Not a vixen

HIP-HOPUNIVERSITY MAGAZINE Women'sIssue

MORETHAN FAITH: ANTONIQUESMITH

NOTA VIXEN PROFILINGINTELLIGENT BUSINESSWOMEN

MARCH2016

HHUMAGTOP5: FEMALEMC'SOF ALLTIME HOWTOTALK WOMENIN HIPHOP

INDUSTRYINSIDER: CEIBACHAVEZ PHILLY CHARLOTTE ATLANTA CHICAGO

Con ten ts 3

Founder Message

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Edit or Message

7

Who Really Count s

9

Pr et t y-N-I nk

10

Flyest Chick

12

Spin That Back

14

Felicia Lawr ence

16

A Cut Above t he Rest

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How t o Talk about Wom en

20

I Dr eam Academ y

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Top 5 Best Fem ale MC's

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Mor e t han Fait h

29

When Wom en Wor k

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Ever yday Her o

34

The Racial I m balance Gap

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I ndust r y I nsider

L et t er f r om Ed i t or Growing up in hip-hop, I've become accustomed to the misogynistic lyrics that rapper 's tend to spit in a dope sixteen. I vividly remember learning and repeating such lyrics verbatim within the walls of my home and the schools I attended. In my mind it was simply harmless art. Needless to say, my expectations and desires for what I wanted from a woman began to mirror what I mentally absorbed. I couldn't comprehend it in my adolescent years, but I most certainly learned from it.

It was also through hip-hop that I've heard some of the most endearing artistic expressions that uplift the women of the culture. Tupac's "Dear Mama" and "Keep ya Head Up" were two of the artistic jewels that motivated me to protect and nurture the images of our women. Now that I'm an adult, I'm more determined to do so.

I was blessed to have a strong supporting cast of women to help balance the scale. There were also strong men in my life that taught me about the true value and definition of a woman.

So, what about the young boys and girls who don't have that positive influence in their lives? This is one

of the reasons why I've dedicated so much of my time mentoring and becoming a pillar in the community that I serve.

When I joined Hip-Hop University at the top of 2016, it immediately felt like? home. The mission and values mirrored my own. When we began to have talks about launching this magazine, I knew that I had made the right decision. Being able to have a unique platform to help mold and shape those who are lacking that balance within their life is the gift that will keep on giving. To be able to do it through hip-hop is the apex.

Being that March is Women's History Month, we at Hip-Hop University Magazine wanted to dedicate this issue to the women who simply rock. These are the images that we need to project more into the minds of our youth within the culture.

I try my best not to judge those who continue to demean and disrespect our women through rap. I've found that the best way is to lead by example.

Through mentorship, I've been able to connect and listen to our future leading men of our society. I truly believe that your environment within your immediate and secondary circle will influence your behavioral

TheFlyest Chick Interview with Vonyetta from Power 98

Spi n Th at Back

"INSTINCTLEADSMETO ANOTHERFLOW.EVERYTIMEI HEARABROTHERCALLAGIRL AB*TCHORHOE" - QUEENLATIFAH U.N.I.T.Y.

The power of the tongue and the destruction it can potentially cause has been up for debate since the beginning of time. Outside of the N-word, no other word(s) has garnered so much strife than the use of the word(s) b*tch or hoe. Specifically in our culture of hip-hop, the words being used to objectify the women in our communities has spearheaded some passionate debates over the past decades? leading to today. The king of controversy, Kanye West, once asked the question via his twitter page: "Is the word B*TCH acceptable?" Needless to say, there were plenty of detractors that professed that the use of the B-word was "pointless" and "insulting". Honestly, the question was a fair one, because the use of it is still escaping the lips of not only our men in the culture, but now our women and children.

When I was growing up in hip-hop, I can remember one of my first experiences with hearing the word on wax. I can't recall the song, but it was from one of my favorite artist at the time, Too Short. I remember having my headset on: eyes closed, bobbing my head, quietly repeating the lyrics? basically just hoping that no one would kill my vibe. Well, my vibe ended up being destroyed. I was so much into my zone that my mother wanted to uncover what listening pleasure was providing me with this musical bliss.

