NYOTA Magazine Issue 10 by NYOTA Magazine

featuring

Cailee Rae Issue 10

CONTENTS 8

Music Reflections Playlist 7 Cailee Rae 8 Caroline Roman 12 Words of Wisdom: James “Diamond” Williams 16

Fashion Ashleigh Pollitt 20 Amelia Sky Mauldin 24 New Year Wanderlust 26

Culture Essynce Moore 32 Asia Monet 34 Words of Wisdom: Matrice Sutton 37

Yasmin Gabrielle Murphy 41 Words of Wisdom: Shaleah Sutton 44

THE TEAM Editor in Chief Carol is a Sophomore studying Journalism and Business Entertainment at American University. She realized at the age of eleven that photography was her passion and it was photography that ultimately led her to create Nyota Magazine. Carol is also passionate about public speaking and was given the chance to give a Ted Talk at the age of seventeen where she talked about the lessons she learned from creating Nyota. Carol loves to create and hopes that wherever life takes her in the future, photography will be at the center.

Assistant Editor Jaha Knight is the newest addition to the Nyota Magazine team. She is a Sophomore at American Univesrity, and is studying Broadcast Journalism and Business Administration.

Creative Director Niara Wright is a motivational speaker, fashion stylist, fashion designer and all around creative. She has directed and styled two fashion shows at the Cherry Hill Mall and one in Philadelphia Fashion Week and has styled fashion editorials for the Courier Post and SJ Magazine. Niara also taught entrepreneurship and served as a counselor for Independent Means at Oxford University, England. Niara is the CEO and President of TWL(The Wright Look)Personal Image Firm, owns The House of Flair Lifestyle Boutique and helped her sister, Carol create Nyota magazine. Niara has a Fashion Industry Certificate from the Teen Vogue x Parsons program and is continuing her education at Rowan at Burlington County where she is getting her associates in fashion design. Art Director Haley Bowcutt is a senior at American University studying Film and Media Arts, Graphic Design, Marketing, and Business and Entertainment. In addition to being Art Director for Nyota, Haley leads graphic design efforts as the Vice President of Marketing of the American University American Marketing Association. Haley also had the opportunity to design print, digital, and motion graphics for Fortune 500 companies through an internship with CLS Strategies this summer. She is currently working towards her career goals as the creative director of an ad agency by holding an internship with local creative ad agency SmithGifford this semester. Lead Graphic Designer Nicole Cox is currently a Sophomore majoring in Graphic Design at American University. Starting at a young age, Nicole has always enjoyed creating art, whether it was writing stories or painting with watercolors, she always found a way to create, but she never expected the computer to be used as another medium for her creativity. Thanks to the help from her college professor, Kate Resnick, she was able to explore her interest in Graphic design and hopes to one day pursue a career in the field and become a User Interface Designer. 4

FEATURES Cailee Rae Caroline Roman James “Diamond” Williams Ashleigh Pollitt Amelia Sky Mauldin Essynce Moore Asia Monet Martrice Sutton Yasmin Gabrielle Murphy Shaleah Sutton

CONTRIBUTORS Photographer: Araya Diaz Stylist: Taylor Burrell Photographer: Myles Cream Makeup Artist: Chelsea Danielle Model: Natalia Lewis Model: Karishma Price Photographer: Sammie Saxon Photographer: Julianna Marie

EDITOR’S LETTER Our December issue is centered around reflection and growth. As we worked on this issue I couldn’t help but reflect on how much Nyota has grown the past two years and how it’s been such an amazing experience meeting so many different creatives throughout this process. We have amazing features lined up for you guys in this issue. Ranging from singers to YouTubers to fashion designers. Each feature will surprise and inspire you once you get to see how much they’ve accomplished at such a young age. We also chose to have December be our reflections issue because it is the last issue of 2017. As we close out the year we can’t help but be excited about the new things we have coming up in 2018. As always I hope Nyota inspires you to go after your dreams and I can’t thank you all enough for continually reading Nyota and following us along on this journey. Carol Wright Instagram: @_carol_wright

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Reflections Playlist Anchor // Cailee Rae Liability // Lorde Bored // Billie Eilish New Rules // Dua Lipa All my stars aligned // St. Vincent The Arrangement // Beach House Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got to Learn Sometime // Beck Ffunny Ffriends // Unknown Mortal Orchestra

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ailee

ae interview by Carol Wright photos by Julianna Marie

2017 is Cailee Rae’s year. This 17-year-old singer/ songwriter, who rose to fame after posting a song cover on Instagram, has most likely been taking over your social media feeds and Youtube suggestions box. This year Cailee released an original music video for her single ‘Anchor’ that has garnered 2.3 million views and released her EP Overthinking. We got the chance to ask Cailee about what it’s like being in the public eye and the best part of her year so far. What is the hardest part of being in the public eye? I think just staying true to who you are. Seeing yourself in articles, in pictures online, and having your social media out for the world to judge can really make you pin down on every detail of what you do and look like. When did you decide to shift from singing covers to writing your own original songs? I actually was a writer first. I wanted to write songs for other people and commercials and while I was in the studio. I made a cover with a friend and that’s how everything started. What inspires your lyrics? Love really inspires me. Emotions in general do, just because they are so powerful. Do you have any other creative outlets besides singing/ songwriting? I love fashion and makeup! How has social media helped shape your career?

