Florida a&M university’s campus magazine
“ I found my true love at The Shelter.”
Dr. Humphries has the answers!
Find out your status!
EARLY RETREATS Spring break preview!
JOURNEY- SPRING 2014 - FREE
Journey’s annual Super Singles is BACK!
Photo by Jordan Kinsey
Gina Cherelus Editor-in-Chief
Female Fashion Director
Chelsea Hall
Staff
Journey
Marisa Richards
Kethlene Jean-Jacques
Online Editor
Copy Desk Chief
Art Director
Managing Editor
Natalie Johnson
Staff Editor
Morgan Grain
Male Fashion Director
JhaRonte James
Assistant Copy Desk Chief
Jordan Kinsey
LamonT Howard
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ha tN 10. 8.T ot T Pe h rfe e Si o Ord d c 12. t Ou elin er on 14. Sh tfit e Qu a D Stu elte s fo iz ate r r ck L on ove a Da te Se x? Contributors: TyLisa C. Johnson, Porsha Sharon, Jasmine A. Harris, Courtney Hutchinson, Donovan Harrell, Morgan Danford Art Team: Dennis McMurray, Justan Cole Shinn, Geoffrey Evans Photo Editor: Gina Cherelus Photo Team: Taylor Carlton, Shoaleh James PR Director: Ashley E. Smith PR Team: James Rozier, Imir Hall, Maya Souverin, Porsha Sharon, Chacoryia Burns, TyLisa C. Johnson Special Thanks: Ann Kimbrough, Rodney Roberts, Alvin McBean, Tia Loren-Marie Haynes, Tyler Hansberry, Laura Downey, Marva FordJones, Harmony English, Nyah K. Abdala, Kennedy’s, Avant-Garb, Wakulla Springs State Park, Fun Station, The Melting Pot, Smallcakes: A Cupcakery Adviser: Brandon Vaughn
s e l up st o C Pa e th he man f o gT o s h W at MU s n i r a e l g e .6 C Pur Oth Retr f FA 1 4. o e ly e h 2 .T ar Lov E 6 2 28. he rT o .F 4 3 Copyright 2014 by Florida A&M University. All rights reserved. This issue of Journey magazine was produced by the student organization Journey with essential support from the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. Journey is funded through the student activity and services fees, as allocated by the Student Senate of Florida A&M University. For more information on Journey, contact the Division of Journalism, 510 Orr Drive , Suite 3078, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307
On The Cover: “Early Retreats,” page 28. Design by Lamont Howard Photo by Gina Cherelus
Written by TyLisa C. Johnson
Photos by Gina Cherelus
Design by Justan Shinn
Ladies, you’ve finally scored that date with the guy
you’ve been eyeing every Set Friday. Guys, you’ve finally mustered up the courage to ask that beautiful girl from your class out to dinner. Here is a guide on foods to avoid on a date so you don’t have to worry about having spinach stuck in your teeth.Yuck.
06 V SPRING 2014
1. Spaghetti (and all things overly saucy)
Spaghetti can easily be considered one of the messiest meals you could order on a date, from the greasy pasta sauce to the long obnoxious noodles. You don’t want to get caught by your date in a slurping frenzy, or with a dry sauce stain plastered on your cheek. Although it’d be a funny memory in the long run, the recovery will be slow after your “boo” informs you of your drippy mishap.
2. The Ribs with “the works”
When working with ribs, beware of the pesky slivers of meat that insist on creating a home between your teeth. While eating, you could get caught in a very sticky situation, between the “works,” such as onions, mushrooms or garlic and the tough, medium-rare meat. You could end up with onion breath, garlic breath or worse, a twisted combination of both. If you do decide to indulge in this meal remember mints or gum, and possibly floss, but be wary of eating anything that could distract from your pearly whites when you smile.
3. The $50+ meal
This one is for the ladies. We all want to be treated well on a first date, but this is a bit much for a brother on a college budget. Be careful that you don’t take advantage of a “free meal” by ordering the filet mignon for $39.99, no matter how great it sounds. It’s not courteous, and he will definitely reconsider taking you out again. Your bill will overshadow how great you think that date went. In short, don’t go crazy. It’s the first date after all.
4. Tex-Mex
You know what I mean by Tex-Mex: Your favorite combination of cheese, beans, sour cream, meat and HOT salsa all wrapped in a flour tortilla. That’s fine in front of your friends, but if you are easily “gassed,” avoid at all cost. With all of these ingredients reacting in your tummy, you’ll either end up bloated, gassy or both. Better safe to take a Gas-X pill before or avoid this meal altogether because the chances of this turning into a stinker of a date are much higher otherwise.
5. Shelled Seafood
Have you ever been caught mid-bite of a really oily, yet juicy piece of lobster and had to make a hasty recovery, but it already looked as if your mouth was pumping water wells? You can avoid the sticky clean up by not indulging in all things crab, lobster and anything else you have to “break” in order to devour. The oil/butter concoction that would be glazing your mouth, wrists and hands will give your date something else to focus on other than your incredible conversation skills. Take caution when ordering these kinds of seafood, as delectable as it may be, bibs aren’t cute unless you’re a baby.
JOURNEY V 07
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FALL 2013
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Outfit Date For A
PHOTOS BY// Shoaleh James STYLIST// JhaRonte James & Nyah K. Abdala DESIGN BY// Dennis McMurray
r pe Whether it’s an outdoor music festival or a local concert, channel your inner “Yeezus.” You can never go wrong with black leather, and a stand out timepiece.
Sh ow s
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Avoid going out to clubs or lounges with printed T-shirts and blue jeans. A collared shirt paired with chinos will do the trick.
gt
10 V FALL 2013 2014 10 SPRING
in
Maintain a leisure look with a basic crew neck T-shirt and an acid wash denim jacket. Dress it up with a pair of oxfords and a nice hat to accent it.
A black blazer and trouser combo matched with a patterned collared button down will show your date you know your way around your closet. Bring flowers as an added plus.
int Pa
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Do you often find yourself staring at your closet for hours trying to find the perfect thing to wear on a date? Journey is here to help! With these tips, featuring Keytron Hill and Victory Curry, you’ll be more than ready to handle the night ahead! - Gina Cherelus
A bright colored blazer on a little black dress lets you be bold while still being classy. Whether it’s a first date or a date with an existing partner, this look is timeless.
This look calls for all things BOHO-CHIC! The longsleeved crop paired with a tan fedora and bright pink shades will make you feel nothing short of stylish. If your date calls for something active, add a pair of classic sneakers.
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n i n r o M Roc k
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MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION!