When she removed my headphones and put them on

her head, I knew it was a wrap. Next, all I saw was strings of black tape being pulled violently from the cassette (80's and 90's kids can relate) from the hands of my mother. After being crushed, my next thought was how I was going to explain this to my friend who let me borrow the tape.

Like many of our hip-hop youth of today, I couldn't fully comprehend what I was listening to. In my mind it was harmless? just lyrics to a song. I wasn't thinking about the trickle-down effect it could potentially have within my community. I wasn't thinking about the self-esteem and psychological damage it could do to the future mothers of our community. I wasn't thinking about how eventually the word would become a suppressive poison in our community. I couldn't foresee women of today using the word as a term of endearment. I wasn't thinking about one day me having a daughter(s) of my own and some boy referring to them as such. None of these things crossed my mind.

There are always two sides to a coin or two sides to a story (however you would like to phrase it). There are some songs within our culture of hip-hop that are more conscious and thought-provoking as it relates to the B-word. Songs such as Tupac's, Wonder why they call you b*tch, are educational tools within our

Fel i ci a L aw r en ce Thank you f or t aking t he t ime out of your busy schedul e t o do t his int erview. Can you t el l us who youare and a l it t l eabout yoursel f ?

I'm born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, but now I call Charlotte home! I?m a storyteller, and your stories have the potential to live forever, which is why anchoring the weekend morning editions of ?Good Day Charlotte? on FOX 46 WJZY and reporting during the week is the perfect job for me. I love meeting great people in the field and helping you get your mornings started at home. I believe media is an exhilarating, powerful field; and through storytelling, I plan to use it as a platform to inspire all people to become better human beings.

That ?s pret t y cool . We know you co-f ounded t he organizat ion Goal Diggers, which aims t o t each t eenagers communicat ion skil l s t o hel p t hem reach t heir f ul l pot ent ial . Can you t el l us a l it t l e more about t hat ?

My friends and I started Goal Diggers at my last TV market in southwest Missouri. It was literally an idea that started out on notebook paper. A lot of people think you have to be older and rich to make a difference, but that?s not the case.

Influence can happen at any age with any amount of money.

We were all in our early 20s and just wanted to give back now, not wait! We've all been blessed with gifts, talents, and resources and it's our duty to share them.

"I pla n to use this platfor m to inspir e a ll people to become better huma n beings.

-Felicia Lawrence That ?s amazing. Phil ant hropy is a great way t o connect wit h and hel p improve communit y. How?d you get invol ved wit h media?

Your persist ence and perseverance is honorabl e. In honor of women?s hist ory mont h, can you t el l us t he women whoinspired you?

Aggie Pride! I?m a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University!My alma mater is an HBCU that taught me how to navigate the professional world and be proud of my history and who I am.I received my degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, but I got so much more.

My mother is the epitome of strength, love, and courage. She has influenced my life greatly and I credit my success to her. But I also deeply admire Oprah Winfrey. She has such an inspiring story-overcoming abuse and poverty. From a very young age, she decided not to be a victim, but rather to take control of her own life. She's a strong woman, an amazing journalist, and outstanding businesswoman. She follows her heart and lives unapologetically. Every woman should follow in the footsteps of someone who is bold, yet still humble.

Strong, but tender. Wise, but still willing to be a student. Oprah embraced her femininity and natural instincts. That is why her show was so successful.

These are the mystical powers of a woman that

This is a very competitive industry so internships are a MUST! After interning with two stations in Chicago, I had a strong enough newsreel to get my first job in TV. It took me almost a year of applying.

In that time, I received hundreds of "No's" and rejections. But a mentor reminded me that I only need one "Yes" and to keep going. I was prepared and determined!

ACUTABOVETHEREST Interview with Tara Smith In 20 words or l ess, t el l us, who is Tara Smit h?

Tara is a mother of three,wife,entrepreneur,grandmother black womanwho likes to give back!

and a strong

Being t hat t he art of barbering is t ypical l y a mal e dominat ed indust ry, what made you want t o pursue t his career pat h?

When I began to pursue barbering it was a male dominated industry, but I've always loved a challenge.

