Her Culture Issue No. 24: October 2018

HERCULTURE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

WHAT’S THE TEA? How different cultures celebrate the cuppa

TECH IN CLASSROOMS

Are plugged-in students more successful?

FALL INTO CULTURE

explore the world, one leaf at a time

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE

FOUNDED 2013 WWW.HERCULTURE.ORG @HERCULTURE

from the desk of

THE FOUNDER DEAR CULTURE GIRL, I’m so excited to release the October issue, because it marks five years since Her Culture was founded. I started the blog and website on October 5, 2013, with the mission to share women’s cultures worldwide. I wanted every woman to have a voice when they may not have had it otherwise. Today, the mission remains. We’ve been through countless website redesigns, developed dozens of global partnerships,

published an award-winning magazine (you’re reading

it right now!) and so much more. I am grateful for the

stories that I’ve heard and the stories that I’ve been

able to share. Thank you for joining this wild, wonderful, cultural journey. xoxo, Kate

MY TRAVEL LOG This month, I will travel to:

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Next month, I plan on going to:

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I’ve always wanted to visit:

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The countries I’ve been to are:

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My favorite article from Her Culture this month is:

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5 things I’ll remember for my next trip:

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I can start a #CultureRevolution by:

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xoxo

ISSUE NO. 24

OCTOBER /NOVEMBER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

KYLIE: THE BILLIONAIRE

JUSTICE

TEA CULTURE

MANAGE STRESS

12

27

WELLNESS GURUS

46

18

34

POLITICAL ART

56

CHOICE IN ARGENTINA

22

TAMPON ALTERNATIVES

40

MINORITY IN FILM

64

‘BUBBLINE’

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

A NEW OSCARS

FEMALE LEADERS

DEAR COLLEGES

PERFECTION

SOCIAL MEDIA

SCHOOL GENDER

THE ERROR WITH SPLIT

68

76

84

70

78

88

72

80

93

MORE TO LOVE…

CLUTCHING AT CINDERELLA'S DRESS…94 MEET SAME SKY…100 CLAIRE WINELAND…108 POW WOW WITHCES…112 AMERICAN SCHOOLS STRUGGLE WITH SUPPLIES…122 6 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL 4 YEARS…124 THE IMPACT OF CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY…128 SEPTEMBER #BLACKGIRLMAGIC ON COVERS…132

MAGAZINE STAFF EXECUTIVES

Kate Avino - Chief Executive Officer Alexis Neuville - Chief of Staff Katie Collins - Chief Marketing Officer Sareana Kimia - Director of International Development Cameron Oakes Director of Partnerships

EDITORS

Maanasi Natarajan Sara Miranda

Sorana Bucseneanu

Delisha Mehta

Sumaita Mahmood

Alana Cohen

WRITERS

Dakyung Lee Ashni Walia Essie Thomas Camden Morris Melanie Marich Skylar Cale Red Ali Jayden Hutchinson Chelsi Harris Likhita Yegireddi Areej Adnan Kennedy Castillo Diya Pathak Shaye DiPasquale Stephanie Chang Amanda Lopez Anushka Thorat Katherine Chacon Udayammai Ramasamy Elizabeth Meisenzahl Sofia Barrell Emily Pfeiffer Caroline Warman Manvita Gandhi

OUR PREVIOUS ISSUE:

NEWS CULTURE

the magazine cover heard ‘round the world by kennedy castillo

I

n July, Kylie Jenner appeared on the cover of Forbes Magazine, next to the youngest Kardashian/Jenner sister’s photo were the words “America’s Women Billionaires” and “At 21, she’s set to be the youngestever self-made billionaire”.

currently dating rapper Travis Scott, recently gave birth to a baby named Stormy and is a regular on the show “Keeping up with the Kardashians.”

For those who are not familiar with the young millionaire, Kylie Jenner is the youngest Kardashian/Jenner sister and the daughter of Kris Jenner and Caitlin Jenner (formerly known as Bruce Jenner) . She is the owner of Kylie Cosmetics, a makeup brand that became famous for lip products after the young celebrity got lip fillers. At only twenty one years old, the young millionaire is worth more than all her sisters

When fans saw Kylie on the cover of Forbes they were shocked, and the cover immediately became controversial for several reasons. Fans pointed out that their is a difference between having a billion dollars and not having a billion dollars, and that publishing a story about “America’s Women Billionaires” and putting Kylie Jenner on the cover did not make sense, since she does not have a billion dollars. To clarify fans are not questioning the possibility of Kylie becoming a billionaire, but rather how the way Forbes chose to go about the

including Kim Kardashian. She is

subject.

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Another one of the major problems with the cover was the fact that Forbes was calling Kyle “Self-made” and including her in a group of women that was actually selfmade. This sparked debate online since many were quick to point out that Kylie was born into an already wealthy and famous family. Other have defended Kylie by pointing out that her sisters had the same opportunities, but did not invest their money properly and for that reason are not as rich as Kylie.

At the moment Kylie’s Cosmetics, Kylie’s share from “Keeping up with the Kardashians” and other sponsorships or endorsements she has received put her worth at $900 million, and she is expected to reach the $1 billion mark very soon.

JUSTICE FOR

VANESA

by Shaye DiPasquale

V

iolence against sex workers has been reported worldwide, both on a physical and emotional level.

Rape, strangulation, kidnapping - these are acts that are all too commonly experienced by sex workers. Last month, five people in Paris were charged with murdering a Peruvian transgender sex worker, Vanesa Campos. The brutal murder has sparked debates and angered activists throughout the country and around the world.

Campos had been working illegally in France as a sex worker for two years.

She was attacked on the night of August 16th while trying to protect her client from being robbed at the Bois de Boulogne, a park well-known as a pickup site for prostitutes. The police reported to Le Parisien newspaper that Campos was attacked by 10 men with knives, sticks and a handgun.

Other Latina prostitutes working in the area on that night reported to TĂŞtu magazine they had heard gunshots and screams from Campos. She repeatedly shouted "Todas!" which was a code word used among the prostitutes when they needed each other's help. No one

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came to Campos rescue. Over the course of the past few years, it is estimated that about 10 prostitutes have been murdered in the Bois de Boulogne.

In 2016, France adopted the Nordic structure of criminalizing those who purchase sex, rather than targeting sex workers. People caught paying for sex can now incur costly fines and are required to attend classes to learn about the impact prostitution has on sex workers. By passing the bill, France joined the ranks of Sweden, Iceland, Northern Ireland and Norway, all of which have similar legislation in place.

Proponents of the law advocated that the changes would make it easier to target intricate sex trafficking networks and increase safety by improving police protection of sex workers. Not everyone agreed that the stipulations of the law were in the best interest of sex workers.

At the time the law was passed, the BBC reported that around 60 sex workers took to the streets to demonstrate outside of parliament. Many who were opposed to the bill believed it would significantly affect the income sex workers earn and force them to work in more isolated and dangerous situations.

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In light of Campos’ death, protesters again took to the streets with signs demanding “Justice for Vanesa” and greater protection for sex workers. Many accused the French government of being complicit in Vanesa’s death by forcing sex workers to participate in more risky behaviors and put their safety on the line. The protestors were further angered by a lack of response from the government in regard to the tragedy.

around the world have led to a international push to eradicate violence against prostitutes globally. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) and other organizations believe community empowerment led by sex workers can serve as as a way to combat violence against sex workers. The UNPF also advocates for changing the way the international community views sex work . Instead of promoting an idea of sex work as an illegal activity, it should be presented simply as another type of work.

While France may not have responded directly to the incident, similar attacks

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Historic Vote to Legalize Abortion Fails in Argentina by elizabeth meisenzahl In August, Argentina seemed on the precipice of legalizing abortion, and, in the process, bucking both religious and political tradition in the country’s historically conservative abortion policy.

However, feminist groups’ hopes were dashed when, just before the final vote, an opposition senator announced her intention to vote against the proposal, a change from her previously stated position.

of the mother and rape. Under the proposed bill, abortion would be permissible through the first 14 weeks of a pregnancy. This bill passed the Chamber of Duties, one half of Argentina’s National Congress, in July by a narrow four-vote margin, before gaining increased media attention and popular opposition as the bill headed to the Senate, which makes up the Upper House.

As Argentinian law stands, abortion is

Following the initial passage of the bill,

outlawed, with exceptions for the health

opposition largely stemmed from the

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country’s Catholic background, with 76% of Argentinians identifying as Roman Catholic. Notably, Argentina is the home country of Pope Francis. The Church’s influence has been notable in other areas of Argentinian policy, including difficulty surrounding access to contraception.

Argentina would have been only the third country in predominantlyCatholic Latin America, following Cuba and Uruguay, to legalize abortion.

Because of the region’s history of heavy Catholic influence on policy, the move would have been noteworthy for its departure on a key issue for Catholics.

Still, some viewed passage of the bill as possible given recent trends. For example, in 2010, Argentina legalized same-sex marriage, making it the first Latin American country to do so.

the minority, in contrast to the large numbers of rural opponents to decriminalizing abortion.

Although the failure of the bill may seem like a consensus to maintain the status quo, the underlying issues that led to the bill’s creation remain.

According to Argentina’s Ministry of Health, 50,000 women are hospitalized each year from botched, illegal abortions. Most of these procedures are performed on poor women in unsafe conditions, as opposed to the sterile environments private clinics offer to women who can afford them. To the feminist groups behind the bill, the issue is not simply about choice, but about life or death, often based on what you can afford.