Th eD
ate
When a concert comes to mind, opt for black pieces, leather details and grungy band T-shirts. Feel free to add combat boots as opposed to heels. Think edgy!
ner at 8
on t h g i N
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Being comfortable is important when dashing from place to place. Go against the grain by showing a little skin which will allow you to stand out! Pair this look with a printed clutch and a leather jacket in case things get chilly.
JOURNEY JOURNEY V 11
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WRITTEN BY// Jasmine A. Harris PHOTOS BY// Gina Cherelus DESIGN BY// Dennis McMurray
A
s the band rocks out to its own rendition of The Temptations classic, “My Girl,” a slim, well-dressed W.J. “New York” Smith and Jackie Cherry tambourine player of medium height performing during The Shelter Band’s takes the yellow hollowed tambourine practice. in his right hand and playfully taps the backside of the red and black-haired singer to his right. The ample woman donning a A few band members playing during The gray sweatshirt, baby blue jeans and black Sketchers continues to rock steady. Shelter Band’s practice. The sounds of tambourines, a down-home harmonica, tribal bongo drums, bass guitars, a keyboard and saxophone helps infuse their raw singing to make The Shelter Band’s signature sound. After band practice, instruments are put away, plans are announced for a performance the following Tuesday behind The Shelter, and the couple, W.J. “New York” Smith and Jackie Cherry affirm their love for another with hugs and smooches. The two crooners, who are still energized from their jam session sit down to detail all the complexities of their love story. But not before Jackie drags New York’s chair closer to hers and throws her arms around him. “I missed him today,” she gushes. Jackie said she hasn’t seen New York all day because she was away cleaning her best friend’s house for a few bucks. “And what a relief it was,” New York jokes, “Just like Alka-Seltzer!” The couple met at the picnic table area behind The Shelter on May 5, 2010, Jackie’s birthday. “I remember one morning when I walked outside,” Jackie said. “I seen his blue eyes looking at me. And then I walked to him and asked his name. He told me his name was New York. We became friends and then became lovers. He’d become my husband … forever. I found my true love at The Shelter. I found my true love at the shelter.” In 2010, New York came to Tallahassee, Fla., from New York City following the deaths of his father, sister, mother and brother all during a time frame of about five years. New York said he was tired of being around death, so he made a surprise visit to his uncle in Tallahassee, only to find that his uncle passed away while he was on the greyhound. “He didn’t get the surprise,” the Brooklyn native recounts, “I got it.” New York lived in a motel for a while and then moved to The Shelter. “I had the money to go back, but you know, I’m a player, so I spent it,” he said. “Then I got it again; I still didn’t go back, so that’s why I came here.” New York said if he had gone back, he wouldn’t have become the performer he is today. As a youngster, the 60-year-old said he was the best dancer at his high school, but he never pursued entertainment. The Shelter Band, made up mostly of current and former shelter residents has reproduced this distinguished sound on some of Tallahassee’s biggest stages including Downtown Getdown, the popular Friday evening pregame celebration for Florida State University, and Celebrate America, Tallahassee’s annual Fourth of July shindig in Tom Brown Park. The Shelter’s director Jacob Reiter, who also plays tambourines and guitar in The Shelter Band, encouraged New York to join the band after he saw him shuffling his feet in a James Brown fashion on the white and red checkered board floor of the day center. Reiter believes the band serves as motivation for other residents of The Shelter. “I always like to think that the residents in The Shelter Band can serve as role models and inspiration for the other residents in the sense that you know someone staying at The Shelter can see their neighbor, who is also a Shelter resident, get up on stage to perform in front of all these people,” Reiter said. “It’s a sign of hope and inspiration.” When New York joined the band he began to front a James Brown segment, which is widely requested when the band is booked. riveting howls and funktastic knee quivers are smoother than the surface upon which he slides during his act. “I just don’t play the tambourine, I’m an entertainer, throw it behind my back, between my legs, throw ‘em in the air, do the James Brown [dance] then turn around and catch ‘em.” Soon, the funkadelic fever of inspiration fell upon Jackie, and though she was shy, she joined the band to sing alongside her man. “I always wanted to sing, that’s what I really wanted to do,” she said, reflecting on her choirgirl days at Faith Chapel Pentecostal Church and at Watson Temple Church of God in Christ where she won a singing contest as a teenager. Before this true was cultivated, a sacrificial act of kindness from New York to Jackie would cause her to forget about a former beau and transform Jackie’s aching heart into a house of love with New York as its new tenant.
12 V SPRING 2014
“He had done her wrong about some money and she started crying,” New York said. “And I told her ‘Lean on my shoulder. I’m your friend, and whatever happened, I’ll try to comfort you on that.’ So when I got my money, I gave it back to her. I said, ‘This is for what you lost.’” Looking to add to their lineup, the band wanted a song that celebrates love among homeless couples because they had never heard one. Subsequently, as Jackie and New York were sitting in the park one day, she came up with a song so aptly titled, “Shelter Love.” “We got a lot of people who really is planning on being together, got their true love, that want to be together and move up out of here together,” she said. In the past, the two have had quarrels over the way she should sing the song. “I kept trying to tell her, I’m your love,” the uptown soul man said. “You found the love at the Shelter, a true true love. I’m your true love! Put some feeling in it that you love me!” But like the song says, they’d fuss and fight, but ultimately, they’d be alright. Shelter resident and band member, Emory Cooper, has known the affectionate couple since 2010. He said New York’s companionship changed Jackie’s life for the better. “She was a different woman when she was by herself, Cooper said, “But when he came [into her life], she came to life.” This is a claim Jackie knows to be true. “When I came to the Shelter and started talking to him, hanging around with him, he got me out of that depression stage that I was in,” she said. Her abyss of depression resulted from a family secret that wrecked her world just a few years before she found herself at The Shelter. When Jackie’s oldest daughter was eight, she found out that her husband, her daughter’s father, had already been violating her for years. This sickening betrayal led to a divorce from the man to whom she was married for 14 years – a man she didn’t even want to marry in the first place. Jackie, who had already suffered a two-year failed marriage to her high school sweetheart, said she wasn’t ready, but she did it to appease a family member, who thought she should marry the man with whom she’d already had two kids. Because her ex-husband wouldn’t leave the house, the Florida Department of Children and
Families removed her six children. Her ex, who was indicted in 2008, is now serving a 15-year prison sentence for the molestation of his daughter. “He treat my kids like–Ooh my God!” she exclaims, “Like he been there all the time. It’s just an expression that I can’t explain because I never had a person to treat me like the way he do.” Jackie said they plan to get married when the time is right. “It’s nobody out there that I want. Nobody, he the only one I want. It’s more like a friendship relationship. We understand each other, we communicate with each other.” But though they’ve been together for three years, Jackie is still getting acclimated to New York’s chivalrous nature. “You know what, I really do love him, and to be honest with you, after all the guys that I’ve been married to, who I’ve been around with and everything, I never had a gentleman, and that’s the most important thing I like about him – he’s a gentleman.” That’s a characteristic that New York prides himself on in starting his relationship with Jackie. “I said, ‘Well, she’s a woman now and I can see myself as a gentlemen, I want her to become a lady, ’” he said. “Because the guys she was with, they didn’t care about nothing but ‘boom boom, thank you ma’am and I’m on my way.’ But I cared about her.” New York has been waiting for months to start collecting his disability checks for his hearing loss in his right ear so he can move himself and Jackie out of The Shelter. But while he waits he’s not allowed to work. A reality that is eating at his flesh worse than the vexing bedbugs in the cot he gave up to sleep in the gazebo behind the shelter. “I always kept a job, that’s what’s killing me here, I always kept a job and a place to live,” he said through a cracking voice with unrepentant tears eager to leak from his eyes. “This my last year in Tallahassee in The Shelter. This my last! I’m either gonna be in the ground or on top, but I ain’t gonna be in no shelter. I can’t do it. It’s just, it’s a hurting thing!” Upon leaving The Shelter, the two, who call themselves “the good Bonnie and Clyde” plan to travel to the Big Apple. New York wants to help Jackie connect with her sister, whom she has never met, to get closure about their late father. The pair explains that Jackie’s father