Since I'm anundercover tomboy I figured if they can do it? so can I! Also I had just recently lost my corporate job. I was determinednot to work for anyone else but myself.

Being your own boss is somet hing t hat we need t o impl ement more int o t he upbringing of our yout h. In what ways has "being your own boss" empowered you?

I was once told not to let anyone control my destiny. I was working in Corporate America at the time and it didn't make much sense to me then, but today it means everything to me. Being my own boss has empowered me to stay hungry, go hard and never give up? no matter what I'm facing. I give the same advice to the youth I interact with.

What woul d you consider t o be t he most dif f icul t aspect of t hriving in t he barbering indust ry?

Jay Willis

aniva ?Jay? Willis, Dream TeamFounder and Lead Cyclist ? DREAM Challenge tour In 2014, former NCAA Woman of the Year and Hall of Fame athlete stepped out on faith to begin the journey of a lifetime. Janiva Willis, an international award winning counselor for Multi-Systemic Therapy founded I Dream Academy, known as I Dream in Colors, in support of youth from low socioeconomic backgrounds and in need of additional academic and life support through active mentoring. After working with youth considered to be under-served and disadvantaged for several years as a clinical counselor, Willis recognized one of the biggest challenges for these youth was that they lacked hope and the ability to see they could have a brighter future. Along with a lack of access to positive after school programs for many of these youth between the hours of 3pm to 6pm and observing successful clients ending back in the system, Willis knew there had to be another solution to inspiring youth to have a dream and the support to make it come true. Coming from similar backgrounds as many of her clients and being surrounded by positive adult role models who were mentors and helped guide her to her Olympic dreams, college goals and finding her true passion as a counselor, Willis understands firsthand the impact that dreams, mentors and opportunity can have on one?s life setting out on a lifelong mission to provide the same opportunities to youth in need.

J

The DREAM Challenge Tour was inspired and

designed by founder and CEO of I Dream in Colors Janiva Willis, former NCAA Woman of the Year and world class athlete. Using cycling as a form of physical fitness and wellness therapy ever since she was young, Willis desired to find a way to inspire and instill hope to the present and future generations of youth, families and communities in need of additional support, encouragement, and motivation.

Willis reflected on past events of what inspired her to dream and believe that anything was possible for her life if she committed to it spiritually, mentally and physically setting out on a mission to find a solution for youth and families across the country.

Recognizing the impact and power of the arts, culture, and a cause that included physical fitness, Willis decided to step up and stand in for youth across the country through a cross country cycling empowerment tour designed to raise funds for youth mentoring while providing hope and opportunity for youth, families and communities carrying the torch of student?s dreams on two wheels. Retiring from the sport of softball in 2007 as a Canadian national team softball player and later Hall of Fame athlete who almost achieved her Olympic Dreams of winning Olympic gold for her country, Willis recognized that the most important gold medal she could ever win would be the one that would increase hope and opportunity for youth and their futures. For Willis, its all about inspiring people to DREAM! www.dreamchal l enget our.com 20

Honor a ble M entions Qu een Lat i f ah Jean Gr ey Rapsody Eve Lady of Rage Yo-Yo Li l Ki m Lef t Eye Rox an n e Sh an t e Am pl i f y Dot

TOP 5 FEM A LE M C'S OF A LL TI M E "Top 5 dead or alive," has always been a trending topic within the culture we all know and love. A multitude of variables contribute to one's personal perception. This debate can go from 0 to 100 real quick, in terms of debating standards. There is nothing like seeing that type of passion and energy being invoked within the circle. However, there is one element or topic that frequently gets overlooked. I understand that we typically "argue all day about who's the best MC? Biggie, Jay-Z or Nas (shout-out to Jay-Z for that line)?"

So we at HHU Mag decided to show our female counterparts in the game some love as well. We thought it would be interesting to sit and discuss who we would place at the top of the throne. The debate was entertaining, yet difficult. Each person had their own personal feelings as it related to who they thought deserved the top spot,

but we ultimately came to the conclusion that these 5 MC's were the cream of the crop.

5. Nicki Manaj This trailblazing MC is steadily growing and starting to supplant her mark as one of the best MC's to ever pick up the mic.