In light of the recent and historic vote to repeal the amendment banning abortion in Ireland, the possibility of another historically Catholic country departing from tradition in this way did not seem so radical. However, while both countries have Catholic roots in their policies, the difference is in popular support. In Ireland, the vote to repeal the amendment won by over 30 percentage points. Meanwhile, in Argentina, supporters of the bill were in

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WELLNESS

CULTURE

tea culture around the globe

by manvita gandhi

An ivory cup of porcelain with an innately carved slim handle, sitting on an enameled saucer – the perfect accompaniment to a calm, lazy afternoon. What does this decorated cup contain? For most of the world, the liquid inside is tea.

The aromatic beverage that is a staple in many houses originated in China as a medicinal drink. As its popularity expanded, so did its reach. Exploring the evolution of this soothing drink allows one to add a sprinkle of history and legacy to the comforting sips of tea.

CHINA

“A day without tea is a day without joy.”

So goes an ancient Chinese proverb. In China, it is a popular belief that tea constitutes a part of the seven essential necessities to begin one’s day. In the land of its origin, tea continues to be the major beverage. Drinking the LongJing (Dragon Well Tea), Bi Luo Chun (Green Snail Spring Tea), Tieguanyin (Iron Goddess Tea), and Huangshan Mao Feng (Yellow Mountain Fur Peak Tea) is an appreciation of the traditional Chinese philosophy.

JAPAN Japan is known for its tea ceremony, called Sadou or Chadou, which is one of the most-enjoyed tourist experiences in the world. Kneeling down on the traditional tatami floor and immersing in the taste of matcha, the tea-drinker wears the traditional kimono or hakama.

The aesthetic ceremony calls for the tea-drinker to follow certain etiquettes.

Today, matcha, a powdered green tea common in Japan, is being used worldwide to flavor an assortment of delicacies, ranging from noodles to ice creams to chocolates.

ENGLAND

The quintessential English drink often finds itself next to a couple of cookies or a slice of the classic Victorian sponge cake. The English relish their Breakfast, Earl Grey and afternoon teas in the cups and saucers. There is no perfect time to have a ‘cuppa’ – it can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

INDIA The land of Buddha and Mahatma considers tea as it’s go-to drink. ‘Chai’ can be found anywhere in India – be it lavish hotels, common houses or local tea stalls. The tea is usually consumed with milk and sugar. Many Indians refuse to start their days without a cup of hot chai, infused with herbs such as tulsi (basil) and a variety of spices.

Interestingly, tea, especially ginger tea, is the most common home remedy for any flu in India. India’s Assam and Darjeeling varieties have found their way into the cabinets of tea connoisseurs across many continents.

UNITED STATES

As the world becomes smaller, it is natural for varieties of tea to find their way to new tea-lovers. Despite being a predominantly coffee drinking country, the US has seen a revival of fine black teas. Many prefer their tea to be consumed ‘cold’ or ‘iced.’ Though coffee still remains the favorite drink for Americans, there is a rising community of tea-lovers belonging to the land that gave us the famous “I’m a Little Teapot” song.

start becoming friends with stress by sonia chan

We are always told that it is not healthy to stress over what comes our way in life, since it may adversely affect our bodies, which includes weakening our immune system, causing depression and anxiety or even developing heart diseases. A large amount of research has discovered that stress predominantly negatively affects our bodies. However, research has also discovered that stress can be beneficial to us as well.

assist us to tolerate any challenges that may come our way and find ways to overcome them. We may get stressed when we are not able to complete a task in a way that we expected. So, stress can motivate us to reach our goals and achieve better results the next time we are faced with a problem .

Physically, it is also believed that an appropriate level of stress can fortify the immune system. Since the heart rate will increase when experiencing stress, it may improve how the heart works and even protect the body from infection.

With that said, experts argue that stress can be a motivator. Life is always not easy, therefore, experiencing stress may HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 24

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Other possible benefits are:

Developing current or even new skills: For example, having tight deadlines may foster patience and time management skills.

Gaining confidence when managing stress: coping and overcoming stressors will hopefully developing more confidence to cope with similar hardships in the future.

that overcoming challenges and the potential to grow and develop new skills will allow each and everyone of us to develop a healthy, positive attitude and mentality that we can conquer anything that life may throw at us.

Although stress is never necessarily a good thing to deal with, too much stress is never good for anyone. . Therefore, here are some easy ways to feel more relaxed when life gets tough.

Adopting a positive attitude in general: having a piece of mind

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do what you usually do when you’re free There are many articles that simply suggest going for a walk, meditating, or doing some crafts, but all these things can be pointless if they are not interesting .

Because you do not like it, you may simply think that it is not applicable to you or it does not work for you.

Instead of doing what the articles suggest, simply do

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what you know best when you are free, whether that is listening to music, jogging, or even writing down your feelings. Going through some hard times at the moment?

Now may be the time to develop and unleash a hobby or passion that you may have never devoted your time to in the past.

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treat yourself (mindfully) Eating when stressed is not necessarily bad. It is only bad when one does not have control and keeps eating until consuming food is the stressor. It can be anything from a healthy snack such as an avocado to a bar of chocolate. If mindlessly munching on your treat of choice while stressed is a goto habit when the “going gets

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tough,� move away from the screen and intently focus on the taste, the texture, and what sort of emotion the food evokes. Do some serious selfevaluating and recognize if snacking on popcorn is a healthy or excessive habit; otherwise, it may time to say goodbye to sadly munching on popcorn when life throws its punches.

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talk to your best friend Friends are always there to support you. So, instead of wallowing in sadness and thinking of solution to solve the problem, talk to your best friend. It does not have to be related to the issue you are facing. So, tell your best friend that you are facing some challenges and talk whatever you want - be childish, be silly. Of course, if you ever need any advice or suggestion on solving the

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problem, your best friend will always be there to listen and help you out.

There are, of course, more ways to deal with stress.

Choose what seems comfortable and manageable for you. And remember, you are never alone. People who develop healthy coping methods have encountered things that have stressed them out as well.

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5

Tampon Alternatives You Don’t Know About by shaye dipasquale

As more studies suggest disposable tampons may be contaminated with various chemicals and carcinogenic substances, consumers are left searching for alternative menstrual products. Most disposable tampons are made of synthetic materials that can irritate sensitive vaginal skin and cause extreme discomfort. The cotton used in these products is grown through exposure to fertilizers and pesticides, chemicals which can be extremely hazardous to one’s health.

Over the past few years, a number of menstrual product companies began marketing new, innovative approaches to menstrual health.

Here is a list of some body-safe alternative menstrual products that can help you save money and cut down on waste.

flex discs Flex isn’t your standard menstrual cup - its a disc that lasts up to 12 hours. Unlike a tampon or menstrual cup, FLEX discs do not plug the vaginal canal, rather they sit just past the vaginal canal so they will not be felt once in place. According to the FLEX website, FLEX discs sit comfortably so “you can live your best life, even on your period”. They can be worn to sleep, swim, shower or workout without a hassle.

FLEX founder and CEO, Lauren Schulte suffered from persistent yeast infections for 15 years before she realized her discomfort may be linked to her tampon use. This personal experience led her to pursue new ways to help people who menstruate feel comfortable and confident in their bodies.

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sea sponges All menstrual products are meant to soak up menstrual blood yet many find it strange to suggest that a sponge be used in lieu of a tampon. Retailers say small sea sponges are better able to mold to the unique shape of a woman’s body. With a lifetime of at least six months, sea sponges have the potential to be a cost-effective alternative to tampons as they are far less disposable. The biggest downside to using sponges is that they require meticulous upkeep and must be washed, cleaned and sterilized frequently.

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sterile gauze This is not an optimal alternative to tampons, but it is an option that can be used in a pinch. It is safe, hygienic and much more reliable than a wad of tissues or toilet paper. Stacking the gauze is an important step, as one layer of gauze will likely be too thin to soak up heavy menstrual blood. And remember, even more so than tampons, gauze will need to be changed frequently.

period underwear While it may sound unsanitary, period-friendly underwear is said to be comfortable experience for people who are menstruating. From PantyProps to Thinx, many companies are being offer options in a variety of cuts, colors and styles. The undergarments are specifically designed to reduce the appearance of stains and to neutralize odors.

Much like a normal pair of underwear, period underwear should be worn once and then washed. And yes, you can wash period underwear with the rest of your clothes and they will be unscathed.

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interlabial pad As the name suggests, interlabial pads are worn lengthwise between the labia. Wearing the pad closer in proximity to the vagina can help reduce the mess and leakage that often comes with wearing traditional pads. These menstrual products come in various absorbencies and shapes and increase the comfort and discretion of wearing a pad.

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9

wellness advocates you should follow

by Chelsi Harris

Chidera Eggerue The 23-year-old Chidera Eggerue, most commonly known as The Slumflower, is an award-winning blogger, author, and creator of the #SAGGYBOOBSMATTER movement. Hailing from Peckham, South-East London, Eggerue has dedicated her vastly-growing platform to jump-starting conversations about body positivity, self-love, and speaking out against eurocentric standards of beauty. Elle magazine calls her “the millennial mastermind� and she has been featured in publications popular publications like Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harpers Bazaar, and Glamour.

Alexandra Elle If you’ve been active on social media in the last few years, chances are you’ve probably seen her work reposted dozens of times across all platforms. Alexandra Elle is an author, poet, and wellness consultant, living in the Washington D.C. metroplex with her husband and two daughters. In addition to her empowering ‘A Note to Self’, affirmations and refreshingly vulnerable accounts of life, love, and motherhood, Elle publishes photography, hosts a podcast, and leads self-care workshops across the nation. Her latest poetry book, Neon Soul, is out now and her interactive self-journal, Today I Affirm, is set to be released in 2019.