was from Trenton, NJ, but moved to New York when he was 18. He eventually moved to Tallahassee where he met and married Jackie’s mom. One day he went back to New York for a visit and never returned. Jackie recalls that her father wanted her to come to New York, but her mom wouldn’t allow it. She wasn’t even allowed to speak to her dad on the phone. Ironically, their fathers had been best friends. New York made the uncanny connection after he saw Jackie’s father’s name on her birth certificate. “I didn’t know that was her baldheaded daddy!” he jives, recalling the days when their dads used to hang. He believes that the song, “Shelter Love,” has potential to be a hit, but that it needs a launching pad like New York City in order to take off. And though he is thankful for The Shelter and gets a thrill out of performing with band, New York said he needs money. He sees himself using his singing, dancing and tambourine-playing talents to perform with a band that’ll pay him. This, he believes, can happen right now in Tallahassee or when arrives to NYC. For now, New York picks and sells pecans for 47 cents per pound to make a quick buck. But the little he’s able to make from the pecans is dwindling because the harvest is dying out. Jackie, who did everything in the book to get her children back, has not forgotten about them. Her the key motivation in pushing her song to be successful is to acquire a stable home and income so she can get her kids back. “Like my grandmother say, ‘The worst sin for a human being is if God give you a talent and you don’t use it,’” New York said in his heavy Brooklyn accent but with the conviction of a southern Baptist preacher. “This talent that we doing is gonna get us out of here! We’re gonna make it.” And like a fight referee, he clasps Jackie’s right hand with his left and holds it in the air. “We are going to make it.”
JOURNEY V 13
stuck
ON SEX?
written by jharonte james design by geoffrey evans Journey’s fashion director and staff writer JhaRonte James discusses the thin line between sex and communication with the help from a local sex expert.
G
ood sex is what feels good physically and emotionally, but physically, good sex can’t be generalized,” Dr. Linda Humphries said, a licensed clinical social worker and sexual therapist, as she sat on her multi-colored armchair. “People want to feel love. You have people that are interested in love, but not the sex and sex but not the love.” Her clients are usually individuals and couples with common and uncommon sexual issues such as, “orgasm[ing] too quickly, low or no sexual drive, one partner wanting sex more than the other and unresolved sexual conflicts that are interfering with the relationship.” Humphries began her career as a psychotherapist, but found that sex is a root issue in mental health and relationships.
There is more to sex than just reaching a climax for the two or more parties involved. It may feel good physically, but the satisfaction is in knowing that you have a partner you can connect with intimately. Humphries explained couples that can please one another on a physical and emotional level tend to gain more from the relationship. “There are people that feel both–sex and love– they are the happiest,” she said. Sex is subjective, and what makes it good varies from person to person. Sex isn’t necessarily needed to have a healthy relationship. “If sex is important to one person in a relationship then it matters,” Humphries said. Good sex is about the common interests of sexual desires. Couples that have similar sexual desires work better.
ADVICE FROM JOURNEY EDITORS Jordan Kinsey, Copy Desk Chief, says
Gina Cherelus, Editor-in-Chief, says,
“
“Don’t force anything, just let it flow. 14 V SPRING 2014
Ashley E. Smith, PR Director, says,
“Try games and even teasing, they make intimacy more exciting.
“
“
Lamont Howard, Art Director, says
“
“Lovin’ under the sheets only work in movies, because they will get in the way in real life.
“Do not have full conversations while making love.
According to Humphries, women can find it harder to maintain a Soon the couple started having sex less often, which frustrated healthy sexual relationship because of social standards. “Cultural influences Ross. Because of this, they started to grow apart considering their sexual affect how women think about sex. Generally, women are made to be disconnect. “I thought we would break up,” Ross said. “But we talked about homemakers and boys will be boys. Men and women grow up with different it...and I understand that she needs a break. I’ve learned to take my time with cultural roles,” Humphries said. Dion Pace, a fourth-year occupational her…talking helps to see her perspective.” The couple agreed that they’re therapy student at Florida A&M University from Midway, Fla., said she closer because they have conversations about sex. believes monogamy is programed into women, while men are praised for Although, they have sex less than Ross prefers, they said the sex is promiscuity. “It isn’t right…being taught to love and take care of a man, better because they’re in-tune with one another. Humphries said expressing and he is raised to be a whore,” she said. But Kevin Hardgrove, a criminal your thoughts will help to build a stronger foundation in a relationship.“Share your feelings and fears,” she said. “More honest communication leads to a justice student at Tallahassee Community College from Lakeland, Fla., more intimate feeling between the couple. The way to get someone to trust said passionless sex is second nature for men. “[Men] can have sex without love,” Hardgrove said. you is to talk about “That’s just how we how you truly feel. are.” Hargrove added When you have more that men know the trust the sex is better.” difference between love “I want young and sex, and when the adults to think before time and the partner is they act sexually,” right, they’re willing to Humphries suggested. focus on love. On Mara Consider how it affects Brock Akil’s television you and your partner— series “Being Mary childbirth, disease, etc. Jane,” Mary Jane Paul Keep your emotional is a single and successful and physical wellnews anchor that has being in mind. Ask issues with maintaining yourself: Is this good relationships. Mary Jane for me? Will I respect falls in love with a married my decisions or man named Andre, who myself, afterwards? Film Still Photo from Mara Brock Akil's "Being Mary Jane." in return loves her, but is To begin a healthy married. However, he tells Mary Jane that he is getting a divorce, while at the sexual relationship, Humphries recommends developing a good mental and same time attending counseling with his wife to save the marriage. His wife emotional relationship with your partner. She said know yourself so that you asks him why is he cheating on her and he responds “she sees me.” Andre can effectively convey what you want out of the relationship. “Learn how to believes Mary Jane sees him for the man he is, not the man his wife trained communicate in a sexual relationship,” Humphries said. “That will benefit him to be. Andre leaves his wife hopeless and confused. The problem found the person now and forever more. People are not mind-readers.” in this relationship is the lack of dialogue between the characters. The failure to express their feelings only causes pain, disarray and turbulence. Neither side wins in this situation. If a relationship is suffering from bad sex, that doesn’t mean the relationship won’t work, perhaps the couple isn’t compatible. “People want to feel loved, they want to feel important and they want to feel intimacy,” Humphries said. Sometimes in a new relationship the couple may not have given an effort to learn how to please one another. For an example, one partner might prefer role-play and the other might have a foot fetish. Sex is personal. One should find how he or she likes to be kissed or touched. Humphries said communication and honesty are ways to enhance sexual chemistry in a relationship. “Talk about how you feel about the sex,” she said. “Ask questions. Find out what they like. If you know what the other person likes you can be a better partner.” College students Shontelle Ruthers and Dane Ross have been dating for over a year. The couple said they have open discussions about sex to make sure they’re on the same page. They said in the beginning of their relationship the sex was good, but there was no intimacy. The two of them never talked about sex, and they merely assumed they knew what the other enjoyed. After about three months, the couple started talking about their sex life. Ruthers said she felt different from Ross about sex earlier in the relationship. “I didn’t like having sex as much as he did,” she said. “I didn’t like how fast he wanted to go in to sex.”