It gives me the outlet to share my music and grow my amazing CaiBae family. Without my social media, I wouldn’t have fans. I’m so grateful. Our theme for this issue is reflections. Can you reflect on the best part of your year so far? Going back to the studio and discovering a part of me I didn’t think was there. I’m excited to share my journey with everyone soon. Who are some of your music inspirations? I think Taylor Swift is amazing, I always have. She’s a powerful, honest figure and she shaped a large part of my interest in singing as a kid. How long did it take to plan out the music video for Anchor? What was it like seeing the final product? I thought of the concept while listening to the song in the car. It just came out of nowhere. Once I had the idea and really developed it, seeing it on screen made me

cry. I was so amazed. Everyone had worked so hard to make it come to life. Do you hope to collaborate with other artists in the future? Yes, absolutely. That would be so fun. Have you ever been underestimated in the industry because of your age? In this day and age, I think people respect the youth a lot differently. Kids younger than me are starting huge businesses and accomplishing things people couldn’t imagine doing so young. It’s amazing seeing kids rise up. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? Stay true to who you are and put 150% into everything you do. Where can our readers find your music? You can find me on iTunes/Soundcloud/Spotify when you search Cailee Rae or my socials @caileeraemusic

“Stay true to who you are and put 150% into everything you do.”

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An Interview with Caroline Roman by Carol Wright photos by Sammie Saxon

When did singing go from a passion to a career goal? About three and a half years ago when I was thirteen. I’ve always sung and I’ve always written poems and stories. I really wanted to be an author and an illustrator when I was little because I also do art. I didn’t really put the two together until I was grounded. My mom took all of my electronics and I was really really angry and I was like, “okay I play the piano and I have a keyboard so I’m gonna play my keyboard.” Then I wrote with it and I wrote my first song, and then I kept writing and I was like “oh this can actually be a career.” A lightbulb went off for me and it was really cool to grow and see that happen. What has it been like being able to tour at such a young age? It’s very cool to be at such a young age and do this tour now. I’m very privileged to be working with High School Nation, and the crew and artists that are on the tour with me are very welcoming and supportive. It’s the greatest opportunity for me as a 16-year-old to be growing

and progressing on this tour for 7 weeks. I get to go out and do what I love to do and see other people that are growing around me. It’s extremely amazing. What inspires your music/ lyrics? I take inspiration from everywhere. I’m a topliner, is what they call us, so I write my lyrics and melodies together. My inspiration for my upcoming EP Gold is about suicide prevention. Over the past year, the suicide rate in teenagers has tripled. So, of course, I write upbeat songs but there are heart-wrenching songs like Gold that are for a purpose and raise awareness about such an important topic. Can we expect an album from you in the near future? Yes. Nov 6th I released my debut EP Gold and it has 7 songs on it. What we’re really focusing on is Gold. There are 6 upbeat songs that you can jam to in the car, but what we really want to let people know is that I do have a message I want to share. Life isn’t always happy and me being a teenager I

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always have doubts and the song lets people know that they are perfect and that they’re worth it. I want people to feel the power behind it. It’s an amazing song that I’m so excited to share with people. What is it like touring with Drake Bell? Has he given you any good advice? If you told me three months ago that I’d be touring in a couple months with Drake Bell I’d say you’re lying. It’s so amazing that I get to come on this tour. He’s super cool. We’ve played golf, we’ve eaten BBQ and just chatted about stuff. He is super fun to hang out with and super inspirational because he came into the spotlight at such a young age. He really encourages me to have fun and not take everything too seriously. He’s a real person. We tend to put these people on pedestals because we’ve seen them on TV and grown up with them but, when you sit down and have BBQ with them or go to an escape room with them, it’s cool to see that they are real people. Not just these idols that we put on a pedestal. But girls go crazy for him. We’ll be in the most random place and this crowd will come out of nowhere, especially at shows. He’ll be in the slightest corner and everyone will

notice him. It’s crazy that we do put him on a pedestal but it’s also really funny to see the power of fans and the internet. There was one time when girls showed up at his hotel room and he didn’t know how they found him. It’s kind of a wake-up call for me to see that the power of fans is a real thing because I get to experience it first hand.

from other solo performers but I do have a very chill vibe in general. It’s good to draw from everywhere because I’m a growing, changing artist and I’m always progressing in my work. People like Alessia Cara, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, Beyonce, The Beatles, Radiohead and Green Day. It’s pretty much sporadic but in the best way possible.

Would you ever want to write music for other artists? Of course. I’m constantly writing because writing music is an outlet for me. It gets my emotions and thoughts out. I’m a really introverted person so it’s a private, emotional thing to me. So when I’m feeling a certain way. If I’m happy, if I’m sad, if I’m angry it comes across in my writing and comes across in my songs. I have at least sixty songs in my notes and in my phone notes. Since I’m on tour I write everything from all the different experiences around me. They all have different vibes that could suit so many artists. From country to rock. It’s good having different vibes to your music because if I do give songs to other artists and I want to change my vibe up a bit I could.

