Simeon, our second graphic designer, who always brought a much-needed critical eye to elevate our work. Without him, we risked creating something good when it could have been great, and I will always be grateful for that.
I also want to thank my girlfriend Sabrina and my close friends Xolani and Jenelle for pushing me to pursue this passion and to see something in me that I didn’t see in myself.
Finally, I want to thank you, the reader, for taking the time to go through this magazine and absorbing the hard work we put into this project. You guys really make B3 what it is and for that
I am eternally grateful.
See you soon,