“T“ alk about how you feel about
the sex. Ask questions. Find out what they like. If you know whatthe otherpersonlikes you can be a better partner.“ “ “
JOURNEY V 15
For this year’s annual Super Singles, Journey selected unique and interesting Ra potential “relationship.” The singles met their allies for quality time before headin weapons in the Couples’ Questionnaire Challenge. The victors, who answered t dine at one of the finest restaurants in the Capitol. A 16 FALL 2013
attlers, one guy and one girl each, to sacrifice their “single� card in return for a ng to battle. Immediately after the dates, our singles fought with their strongest the most questions correctly about their ally, were rewarded with a chance to And remember, may the odds be ever in your favor. JOURNEY 17
B
ruce Fleming is a composed military man that will have a woman blushing from a series of compliments. Despite that, he won’t play any games with the women he’s interested in. “If I want to go explore then I’ll go explore,” he said. “I’m not going to drag you along with me.” In addition to his dreams of being a positive male figure in the lives of young men, he needs a woman that he can confide in. “I want to let that person know my dreams, my aspirations and even my fears,” the Army ROTC member said. His partner in this battle is known as “The Sweetest Girl on the Radio.” Meaghan Taylor is a senior journalism student with a personal musical collection that includes Lana Del Rey, Tim McGraw and Omarion. This WANM 90.5 radio personality said she can bring the emotional support that is necessary in a relationship. “I try to be a strong person,” Meaghan said. “Guys need people to be strong for them because
18 V SPRING 2014
they can’t be strong all the time.” Bruce and Meaghan spent their evening together at The Tomahawk Sports Bar & Grill for some oneon-one time. This couple immediately marked their “territory” in the bar as they walked passed the pool table and the luminous Internet jukebox as it played Beyonce’s “Party.” As they took their seats facing one another, the sense of comfortableness radiated from their booth. Nothing could contain the laughter from these two as they shared a basket of mozzarella sticks. “My mom is an interior designer,” Meaghan said as she began to discuss her family. “My mom thinks she is an interior designer,” Bruce said jokingly, “she wanted to decorate my apartment.” The laughter from the two seem to drain out the noise of sportscasters commenting on the NBA game that night from the flat screen TVs scattered throughout the restaurant. “Usually I don’t talk this much,” Bruce said shyly to Meaghan. Not even the sound of the amateur singer standing
under the red neon “Yuengling” sign for karaoke could break their attention for a second. By the end of their date, phone numbers were already exchanged. “I thought it was a pretty good date. He seems pretty cool to me. He talks a lot, which is good because I don’t really talk a lot,” Meaghan said about her date. It was mutually satisfying for Bruce as well. “She’s a nice woman —very cool, chill, laidback. I didn’t have any dislikes about the date.” Bruce and Meaghan earned 20 points in their couple questionnaire. Bruce viewed the challenge as a way for his companion to see how much he retained from their conversation. “That was really cool. It let her see that I listened to her throughout the date, and it went both ways,” he said. Meaghan found their failed attempt to cheat on it to be the highlight of the challenge. “I thought it was hilarious. We were trying to make sure that we both had the same answers and it was funny because most of the answers we got right just by talking to each other for like an hour and a half,” she said.
