FEBRUARY 2022
A FR O POP
Playlist
THE 1619 PROJECT
True That!
10 African Facts That Will Have You Shook
Spring
S pr ing A
frican influence extends around the globe. Images on TV, film, and social media often portray conflicting, stereotypical views of the continent, but we know better! There is great wealth and centuries of royalty that exist in Africa, even today. When you map out your future and fantasize about your world travels, be sure to add Africa to your explorations. Its rich culture, delicious food, colorful celebrations, and inspiring art are like no other. The Spring Edition of your Brown Sugar Box honors your African heritage. Take pride in your roots and commit to learning your origin story. African descendants come in all shapes, sizes, and shades thanks to our glorious genetic evolution around the world, and you will forever have a piece of the Motherland in your heart. Although the branches of your family extend to relatives in the U.S., there is beauty in knowing that the story of your people started long before this country was founded. As the saying goes, “You are your ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
Beauty is Her Name Bamboo Earrings Yes, fashion does repeat itself, and beauty may be in the eye of the beholder. Your beauty, however, both inside and out, is undeniable. And let’s just say — these silver-plated bamboo earrings speak for themselves.
2
Royalty Vibes Knotted Satin Headband A huge 90s’ staple is back on the scene. Don’t dismiss it as another old-school relic. Headbands are all the rage these days! They’re like a halo for the angel in you. This satin knotted accessory gives just enough sass to make your latest style pop. Elegant enough for a formal outing yet lowkey enough for a chill spot.
Queen Rising T-shirt The definition of a Queen is a woman who is “highly respected or well-known” and “inherits the position by right of birth.” Well, you heard it here first and the truth is out. You were BORN a Queen. Sometimes you may have to reintroduce yourself, and that’s okay. This tee will do all the talking for you.
Like Sisters on the Homefront Things are headed south for Gayle, literally and figuratively, after she’s sent to live with her relatives in Georgia. The pace is much slower than this street-smart city gal is used to. Maybe that’s exactly what she needs. Like Sisters on the Homefront is an awe-inspiring story about learning to take control of your life and changing the narrative to match the journey ahead of you.
Her Beauty Charm Necklace What you see is a charm necklace with a comb design, but there’s a little more to it. This symbol, called a Duafe or “wooden comb”, which is derived from a Ghanaian adinkra symbol, stands for various proverbs and expressions. It represents beauty. This necklace is so you!
Unbothered Mini Bag When the rest of the world is doing the most, do what you do best…remain UNBOTHERED! Issa MOOD all 2022. Now you have a versatile mini-bag, with a removable chain, to match the vibe!
3
True That! 10 African Facts That Will Have You Shook by Saeeda Ruffin
I
t’s time to celebrate Africa and all its wonders. You are in for some real eyeopeners about Africa and African culture. Hope you got your mind ready to jump in to learn just how dope your ancestors’ homeland really is! Here are ten African facts that will have you shook.
4
1
The richest man that EVER existed was an African named Mansa Musa. His net worth would have been about $400 Billion in today’s money. Not even Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are worth that much yet!
2
While the amount of melanin might be different between Africans and Europeans, the truth is that there are less than 9 miles separate Morocco (in Africa) and Spain (in Europe). Yup, the two continents are like next door neighbors.
3
There are more than 2000 recognized languages in Africa and over 3000 tribes.
4
Africa is the world’s hottest continent! Despite most of the landscape having hot temperatures, it is still home to cold weather animals like African Penguins. The African Penguin is indigenous to the coast of South Africa.
5
Africa has had many female presidents. Yes, Young Queen, sisters have been running things there for many years now, proving that there are no limits to what a Black woman can achieve!
6 7
Unlike in most places, in Morocco, a heart is not the symbol for love. What is their love symbol, you ask? Uh, no cap, it’s the liver!
Nigeria is known as “The Land of Twins” because more twins are born there than anywhere else in the world. Now, that’s just wild!
8
Africans have long been masters of technology and science. The first CAT scan was developed in Africa, and the first heart transplant was performed in Africa!
9 PHOTOS: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
Africa has at least 2 colorful bodies of water: a pink lake in Senegal called Lac Rose and a sea in Egypt called The Red Sea. Lac Rose has pink water which is caused by a unique bacteria, while the Red Sea actually changes color from blueish-green to reddish-brown when the algae in it dies.
10
Two of the most famous African Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu have actually lived on the same street. Imagine that!
5
THE 1619 PROJECT By Girl Tyler
M
ore than 400 years ago, Africans were captured, enslaved then sold against their will. A brutal months long journey resulted in an estimated 20 people arriving in the British colony of Virginia aboard a ship to begin would become 250 years of captivity. 1619 marks the origins of slavery in America. The 400th anniversary of this atrocity was recognized in 2019, launching a new conversation to reframe America’s conversation on race. Created by award-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones in conjunction with The New York Times Magazine, The 1619 Project presents a collection of essays that explore the lasting impact of slavery. The book challenges the U.S. promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, offering a modern-day lens on the legacy of slavery, which is eye-opening for young readers. The 1619 Project: Born on the Water is a supplemental picture book for
6
children, illustrating how Africans were kidnapped and forced into a new way of life in a new world. History books tend to present a sanitized version of the events that took place when the first Africans arrived on U.S. soil. The inhumane conditions, harsh treatment, and brutal labor are but a fraction of the story. This project works to dispel myths while presenting facts about the brutalization of American slavery. The misrepresentation of Black history thwarts progress and presents obstacles for young learners to access the truth. Erasure of our contributions to this country
and our very existence today is a continued act of resistance to Black progression. In dissecting Black influence on American food, science, culture, and art, The 1619 Project is about Black preservation. While race can be an uncomfortable conversation at school and among your peers, there is great pride in our history. Although our story in
America begins as one of captivity, our true identity began long before on a spacious land where we thrived. The 1619 Project is a reminder that we must share our stories. This book is a great conversation starter to have with the adults in your life as a key to learning about your family history and ties to Africa. In doing so, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the beautiful possibilities that lie ahead in your bright future.