Where can our readers find your music? They can find it everywhere. Heat of the summer is currently out. It’s released across 32 platforms. The main ones are Apple music, Spotify, and youtube. My EP coming out on November 6th is gonna be the same way. You can also follow me @carolineroman on social media.

Who are some of your musical inspirations? They’re all over the place. Since I’m a solo artist I tend to draw

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Words of Wisdom From James “Diamond” Williams interview by Carol Wright

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When the opportunity to interview a music legend arises, you take it. James ‘Diamond’ Williams drummer for the iconic funk group The Ohio Players is once again going to be on everyone’s radar. After 30 years The Ohio Players are coming back with a new single ‘Reset’. Our Editor in Chief got the chance to hop on the phone with Diamond and ask what he believes the biggest changes in the industry are and what advice he has for those interested in a career in the music industry.

When did you realize you wanted to be a musician? Several years ago when I was two or three years old. I would take pots and pans out of my mom’s kitchen and beat on pots and pans. I can remember being around five or six years old and being at a parade and listening to drummers and having a feeling like “oh my” there’s something about this that I really am drawn to and that’s about my earliest recollection. What is the song making process for Ohio Players? The song making process in this case took twenty-nine years. I would say first it’s a lengthy process but beyond that it’s about being aware as we are about what’s going on today and listening to what people are saying and what people are doing. That’s always been the case with the Ohio Players we’ve always wrote our albums on things that were trendy in that particular era and so today we’re writing about reset. What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in the music industry over the years? I think from the time that I started to now the biggest change would be automation and the process of using machines to create certain tracks, melody lines or in particular lifting them off of certain tracks and melody lines as to encompass them within songs. Way back in a galaxy far away there was no autotune or anything like that and everybody could sing in tune. We had people like Aretha Frank-

lin, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye who just happened to have enough talent to be able to sing. There has been a lot of changes as far as lowering the bar, that can be on the lyrical content likewise. A long time ago there used to be a certain line of acceptability where you couldn’t say certain things. You would not only get bleeped but very possibly not played on the radio and so, that line has been lowered to a point where the lyrical content has a lot to be desired. I think all of those things have made great changes, whether it’s forward or backward depends on your interpretation. I think again, that it’s time for a reset, it’s time for us to put things back as they were and then start all over again. Why did you all decide to begin making music again? I think everything has its place in time. I’m a drummer so timing is very important to me. I think we’ve sat around long enough. We have been going around this country for the last ten to fifteen years or so doing quite well and the 11 piece band that we have today sounds absolutely marvelous. And we decided that, from listening to what’s going on on the radio for the last few years that it’s time for us to present new music. There’s a lot of remakes, melodies being snatched, there’s a lot of things going on in the music industry none of which really show a direction that new music is being created, and so, I think it’s time for there to be a reset in the music

industry and Ohio Players think we can lead the way. Has social media changed the group’s approach to how you will release and market your new music? I tell people, and I’m quite honest about this, that it is scary the changes being made. It is totally different from years gone by and I’ve been with this band some 45 years. You used to have a record company, you used to have PR people out there, you used to have independent people from the record company, radio stations galore across the country and internet was not apart of the industry at that time. In that change alone it has been drastic and dramatic. You used to go to a mom and pop record store and try to buy records there and now all of those things are gone. People are still able to write music but now you put them on all those different formats like Itunes. We have just recently started to play reset live on stage so we can get an indication of how people feel about the groove of the record and we’re getting great feedback. As far as having the record company and people out there marketing, and all of the things that used to be in the 70s has changed. What has being in a music group taught you? I’ve been all across the country now and the world-45 years being with this band. People tell me often times “Diamond I grew up on your music” and I say to them “I 17

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did too.” When I got in this band I was 22 years old, fresh out of college and I started to write what were considered hit records at 24 years old. Three platinum records in a row. I grew up a lot in that interim and you know they say guys mature a little bit after young ladies and I was probably one of those guys. I grew up I had a family. I’m with my high school sweetheart who I’ve been together with for 50 years. I have two daughters. One is a Broadway director, her name is Shelley Williams and my second daughter has a degree in HR and is apart of the school system here in human resource management. I’m very grounded. I’m apart of a church and have been for the past twenty-five years. In this career with the Ohio Players, I’ve learned that there are times on the rollercoaster you’re going uphill and times when you’re going down so you better fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride. What’s something you wish you knew before you got involved in the music industry? I wish I knew how to pack and unpack. Packing and unpacking is

the worst part of this whole thing. At 67 that is what gets me down. I gotta come back home and pack again. With technology, they should have clothes that you just imagine and poof they’re in your dressing room. If I knew that then I’d probably learn how to tuck and roll my clothes. If you weren’t a musician is there any other career field you could see yourself in? I think music would’ve always been the end point. I didn’t start out in music. I started out in high school working at McDonald’s. I was the junior advisor opening the McDonald’s at 6 am and I had the responsibility of opening up the whole store. It got to the point where I was inducted into their all-star team. I always thought in my heart of hearts music would be what I would do. I knew music was my love but I didn’t know it was going to be my career. I’m glad all things came true.

talent or ability. It is about the business and that means making money. Not spending money, not enjoying yourselves, but making money. How do we do this? How do you accomplish this and still enjoy yourself in life? There is a way that can be done and it is through education. Being able to read contracts, know what contracts say, know what this business is all about. You get paid on a nightly basis for performance and you get paid every time your song is played for publishing and writers rights. It’s important for one to know what you want to do in this business and how you are to maintain yourself in this business and make money. That’s what I would say.