N
o room is large enough to contain her aura. This Haitian beauty has a fiery personality that will keep any man on his tippy toes. Coming from a family of men, Daphne Charles feels that’s the reason for her confidence and boldness. She would love to hear a spontaneous guy say, “Daphne, get up, come on, let’s go somewhere!” This Thurgood Marshall College Fund mentor and scholar knows exactly what she wants in a partner. “You just have to be manly,” Daphne said. “I’m already aggressive.” A few important requirements to be with this Leo: Be educated, outgoing and, of course, adventurous. “I like to laugh, I like smile,” Tyler Blount said. “That’s the way I would try to get her.” The laid back 24-year-old sports fan enjoys participating in outdoor activities and writing poetry. A movie and dinner won’t cut it for him on a date because he prefers engaging adventures like go-karting or ice-skating. He also enjoys a good chase
in a girl, but she can’t run too far to where he can’t catch her. “I like women that show that they want me, but don’t show that they need me” he said. The Fun Station was more than enough to fuel the competition between these competitors. The first thing this couple set their eyes on was a friendly game of “Super Shot” basketball. After several rounds, the couple put their tickets sideby-side to compare whose tickets were the longest. “It’s a tie, It’s a tie!” Tyler repeated with confidence. “No it’s not!” Daphne said as she analyzed the purple tickets aligned next to each other. “Well, let’s do another round,” she said. After giving up on B-ball, the couple decided to put the pedal to the metal in a five-minute go-kart match. But the true challenge was when they suited up for the batting cage. “You go first,” Daphne said as she watched the batting balls plunge from the pitching machines. “So you can laugh at me?” Tyler said. “Can I laugh?” she asked amusingly. As Daphne’s turn came, Tyler offered his floral-printed hat to protect her
hair as she placed the helmet on top of it. Daphne found the date to exceed her notion of what a blind date was supposed to be. “I had a great time. It was not as I expected honestly because I thought it was going to be a traditional blind date where we would be kind of nervous, but as soon as we walked into the door it was totally different. He promised that I was going to have a good time and I did.” Tyler thought the competitive streak between them to be one of the focal points of the date. “We played and we talked trash back and forth. I liked that. There was a little edge to it,” he said. Daphne and Tyler earned 18 points in their couple questionnaire. Daphne embraced how the challenge informed them more about one another. “It was good because we both got to know each other. Some of the questions were easy, so we got the answer correct,” she said. Tyler, on the other hand, thought the questionnaire was slightly difficult. “It was kind of hard, but I had context clues from the conversation,” he said. JOURNEY V 19 JOURNEY
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ven though Elisha McCall is the Founder of “Striking for Hope” and Deputy Chief of Staff for the sophomore class, he still finds time to give back to the community. A woman with compassion in helping others is a major “yes” for this volunteer basketball coach. “I want somebody who is proactive and ambitious,” said the National Association of Black Journalists member. “But never loses sight of the importance of family.” The ideal date for this Dallas resident is going to a drive-in movie theater to watch a light comedy and then socializing at an ice cream parlor. Elisha’s partner in this challenge is Briana Biagas. “I’m more concerned with what the person has to offer and how they make me feel,” she said. This graduating public relations student enjoys zip lining, salsa dancing, bike riding and trailing through nature. She has already traveled to over 25 cities in one year and that number will continue to grow when 20
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she becomes a commissioned officer. “I like going to places I’m never been and seeing things I’ve never done,” the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Inc. member said. Although she has participated in an array of activities on and off campus, her perfect date is all about the thought that was involved. “A date that’s just considerate of what I like and what he likes,” Briana said. Going to the Florida State University Reservation was the perfect way for these Texans to become acquainted. “Are you a true Texan and ride horses?” Briana asked humorously. “No, I definitely don’t ride horses,” Elisha said while laughing. With the serenity and solitude of nature surrounding them, this couple had privacy and relaxation as they canoed cohesively across Lake Bradford. After spending time together, the couple then headed to Yogurt Mountain to satisfy their taste buds. Once the couple retrieved their frozen yogurt, they continued to open up more with each other. “I’m really bad about speaking on the phone. I need to work on it. I’ll call my
grandparents more,” Briana said as she placed her spoon back into her “froyo.” “Yeah, I make it a point to speak with my grandparents over these past two semesters,” Elisha said. As their date came to a close, Elisha felt like he really understood his date. “It was a good time. We got to know each other very well. She seemed pretty open-minded. I liked how she had a vision for where she wanted to go [in life],” he said. Briana seemed to notice the similarities they shared. “We had a lot in common, so it was a pretty easy and fun conversation. I don’t feel like each of us had to pull teeth or anything,” she said. Elisha and Briana earned 18 points from their couple questionnaire. Elisha was completely thrown off by the sudden challenge. “I didn’t expect it. I didn’t think I would be that good because it came out of the blue,” he said. However, his partner was very confident in her skills. “I felt like I knew most of the basic information. We missed middle names, but we were able to answer the questions,” Briana said.
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eraiah Baker is a natural born leader. As the former sophomore class president, this energized junior is looking for a guy who can stand next to her. “I’m looking for somebody who can uplift me just as much as I can uplift them,” the peer mentor said. Blogging and fashion are just a few of her interests. When this future globetrotter is not helping to develop a website for first generation college students, you might find her mentoring young girls. “They have such big dreams and their thinking about stuff that I wasn’t even thinking about,” she said. Pernell Mitchell II was her accomplice in this competition. This 6-foot royal court escort and FACES model brings more to the table than just looks. Pernell’s ideal girl is one that can bring him out of his shell and speak her mind. “Not quiet but subtle,” he said. “Someone who has a voice.” But this FAMU Sickle Cell and Lupus Foundation founder has learned from previous relationships that it’s crucial to communicate your issues. “It’s not enough just to talk,” Pernell said. “You have to discuss things that
bother you or things you feel uncomfortable with.” Their date involved all things sweet as they indulged at Smallcakes: A Cupcakery. The couple scanned through the assortment of cupcakes before settling with the red velvet covered with pecans for Pernell and the cookies & cream for Beraiah. After making their way to a small table that had a “reserved sign” placed in a glass-covered cupcake, they wasted no time in learning about each other. “I have three brothers and three sisters. Me and my sister are twins and my two little brothers are twins,” Pernell said. “What! My mom is a twin. My mom has on her side of the family three sets of twins,” Beraiah said in astonishment. It seemed to come natural for these two to talk comfortably. Hours could go by unnoticed and they would still be engaged in their conversation. “I’m like the mom/Oprah/ everything for my friends.” Beraiah said. “If you have a problem, everyone knows my door is always open.” This couple ended their night with a gentle good-bye and cupcakes to go. Pernell was pleased by how relaxing their date was. “I think it went pretty well. I thought it was
going to be high pressure but it really wasn’t. We were just chilling and eating cupcakes,” he said. Beraiah found it refreshing to interact with someone so down-to-earth. “It was interesting. I actually haven’t talked to anybody that was younger than me, but he’s very mature and he’s cool. We really got to know each other,” she said about the sophomore. Beraiah and Pernell earned 19 points in their couple questionnaire. Pernell enjoyed how the questionnaire tested what they culminated from their social engagement. “I thought it was pretty cool because it assessed how the date went and if you really learned anything,” he said. Beraiah was more than impressed by how well Pernell listened carefully to what she said in their rapport. “It was nice to hear him regurgitate the things I said or try to make an educated guess off of what we talked about. He did a really good job so I was a happy,” she said. JOURNEY V 21 JOURNEY
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s the victors of this battle, earning a total of 20 points from the trivia, Bruce and Meaghan spent their special date at The Melting Pot for a romantic evening. These champions had an exquisite 4-Course experience, which included Cheese Fiesta Fondue, Caesar salad, Land and Sea entree and Chocolate S’mores for dessert. Meaghan said the table decor provided some humor on this two-hour date. “They put rose petals on our table,” she said. “It was funny.” The atmosphere of the restaurant created a relaxing environment for the two to revisit some missed topics. “We got to learn about each other a little more,” Bruce said. “It wasn’t as awkward because [the Journey crew] weren’t there.” Meaghan found winning the competition to be predictable based on how well they clicked. “It’s funny because on our first date we were just talking and getting to know each other,” she said. “Some of the questions that were asked in order for us to win were what we went over during our first date.” I guess we have really good listening skills.” The odds of this pair going on another date are absolutely high. “I wouldn’t mind going on a third date,” Bruce said. This year’s Super Singles was one for the books, and the winning couple enjoyed a night best fitted for victors.