4. Foxy Brown Coming out the gate with a classic such as, Ill Na Na, Foxy showed hip-hop heads that she was a force to be reckoned with. Even though she didn't sustain the success as some of the others on this list, you can't deny the fire she came with.

3. Da Brat This MC is probably one of the most underrated MC's (male or female) in the game. Her versatility and flow was like that of none before her. Coming straight from the 6-0-6-4-4, Da Brat-tat-tat is simply So-So Def.

Rox Xx an n e M i ssy Mia X

2. Lauryn Hil l L. Boogie is dope to the tenth degree. It's hard to describe the impact this hip-hop pioneer has had on the industry. Many don't classify her as "hip-hop", but when she spits? she SPITS!!!

When she dropped the song, "Neurotic Society" in 2013, it left many rap fans mouths watering for her triumphant return.

1. MC Lyt e The L.Y.T.E told us back in 1988, that words were just Paper Thin.

When you define what a true MC represents, MC Lyte embodies that description. She is hip-hop.

Her lyrics were top-notch (still is).

Her style was like none before her. She opened the door for all of the other MC's on this list. The longevity and her relevancy in the culture can only be matched by a select few. MC Lyte, we salute you. Much love and stay lyte as a rock!!!

Hip-Hop Universit y Crew

M or e Th an Fai t h W r i t t en by K i a O. M oor e

Antonique Smith

C

HARLOTTE, NC? March 9, 2016? nineteen years after that fateful night when metal bullets rained across the vehicle chauffeuring the King of New York Hip Hop, just shy of two decades after Christopher Wallace took his last breath, a woman who will now forever be tied to the legacy of the Notorious B.I.G. shared the story of how FAITH changed the trajectory of her life beyond her wildest dreams. This is a conversation with Antonique Smith.

An Al t o?s Hel l o The Corner. Metallic silver, black & red SB Pro Dunk Highs squeak against a sea of orange finished-concrete. The metallic blur of swiftly moving sneakers head quickly towards a hard-to-find quiet corner of ImaginOn (a lively children?s and teen?s library located in center-city Charlotte). The slightly shaded, unpopulated corner beckons me: the introverted and introspective writer in me. I nestle into the pastel yellow, plastic chair I toted from the communal area of the library to the comfortable writer?s corner that I had honed in on earlier while scoping the library out for a quiet creative spaces.

Phone Taps. Just as the Uptown Charlotte rush hour traffic hits it?s peak, I hit record on my Sony digital voice recorder as I hold it close to the speaker of my Samsung Galaxy S6. A bold alto voice greets me with a warm ?Hello, I appreciate you having me.?

Antonique Smith?s voice sounds as if it has a patient smile plastered on it as she preps herself for the standard battery of questions about what it was like

to play Faith Evans in the 2009 bio-pic ?Notorious.?

When asked how much time she had to chat for the interview, she replied ?15 minutes. Is that cool??

However after going over Antonique?s resume and reading through the various detailed backgrounders about this woman, I knew this would take a little more than 15 minutes. I knew that her ?Notorious? breakout role would only scratch the surface of the gold mine of talent and stories that were housed in the mind of Antonique.

Check Her Resume Check out Antonique?s resume for yourself: 2005-2007: Her career jump started with her landing a lead role on one of NYC?s most well known Broadway Musicals. She played the role of MiMi Marquez in the New York Broadway musical ?RENT?.

2007: Antonique had a featured role in the Golden Globe nominated film ?Across the Universe.?

2009: She landed the critically praised starring role as Faith Evans in the Biggie Smalls biopic ?Notorious?

2011: Antonique had a role in the highly marketed film ?Abduction.? She played a CIA Agent opposite Taylor Lautner (known for his recurring role as the love-struck werewolf Jacob in the ?Twilight? movie franchise) and opposite Alfred Molina (of ?Spider-Man 2?Dr. Otto Octavius fame).