What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? My advice is to get an education to learn what this business is all about. Cause it is not about thrills on stage and it is not about your

#NYOTAfashion

shleigh

When did you have the aha moment that you wanted to be a designer? Ever since I can remember I wanted to design in some way shape or form. I have always loved sewing things here and there. In high school I would alter my clothes and go thrifting and transform them into something else. I have always loved fashion and I always make a statement with my fashion as it is one of my creative outlets. I wanted to go to fashion school straight out of high school but I was scared and psyched myself out and decided to go to a university instead. I thought that I wouldn’t be good enough or wouldn’t succeed. My aha moment came after I finished college I wanted to take a detour before going to get my masters in psychology and pursue fashion. I was already doing personal styling but fashion designing has always been a quiet passion of mine. What is one of your biggest goals in terms of being a designer? One of my biggest goals in terms of being a designer is to get my logo copyrighted and begin an online clothing boutique. I also

ollitt interview by Carol Wright

want to begin work on a Plus Size line. I see some of my family members as well as some of my friends struggle to find clothes that fit right, compliment their body type and look great all at the same time. I want to make clothes for them so they can feel great. I see in some brands they just make the same piece of clothing or garment in all different sizes but with my line that I want to create, I want to give them their own identity and have different pieces that no one else has. Who is someone you would love to see wear your designs? Honestly I would love to see anyone who loves my designs wearing them. I feel extremely excited and happy when I see just a family member rocking something that I made. I step back and think wow I created that and to see it come to life on ones that are close to me I truly love it. I want to create a brand where any and every one can get something that they love. Where do you get your inspiration from? I am a creative being I get my inspiration from all over. From certain eras, music, art, nature,

creativity is everywhere. I was born in the 90’s. I love the style so I pull from that time period and create pieces that put you right back in the 90’s when you wear it. I love old black and white classic movies from the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s and I am drawn to the style. It was very elegant and classy. I get inspiration from every era and year. I get inspiration from art as well, for instance walking in an art gallery if a painting strikes me I put it into memory and then see if I can bring what I saw in my own creative way through my designs. Inspiration is all around me. If I take a walk I notice the smallest things and see how I can create what I see? What are some of your other interests besides designing? Some of my other interests besides designing are dancing, reading, cooking and styling. I have been dancing since I was two. I take classes as well as teach it. I love to read. Reading takes me to another world and I read to obtain knowledge, even when it comes to fashion, it helps me gain knowledge of my craft. I love to cook. It’s another form of expressing my creativity. Another interest 21

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of mine besides designing is styling individuals. I like to connect with people and within a short moment pick up little hints of their personal style. I love to style because I love helping someone that comes to me feeling sad or not so pretty and by the end having that same person feeling amazing and seeing themselves in a different way, and loving themselves more than when I started working with them. When people look good, they feel good and when they feel good their posture changes and they walk with more confidence. I love seeing the transformation of an individual. What advice do you have for aspiring designers? My advice for aspiring designers is to number one be true to who you are as a person. Put yourself into your work and don’t let anything or anyone stop you. I was born

with an underdevelopment called ABS also known as Amniotic Band Syndrome and it affected my hands. When I thought about designing at first I thought maybe I wouldn’t be able to do it and I doubted myself but I remembered that I was put on this earth for a reason and I have this passion for designing. Designing with the hands that I have and knowing that I created and constructed these garments or accessories, the feeling is amazing. Just because I am different from others doesn’t mean I shouldn’t go for what I want, it means the exact opposite. I vowed to myself to not let anything stop me and instead of hiding from the world I choose to shine my light and show others who are like me or have a different uniqueness to them that they can do anything that they put their mind to! Yes I may be a little different but I can do this and so

can you. To other designers no matter what you look like, if you don’t think your designs are good enough; in your mind tell yourself they are! This is your gift and you should share it with the world. Keep positive thoughts in your mind when the negative ones try to creep in, the world is yours in all your designing fabulousness!

An Interview with Amelia Sky Mauldin by Carol Wright 24

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Amelia Mauldin ended up on our radar because of Twitter. A photo of a young girl at the women’s march caught our attention and after retweeting we knew we needed to reach out. Amelia has been getting recognition because of a shirt she designed with the words, “Black woman: a melanin enriched being of beauty, intelligence, and power: known for her magical capabilities and distinct glow.” We got the chance to talk to Amelia about her aspirations for the future and how she believes black women should be viewed.