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Written by Natalie Johnson Design by Justan Shinn Photo by Taylor Carlton
Model, Javon Grant, has no relation to this story.
You often hear love is an addiction, but you’ll never hear those words on the lips of Reginald Slay. He proves this theory wrong affirming love is stronger than any addiction, especially the love rooted in his faith.
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ay down my life for the Lord!” he sang, two pews behind the section designated for the deacons of Jacob Chapel Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Fla. Though Reginald Slay was singing from the congregation, his voice roared above the choir’s and reverberated throughout the church. Hidden in every shout of “Hallelujah” and “Amen” was a deep gratitude for his triumphs and resilience. He’s not afraid of showing his appreciation by witnessing to others in church and escorting them to the altar. He’s not afraid of admitting his past transgressions. Most of all, he’s not afraid of admitting who to thank for getting him through them.
it, that we’ll go right back to it again. That’s what I would do over and over again. I used to be down on myself about that, but it’s human nature.”
Slay has spent a majority of his life suffering with alcoholism. But you wouldn’t know it if you met him today. His home employs the evidence of a happy-go-lucky guy. It’s obvious in the wedding photo that sits on his coffee table and in the smile that graces his face when his jubilant, energetic white Pekingese-Poodle mix jumps onto the couch and into his lap. He’s proud the signs of the past affliction that plagued his life are far removed from his life. In fact, it’s been that way for 16 months now.
“Alcohol is poison to me. I can’t drink and I have to remind myself about that on a regular basis,” Slay said. “I can start off drinking one, but I know I can’t. I would lose my job because I would be too hung over to go to work. I would lose my wife because we would lose our home because without my job I can’t pay our bills. So, basically, I would be pissing it all away. I would be pissing everything that God has blessed me with and what God has worked so hard for.”
“I had moments of sobriety—they were very brief,” Slay said. “The Bible says—as far as living in sin—we have a period of being free from that sin. So soon we forget the grief, the heartache and the negative stuff that came with
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The 52-year-old truck driver said alcohol was a constant presence in his life growing up because his mother and stepfather, who was also an alcoholic, always kept alcohol around. Since it was always an arm’s length away, he occasionally snuck a sip to drink from his stepfather’s bar in his den. He said this was the beginning of his alcohol troubles, the reason why his high school years and his twenties are faint and forgotten.
He said what led mostly to his addiction was a sense of abandonment. Despite having a stepfather, Slay still longed for the father who once shared his address—the one who died when he was three. But little did he know, he and his biological father had more in common than just DNA.
“I think I was predisposed. My biological father was an alcoholic and it ran through his family,” Slay said, trying to make sense of his past. “It’s like a sleeping giant and one drink woke the giant up.” Because he never had a real relationship with either of his fathers, a hole formed. Eventually leaving Slay searching for love at the bottom of beer bottles to numb the resentment. But in the midst of searching for what he wanted, he lost the little he already had. Nevertheless, after a quarter century of stumbling through a formidable road to happiness and stability, he’s finally attained sobriety. Though he frequently participated in helpful rehabilitation programs, like Haven of Rest and Alcohol Anonymous, he asserts God’s favor and love are the reasons why he has survived this long. “Everything that I thought was important to me or meaningful to me, I would lose it,” Slay said. “I would turn to God and in a miraculous way he would restore me and restore the stuff that I lost. There have been times where I look back—I lost a lot. And when I returned from it, everything was restored. Monetarily, as far as my job, my health. I don’t know how this body has made it through a lot of the stuff I put myself through. Aimee Griffith, an adult service program supervisor and clinical director at DISC Village INC., said it’s common for people to turn to substance abuse after experiencing a traumatic event. She said what contributes mostly to alcoholism is its legality—an assessment Slay agrees with. “If your social environment tells you there’s nothing wrong with drinking, then it’s much harder for you to be the odd person out to say, ‘I’m not going to drink,’” Griffith said.
Whenever he reflects on the times when his life was in turmoil, he compares it to the “Footprints In The Sand” poem. He declares God carried him through his dark periods when he thought God had left him, just like the man in the poem. “I’ve spent time in jail and I’ve spent time sleeping in my own car. I’ve spent time sleeping on the ground in a park,” he remembers. “So, it was during those times of darkness and loneliness where now I can look back and see where God’s hand was on and holding me and though I thought I was alone, I was never alone.” His wife, Betty, was unaware of his addiction when they first met in 2008 during their simultaneous stay at a homeless shelter. Since they met during one of his periods of sobriety, she was shocked by his behavior when he began drinking again. “Alcohol can make a person become a monster,” she shares. “But I stuck with him because I love him. I think I loved him from the very first day we talked and I stuck with him. If [he started drinking] again, like he said, we would lose everything.” As of now, Slay and his wife are members of Jacob Chapel Baptist Church and have been for three years; however, he has never been a stranger to church. He was raised in his neighborhood church in Mobile, Ala., where he frequented on the usher board. Still, no matter how trite it sounds, he’s grateful for God’s glory and grace over his life. “I would stray away, like the prodigal son,” Slay explains. “[And] just like the prodigal son’s father always standing out there looking down the road for his son, God was always standing there waiting. And every time I had enough playing in the pigpen, he would take me back.”
“Everything that I thought was important to me or meaningful to me, I would lose it. I would turn to God and in a miraculous way he would restore me and restore the stuff that I lost.” JOURNEY V 25
An excerpt from the originally titled short story “I Could Have Been In Love By Now If It Wasn’t For _ _ _ _...” on the blog site “Details With Denise.” FAMU student Courtney Hutchinson, who writes under the pseudonym “Denise,” reflects back on her not so conventional relationship. s I sit and watch an episode of Awkward, I am inspired to write about a recent “first” of mine. Not that anyone cares, but I’m in a state of my mind that’s heavy with thoughts and I can’t quite think of any other way to fish through them than to put it all into writing. For the sake of this story I shall refer to him as Dame. He was everything I never wanted, but all that I needed. I met him at a time when I was getting over another lover. My mind was broken, my heart was heavy and here he was: a chubby, kind of a knock-kneed boy with an amazing smile. He stood over 6 feet. with an array of moles below his right eye. His nose was slightly stuck up in the air as if his body knew he was better than everyone else. Yet, his arrogance was one of silence. He had a strange love for snapbacks, but I loved him without one. His hair was thick, his eyebrows were thicker and his lashes were just as long as mine. His eyes held a sense of feminine beauty, yet as I looked into them, there was an intense fire for change. He was a radical, I was a classic and together I knew we could change the world. The only issue — his girlfriend. She never posed a threat to me as we were on two separate levels. He was her man, and initially I was in no way attracted to him. As a matter of fact, he wasn’t even my type. I preferred more of an Adonis. The classic chiseled guy, with a strong jawline to match the muscular curves of his broadened shoulders. The guy with calf muscles that were just as defined as his 6-pack stomach. Yeah, that guy. But here was Dame in all of his uncarved glory giving me much more than I had bargained for. Bringing to light the shallowness of what I had always based my feelings off on, the physical. Up until now, I had always fallen for guys that I knew weren’t worthy of me and he forced me to admit my truth. Crazy, I know. However, it made for an even better get away. I was the goodbye girl. I relished in the fact that I was a liberal lover, and that I could always leave before anyone ever left me. I always knew that I was the girl worth having, but the one that no one could quite obtain because they never had the courage to love me with all my weirdness. I never wanted to love in the romantic sense because I never wanted anything to interfere with me accomplishing my dreams of building me. Love had a way of making people compromise foolishly, a way that I could not. I intimidated most men who were weak and still immature. I loved the power I held. However, Dame was not intimidated at all. In fact, he even told me.