Mari Andrew A New York-based writer and illustrator, Andrew’s career catapulted in 2016 following a painful breakup, the loss of her father, and a life-altering diagnosis. Andrew has since dedicated herself to releasing one drawing a day on her Instagram account, where she manages to package her all-toorelatable experiences with life, love, and healing into simple, yet impactful drawings. Two years and nearly a million Instagram followers later, Andrews released her debut book Am I There Yet?: The Loop-de-loop, Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood in March of this year.

Elyse Fox With over 50 thousand followers, 28-year-old filmmaker and activist, Elyse Fox, is dismantling the stigma on mental illness and allowing a space for young women of color to talk openly about their mental health struggles via The Sad Girls Club. Founded in February of 2017, the Sad Girls Club is both a virtual and IRL community that hosts monthly meetups in the NYC area. As much uplifting as it is aesthetically pleasing, this account features positive affirmations, motivational messages, and healthy coping mechanisms.

Marcela Sabia Based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Marcela is an illustrator and advocate for self-love, mental health awareness, and body positivity. After graduating from university, Sabia struggled to find satisfaction within her advertising profession and spent most of her days battling through depression and anxiety. Therapy allowed her to reconnect with her artistic side and rededicated herself to her illustrations using Instagram. Her work has gained momentum over the years and she has since amassed over 37 thousand followers on Instagram.

Cleo Wade 28-year-old Cleo Wade is a renowned artist, poet, and best-selling author. Cleo has written for numerous publications including the New York Times, Teen Vogue, and W Magazine, but is most known for being the “Insta-poet”. Her work, which features pieces on self-love, community, and social justice, has been featured across all social media platforms and reposted by many notable celebrities including Oprah Winfrey. In fact, Wade was deemed “The Millennial Oprah” by New York magazine, one of America’s 50 Most Influential Women by Marie Claire, 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company, and "Everyone's B.F.F." by the New York Times. Her first book “Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life” is out now.

Lauren Ash Lauren Ash is a writer, yoga instructor, and founder of Black Girl In Nom, a platform that promotes topics pertaining to holistic wellness, self-care, empowerment, and self-love for black women. Founded in 2014, posts featured on Black Girl In Nom encourage wellness practices and developing an understanding of what it means to be healthy and beautiful from the inside out.

The Twin Cities native was recently featured in Essence magazine and declared “one of the most important voices in the wellness industry� by Shape magazine, and has toured the nation leading self-care and yoga workshops for women of color.

Nayyira Waheed Not much is known about Waheed outside of her work. Although she leads a quiet life and prefers not to share much about herself online, her work has been reposted across social media platforms for years. She has published two poetry books entitled salt and nejma that feature pieces on topics like love, identity, and feminism.

Alison Rachel Alison Rachel is an Amsterdam-based artist from Cape Town, South Africa who has dedicated her life to dismantling systematic oppression and aiding other women in overcoming their mental health obstacles. Her Instagram, Recipes for Self Love, features empowering imagery inspired by important topics like intersectional feminism, self-care, and self-expression. Inspired by her popular feed, Rachel’s new book, Recipes for Self Love: How to Feel Good in a Patriarchal World, is set to debut in April 2019.

ART

CULTURE

Art After the Election: How Current Political Affairs are Affecting Creators by essie thomas

Photograph by Clare Welsh

I

t is a gray and rainy Monday as I sit on my bed in my apartment and scroll through my social media, procrastinating the inevitable moment that I have to start my day.

When I began to notice a pattern of posts from different friends; an article circulating around about the latest political art piece from Jim Carrey. I didn’t even know that Jim Carrey painted. As I began going through his repertoire of political art boycotting President Trump, I was struck by the engagement that his posts had received.

Of course, there were the opinions on whether or not his artwork was actually well conceived or just a “hack job”, but it sparked my interest about political art in the country and how artists were digesting the new landscape of American politics. Even though the responses were varied from praise to outright disdain, the reality was clear, people were taking an interest in art.

Admittedly, my friends have always been on the artsy side. I was a theater kid in high school and have surrounded myself since then with the bohemians of society. But this was different. Suddenly, people who were never interested in art were on my newsfeed, screaming about Jim Carrey, while others ardently

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defended him and his artistic ability. It was certainly sparking a conversation.

And it made me wonder, how much art is affected by politics?

Western Pennsylvania is complicated. It is a beautiful place with rolling fields of farmland and deep green forests.

However, the landscape, like the people, still show the scars of the industries that left the area decades ago; coal and steel.

Western Pennsylvanians are a proud and hardened people. They work hard to provide for their families, they drive pickup trucks, and in 2016, they voted for Trump. While a city like Pittsburgh has managed to bounce back after the main industries left, the rural areas of Western Pennsylvania have not been so lucky. An opioid addiction crisis has taken hold in its place, and, in spite of law enforcement's best efforts, has continued to grow.

Clare Welsh is a writer and multidisciplinary artist who has lived in New Orleans for years. Growing up in a small town in Western Pennsylvania, she experienced the way of Appalachian life and the people that live there. Her poems have bite and tackle a myriad of topics from depression and mental health, to drug addiction and knives.

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One could describe Clare’s carefully crafted image as razors in a candy apple; a vampire in daylight. Her photographs will simultaneously give you vibes of a rock groupie from the ‘80s, AND the punk rocker to be worshipped.. Even when she’s photographing herself or her friends, her photographs look like something that you find buried deep in your parents’ closet, from a time when they didn’t want you to know that they were ever cool. She’s unattainably cool and vulnerable and it comes across in her art. “Right before Trump’s presidency, my work fell apart. My poetry became fragmented; each page was a word salad. I was working on a full-length book of poetry and photography about the opiate epidemic in Pennsylvania, my master’s thesis for my MFA. This wasn’t the book I needed

to make, but it was the book I needed to make before making the book I needed to make.”

In December of 2016, a month after the election that made Trump president, she started a campaign called “Horses for Aleppo”. Feeling powerless for the Syrian refugees flooding out of their war torn homeland, she began creating watercolor paintings and drawings of horses. In Islamic sacred texts, Prophet Mohammed flew on a winged horse called Buraq from Mecca to Jerusalem and back. In honor of what is known as “The Night Journey” in Islam, she donates all the profits from the sales of her paintings to Save the Children, an organization actively trying to provide basic human essentials to the Syrian people.

Photograph by Vanessa DeCardenas

“I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like they’re staring into a fun-house mirror every time they read a newspaper.

For me, the national violence was only a macrocosm for the violence in my personal life. One day, I just got sick of other people telling my story, and telling it wrong; Reducing complex American stories to SEO-friendly listicles isn’t doing anyone any favors.

So my poetry came back together again.

It came back as lyric, as narrative, as fucking furious. I hadn’t realized how long I had been holding in my anger, biting my tongue, literally my whole life.

I became the punk singer I always wanted to date. I embraced the firstperson point of view and ran with it.”

The election has created a understanding of how she views womanhood and femininity. Exploring

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the stories of the women in her family, she has created poetry and images surrounding what it means to be Welsh American, from the coal mines of rural Western Pennsylvania, to fight for her art in a highly creative city like New Orleans. Trump has forced us to really look at a culture that, for so long, we buried beneath the surface, leaving it to fester. The darkness was always there, but Trump gave it a voice and power.

“Being a multi-disciplinary artist, a writer, performer and photographer, helps me break up the solitary work of composition and connect with collaborators and audiences who feel the same way. My work is my life-line to the world, and I’d be doing it no matter what, but the urgency of the social, political, and environmental situations have lit one hell of a fire under my ass.”

Several artists have created works in acts of rebellion against the 45th. There were, of course, the depictions of a nude Trump, both in statue and painting form, sporting a tiny penis and large stomach. These images went viral and started a heated debate not only between the right and left wing, but also between various schools of thought within the Left Wing. Should we

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Photograph by Vanessa DeCardenas

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Photograph

by Vanessa DeCardenas

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support an image of the president in a humiliated stance, should we sink to his level and make fun of his appearance, as he’s done so often to so many people?

Art will always have a place in a free speech society to rebel against power.

Not only does it have a place in speaking truth to power, it has a duty.

When Vanessa Decardenas found out about the election results, she was devastated. Living and working in Tucson, Arizona, Vanessa knew many immigrants from Mexico. What would a Trump presidency mean for her immigrant neighbors, or herself as a mixed ethnicity woman?

“Since he became president, one of the seemingly insignificant ways that I try to make a difference in my small world, is to showcase women in my creative photography. His disgusting and misogynist views of women fill me with rage. By spotlighting powerful women, I feel like somehow, I am changing or invalidating the narrative that he and so many others are writing about women.

It’s not that I am opposed to photographing men, because I am not. I just think that right now, it is necessary to make sure that women are more

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visible than ever. Most often, my muses are my lady friends, family, and acquaintances.”

Featuring women of all ethnicities, shapes and sizes in her portraits, Vanessa celebrates both the woman and the Latinx culture that she is surrounded with on a daily basis. Her photographs speak pay homage to the landscape around her. Vanessa’s photographs are so powerful because they show the world how the subject should be seen, rather than how she sees it.

“Even in my own community, it’s been incredible to see the people come together to spotlight women’s issues through everything from marches to benefit art shows.”

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Vanessa teaches the power of art to children through her work with the Boys & Girls Club and she has been featured in Art Motif Magazine. Her appreciation of femininity, light, and highlighting the eyes through portrait set her apart from many photographers in the same way that her personality does in life, she is sincere. Her photographs have hope in them. And isn’t hope something we can all get behind in the end?