What inspired you to create your t-shirt? I was getting ready for the Women’s March in St. Louis when I got the idea for the shirt. I was originally thinking about creating my own Black Lives Matter shirt but decided to stray away from that and make something unique. If I’m being totally honest, my original plan for the shirt failed. I was planning on painting my definition on my shirt, but the paint didn’t work. So I created my own paper stencil and got to work drawing the letters on my shirt instead. I’m really glad I didn’t give up on the idea, especially because I loved how it looked when I wore it to the march. I decided to create a definition of the black woman because of society’s negative depiction of us. As black women, we have been labeled with so many negative stereotypes: mean, rude, ugly, and more. I wanted to create a definition that defies these ideas and uplifts black women rather than tearing us down. Did you expect to receive so much attention on social media? No, I definitely did not expect this kind of attention! At first, I was just happy that my friends saw it and liked my shirt design. Months later, I remember waking up to my phone buzzing non-stop as people kept liking and retweeting my tweet about my shirt. I remember just staring at my vibrating phone in shock as the notifications poured in. It was overwhelming but also heartwarming to see so many people’s positive reaction to my shirt. The warm messages

of love that I received on twitter really pushed me to create more shirts to share with others. I love that people like my idea. Have you ever thought about creating a t-shirt line with shirts focused on empowering black people or black women specifically? Yes! I’m actually in the process of creating a line now. I want my line to focus on uplifting specifically the black woman. My goal is to create a line that serves as a symbol of black beauty and power and helps black women everywhere to love themselves and know their worth. In today’s political climate we are seeing more and more young people becoming activists. What does being an activist mean to you? Activism is so important to me. I think that activism can take many forms and that’s what I love about it. I call myself an activist because not only do I speak for what I believe in, but I act for it as well. I think creating the shirts has finally given me the freedom to continue my activism in a new way.

use their platforms to speak out about certain injustices affecting society today. Like them, I hope to be able to promote justice and spread awareness for particular issues no matter where my future takes me. How can our readers get a t-shirt? Anyone interested in my shirt can follow my twitter @ameliaskyy for the latest updates about shirt production. I’m actually going to start selling shirts very soon. My website will be launching soon as well and I’m beyond excited for everyone to see the finished and even more polished product I’ve created.

Are there any designers you are inspired by that show the intersection between fashion and social justice? No, I haven’t been inspired by any particular designer. Those who have used their platforms to spread awareness for certain social justice issues inspire me the most. I love how celebrities such as Zendaya and Yara Shahidi

New Year Wanderlust stylist: Taylor Burrell photographer: Myles Cream makeup/hair: Chelsea Danielle models: Natalia Lewis and Karishma Price

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Natalia in Marni sweater, Nicholas K. pants, Muk Luks mules, Urban Outfitters hat, H&M necklace and Madewell rings

Karishma in Opening Ceremony dress, Free People boots, Urban Outfitters hat and bag

Natalia in Madewell sweater, Delfi Collective skirt, Marc Fisher platforms, Zara fur scarf and Urban Outfitter socks

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Karishma in Alexis dress, Zara scarf, H&M earrings and rings

Natalia in Topshop jacket and Judy Ly Design earrings

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ssynce E Moore

interview by Carol Wright

#NYOTAculture

When you design clothes, where do you pull from for inspiration? I pull inspiration from everywhere really. Something as little as a football jersey could inspire an entire collection of mine. Even a word could spark my interest and allow my creative juices to flow. Inspiration is everywhere. What sparked the idea for a tween spa? Do you think self-care being a large part of tweens lives has had a positive effect on your business? The idea for having a spa for my peers simply came from my love of being pampered. I think everyone feels a little more confident walking out of a spa or salon. I think self-care has played a very positive role in my business. I mention in every one of my speeches that I think your happiness should be your first priority. That’s what my spa really does if you ask me, it provides happiness. Have your books middle school chronicles, served as an outlet for you? Having my books in middle schools has been an amazing outlet for me. I love when my peers can relate to my writing and find themselves in my story. It’s an amazing feeling.

What did it feel like when the mayor of Hillside made May 26th Essynce day in your honor? When the mayor made May 26th Essynce day I felt shocked. My first thought actually was “Does this mean we don’t go to school that day?!” Unfortunately, we do have school on Essynce Day but that doesn’t take away from all the celebrating my fans, family, and friends do on that particular day. There is a lot of negative talk surrounding today’s youth. Why do you think those stereotypes have come about? Do you see your businesses as a way to combat those stereotypes? I think the negative stereotypes about the youth have come about because that is the main thing social media wants to shine the light on. Yes, there are teenagers who behave like stereotypical teenagers but there are also children, my age, out there doing some really amazing things. However, the media doesn’t want to let the world know about us. I do see my business being a combat to those stereotypes because my business just so happens to be one of many that is opening society’s eyes as to what our youth are truly capable of.