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Credit: Oliver Pope, “Scandal” from ABC Studios 26 V SPRING 2014
Credit: Mary Jane, “Being Mary Jane” from BET
Credit: Marilyn Monroe, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Credit: Lil’ Kim, MTV
how we could create a change. We spoke about how we saw our future, our views towards marriage, kids and love. Religion, people who changed the world, and the people that were foolishly putting it all in vain — we conversed about it all. There was nothing that I couldn’t go to him with and vice versa. We communicated in ways that was blueprinted solely for us to understand. He didn’t drink or smoke. He created a balance for me. With him, I felt like a woman. Cliche enough, like the prettiest girl in the world. I, in return, praised him as a man. We understood each other as royalty. We never stepped out of the roles of who we were. We respected each other. He treated me like the queen I was, and I recognized him as nothing less than a king. He was hard working. He had a bit of an ego. Naturally, sometimes it would show as it often times does with men, but it never got in the way of things. He was selfless, but when it came to business he trusted no one. He taught me a lot and showed me the game from a man’s perspective. We formed the perfect alliance. We complemented each other well. I was the Jay to his Dame. Hence, my nickname for him. He was a promoter on the surface, a profound genius underneath it all. Like me, he was a lover of God, a faithful believer that truly believed in doing what was right. He loved to help others and automatically brought out what was good in them. That was also his downfall as he would give people the benefit of the doubt. He never truly benefited though, and he often came up short when they didn’t live up to the potential that he saw in them. As we fell for each other, we knew what we were doing was insanely wrong. But, in my heart God couldn’t have created anything more perfect. Time flew by and sex was the furthest thing from our minds. I’m sure we thought about it in our private thoughts, but we fed each other’s soul so fiercely that the physical seemed too far away to act on. He never disrespected me. He always gave me the respect that I demanded, the respect that I deserved and the respect that I earned. We
Credit: Joseline Hernandez, “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” from VH1
thoughts, but we fed each other’s soul so fiercely that the physical seemed too far away to act on. He never disrespected me. He always gave me the respect that I demanded, the respect that I deserved and the respect that I earned. We connected emotionally and spiritually. The physical could have definitely waited. What about his girlfriend? Well, she called every hour. Sometimes, every 30 minutes. I think she knew something was up, but it never bothered me. I was in no regard “a side chick” and nor did I want her place. I knew my worth. However, I do believe I created an outlet for him just like he already healed a wound for me. They had been together for quite some time and like everyone else around him, she represented a state of complacency. Just like his friends, he knew what to expect with her. He was comfortable, and time was invested. I’m sure he loved her, but I also knew she didn’t have his heart 100 percent. I had no intentions of taking him from her. I didn’t want to. I knew that time would be the true teller of what we’d ultimately be. Young relationships were often fleeting. In them, partners would try to live up to what the other believed them to be, which most times was a lie. However, in friendships we often expose exactly who we are, what makes us vulnerable, what makes us strong and what makes our truths unambiguous. Our friendship was enough for me. I knew him in a way that no one else had. We laughed, we argued and we helped each other out. It was genuine. He wanted to give me more. We often spoke about it, and we often tried to act on it. But given his situation, if it all ever came out we both knew the damage that would be done. Still, we broke the boundaries that we would foolishly try to create for ourselves. The first time we kissed, we stood in a local vintage shop. We decided to walk to get some fresh air and ended up in this little treasure of Tallahassee, Fla. He had just found Jay Z and R. Kelly’s collaborated mix of “Don’t Let Me Die” on vinyl for me. He was a man after my own heart. It was then that I decided to open Pandora’s Box. I had just consumed a few drinks at a happy hour we attended, and I was feeling a little bold. As we kissed, aside from my butterflies and the slight tingle I felt in the small of my back, I knew he felt what I had. It was something that was unexplainable, yet understood between us. We would continue our love affair in all of its wrongness.
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Find out what happens next in this story at http://www.detailswithdenise.com
On a day not much different from any other we sat in my car that I lovingly named “Mister.” It gives me a headache like a man, yet it always comes through in the clutch. On this particular day, I couldn’t quite understand as to why guys were so intimidated by a woman like me. It was something I’ve heard countless of times from various people. I decided to ask Dame. He could give me an unbiased answer because he didn’t know me that well yet. “Boys are intimidated by strong women like you,” he said. “You don’t need them, you want them. And at any given moment, you can unwant them.” I had never thought about it this way. “We as men, we like to be needed,” he continued. “However, a real man understands that an independent woman is sexy, timeless. I am not at all intimidated by you. I understand you.” I was so blown away as I sat there, floored. I was speechless, all I could do is smiled. Who did he think he was? Spitting game as heavy as molasses. What was I suppose to do with this? However, it was not game at all. It was the truth, and I knew it. It was on that day that I fell in love with his mind — a first. All the walls I built up were crumbling down, and my heart was open. To what? I didn’t know, but I’m sure Dame had an answer for that too. We started hanging out every day. We couldn’t get enough of each other. He was the type of guy that would call and say, “Be ready in five minutes,” then whisk me away to places unknown. He intrigued me. He was unpredictable and he fed into my need for excitement. We inspired each other, found joy in each other’s company and found admiration in each other’s spirit. We talked about everything under the sun from what was happening locally to worldly issues. We spoke about things that were hurting the black community, but also, what was holding the world and how we can make it into a better one. We would get worked up about issues that no one else seemed to care about and brainstorm as to
Styling by Chelsea Hall & JhaRonte James Photos by Gina Cherelus | Design by Lamont Howard Featuring Faith Lyons, James Rozier and Maanami Phillips
With March just around the corner, we are moving swiftly into spring with simplistic patterns, bold colors and our version of the classic beach look. Laced with accents of bohemia and a little bit of edge, three’s not a crowd here. Instead, it showcases a perfect balance of natural beauty.