2011: She landed a starring role in one of the most highly anticipated indie movies of 2011 playing opposite Zoe Kravitz (multitalented daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet) and Gabourey Sidibe 24

Antonique?s route into the drug fiend psyche started with a news morning show. ?I had seen the cast of ?RENT?singing the song ?Seasons of Love?on a morning show. I was like, oh my God. Me and my mother were blown away by the song. Then my mother ended up taking me to see the show a year after it had been out on Broadway. So, I loved the show, but as far as being in the show or anybody?s show, that just was not on my radar.? But, the RENT cast member role of the drug addicted stripper MiMi Marquez was the character that the church girl from East Orange, NJ would make all her own from 2005 to 2007.

However, her singing chops did not flow as easily as her ability to create characters on her favorite toy? the tape recorder.

The Sol o Kid. Antonique chuckles about her first church solo experience. ?It was ?The First Noel?. It was around Christmas time. I started the song too high.

The piano played and instead of starting in the key we practiced, I started a whole octave above it. Almost like a Chipmunk voice.? Her little face became filled with signals of distress as she pushed through the song, and then the whole church join her in singing. So her first experience with a solo was not the best, but Antonique feels it was only her faith that prayers do get answered that brought her a (now Grammy-nominated) singing voice. She further explains, ?As a kid I could not have been on ?Star Search?. I wasn?t that good as a kid. But, I prayed about it and I think God answered my prayer and gave me a (singing) voice when I was around 11 years old and everyone could hear I could actually sing.? By age 12 she was booking studio time to lay her vocals down on actual tracks for her first official demo.

Christ ian Work t o Drug Work. From her inklings of raw talent displayed at a young age, to her time in school and church, Antonique was sharpening her skills. Any play or solo audition that her Christian School or church hosted, you could count on seeing Antonique in line ready to take on the role of the creative starlet. ?I went to Christian schools my whole life. The first few years were Catholic School, then after that it was Christian Schools. Now mind you, in those schools and at church, I tried being a part of every choir and every play. I mean, I did all the church school plays. I stayed busy,? she recounts. For Antonique, it was all music, all day. But, her break into showtime would require her to suppress the church girl mindset and get deep into the psyche of a drug fiend.

With all her focus on singing, acting was not really at the forefront of Antonique?s career plan, but SOMEONE else had a different plan for her. An acting agent heard Antonique?s soul-tinged vocals and just knew this girl had star power and started sending her out on auditions and she started booking jobs. ?My first professional acting job ever was on 100 Center Street (in New York City) directed by Sideny Lument.? She continues, ?Sideny Lument directed ?The Wiz?with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. He gave me my start. He literally gave me the role while I was standing in front of him. He said, ?You?re an amazing actress with a great career ahead of you.?? Lument gave her the complex role of playing a teenage drug addict that experiences an overdose. Lument had so much faith in Antonique?s talent and abilities that he gave the untrained actress this hard and complex role of the drug addict. In no less than two months after the project with Lument wrapped, Antonique landed a coveted leading role in the big Broadway production of ?RENT.?She was cast as MiMi Marquez, the sensual drug addicted stripper with an optimistic outlook on life. Throughout her two year stint with ?RENT? her face was seen on posters around the Big Apple and beyond. However, her face would not become well recognized by non-stage play going audiences until 2009 when faith would play another major role in the trajectory of Antonique?s life.

Fight ing f or Fait h Around-t he-Way Girl . The role that transformed Antonique into a recognizable face to many in the Hip Hop community was when she channeled Faith Evans on the bio-pic ?Notorious?. However, Antonique almost did not land the role of Evans.

Although many now almost see her as a Faith Evans look-a-like, her around-the-way-girl laidback look almost lost her this role of a lifetime. Antonique takes us through the story of how she made her way through the ?Notorious?audition process: 26

consciousness. This fully AWAKE celebrity activist feels that more love injected into all that we do could help solve a lot of the world?s problems? reducing crime and corruption. She recently completed a 20 city "Act On Climate" tour with the Hip Hop Caucus and also sang for the Pope's climate rally for over 100,000 people on the National Mall in D.C., Antonique is a serious advocate for climate justice and human rights. In late February, as a part of her involvement with the board of the Water Defense, she visited Flint, MI to help test the waters to find out if there was more than lead in those Michigan waters. And, there was. In a Water Defense fund press release it states: ?The Water Defense tested for all chemicals of concern, while it appears that prior testing in Flint was primarily focused on lead and copper only. Not only did we find dangerous levels of lead in bathwater, but we found dangerous levels of volatile chemicals including chloroform, methylene chloride, and other trihalomethanes in bathroom sinks and showers." After seeing the water and learning of these results, Antonique is now gong-ho about petitioning the White House to raise the Flint, MI Water Crisis to National Disaster levels to help move the client up to a level where residents can get financial help from the government and the water can be cleaned up within a few months as opposed to a few years. ?Clean air and clean water is a human right and it is also a Civil Right,? explains Antonique.