Someone once said that “the artist’s job is to be a witness to his time in history”.

Perhaps political art is our saving grace.

Whatever end of the political spectrum you’re on, it may just keep us all sane.

And if artists have their way, it may teach us something about ourselves.

Photograph of Clare Welsh by Andres Ballesteros

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Minority Representation in Mainstream Films by kennedy castillo This summer the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” was released, which features a completely Asian American cast. The movie became a big hit, and topped the box office in several countries. More important than the movie’s storyline itself was the fact that it featured a completely Asian American cast. This is the first time a big budget movie has featured an entirely Asian American cast since the original “Jurassic Park” movie was released in 1993.

minority driven cast this year, the first being “Black Panther.”

In February “Black Panther” was released and was the first major superhero movie to feature an AfricanAmerican protagonist, and an cast that was made up of almost entirely AfricanAmerican actors What is refreshing about both movies is that while both movies are led by minority driven casts, neither movie’s storyline focuses on the characters race. “Crazy Rich Asians” is a romantic comedy, and while it include cultural elements it is more than a cultural movie, and focuses on a love story as well. “Black Panther” takes place in a fictional country, and is primarily a superhero movie, before being a movie about race.

In recent years it has become the norm for box office movies to lack diversity and it has been rare for lead roles to be played by minorities or people of color in general. 2018 has become the year of multicultural representation in mainstream film though. “Crazy Rich Asians” is the second film with a HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 24

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Another example of diversity in mainstream film is “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”, which is a Netflix original film. Although the movie is only available through streaming via Netflix, it has become mainstream among teens and young adults. The protagonist of the movie is Lara Jean Covey a Korean American girl played by Lana Condor. It is being called the first teen romantic comedy to feature a diverse protagonist.

Just like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Black Panther” the storyline does not focus on the main character being of a certain race, but rather treats the diverse character like any other character.

York Film Academy reported earlier this year that only 29.2% of all characters are from minorities, when in reality the U.S. population is made up of 38.7% minority groups. They also reported that despite the lack of minority characters in the top 900 movies 49% of the movie going public is part of a minority group.

Many critics and movie fans alike are predicting that racial inclusion will soon become the new norm when it comes to mainstream movies both at the movie theater and on streaming sites such as Netflix and Hulu. Some have even gone as far as to call this “The Age of Inclusivity in Mainstream Film”

Despite the sudden rise in diversity when it comes to mainstream films New

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when ‘bubbline’ became canon by stephanie chang

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he lights: a dim warmth.

Chamomile tea spilled from the lip of my cup to the pencilscratched desk. When Bubbline became canon, I was in my room on a weekday. Homework only have finished. I had seen that the Adventure Time finale—a “kids’ cartoon” I grew up watching for its colorful and zany post-apocalyptic plotlines—recently aired on TV. It wasn’t long before I was sprawled on my bed, eagerly watching the 45-minute conclusion to the show that first revealed my bisexuality in blossoming, open fists as a middle school girl. And contrary to Internet theories and counterarguments, there was no way Princess Bubblegum and her gothic ex-girlfriend, Marceline the Vampire Queen, didn’t have the hots for each other. (I like to believe that Bubbline was canon before their end kiss.)

more grand and picturesque than anything I could hold inside me. Could what I possessed be art? In the same light of a straight man and woman slow-dancing?

When Bubbline became canon, I was flashing with envy. I was sobbing as cold evening spread into dark outside. Watching the leader of a kingdom embrace a girl who’s seen everything, lived through all the world’s histories, was looking through a mirror to every girl I harbored inside my own skin. Every subtle joke I knew would never sink in among my friends. I don’t think there was a singular emotion to describe the moment Bubbline became canon.

For the most part, I could recall very little.

Something resembling a dream or song diluted of tone towards the end, echoing in a space elsewhere. I had to watch the finale again just to absorb the plot itself. The sacred moment Princess Bubblegum and Marceline shared captured the relationship I could never quite picture. Their story, carefully kindled and sharpened throughout the series, brought me closer to a girl inside me; a girl who liked girls and boys alike. A girl who would no longer be ash, the bad aftertaste in her own mouth. A girl who wouldn’t be afraid of embracing herself anymore.

But suffice to say, when they kissed, I cried. I cried helplessly for all the tragic LGBTQ+ couples on television begging to pass for representation as Shakespeare-esque dread.

I cried for the fetishization of lesbian pairings in popular media that made my stomach churn. I cried for the little girl who lives inside me, asking for a decade why she would never be able to hold another girl’s hand. Why she was wolf. Why I needed to bind myself to the heart of a boy; why there was never a choice I could make. Why there was always denial of the greater whole. Full moon nights without promise of song and malleability of tomorrow. The truth much

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FASHION MOVES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY by victoria hsieh

When people associate envrionmentalists with the fashion industry, we immediately think of paint and mink fur. Despite how these attacks may seem a bit extreme, the fashion industry is admittedly one of the biggest polluters; 2,700 liters are required to make one cotton shirt according to the WRI. However, there has been a rise of sustainable fashion brands to shop at.

These brands provide clothing in a wide variety of styles, ranging from athletic clothing to designer wear.

Stella McCartney has recently been emphasizing the importance of sustainability.

Since 2013, she has utilized “vegetarian leather� for her iconic Farabella totes and other leather bags. In a recent partnership with Adidas, Stella McCartney released vegan Stan Smiths, a trendy Adidas sneaker worn by man teens in 2016.

Beyond that, Athleta, a subset of the Gap brand, has also committed to the idea of sustainability.

Their Pacific Tops, as quoted from their website, are utilized for recycled fabric. Their dying process for several tank tops reduces water by a few gallons per shirt. Overall, Athleta has created goals for 2020 that focus on a sustainable vision.

However, the brands don’t just stop there. There have been many clothing companies solely created for the purpose of addressing the ineffiency with the fashion industry.

Blockbuster Films’ Huge Impact on the Oscars by sofia barrell

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fter the success of movies like Black Panther, Crazy Rich Asians, and Mamma Mia,the Academy Awards announced a new category to its institute that will include films that have a lower potential of receiving a nomination for Best Picture film that will be known as Outstanding Popular Film. However, the Academy has since decided to postpone its introduction due to criticism from many studios and filmmakers.

One of the reasons for this delay was a counter-campaign from the most obvious beneficiary of the new category: Black Panther. Chadwick Boseman, the film’s leading actor, has stated that the film is campaigning for the Best Picture nomination, as opposed to the less prestigious Popular Film category, another award category recently introduced by the Academy . This initiative is heavily supported by Disney, the film’s studio, that is owned by the network which annually hosts the awards: ABC.

The Academy had intended to introduce the new category during the 91st Academy Awards on February 24th, 2019, but announced on September 6th its decision to postpone the introduction of the new category to the line-up.

Many of the Academy’s critics as well as the makers of the likely top-contenders for the category think that it was introduced to give these popular movies a lower chance of winning the biggest category: Best Picture. Many also feel that race played a factor.

“There has been a wide range of reactions to the introduction of a new award, and we recognize the need for further discussion with our members,” said CEO Dawn Hudson, according to the Hollywood Reporter. “We have made changes to the Oscars over the years — including this year — and we will continue to evolve while also respecting the incredible legacy of the last 90 years.”

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The awards have been the center of race-related backlash in the past. In 2016, the hashtag “Oscars so White” was started by BroadwayBlack.com’s managing editor, April Reign, after the announcement of the award’s all-white nominees. For the second year in a row, all 20 actors nominated in the lead and supporting acting categories were white.

In the same way, many believe the

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the “Popular Movie” category served only to hinder underrepresented groups, like those starring in Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, from getting a Best Picture nomination or win.

The category may have also been a response to the Academy show’s continually decreasing ratings. A tally from Nielsen shows that ABC’s telecast of the 90th Academy Awards averaged only 26.5 million television viewers, a 20% decrease from the 2017 show and the ceremony’s worst viewership ever.

Many factors are believed to have contributed to this lack of viewership of not only the Academy Awards, but many other live ceremonies and telecasts as well. For example, the increased use of internet streaming and the use of social media for live updates have contributed to their decline.

In past years, these dropping numbers may have been due to the Awards’ lack

of popular blockbuster movies. The 2017 awards, for example, did not feature a single blockbuster hit, and in 2018, the only Best Picture nominee topping box office sales was the intense World War II drama, Dunkirk ($525 million worldwide). Blockbuster films, such as box office hit superhero movies, attract die-hard fans that would most likely watch the awards and boost its ratings if their favorite movie was featured or nominated in the show. The new category would have attempted to tackle this issue and bring these fans to the Oscars.

It is unsure whether or not the category will be introduced at a less tumultuous or damaging time for the Academy, but, for the moment, its postponement will allow many of this summer’s most “popular” movies to have a chance at one of film’s highest honors.

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CULTURE

Why Women Can Be Leaders, Too by sonia chan Have you ever encountered a situation where you were treated as less competent and capable, regardless of your skills and talent? Or have you ever worried about not being able to gain respect because you believe females are less preferred?

As females, we often assume that we are not as desired in the workplace. It always seems to be the norm that males take up most managerial positions in a company.

We, females, then believe that women are less likely to succeed, even when granted the opportunity to do so.

Research has found that out of 234 companies that own around 2000 of the world’s most recognizable brands, , only 14 of these companies had a female CEO and 9 of these companies never had a woman standing in an executive position. Due to social expectations and stereotypes, , most companies fail to recognize females by providing them training and promoting opportunities. However, some females, just like young women our age may be afraid to take on leadership roles in fear of “going against the grain.”