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SWIMSUIT A Beautiful Piece By Harmony $69 CARDIGAN Journey’s Closet
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SHIRT Short Sleeved Button Down (Thrift) $5.99 SHORTS Old Navy Linen Shorts $17 SHOES Canvas Toms $48
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SWIMSUIT American Apparel $45
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ON JAMES
ON MAANAMI
HAT Burlap Fedora Journey’s Closet
BOTTOMS American Apaprel Rib Nylon Spandex High-Waist Swimsuit $27
SHIRT Ralph Lauren Denim Button Down Journey’s Closet TANK KR3W Grey Tank $32 SHOES Converse $44.99 32 V SPRING 2014
TOP Grey Collared-Button Down Journey’s Closet SHOES Floral Doc Marten’s Journey’s Closet
KIMONO Diva’s and Devil’s House of Style $75 CROP TOP Miss Guided $25 TROUSERS Avant Garb $20 NECKLACE Avant Garb $45 HAT Black Wide-Rimmed Hat Journey’s Closet
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K. Michelle visits FAMU Set Friday. Photo Credit: facebook.com/FamulyAffair
Woman wearing Famuly Affair Sweatshirt Photo Credit: Famulyaffairandmore.com
Photo credit: instagram.com/baqueenduck
for the love of famu An alumna combined her love of photography and her university to create an online yearbook. Along the way, she has transformed her hobby into a business, connecting Rattlers near and far to the College of Love and Charity. WRITTEN BY DONOVAN HARRELL DESIGN BY GEOFFREY EVANS 34 V SPRING 2014
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iera Hall has always considered herself a member of the Rattler “FAMUly,” even before she was born. Her father played football and her mother played for the basketball team at Florida A&M University. While attending FAMU, Ciera was a member of the Marching “100” flag core for three years and served as Queen of Orange and Green during the 2011-2012 school year. Even the word “FAMUly” is a term she feels she popularized because of her photography/marketing company: It’s a FAMUly Affair. Hall, who graduated from FAMU with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design in April 2012, is the creative director of It’s a FAMUly Affair, also known as FAMUly Affair. She designs the graphics for the web page and manages the staff. In addition, she is studying design and media management at Miami International University of Art and Design and is working as a freelance graphic designer, photographer and videographer. The idea for the organization came to Hall while she was scouring the campus as the photo editor for The Famuan newspaper in August 2010. Always armed with her camera, she shot countless moments at various events around FAMU.
Shortly after, she asked Vallery Agenor, now the photography team leader and senior psychology student from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to help her cover the growing number of events.“Ciera handed me a camera one day and said, ‘You’re taking video,’ ” she said. “I became her righthand man. It was just us two in the beginning. Wherever one person couldn’t be the other person was. We were a tag team.” In addition, Hall recruited Jonathan Moses, a senior business administration student from Miami Gardens, during his freshman year. FAMUly Affair’s coverage continued to expand, but hit a slight roadblock. There was a lack of staffing and equipment. However, in 2012, FAMUly Affair entered a partnership with the FAMU Office of Student Activities to become an official studentbased organization. Now with the financial backing and official support from the university, the company continued its growth. Students are now able to get community service hours through It’s a FAMUly Affair. Recently, Hall released an online clothing store to help offset the recent budget cuts from the OSA and expand FAMUly Affair. The store offers various T-shirts, sweaters and hoodies, each designed by Hall.
definitely necessary to the university at this point because “ It’s we’re able to put out so many positive images of what our
At each event, she realized there was a pattern among students. “I noticed how a lot of students liked to post pictures, and they used to always mess up my shots,” she said. “ So I thought, ‘Well obviously, the student body wants to be seen,’ so let me give them a platform to show off their Rattler pride.” But she didn’t have a name for it until it came to her in a dream where she was covering events and the phrase “It’s a FAMULy affair” was constantly repeated until she woke up. She tested the phrase on a few of her friends, including NaSheema Harvey, who was her “freshman sister” in the Marching “100” flag core. Before It’s a FAMUly Affair began, there were little to no organizations documenting FAMU student activities, Harvey said, and the only ones that were even attempting to do so never stuck around. “You had students before who their claim to fame was being the person with the camera, either because they wanted to run for something or because they wanted to pledge [a greek organization], and then once they did that thing, they kind of stopped,” Harvey said. FAMUly Affair debuted Welcome Week 2010 in August, a year before she ran for Queen of Orange and Green. And because Hall began the organization before the 2011 Spring elections, some were wary of her aspirations, believing her to be another student with empty promises vying for Queen of Orange and Green, she said. “When I first started FAMUly Affair, people laughed at me,” Hall said. “Some people said, ‘Be original. People take pictures all the time.’ I had a a lot of support, but then, I had a lot of people that doubted me. And now, almost 14,000 [Facebook] fans later, it’s like, okay so …what were you saying?” The doubt remained until they noticed that Hall had not only stuck with FAMUly Affair, but was also expanding it. Hall increased FAMUly Affair’s presence around campus, attending as many student events possible and passing out business cards directing people to the FAMUly Affair Facebook page.
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students are doing.
Eventually, Hall plans to be an official vendor for FAMU with her clothing sales, and so far, sales are increasing and the FAMUly Affair brand is spreading. As a clothing vendor for FAMU, 10 percent of FAMUly affair’s profits will go directly to the university. “Our brand is a lot stronger now,” Moses said. “Now that we’re with OSA, it’s something that the university can really take pride in and market more. It’s definitely necessary to the university at this point because we’re able to put out so many positive images of what our students are doing, what our alumni are doing and it’s a great recruitment tool as well.” Hall said the goal of FAMUly Affair is to connect potential Rattlers, students enrolled at FAMU and keep alumni engaged with the FAMU community. Tammy King, an alumna who graduated from FAMU in 1989, said FAMUly Affair appeals to graduates the most. “I read it like, ‘Oh great, that’s what FAMU’s doing,’ ” she said. “I’m very happy with it. I keep up with activities at the school, whether it’s for graduation [or] homecoming.” Now, FAMUly Affair’s online presence has swelled to over 14,000 likes on its Facebook fanpage and thousands of followers on its Instagram and Twitter pages. Agenor said she feels FAMUly Affair is essential to the campus because before it, students would take pictures and lose track of them on social media. “This is just a way to make everything central so you’re not scavenging for stuff you want to see,” she said. “I love to call it the ‘online yearbook,’ but it’s a little bit bigger than that.” Hall said her plans for FAMUly Affair are far from over. “I’m planning to take it to a whole ‘nother level,” she said. “I have so much more in store for FAMUly Affair that I’m not quite ready to reveal, but it’s not the end. This is just the beginning. This is going to be something that stays with FAMU forever. This is all for the love of FAMU.”
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