Has it been difficult juggling school and your businesses? What tips do you have for students with a lot on their plate? Juggling my business and school does have its challenges. However, my advice to someone with a lot going on would simply be to take things one step at a time. Don’t see it as “what you have to do for the week.” It’s about your state of mind. Focus on what you have to do for the day and keep moving forward, simply put one foot in front of the other. What genre of acting do you enjoy the most? My favorite genre of acting is probably dramatic/emotional scenes. They’re challenging and I love that because I discover a new part of myself each time I portray these emotions. You’ve accomplished so much at such a young age. What is next for you? I think what’s next for me is some more acting. I would also love to write a new book and keep moving forward. I love what I do and I’m going to be doing it for many years to come!

sia A

Monet

interview by Carol Wright photos by Araya Diaz

You’re a singer, dancer and actress. Which of these passions came first? Dance came first, I started dancing a little before I turned 2 years old. What was it like having your own docuseries? Did you ever feel the need to keep up an image? Having my own show was a great opportunity. Reality TV is not for everyone, so it was a bit challenging and hard to give up control of your everyday life and world in hopes at the end of the day that it is what you expected. As far as keeping up

an image, at 8 years old I was just trying to do what made me happy: dance, sing and act. I wanted to show people that it takes a lot of work and it’s never easy…you have to work hard for the things you want to be successful at. I don’t think I ever thought at that time about keeping up an image, I was just being me. What did being on Dance Moms teach you? Dance Moms was definitely a roller coaster, but I did enjoy dancing with the other girls and compet-

ing every week on the road. I think at the end of the day after all the drama, we all just wanted to get on stage and do what we love: dance. It definitely made me stay focused and made me stronger knowing every week I would have to perform for TV. You learn early on how to deal with high pressure. It also taught me that no matter how many times you perform and get critiqued and judged, you grow and learn from it knowing that you’re not going to be perfect but to love what you do.

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How does it feel having such a following on social media? Do you feel as though you have the ability to create change through your platform? I’m really blessed and fortunate that I have great followers that have been following my journey since the age of 6, even though there are so many others that have even larger platforms than I do. I love that I can continue to spread positivity and inspire others through my social media. I think with social media, being so huge, it’s great for us to use it for empowering others and uplifting people every day. I think we all need to use it to reach out and spread the love.

tunity was a highlight of mine and I’m so grateful to Anthony Burrell for reaching out and adding me to the cast. Of course, I’m also grateful to Mariah for letting me share the stage and sing two solos. It definitely has been my most memorable opportunity to date. What did the actors on the set of American Crime Story teach you? Being on the set of American Crime story was absolutely amazing…to experience and learn from everyone around you on a set like that. The

focus everyone had, the way they made every scene so real, and the character portrayals were incredible. What advice do you have for aspiring actors and singers? I get this asked a lot. My advice would be to really love what you do and love the process of growing and being patient. It is not easy, but if you love what you do then your journey to your success will be enjoyable and working hard will not feel like work. Lastly, stay true to yourself and all the ‘’no’s’’ you may get, learn from them and don’t look back.

You’re a singer, dancer, actress and digital influencer at only twelve years old. How do you juggle your career with being a normal kid? Well, thanks to my mom I have been able to fit it all in some crazy way. I still have time to play and have days where I just have hangout time. What was it like being able to design your own line with Target? Target was a great experience. I was super excited to collaborate with their team. Fashion has always been another passion of mine, so to sit and design for the Art Class 2017 collection was everything to me. It brought so many creative ideas out of me for the future and I hope I get to be involved again with another line. How did the opportunity to perform with Mariah Carey come about? What was it like performing with her? Performing with Mariah Carey for her ‘’All I Want for Christmas Is You’’ in NYC for 10 shows at the Beacon Theater was incredible. The oppor35

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The music video for your song “Come Along” is centered around helping others. How did the idea for the video come about and what was it like seeing the final product? The meaning behind ‘’Come Along’’ is to bring awareness and change, to inspire others to make a difference, to really look around, be involved, and spread love. Be kind and love one another. My whole team, from the writing to the producing to the choreographer to the film crew and family, I’m so grateful for how the video came out. I’m so happy that it

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You had the opportunity to recur on two episodes of Grey’s Anatomy. How did you prepare for the role of Jasmine? What was it like getting the Young Artist Award for your performance? Ah, I loved the set of Grey’s Anatomy as well as the role of Jasmine. I felt I really connected to this role and really felt I was in the moment while filming the episodes. To receive an award for my performance was everything and I felt people believed in me as an actress.

Be kind and love one another.

has over 1.2 million views with such great feedback. This makes me love what I do. Where can our readers find your music and keep up with you? Everyone can find me on all social media platforms @AsiaMonetRay and on my YouTube channel Asia Monet Ray. My music is on all music outlets now, including Tidal.

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Words of Wisdom with Martrice Sutton interview by Carol Wright

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What inspired you to start Girls Going Global? The simple answer is from my own experiences traveling. My first time leaving the country was my sophomore year at Spelman, doing some service work there. That experience I was grateful for, but I wasn’t necessarily sold on travel yet. Then I became an international studies major and you’re required to study abroad so I chose Spain. I was in Barcelona, Spain for about four months and during that experience I got to travel and see a lot of Europe, but I still wasn’t like this is the life-changing experience you read about in the brochures. But what I did learn from those experiences is there were not other people that look like me and that was what made it challenging, and it was the first thing that got me really intrigued and interested in seeing more people of color traveling. Then once I graduated from school I spent a year working in India and that was when I had the life-changing experience that I was always hoping to get. And I actually decided not necessarily to do something to have girls travel, but expose them to culture. So my original idea for Girls Going Global was all about exposing them to culture within their own cities. At the time I was focused on Philly because that’s where I’m from and I feel like it’s such a global city, but people often stay where they grew up and don’t really venture outside of their neighborhood. That was how it started and that was my inspiration behind it, personal experiences and then wanting other