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be leaders that are more than worthy of respect. . Though it may sound cliché and seem that these women have made their mark on history merely because they are exceptions to their male counterparts, studies have discovered that leaders are mostly born. True leaders are naturally born with characteristics such as charisma and resiliency, and, of course, do not have to be a male.

Still doubting your ability to rise on top as a leader? Folkman’s research on measuring leadership effectiveness may start persuading you. The results of the research showed that females have a higher ability in taking initiative generating successful results, and generally tend to be more competent.

Everyone is different. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses, but we should never let any of our worries become our weaknesses because a woman’s capability should never be determined by assumptions or general expectations. If you once considered taking on a leadership role or wanted to step out of your comfort zone in becoming a leader but were taken aback by all those social expectations or stereotypes, it is time to reconsider, since we all can be leaders.

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DEAR COLLEGES, When did my grades and extracurriculars define me more than my responsibility and hard work?

When did an essay matter more than the time I’ve spent working for the past six months?

Why is there a pressure to do well when I know the credit I will get won’t be enough?

Colleges like you seem to define my future based on knowing almost nothing about me. Yeah sure you can see my grades and how many activities I’m involved in. What you don’t take into account is how much someone may have to watch their siblings instead of going to the latest physics club that they were really excited about. What you don’t see is the student who works hard at work for five hours after school just to go home to study all hours of the night. You don’t see how hard someone might be working to get a scholarship when they don’t have the money to attend college without it. Then there is the student who has to find new places to go when problems at home arise and become too much.

In short there is more to us than our grades and the activities we chose/ get the opportunity to participate in. Instead of focusing on these things why don’t you look at me as more than just a piece of paper when deciding my future.

Take into consideration my home life and welcome the idea of working. Not only can this help me be more successful in life and make things easier for my family, you can admit more students that will work hard and be motivated no matter how hard classes get.

If you encourage me to do well and branch out maybe I will be more motivated and less stressed.

So I’m not saying to automatically admit me based on what’s happening in our home lives, but welcome the idea that everyone has different home lives. It will have the ability to lead me to a path of higher success, which is ultimately your goal.

Sincerely, A High School Senior

the not-soperfect side of perfection by sofia barrell

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et’s face it: everyone is influenced by models and those girls in the gorgeous, aesthetically-pleasing pictures we ‘like’ while scrolling through Instagram. But what do models have to go through to achieve perfection, and how does it affect their followers?

and diet -- 5% of the models involved in this study had been given pills or other substances for weight loss. These alarming reports demonstrate how vital being skinny is to success in the modeling world. 21% of these women were even told by their agencies that if they failed to lose weight, they would lose their contracts.

Every day is filled with the Kardashians and photoshopped magazine covers.

These seemingly perfect people drastically influence societal perceptions of perfection. These pop culture influencers have unattainable bodies types that they show off on their social media pages that were sculpted by plastic surgeons who are paid thousands of dollars to make them feel and look beautiful, or that were created by tormenting their own bodies to fit the industry’s expectations.

While many models today are facing these high expectations and treating their weight through a variety of unhealthy practices, the report did note that there was not necessarily an increase in the number of eating disorders in the modeling industry; however, these women do have a significantly lower body mass index, or BMI, than non-models. This means that many of the women young girls will typically see on magazines and walking the runway are unhealthily underweight.

Many of these models turn to unhealthy dieting in order to keep up with the strict rules of the modeling industry . In a recent study by the International Journal of Eating Disorders, models reported high levels of pressure to lose weight from their agencies. The journal’s report also mentioned that models were being told to lose weight

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As another way to change their appearance, 9% of the models studied had been recommended plastic surgery.

Many models around the world are turning to plastic surgery as a way to fit themselves into a certain mold. For example, in South Korea, where these procedures have become almost

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their eyes appear more “Westernlooking.� In many cases, this surgery is a requirement for models and some singers; however, this new rite of passage for all women in the limelight is not only affecting celebrities. One in five South Korean women has had cosmetic surgery, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. The double eyelid surgery is even a topic of conversation amongst elementary school girls.

Luckily, due to various dangerous outcomes from the strict requirements of the industry, many countries and states have enacted policies, protecting models from unfair treatment or policies regarding weight. For example, in 2013, the New York Department of Labor passed a law protecting child models after several child trafficking

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cases due to the unregulated industry.

While the changes made by the new policy are steps in the right direction, the policies only require working permits and mandatory breaks, which will not fix every issue and case of mistreatment in the modeling world.

While progress is being made in the modeling industry, we as a society still have many changes to make, not only to make the industry more accepting, but also becoming more inclusive to different body types and people. With the ever-increasing technological advancements, it will be difficult to stop this obsession with plastic surgery and the constant need for perfection.

Hopefully, society will reach a point where everyone can learn to be content in her own beauty and to be accepting of everyone.

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Social Media & the Voices of Women

by Manvita Gandhi The concept of media has seen a drastic change in the past few years. Social media has quickly become an auxiliary to the conventional forms of media communication. The television news and newspaper circulation has been taken over by social media tools. With the rise of internet and the subsequent advent of newer platforms like blogging, online news dispensation, forums of discussion etc. have provided express exchange of information and creative content to millions of users worldwide.

It has transformed media from being a monologue of happenings to that of a dialogue. Today, individuals all over the world are more connected than ever before.

information manifold, it has also proved to be a catalyst in raising large-scale awareness of pertinent issues relating to women and other minority groups and further, helped in their empowerment.

Hashtags and mentions have substantially impacted the collective society and the media attention. For instance, in 2014, when school going girls were abducted in Nigeria by the Boko Haram, the online outrage with the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls trended highly on Twitter and coerced the Nigerian authorities to take action. It may not have been the only reason, but it certainly impacted the collective conscience towards standing up against the struggles of the women in Nigeria.

But what happens when one of the most oppressed sections of society use this powerful medium? Are their voices heard? Or does social media act as yet another male-dominated workplace or household?

The recent #MeToo campaign, popularised after American actress Alyssa Milano’s tweet in October 2017, empowered women all over the world to speak up against sexual harassment incidents at workplace in unprecedented ways. The original creator of the movement was Tarana Burke in 2006, who sought to empower

Not only has social media changed the manner of virtual communication and HER CULTURE MAGAZINE | ISSUE NO. 24

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and encourage vulnerable women to speak up against the atrocities they had faced. Several alternative local hashtags came up in various countries in support.

Cyberbullying is another method of discouraging the voices of dissent.

Female journalists are a prime target of such online abuse. Even men are threatened by trolls making threats against their mothers, sisters, and wives.

In India, when a college-going student raised her voice against violence in university politics, her social media profiles were flooded with hate messages and threats.

However, as much as these experiences might make us think that social media is the a place where women as a community are safe and free, that is not always the case. Cyber crime and cyberbullying are at an all time high.

Trolling is a common tool to deter the disagreeing voices. It is even more dangerous than the offline bullying because the perpetrator now hides behind an anonymous username and trolls others without any fear of repercussions or prosecution.

In conclusion, it may be said that the internet is still a relatively democratic space but there still exists a gender gap due to the negative practices of cyberbullying and harassment. State policies and civic groups must focus on empowering women and creating awareness about gender-sensitive issues through the use of information technology. The potential of social media in advocating for female empowerment must not be left unutilised due to such obstacles.

Cyber crimes include hacking, morphing, and data tampering, among other things, and some countries have enacted laws to prevent them. However, cyber crimes specific to women, such as rape and assault threats through emails, photo morphing and cyber-stalking have not been covered by most legislations. While cyber crimes are not restricted to women, women are targeted more often than men. One in twelve women are stalked in their lifetime.

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Single-Sex High Schools Address Gender Identity

by Elizabeth Meisenzahl

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s issues of gender identity have become more prevalent, transitions and changing gender identity pose the question for all girls institutions of how to treat students who no longer identify with their assigned sex at birth, and whether to accept students who identify as women, contrary to their assigned sex?

Allgirls high schools have taken slightly differing approaches to the issue. The only commonality among the policies appears to be their often ad hoc nature.

At the end of the 2018 school year, the Brearley School in Manhattan, known as one of the most rigorous schools in the country, announced their new policy. In the coming school year, Brearley will accept applications from any student who identifies as female, regardless of assigned sex at birth. Similarly, the Spence School, another elite high school, announced that they will allow trans girls to apply.

However, the struggle with identity for these single-sex schools in a time when gender is less rigidly defined was also expressed in Brearley’s statement;“in the instance that a current Brearley student

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no longer identifies as a girl, the school is committed to supporting the child and the family as appropriate to navigate the challenges inherent in being a transgender student in a girls school.”

The language of the statement leaves much dependent on the individual situation, something Brearley shares with several other all-girls high schools. A comparison of policies by the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools found that more than half of the schools surveyed determined the path forward on a caseby-case basis, often depending on the grade level of the student. Seniors and juniors, for example, are more likely to be able to graduate, while younger students are sometimes asked to transfer schools.

At the same time, Brearley reiterated strongly that the institution remains committed to being an all-girls institution, as they have been since their founding in 1884. Despite allowing students who no longer identify as girls to continue their education, Brearley will continue to use institutional language referring to girls and young ladies. Individual communication, however, will allow for variation in pronoun and language use.

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The Errors With Movies Like Split

by Victoria Hsieh Fresh, buttered popcorn wafts up your nose. As you shove another handful into your mouth, you cling on to your friend’s arm when the screen rapidly changes to mimick another one of Kevin Crumb’s alter egoes.