Have FAITH Antonique is an artist that puts her faith in love and empowering her people thorough the mediums of song, theatre and film. Her faith in a higher power, herself, and the faith that others have placed in her have allowed her to achieve her dreams and then some. She is still striving to reach new goals and is loving ever opportunity that fate throws her way.

-Written by Kia O. Moore 28

development. I vividly remember attending half-day kindergarten in the afternoon and during the mornings, my mother and I would drive to other side of town to walk through some of the nicer neighborhoods - she would walk and I?d ride my bike. It is memories like those that highlight my childhood, in carefree conversation with my mom bologna and cheese sandwiches, baskets and baskets of laundry, and never-ending home improvement projects. By the way, want to give your child a true consequence that will stick? Make them strip wallpaper.

While my mother?s decision to be home was hers to make and ours (my sisters and I) to benefit from, our family struggled. I never questioned it, I never assumed that?s what all moms did, and in fact - I can?t really think of any friends of mine whose mothers also stayed home. They all worked. Most of them were also single parents, so the necessity to do so was there. The point is, while I could be biased here - I?m not. In fact, I?m incredibly grateful to the mothers who make the decision to work whether they are the sole provider for their family, or they contributed equally with their spouse. Without these moms, I would not have had the incredible, life-changing relationships with many of my teachers as a student; without them, I would not have the opportunity to teach alongside invaluable examples, especially to their students, of women in the classroom or in support positions throughout schools; without them, I would not have had what I consider to be two of the best staffs that I had the opportunity to hire over the years at both Bruns Academy, and Newell Elementary, in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I served as principal. I could continue naming the pillars of examples of strong women that serve well beyond the field of education and are determinedly marching their way to leadership positions across sectors. Politics aside,

there?s a real good chance that we might just see the first female President of The United States, very soon.

Claire Cain Miller illustrates this point further, ?Across 25 countries, 69 percent of women with a working mother were employed, and 22 percent were supervisors, compared with 66 percent and 18 percent of those whose mothers stayed home.

Daughters of working mothers earned 6 percent more.? (Miller, C., 2015) My conclusion is this - women, regardless of the role they may play whether that means they?re a full-time mom or a full-time executive, a hair-dresser or a senator, a business-owner or a teacher - the impact they have on whatever it is that they touch is substantial. Stay-at-home mom? Well, their child(ren) will be taught responsibility, accountability for their actions, and loved beyond measure. Working outside of the home? Expect that your children will recognize opportunity and initiative - all from a woman. Trust me, I know. I?ve had the great pleasure and privilege of watching my wife, Sarah, handle both with promise and poise.

As we celebrate Women?s History Month, I want to send a special shout out to all the working women out there - all the moms that have at least two full-time jobs, one outside the home and another that starts when they walk through the door.

Speaking directly to them now, the work that you put in may often go unnoticed but the impact is immeasurable. And in fact, when it is measured - it?s pretty positive.

Writ t en by Jordy Sparks, Doct oral Candidat e | Doct or of Educat ion Leadership Program at Harvard Graduat e School of Educat ion 30

Everyday Hero Tiasha W ray, ESQ 32

women are held on higher pedestals than men, and I?m ok with that. But, because of that I think people or society have outlined our goals and/ or our lives for us. And that is not ok. Generally, women with bold dreams or accomplishments that break the mold are women who are/ were insanely focus on their dreams. If you remain focus on your end goal or dream it will be difficult to be distracted by anybody or anything.

As you may know t he t heme of t his issue is cal l ed Not A Vixen. Why do you t hink it s import ant f or more posit ive f emal es t o be t hrust ed in t he spot l ight ?