Learn more about the 1619 Project here: https://www.nytimes.com/ interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html
7
Fearless
A frican Queens IN HISTORY
By Girl Tyler
H
ey Queen! You probably hear that a lot but it’s truer than you know. You are a queen born of a long line of ancient royalty. In pre-colonial and postcolonial times, African women dominated society. They were boss babes! Their fearless stories of resilience and leadership sealed their place in history. We’re accustomed to learning about kings and great warriors; however, women have proven time and time again that they were born for battle. Accounts of women in positions of power are often hard to find as records have been lost in time. Different ethnic groups preserve their memories by passing down their stories to younger generations. Warrior queens are timeless. Read up on these skilled negotiators, politicians, and great warriors who just happened to be African women.
Njinga Mbandi was a fearless ruler who fought to protect her people from the Portuguese and their quest to expand the slave trade in Central Africa. After her brother died in the early 1600’s, Njinga took his place. When the Portuguese denounced the news of her succession and removed her from the throne, Njinga developed her own army with a goal of reclaiming her position in Ndongo. She went on to conquer the kingdom of Matamba, but never gave up her desire to maintain freedom for the people of Ndongo. Approximately thirty years after their ongoing war, the Portuguese and Njinga called a truce and she again assumed her role as queen.
8
Amani Renus was a fierce Queen of the kingdom of Kush. She defeated the mighty Roman army occupying Egypt. (She lost an eye in battle. Ouch!)
Dahomey Mothers were protectors of the king. These women were tough, but they were also recruited for their beauty and brains. They took their positions seriously and stood guard against any threat to the king. Skilled for battle, Dahomey Mothers rose up against European colonialism. In 1890, the women soldiers also fought against the French.
Yaa Asantewaa was a Ghanaian warrior queen who was born into a family of rulers in the mid-19th century in the Ashanti Kingdom. British colonizing forces threatened to squash her people, but Yaa Asantewaa would not give in. She was willing to make major sacrifices to maintain independence. Her strength and courage led an army against British invaders when they were least expecting it.
Writing Activity: If you could be a queen for a day, how would you make the world better for your people? Use this space to write out your dream scenario on the throne.
9
AFRO AFRO POP PO PPlaylist By Girl Tyler
A
fro Pop is one of the greatest African exports blasting through speakers around the world. Your favorite artists like Beyoncé have taken note of the booming African music scene, collaborating with top artists to give us incredible projects like Black is King. Nigerian artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy are becoming American household names, with others across the continent slowly but surely climbing U.S. charts. Each country and region in Africa brings its own flavorful blend of musical contributions to the world. African culture is undeniable and premier artists from the continent are unstoppable. The Afro Pop playlist presents chill tracks that infuse R&B and Afro Beats with a gritty reverb. Open your ears to this rhythmic dexterity intertwined with electronic melodies. No matter what kind of day you’re having, this playlist will be an instant palate cleanser. Blast it as you begin to take on the day or in the evening when you need a study break. We guarantee you’ll want to get up and move! So Bad by Simi ft. Joeboy Sere [Remix] by Spinall ft. 6lack & Fireboy DML Like a Queen by Ric Hassani Fire by Berri For You by Teni ft. Davido Go by Tekno Lonely by Joeboy Know Your Worth by Khalid, Disclosure, DaVido, and Tems Come My Way by Wande Coal Confident by Savage & Buju Lie by Kizz Daniel For a Minute by Waje Keys to the Kingdom by Tiwa Savage and Mr. Eazi PAMI by Dj Tunez ft. Omah Lay, Wizkid and Adekunle Gold Fashion Killer by Ayra Starr Understand by Omah Lay Tender Love by Sha Sha Where You Are by Teno Afrika ft. Leyla Paradise by Busta 929 ft. 20ty Soundz and Miano Coming Home by MzVee ft. Tiwa Savage Smile for Me by Simi In the Music by Omawumi
SCAN TO LISTEN TO THIS PLAYLIST AND MORE!
10
This is where Izzy & Liv teens deserve all the shine! We absolutely adore seeing you beautiful, brilliant Queens showing off your new boxes. Here are snapshots from the winter edition:
Our Brown Sugar Teens are THE BEST! We LOVE all the pictures you shared of them and their boxes! Congratulations to this year’s WINNER! Alexandria was randomly selected from everyone who shared their last box on social media to WIN her next box FREE. Thank you to everyone who shared! We appreciate you! Don’t forget to share this box using the hashtags #IzzyandLiv #BrownSugarBoxTeens and tag @izzyandliv for your chance to win next month’s giveaway.
11
You could be a star in our next Brown Sugar Box Teens magazine! Share your pictures and videos on social media with the hashtag #IzzyandLiv #BrownSugarBoxTeens and tag us @IzzyandLiv