Due to the fragmentation caused by the disorder, victims have reported a “loss of time”. Most people have the privelege of piecing together their memories chronologically, but those who suffer from dissociative identity disorder form a jumbled mess of memories. Even worse, victims can feel disconnected from their memories; for exampke, they feel as if they’re watching from the sidelines rather than in the game.

After the movie ends, you can’t help but rave to your friends about the awesome horror film you just saw. However, this movie captured little about the mental illness that plagues over 1% of the American population; there is the possibilty of an even higher percentage due to misdiagnosis of dissociative identity disorder.

Because of the splits in the victim’s self, their behavior may appear erratic; people who are unaware of the victim’s condition may be frightened. This is most likely the reason behind the stereotypes that find its way into crime dramas and psychological thrillers.

However, many people with DID do not have criminal records, which highlights the importance of erasing this stigma.

But what truly is dissociative identity disorder? Dissociative identity disorder, or DID, is when a person forms several states or “alters”, typically as a defense against severe childhood trauma. These states could range in age, behavior, and even attitude. Often times, the alter may not remember what other alters remember. The severity of the disorder depends form person to person but some people could have a dozen alters.

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Already, work has begun through various organizations to help combat the stigma. Youtube has begun highlighting individuals with DID, who explain their lives and their alters.

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Clutching at Cinderella’s Dress in a Broken Castle by areej adnan

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ike all other girls, I too dreamed of a fairytale ending filled with sparkles and musical notes in the background. It remained as the one constant in my life as almost everything else took a turn for the worse.

I grew up in a family of a mother, father, and a little sister. Though at times we were as loving and caring as we could get, sometimes everything went downhill and our little household became four individuals with polar opposite personalities and dreams.

Despite the fact that my parents’ marriage was not the perfect example of one, I continued to dream of the day I would get married in the perfect dress. My dreams never failed to hash out any small detail, complete with smiles on every guest’s face or with bright colors flashing everywhere.

I continue to believe that I will one day live that dream, no matter the background I come from or what my family tells me today - that means you should too.

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No matter what your circumstances might be, always hold on to that dream. That hope will never let you sink in the midst of heavy sea slapping you with troubles and heartbreak.

Keep your head up and keep swimming.

Often, we are prompted to be beaten down or not have any hopes when it seems luck or even our circumstances don’t seem to be turning in the right direction. But all that leads to is the wrong mindset that will never let anything truly be accomplished.

Instead, you should remind yourselves of things that you have to look forward to. Little things that remind you of why you still love life.

Remind yourself of that one special dream and that you can make it happen if you put your heart in it.

That one dream is your lifesaver. The thing to hold on to when you’re drowning. It’s what I hold on to with every new obstacle that comes my way… and it has ever failed my yet.

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Meet Same Sky:

Giving Second Chances To Women If you were to look at a picture of Rwanda now, it would be hard to imagine their past. The land of hills, lush and green as far as the eye can see.

Yet less than thirty years ago, postgenocide Rwanda was devastated. After a 100 day killing spree, almost a million people were dead and many more were left with nothing.

Same Sky stepped in to offer a solution to both of these issues. What started as a movie about the Rwandan Genocide for Francine LeFrak, would turn into a dedication to helping build up the lives of women. After the movie fell through, LeFrak would remain committed to the women in Rwanda; becoming inspired by their stories. Realizing that while there is talent all over the world, there is not the same opportunity.

The UN estimates that 70% of the quarter of a million women who were raped contracted HIV. Many women were left as widows, and single mothers with no means to take care of themselves. The country was facing a point of crisis, both social and economic.

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The goal for LeFrak, and then for Same Sky, became to train women and offer them employment. Now, in Rwanda, there is a collective of over 85 women trained in jewelry making. They produce gorgeous bead work, ranging from earrings to intricate bracelets to men’s cuff links.

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One sky bracelet offers an HIV+ patient healthcare for a year, a hope necklace allows their child a year of education.

Better yet, these women now run their own independent collective. They have been trained by Indego Africa in weaving. Today they are completing orders for the One&Only Resort in Rwanda, and other brands. Offering these women a genuinely sustainable income, and an opportunity to build a

Due to their success Same Sky has been able to expand their project, now it has become dedicated to lifting women out of poverty anywhere. Training and offering employment opportunities to formerly incarcerated women. Giving scholarships to women looking to continue their education in Rwanda.

Offering grant assistance to women in the U.S to pursue their education.

Business and leadership opportunities.

community with other women.

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The latest project is creating sustainable incomes and a system of support for refugees. Right now, fifteen women in the Mahama Refugee Camp are part of a six month program to master a practice of weaving that will allow them to use low cost materials to create high value products.

Paired with the Same Sky Foundation, which was founded in 2014 with the same guiding principles, it has become more than just a single organization.

They now partner with a number of other programs, offering funding from Rwanda to Jersey City. Same Sky has become a connection between women all around the world.

Claire Wineland: A Girl Who Dared to Dream

by Likhita Yegireddi

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laire Wineland is not your average person. On a normal day she spends her days talking to the camera, running a non-profit, and being her frivolous self. Underneath all the sassiness and intelligence she offers to the world, she spends her confined to a four walled hospital room. This is her normal. Chugging 4,000 calories shakes to deliver enough nutrients to her body and wearing her nasal cannulas to breathe. Claire has spent a quarter of her life in the hospital.

Despite this, cystic fibrosis did not define Claire, she did.

No matter the obstacles placed in front of her, of which there were many, she refused to be pitied and was determined to live a life that mattered.

She inspired countless people, invited -- no, demanded -- honest talk about illness and mortality, and brightened the worlds of those she touched with her smile, spunk and spirit.

On Sunday evening, September 2nd, 2018, after being taken off life support and using the newly transplanted lungs she received just one week earlier, Claire took her last breath. The cause of death was a massive stroke

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she suffered soon after the transplant surgery. She was 21.

Finding Purpose in Life Claire was never this uplifting about life. It’s not that she wanted to die, but she didn’t know to live. At a mere age of 12, she feared that she was surviving just to survive, and everyone would have to accept that at some point she would, until her friend Vanessa came along to change that.

During a hospital stay, she had become close friends with Vanessa, another girl with cystic fibrosis. CFers aren't supposed to be together, as they carry bacteria that can be deadly if shared. But these two girls connected at a safe distance, doing art projects across the room while wearing protective masks. They made disco balls for the nursing station out of crushed CDs and glue, shared an understanding and a sense of humor and, over the course of a year and a half, a deep friendship. And then, Vanessa died.

After facing a lifetime of treatments, Claire asked herself, "Why am I doing this?" So, she began to lie, saying she took her medications and treatments

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when she didn't. For a year, her health slipped, and she said no one could figure out why. Claire, who'd always peppered her doctors and nurses with questions, knew the language and how to trick everyone.

where animals streamed in to visit her. It was after waking up, she had realized that she had a purpose: to shed light on what it's really like to be sick and change the way we view illness and those living with it.

The day after her 13th birthday, a straightforward surgery to deal with acid reflux spiraled into chaos. She contracted a blood infection that attacked her lungs.

She could feel them failing.

As her oxygen levels plummeted, she began hallucinating. In a moment of clarity, she thought, "I don't want to actually die. I want to see what happens in life. I want to see where it goes."

From Sick to Strong Since her near to death experience, Claire does done things that are atypical of her age, especially given her circumstances.

She had graduated from high school and even attended Santa Monica College (although she had to put her education since her health was deteriorating); gave TED talks and motivational speeches; launched the Clarity Project, a website filled with unfiltered videos of what is like to be sick and advice for people who do or do not have an illness (although she had to stop producing videos on the website as the production company was taking credit for Claire’s work, since then she has posted videos on her self-titled YouTube channel; managed a charity called “Claire’s Place Foundation, which aims to relieve pressure when CFers are hospitalized so families can focus on what matters the most; and penned a book called Every Breath I Take, Surviving and Thriving with Cystic Fibrosis. From a patient who had Cystic Fibrosis, she has inspired millions of people to live life to the fullest and break barriers.

She was placed in a medically induced coma, intubated and hooked up to an oscillator, a machine that gently puffed air into her fragile lungs. No child with CF had successfully come off an oscillator, doctors told her parents. Claire says she was given a 1% chance of survival. She flatlined twice.

For two weeks in her slumberous sleep, Claire subconsciously had transported herself to a place she'd never been: Alaska. Her journey began beneath ice water, she says. When she surfaced, she peered up at a mountain of snow. She sat amid ice-crystal-covered pine trees, floated on ice sheets while looking up at stars and hung out in a woodland house

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Pow Wow Witches of the Pennsylvania Dutch: Traditional Folk Healing It is a beautiful day in the farmlands of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. There is an early fall chill in the air and hooves are heard clip-clopping down the road. Gazing at the peaceful fields in the early morning light, it feels as if you’ve been transported back in time. Stepping into Amish country is to step into a land of magic and tradition that was not left behind the Old World.

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Origin Story The Pennsylvania Dutch are not in fact, Dutch. In the 17th and 18th centuries, immigrants left Germany and parts of Switzerland to settle in William Penn’s new land. They were Mennonites, Quakers, Lutherans, German Reformers, and Anabaptists and they came to Pennsylvania in search of religious freedom. The term “Powwaw”, what later became Pow Wow, is derived from the Algonquian term for healer and was applied to the Pennsylvania Dutch form of folk medicine, as it was similar in nature to how local tribes also performed medicinal rituals.