girls to have the same type of experience to be able to see that “oh wow there’s so much more to the world, once you are given a chance. How has travel impacted your own life and the way you view the world? I think travel definitely changes how you view life in the sense that even the girls we work with, they come back everyday, more grateful and appreciative because of the experiences they have. Travel also makes you have more gratitude, you definitely have more compassion and you also try to see things in different perspective in a way that you would not have done if you didn’t have to see how other people live. Even if you’re not well-versed in Islam, for example, you may see different things on the news but it’s interesting, you know I worked in India and the city I was in was a muslim city so being apart of that culture and being able to see ramadan and fasting, and being able to see a completely different experience than when you see Islam in the states. I think you definitely have a new awareness of things that you often don’t have. Also, independence, I feel like sometimes when you go to different countries you think “I can do anything.” Especially if you’re doing solo travel because you really only have yourself to rely on so you become resourceful, you really depend on your sensibility in ways you haven’t before. There’s a lot that both myself, and the girls that participate, walk away with after having those experiences.

What’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of starting Girls Going Global? I think being able to see the transformation in the girls. We’re not there long but even within the week that we’re there you can see the difference between a girl who might’ve been afraid of heights, and then went ziplining. To see that feeling of pride that they have for stepping out their comfort zone that’s really cool to me. Or to watch girls bond with each other. I think it’s so cool how quickly people can form relationships when you travel. If you get a group of girls together and you do some icebreakers, they might mingle but it’s not going to be a real bond that’s created. Whereas when you’re traveling you’re forced to open up in a way that you don’t at home. To watch girls that really get close and build that sisterhood I would say is the second most rewarding thing. Do you hope to be able to expand Girls Going Global to other states and maybe one day across the world? So right now we operate in Pennsylvania and Georgia. Last year we opened up our applications to girls across the U.S. The goal is definitely to be able to have chapters in different cities, it’s really about what works well. We’ve only been able to have ongoing programming in Philly and Atlanta, but the goal is to, in most major cities have at least something that’s bi-monthly or quarterly for girls in that city. So that’s where we’re looking to go and at times we’ve toyed with the idea

of partnering with organizations abroad, to reach those girls as well. And to us I think that looks more like, rather than a chapter, that looks more like creating international conferences where girls from all over will be able to interact with each other. Did you have any doubters when you first decided to start the program? How did you get past the hate? No, I didn’t have anybody doubt me but I also don’t remember sharing it with so many people. It was one of those things where I had this idea and started writing it down. I maybe shared it with a group of people and then started moving on it. One of the ways the organization started was because I started building a Facebook page. Before we had a website I was working on the Facebook page and I guess it was public and I hadn’t realized I had published it yet. Someone commented “ I want to sign up my daughter.” And then it was like “oh crap” cause I hadn’t done anything and after the person said that I was like I guess I need to go ahead and do something for this summer. I never had anyone doubt me, I would say if anything I had people doubting where the organization could go and maybe doubting what it could do. For example, doubting how many girls could be interested. Our first trip was to Canada and we had seven girls and that wasn’t even an application, that was a sign-up. And here we are now taking twenty girls on each experience and getting 150 applications. You have to put

yourself out there and see what you get. That’s how I’ve always overcome doubt, is just testing things. It doesn’t have to work, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but you have to try it. What advice do you have for young women who want to start their own company? Just start. When you’re young you have more time and you have a greater ability to bounce back. I remember one thing I learned, I was on this train journey when I was in India and it was focused on going to social enterprises around the country, and one of the guys said “I wish I would’ve known at 24 what I knew at 30 so that I could’ve tried my ideas at 24, before I had a family and before I had responsibilities.” When he said that, that really stuck with me and that’s what made me start to work on Girls Going Global. While I didn’t have any real responsibilities I thought, let me just try this out. The advantage that young people have right now is that it’s never been easier to start something. You have so many tools at your disposal. What I would tell young people is to research your idea, don’t reinvent the wheel, research it first and see if it already exists. Cause something I’ve seen, especially in our generation, is making something your own, but everything doesn’t have to be yours. You can join something and make an impact. My advice would be research to make sure you’re not reinventing the wheel and make sure it’s something you’ll put time and energy into and then start.

Yasmin Gabrielle Murphy

#NYOTAculture

interview by Carol Wright photos by Yasmin Gabrielle Murphy

Has social media helped you get your work out there? Do you think it’s harder or easier to get noticed in this digital age? I think social media has definitely allowed me to put my work out there. It’s nice because you can receive instant feedback. I also find it a great way to connect/ meet other artists. I have met some wonderful people using social media who have trusted me and allowed me to photograph them. I’m all about sliding into people’s DMs. When did your interest in photography start? My interest in photography started at a young age. I was eight when I got my first camera and from then on I was always documenting my life. That was the initial reason I was interested in photography. I wanted the ability to look back 20 or 30 years from now and have a collection of photographs I had taken. I was always so drawn to the photo albums I grew up looking at my relatives homes.