I believe it?s important to have more positive woman in the spotlight because women are more than their body type or physical appearance. We are more than hair and make-up; photo shoots; rap videos, etc.

We are intelligent; business-minded; cultured; well traveled and driven to break barriers that society has said we couldn?t. With more positive images young girls will see the diversity and not be pigeonholed to a popular or mainstream lifestyle. With the internet at our fingertips, I believe young girls need more positive images of women more than ever.

Thank you f or t aking t he t ime out of your busy schedul e t o int erview wit h us. We wish you much success!

Website: http:/ / www.wraylawpllc.com/ Int erview by Al bert Cart er

PROFOUND GENTLEMEN

The Racial Imbal ance Gap by @PGeducat or The Achievement Gap is a 21st Century education term that is used to describe the disparity in academic performance between groups of students. This gap describes the disparity in students?grades, test scores, attendance, and even college completion rates. The contributing factors of the Achievement Gap are perplexing; however, a clear cause of the disparity around student outcomes, especially outcomes of black male students lies in a student to teacher Racial Imbalance Gap. This gap defines that the students who struggle the most in education are the very students who lack racial, community, and gender representation in the classroom.

High Minorit y St udent s, Low Minorit y Teachers A December 2015 study from Dr. Seth Gershenson, an American University professor of Economics, delved in research around Representative Democracy in schools where there is a high student minority population and low minority teachers. Dr. Gershenson found that student-teacher racial imbalance affects student suspension, behavior, and academic performance. NC statistics exhibit a 20% increase of student suspension when black male students are taught by white teachers (Gershenson, 2015). This is not to say that black teachers have unlocked the secret code to teaching black males, but instead, evidence suggests that black teachers push black student to higher levels of success by having higher expectations, build closer relationships, and cultivate a community atmosphere with black male students. These three traits are a part of the code to unlock student potential.

The Represent at ive Democracy Theory The evidence is clear, demographically representative organizations, schools, churches, governments, and bureaucracies send messages of hope and social advancement.

There is a comfort and a security that is held when members from your social, racial, and ethnic group hold positions of leadership and authority. For instance, a study from Rice University professors found that black citizens had more 34

I n d u st r y I n si d er : Cei ba Ch av ez

W

hat is your (government ) name and occupat ion?

The Indust ry

Ceiba Chavez

Tel l me t he st ory of how you became a part of t he music indust ry.

Celebrity PR / Arts & Entertainment Leader / On Air Personality

I realized that the world is a canvas and art is the paint. I work very, very hard and constantly studied and researched my passion. I sacrificed time with friends and family. I decided my university would be the action of being. I reached out to a PD at our local Hip-Hop radio station in Milwaukee and was invited to shadow the DJ / On-Air personalities. I was introduced to the different clubs, and not just the teen clubs, early because of the work. I went on my first tour at age 16 with Jahiem. I looked around and saw who was making money from music, alcohol and settings. I studied the blueprints of what makes business work. I went to bartend, which lead me to meeting one of my mentors-- DJ Camp, owner of Doc B of B-Boy Productions. I enlisted in an all-male camp and just went in assisting the DJs carrying crates of records in heels. I set up 25-50 lbs speakers making sure all was good. I think, at that time I was making, at most, $25.00 a week. The pay barley gave me gas money or food to eat, but I was doing what I loved. It eventually branched off to more radio, event hosting, marketing, networking and promotions in addition to learning the key components to DJing. I also studied my local market and created the Midwest?s finest network. I then went to the university for Mass Communications and Broadcasting & TV Production. I became part of my schools broadcasting club. The opportunities their helped sky rocket my career because my professor saw talent in me and saw my team-oriented vibe which gave me the opportunity to host and direct. My hard work granted me access to privileges that were only for the seniors, like interviewing our brand new chancellor at the time. I was also given the opportunity to go interview Common, Lupe Fiasco and Band 1500. While in school I also won broadcasting awards & graccies.

When did you real ize t hat Hip Hop was a cul t ure t hat you want ed t o be a part of ?