Today, those that consider themselves to be Pennsylvania Dutch are generally just known as the Amish. The Amish are a sect of Anabaptist Protestants that adhere to a very conservative and traditional way of life, rejecting modernization of any kind, and centering their lives around the family unit and their Christian faith. Most who are raised in an Amish household choose to be baptized into the Amish church between the ages of 19 and 23. If a young person do not choose to be baptized into the church, they will be excommunicated and shunned from

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their entire community. A powwow practitioner does not need to be Amish, however, they must be Christian, and most modern practitioners that have had the knowledge passed to them do happen to be members of the Amish community.

Magic Flows Through The term “magic” calls a variety of images to the mind. Pow Wow is unique in its roots in the practitioner's Christian faith. Most practitioners will only heal if they have their Bible by their side. While there are a few texts dedicated to Pow Wow folk magic, the most well known is Pow Wows or the Long Lost Friend by John George Hohman. Hohman published a practical collection of charms and remedies for everything from curing headache to a wound from bleeding in 1820.

Though magic is considering by most forms of Christianity to be strictly offlimits, the Amish believe that “white magic” or healing magic, is perfectly fine as long as the power does not come from the self, rather, it comes directly

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from Jesus Christ. The practitioner is simply a conduit for the power to flow through. However, cursing or hexing people is strictly forbidden, as it conjures evil.

daughter will teach her daughter, and so on. Or vice versa for the men.

However, if the knowledge is being taught to someone outside the bloodline, it must be cross-gender. As in, a man without children or sons must take a female apprentice, and a teaching woman must take a male apprentice if she does not have daughters. In modern times, information is shared more freely, and so we have more people practicing powwow outside of the Pennsylvania Dutch community than ever before.

The traditions of powwowing are taught orally, from one generation to another. If the knowledge is being passed down is through a bloodline, than it is passed down through the same gender. For instance, a grandmother who has the knowledge will teach her daughter, and the

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Hex Hollow The case that brought the power of Pow Wow out of the Pennsylvania Dutch community and into the public sphere was the Rehmeyer murder in 1928. The case was considered York County, Pennsylvania’s trial of the century, and people were raptured by the news. A man named John Blymire, murdered his former powwowing mentor, Nelson Rehmeyer, for placing a hex on him. The story was fascinating even by current standards.

When John Blymire was a little boy, he began losing weight rapidly. No matter how much he ate, or what anyone did, John continued losing weight, wasting away. His parents began to panic. So they took their son to a local healer for guidance. And since the Blymires couldn’t heal their son, it meant that a strong healer was necessary. So they took John to see Nelson Rehmeyer.

Nelson recommended a recipe to rid the boy of the hex that was placed on him, and once the ritual was complete, he was fine. He was cured. As a result, John threw himself into the family business of Powwowing. He healed someone at the age of seven, and quickly gained a reputation as a protege of powwowing.

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He was hired on Nelson Rehmeyer’s farm and began working for the older man and studying under him in the arts of Pow Wow. But years after leaving the Rehmeyer farm, he began to lose weight.

John tried everything he knew how to do. But nothing worked. Finally, he decided it was time to pay Nellie Noll a visit. Nellie was a famous powwow who did one ritual for John with a dollar bill.Blymire pulled the dollar away from his hand and allegedly found the image of Nelson Rehmeyer imprinted on his palm, the man, according to Nellie Noll, was the person that cursed Blymire.

John left with his mind spinning. John just knew that he needed to confront Rehmeyer or he would never be at peace.

So John and a couple friends paid Rehmeyer a visit. Nelson was out when they arrived at his house.When Nelson came home, he invited the men inside and they sat and visited well into the evening. Mostly chatting about Powwowing, John also scanned the room for Nelson’s copy of Long Lost Friend. They were invited to spend the night since it was so late and they did.

The next morning, the men left.

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On the second night, John and his friends came back. Blymire told Rehmeyer that he had left something there the night before. Of course, Nelson left them into the house, and the beatings began. They tied Nelson to a chair and demanded that he tell them where his copy of Long Lost Friend was. John was convinced that if he could see Nelson’s copy of the book, he could find a way to break the hex that Rehmeyer had put on him.

When Nelson refused to tell John where it was, believing that a practitioner's copy of the book has power, John flew into a rage. He strangled Rehmeyer with a length of rope. And then, he and his friends, set his former mentor’s body on fire.

But the house didn’t burn and the mailman found Nelson Rehmeyer’s semi-charred remains in his fire damaged kitchen. After Alice, his wife, told the police who she knew Nelson was visiting with before the murder, the murderers were picked up and quickly confessed. John Blymire may have had to serve decades in prison, but he was cured. Before his left Nelson to burn, John had cut off a lock of the man’s hair, brought it

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outside, and buried it. He claimed that he felt immediate relief from his sickly maladies.

Among the quilts of Amish Country, we never think we’ll find witches. Pow Wow healers who stop wounds from bleeding by calling on the power of Jesus Christ. The Pennsylvania Dutch are known for their craftsmanship and their baked goods, but the traditions of their subculture run so much deeper than that. After the Rehmeyer Murder of Hex Hollow, there was a push from the local government for better education in science to quell these superstitious “Old Ways”. But they certainly didn’t stamp it out. Pow wow is alive and well and continuing to be practiced in Pennsylvania Dutch communities all over the country.

Whether they are Amish or not, Pennsylvania Dutch Pow Wow is a folk tradition that hope survives for many future generations to come.

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American Schools Struggle to Provide Supplies

by Skylar Cale Schools in most states in the U.S. have trouble affording basic maintenance, supplies, and tools for students. Some schools cannot afford textbooks, at least the newest versions. Some are stuck with the versions made in the early 80's to the early 2000’s. These books are not updated enough for the students, so that they are able to learn what they are supposed to be learning at that grade level.

Sometimes they are lucky enough to get them because the state realizes that they need them, other times they don't. What happens if students do not learn the updated material? They end up a year behind others in different schools that are around them.

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It is of utmost importance that the textbooks are up to date, as they are a resource to refer back to, if the internet is working, for instance. The textbook is the next valuable resource to find the information, depending on whether it is updated or not. Most of the projects and assignments teachers give require students to be well-informed about current events. Most textbooks are not updated enough to provide accurate information about today’s world and society. In some cases, even if there do exist updated textbooks, the school district cannot afford them. Some school districts, in fact, stopped buying textbooks to help save money without realizing how much it was really hurting the students.

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Teachers at Preston High School, in Kingwood W.Va, are struggling because they have textbooks, but they do not have many enough to give to each of the students. It is like this in most schools in the Preston County W.Va school district.

consideration the fact that some do not have an internet connection to access it, either because they live in a very secluded area or the family cannot afford a computer or internet on top of the other bills.

A lot of people do not realize the importance of a textbook: online or in print. The textbook plays a critical role to the students' education, but, without properly updated textbooks given to each student, their education may be put at risk.

The school cannot afford the textbooks and has to heavily rely on grants or loans from the State Board of Education. Starting this year, teachers were told to not allow time in the classroom to complete stuff from the textbooks and to assign it as homework. The only issue with this is the fact that there are not enough textbooks to give to the 100+ students the teacher sees.

Students do have their phones, but what about the students who don't?

Most of the teachers do not allow the textbooks to leave the classroom, because if they get damaged or lost they cannot replace them.

This sparks an issue and most teachers are going by this and giving the assignments as homework. When assigning the online textbook to students, they fail to take into

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6

tips for a successful four years

by Areej Adnan

As generations of students enter and exit the intimidating doors of high school, competitions increase and college admission rates decrease. Pressure to succeed breathes down the necks of young teens as they struggle to keep their head above the water in order to be as “well-rounded” as colleges want them to be. Daunting to even the prepared freshmen in the beginning of school, it becomes even more frightening for students who feel they are not ready for this next stage in life or feel ignorant of key things to know.

Therefore, for every freshman, sophomore, junior, and even senior, here is the guide to follow in order to have a successful high school journey:

1

Have your schedule prepared for all four years before the start of freshman year (as in, know your “four-year plan”):

Knowing which classes you want to take beforehand every year allows you to avoid any additional stress at the beginning of the school year if you didn’t get the classes you wanted, chose the wrong ones, or didn’t complete all of your credits. In fact, it’s even better if you can finish some of your credits in middle example. For example, some middle schools allow students to take Introduction to French or Spanish 1, which lets students skip these classes in freshman year and be in advanced levels [ahead of everyone else]. This also

means more room in your schedule for classes you will want to take later. If you are determined to be a STEM-major, and know you will pursuing such a future for sure, you can plan to take extra math and science courses in your upperclassman years. A good way to ensure this is to look at your prospective high school course catalogue the summer before your freshman year. For many colleges, they look primarily at junior and sophomore years, but also the course load of senior year. Many high schools will require you to take general courses for your first year, but open up options for AP classes later on.

Don’t forget to take classes that also interest you, which, for example, could be an art or journalism class.

2

Be the student every teacher wants Being an engaged student who is eager to learn and impresses the teacher will have many options to choose from when it comes time for recommendation letters in senior year. This is not to motivate or urge you to purposely be a teacher’s pet, but rather to encourage you to answer questions and actively learn in class. This will also help when it comes to learning the material. Sit in the near front, follow along with the teacher, take initiative and be a respectful student.

Be extra-wise with extra curriculars Extracurriculars are an open field; there are so many options to dip into that a student often gets lost and confused of what they should do.