What do you like shooting with more, a digital or film camera? Why? I like shooting with both digital and film cameras but if I had to choose between the two I’d say film, hands down. I first learned on a 35mm film camera so there is something sentimental every time I load the film and fire the shutter. The whole experience shooting with film is completely different than digital. Shooting with film to me is more personal. You only have so many shots to take and you can’t just fire away like you can get with digital. You have to be very mindful of what you want to capture. Who are some photographers you are inspired by? Dead or alive? Haha. I am very inspired by the late Harry Callahan, Richard Avedon, and Vivian Myer. And living photographers Ben Sasso, Harry Benson and Andre Wagner. What is your favorite type of photography? My favorite type of photography is portraiture.

What advice do you have for photographers who fall into a creative slump? How do you motivate yourself during those times? Keep shooting! Even if you don’t like the work keep pushing through. Also skim through photography books or images online and create ideas for shoots. You should always be proactive. As long as you’re shooting something you believe in and love doing it, I believe you’ll get to where you want to be. Take your time, work on it every day and trust that feeling in your gut! Who is someone you’d love to shoot? I would love to shoot Zoe Kravitz. She represents edginess and freedom to just be you without the noise of others trying to conform you to be someone else. I admire that.

If you weren’t a photographer what would your career be? If I weren’t a photographer I would be a filmmaker. Moving images are just an extension of what you can do with photography. There are many more layers to filmmaking and more aspects to consider such as sound, creating a narrative and how I will stitch all the shots together. I really like the simplicity and directness of photography whereas filmmaking is definitely something I’m still learning how to develop those skills. Documentaries are particularly interesting and I like the idea of complementing a song with a story that may exaggerate or promote an idea or feeling.

Words of Wisdom Shaleah Sutton interview by Carol Wright

What made you start the uniquely you summits? This question for me is always the most challenging one to answer. I think when people ask this question they are looking for a singular situation in my life that caused me to create UYS, and that just isn’t the case. There was no mountaintop or valley experience in my life that launched the UYS platform. Being a vessel of opportunity for black women and girls is WHY I’M HERE. It’s why I’m on the planet. This #ForTheLoveOfBlackGirls work is what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m clear on that. And I don’t think I’ve ever been more clear about anything in my life. But that doesn’t mean it’s not hard... It’s HARD WORK! It’s actually the hardest thing I’ve ever done. UYS is hard work, and heart work. When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be many things! I wanted to be like Malcolm X; I loved how smart and fearless he was. I wanted to TALK like Oprah and reach people’s hearts the way she did. And I wanted to lead and mobilize black people like MLK. But as a little girl I didn’t know how to assign language to what they did, but I knew I wanted to do “that.” I could feel the spark that was lit on the inside when I’d encounter their greatness through a book or on TV. I don’t think as a kid I realized what they were doing was work - I knew what they were doing was good, 44

but I didn’t know it was work. It would take me to go to college to understand that the “good work” served both my professional ambitions and who I felt like I was at my core. And mostly I admired, and wanted, their humility. When I’d hear them speak, there was nothing arrogant or self-promoting about them. Their goals weren’t traditional; they weren’t to make money or become well-known. They were just doing what they were meant and called to do. They were sure of their missions and steadfast about their manifestation. And that was everything to me! What are some Uniquely You success stories? I don’t know if this is a success story, but it is certainly a moment that I am very proud of. It’s when I realized that every opportunity that I’d provide through UYS would benefit a black girl. When we give a scholarship - a black girl is the recipient. When a White House Internship became available in Michelle Obama’s East Wing by way of UYS, it was for a black girl! When I step on the campus of a university to negotiate space for an annual Summit, black girls are the beneficiaries. It became clear to me in those moments that black women willing to be gateways to access and opportunity is a black girl’s greatest resource. That makes me proud. That feels like success.

How did going to Spelman help you in your current career? Not in the conventional way one would think. I didn’t realize until years after attending Spelman that just having been exposed to it was a gift. There’s a pay-it-forward call that comes with being a Spelman woman - a call to action of sorts. Spelman helped me understand the concept of access and opportunity and what to do with it. At the 67th Annual Emmy Awards, Viola Davis said: “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.” I understand that fully. And I have my beloved Alma Mater to thank for that. Any girl that’s participated and/or benefited from UYS, has Spelman College to thank for that. What has been the hardest part of beginning the Uniquely You Summits? When I created UYS 8 years ago it was people not understanding why the platform was just for black girls. People couldn’t understand why I’d limit my success, resources and support by only serving black girls? I’d hear: “You’d get a lot more help if you were doing this for ‘all’ girls.” But that just felt very unauthentic to me... I mean the concept was sweet and felt nice, but it didn’t feel like my truth... I’d struggle with whether or not those people were right, but then I’d find solace in my truth, in what felt natural, honest and real. And that’s where “we [UYS] unapologetically serve black girls” comes from. It was my

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response to people that just didn’t get it. And now it’s our mantra. We make no apologies for this work! What advice do you have for women who want to start their own companies? You have to have a heart for the work you’re interested in doing, or a heart for the people you’re serving. Passion and compassion are the foundations of great organizations and companies, and ultimately what sustains them. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing and have compassion for the people you serve, you’ll always find new and unique ways to reach them. There’s an Oprah quote that I love that says: “If what you’re doing doesn’t serve you, it will deplete you.” So do what aligns with your truth. Do what serves you at your core. 45

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