I grew up moving a lot so I was exposed to new environments--African, Latin, & European. I was also exposed to new experiences at an early age. Some experiences were heartbreaking and some beautiful beyond imagination. I then realized that I was different, and I felt like I didn?t have a voice. I didn?t really fit in anywhere, and yet I did in this culture we now call Hip- Hop. When I heard voices like Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu, Missy Elliott, Common, ODB, Jay-Z, and The Roots my stories were here? in Hip-Hop. Hip Hop Culture is of the real raw soul, the story the struggle, the release the highs the lows. This is what called me to hip hop. The fact that painting graffiti, DJing , break dancing, emceeing, poetry, and clothing are a mandatory part of self-expression and have been expressed into creating hip hop culture is an amazing growth. I studied the culture and its business icons like Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, and Puffy. Through my many experiences I have learned to love and appreciate all the world?s music and cultures.

How did you get you nickname t he ?1st Lady?? ?

Around age 16 I got the nickname. I was raised by a very strong Queen and she trusted me enough to allow me to be around a 99% Male dominated industry. Always being the only girl in the clique, the nickname came naturally. Also having a philanthropic heart and always being ready to debate injustice, 1st Lady just felt right. As a DJ I embraced it as DJ 1st Lady, which has been my name for almost 13 years. There weren?t many female mentors around, and the ones I admired were far away. So I felt like this name could empower my sisters coming up behind me while setting a standard. Don?t get it twisted the name comes with a lot of responsibility.

I put in a lot of work doing my school days. I remember going to sleep one night after DJing all night. I literally went to sleep at 5:00 am and had to be at university at 7:45am for a mandatory class. Luckily, I had developed super powers and had become come immune to the late nights and early morning schedule. I eventually started hosting and

America. My mother is a Dr. of Geography and Geomorphology. My Papi is a Special Education Teacher and Soccer coach.

I was 1st introduced to the ?industry ?when chosen to be a Huggies Diaper baby spokes model.

During my time growing up I was surrounded by great music, all different environments, people, food, and culture. I also learned about the world through life experiences at an early age. Both my Grandmothers helped raise me from birth until I was 6. They instilled a lot of their own love and values in to me at an early age. Soon change came and my mother?s mom past of breast cancer then my parents divorced. Mom and I moved to Mexico so she could complete her doctorate. I think this is where I learned instinct and survival because it was just me & her. I learned and absorbed the sounds, smells, & decoration of life?s cycles. When we moved back to the states she began to teach at university and I started at yet another new school.

I never felt like I quit fit in anywhere as this little brown skinned, brown eyed, dark hair girl; therefore, music, arts, writing & animals became a constant companion--my best friends. It didn?t take long and I knew I wanted to be part of the lights again so I got selected to Barbizon Model School. Yet I soon found out the strict standards of the model industry weight, height and body shape.

Being full figured and petite is not industry norm, but I still booked shows. I eventually was sick of starving myself and feeling bad about who I was.

So I decided maybe Radio & Television would be my future. That led me to studying with the local DJs, radio stations. I eventually went on my 1st tour at 16 with Jahiem, Biz Markie and Truth Hurts.

This is where I learned promotion and all that a tour entailed. It has not stopped. From there I focused all my energy, time and resources into learning the 99% of the Music & Entertainment Business Talent that turns into the 1% that actually works. It turns out I work and have been working with the most amazing talents now for the last 16 years. From coordinating free camps for pro-athletes to working with current and past Grammy & Emmy Peabody award winning artists.

Music is my life, as is the business. It?s a blessings to create our dreams to reality while creating and maintaining legacies.

Share one l if e l esson t hat you woul d want t he worl d t o t ake away when t hey eval uat e t he l if e of Ceiba?

Please remember that no matter what you go through you are strong and will be great if you choose. I hope to make history by touching as many hearts as I can while I am still here to help make the world a better place.

What is t he moral of Ceiba?s l if e st ory?

1. Knowledge of self gives breath to your life?s purpose.

2. We create heaven on earth by balancing our spiritual, mental, physical and financial selves and connecting those selves through a web of love.

Writ t en by Kia O. Moore

"Plea se r emeber that no matter what you go thr ough you a r e str ong a nd will be gr eat if you choose."

-Ceiba Chavez

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