First off, use your freshman year to find your interest. Join all the clubs that seem interesting to you (and not because you feel it will look impressive on your high school resume), even if is only remotely interesting. Freshman year is the trial period, so do not feel pressured to commit to anything yet. By the end of freshman year, you should have an idea of the things you might stick with for the next three years. It’s important to stick with long-term

3

activities and one where you can grow into leadership roles, because that’s what colleges especially look for. Additionally, maintain a balance between community and school extracurriculars. You should be an active member of the community, and a school leader. Some common activities include volunteering at a local hospital, being part of speech and debate, or being on the student council. Activities that stand out are being president or captain of a club, conducting independent or university-affiliated research, or founding your own organization (but not for the sake of making your college application look good).

4

Keep your grades up, no matter what Grades are, in a majority of cases if not all, the most important factor of high school. This, however, does not mean you should load up on AP or extra-difficult classes unless you know you are equipped to handle it. Determine whether you are up to par for such a course load before doing so, but be extracareful to not underestimate or

Take the small details seriously By small details, it means standardized testing and the small opportunities to boost your advantages. For example, doing good on the PSAT can enter you in the running for the National Merit Scholarship. Look at some universities you may be interested in and at their requirements; for example, do they require specific

especially overestimate your abilities. Overestimating your abilities can cause you to get low grades in higher courses whereas underestimating loses you the opportunity to show you can successfully challenge yourself. To motivate yourself, picture yourself being given the honor of salutatorian or valedictorian, or having the option to apply to prestigious universities.

SAT subject tests? What is their average SAT score? An especially important detail about requirements is getting them done early. This means you should try to get your SAT, ACT, and SAT subject tests [or any other tests] done as soon as possible. SAT subject tests, especially, should be completed after you take the class of that particular subject.

6

5

Though it's cliche to say so, have fun!

Do not get caught up in the competition of high school. High school should also be an enjoyable experience, so put a healthy emphasis on your mental health.

This means participating in fun school activities and events such as prom. Have conversations besides about school or college applications.

The Impact of Classroom Technology by skylar cale

T

hank you, technology, for providing us with knowledge and endless hours of cat videos. In today's modern world, everyone has a phone, laptop or computer, or some other electronic device. In schools, however, there are at times a few kids who do not.

In most schools there are computers and some even provide computers for the students, depending on if they have enough money. The question is, is technology a good or bad thing to have in the classroom?

it is necessary for their projects, technology is a great thing to have in the classroom for the research, study, and learning part of the classroom but what about the others? Technology may be seen as a bad thing to have in school because of distractions, social media, the availability to record and take photos, and the possibility of students cheating.

Social media is a major thing in the world's society today. Just take a look at Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. A student most probably either has one or all of them. Social media is a good way to talk with friends and family but it is a bad thing to have in the classroom. The social media apps can become a distraction, for example if it's a video or photo or if the notifications are going off during a test or quiz. Social media also leads to cyberbullying, which is illegal in some states of the U.S. Cyberbullying leads to terrible things including physical and verbal bullying in and possibly out of school. This bullying can lead to depression and possible fear of going back to the school. All this could factor into the student trying to commit suicide.

A lot of people may think that no, it is not, because since they are on it enough at home, they do not need it at school.

Others, however, are pro-technology and are glad their children get to use it. Some teachers use technology on a daily basis in the classroom, in order to enable students to research, study, or to entertain them when they run out of things or perhaps, ways, to teach, which is quite rare. The good side of having technology is being able to search for things you may not know, for instance if it's a news article or something you need to know for a subject you're confused on. Technology is a good way to make presentations to share in the classroom either through videos, PowerPoint, or Sway. It is also a good thing because students don't always have access to a textbook or a computer at home. During school they can use both if

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The availability to record and take photos is a big no in some schools. The ability to record can get students in trouble depending on what they record.

Recording fights could potentially get a

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student expelled from the school or get them in a lot of trouble if it is posted on social media. The person recording the fight be considered part of the fight or the one who tried to start the fight. Taking photos without a person's consent rather if it's from a student or teacher can get the one who took the photo in trouble. At the beginning of the school year, the teachers give out papers to sign saying they have the consent to take photos of the students. Students do not have consent to take photos of the teacher and if they are caught, the teacher can write them up. If they take a photo of another student, that student can go to the principal or a teacher who could punish them from there. They only do this because you never know about what the photo will be used for, it could be for bullying or something else that could potentially hurt the student or staff member.

backpacks so none of the information on the test is posted on social media or any other website. The tests are state property and could cause the student to get expelled, or, in a worst case scenario, to get arrested.

Technology serves an importance to the classroom but it also serves as a distraction or way to hurt someone or to cheat. This is why a lot of parents and other adults feel iffy about the entire situation and about if technology is good or bad for the classroom.

Cheating is a big no in all classrooms. In some countries, students can get arrested if they are caught cheating on a test or quiz. Technology is useful when doing worksheets but when it comes to tests and quizzes they are a big no. Most teachers require the students to put the phones upside down on the desk, put them in their bag or pocket, or put them in a bin at the front of the classroom.

During standardized tests students are required to keep their phones in the

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September Magazines Bring #BlackGirlMagic to Newsstands

by Chelsi Harris

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S

eptember is considered the most important month of the year for fashion magazines.

Unfortunately, white women have frequented most of these covers, leaving minorities severely underrepresented in the fashion world for decades. In a survey conducted over the past 10 years by The New York Times, the September covers of the top 10 international fashion magazines have only featured people of color 26 percent of the time. Today, 50 percent of the publications from the survey feature women of color on their covers, garnering viral reception across all social media platforms.

But right now, my little FUPA and I feel like we are meant to be.”

From Essence and Vogue to Marie Claire and Elle, check out some of the most noteworthy quotes from this season’s highly anticipated spreads:

Zendaya for Marie

Beyoncé for VOGUE

“I’m very aware that I don’t know everything, but I do try my best with the platform that I have, knowing how many people look to me. I try my best to inform myself and live my best life so that I can inspire my fans to live their best lives, be more educated, and learn for themselves.”

Body Positivity “To this day my arms, shoulders, breasts, and thighs are fuller. I have a little mommy pouch, and I’m in no rush to get rid of it. I think it’s real. Whenever I’m ready to get a six-pack, I will go into beast zone and work my ass off until I have it.

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Rihanna for VOGUE UK Keeping the Right Circle "I'm very picky about friends. I don't like to open myself up to everyone, and so when you find people who are great and loyal, you don't want to let go of that. I've been out here on my own since I was a teenager, so these people become like your family."

Claire Influence

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Lupita Nyong'o for

Slick Woods for ELLE

PORTER

Authenticity

Overcoming Perfectionism

“I have supporters who will tell me they follow me just for being myself. And that’s genuinely the reason I continued when I first started. I want people to be cool and comfortable with themselves,’ she says.

‘But when they’re misconstruing your message and balling it up, taking the idea to be, “Oh, I want to be just like Slick.”

That’s the opposite of what I’m talking about.”

“I had to reacquaint myself with the possibility of failure and be OK with it.

And I had to free myself from needing to maintain an ‘A’ because it wasn’t in the pursuit of an ‘A’ that I got to that point.

When I did 12 Years I was not expecting accolades, I was just trying to play Patsey to the best of my abilities. So I kept reminding myself of the thing that I needed to invest my time in – my craft.”

Yara Shahidi for The

Tracee Ellis Ross for

Hollywood Reporter

ELLE Canada

Millennial Engagement

Redefining Womanhood

"The thing people don't fully understand about my generation is just how multifaceted we are," she said.

"Oftentimes, people like to oversimplify what [we] believe in or do, whether that's, 'Oh, you're on your phones all the time,' or, 'Oh, you're very self-centered,' but what I've seen from my peers is that we're socially engaged and curious about the world."

“I want to shift the language. It drives me nuts. It contributes to this idea that young girls dream of a wedding and not the lives that they want or how they want to use their talents and what they want from their world. Marriage might be a part of that. But it might not. If I had one life mission—which this isn’t because I have so many others!—it would be to dismantle that myth, that false belief.”

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Issa Rae for EBONY

Tiffany Haddish for

Vulnerability

GLAMOUR

“The narrative - you have to be the strong Black woman, don’t let them see you sweat, don’t ever let them see you cry - is an unfair burden of expectation. I’m more interested in the moments where we just don’t have it together because those are the moments that kind of bond us, too, especially in the sisterhood.”

Black Representation

Aja Naomi King for SHAPE Self-Care “Working out has become my time to reflect on my life and the things that matter to me. I think it’s so important for us to quiet the noise around us. As women, we are constantly thinking ahead and trying to solve every problem. We are so worried about tomorrow that we barely have time to experience and enjoy what is happening right now. Exercise lets me appreciate where I am in this moment.”

“I just think that a person is ignorant when they say, ‘Oh, you’re being a stereotypical black person.’ Well, what’s that? Explain that to me, because that’s an actual person, and everybody deserves to see themselves onscreen,” she says. “I feel like all facets deserve to be seen—from the doctors to the janitors to the baby mamas to the side chicks.”

THANK YOU! Thanks so much for reading Her Culture's 24th magazine issue. Without a community of dedicated, sophisticated, cultureenthusiastic women, we would not be where we are today.

To keep up with all the latest news and culture stories, please visit www.herculture.org.

Special thanks to: the Mulloy family, the Miller family, issuu.com, Alexis Neuville, Katie Collins, Sareana Kimia, Cameron Oakes, World Reader, The Prospect, MissHeard Magazine, Luna Luna Magazine, Humans of Vietnam, The Wannabe Scientist, Hello Perfect, New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, Molly and Fox Magazine, The Fem Lit Magazine, H.E.R, and Same Sky.

HER CULTURE MAGAZINE WWW.HERCULTURE.ORG @HERCULTURE NEW YORK, NY OCTOBER/NOVEMBER ISSUE NO. 24