Holiday 2020 Issue

Sista’s Keeper

I AM my Sista’s Keeper

Holiday 2020 Vol. 8, Issue 1

Advice from Black Female Police Officers

8-Year Anniversary Issue

Erica

Carnegie Speaker & Ambassador Making Her Mark as Miss Clay County Teen USA

Spotlight: Pitch Competition Winner Masyn McIntyre of Masyn’s FitKidz

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Happy Holidays and Looking

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Forward to 2021

’ey sistas!

Putting this issue together has been rough for me and 2020 has been full of ups and downs for me, but here it is!

I began the year planning to quit teaching high school English so that I could focus on producing this magazine for you full time.

However, COVID-19 had other plans.

I was moved to a new school in the middle of the challenges of teaching remotely as well as moving into my new apartment...ALL UNDER QUARANTINE. On a personal note, I lost my beloved Uncle “Church” in July, who was a big supporter of this magazine. He & my other uncle Dan, who passed away in 2017, were part of my support system for this.

It is in their memory and that of other supporters like Shereene Hill-Veal that I keep this magazine going...NO MATTER WHAT! I am so grateful for our supporters and subscribers, who have been patient with me in getting the magazine to them.

I look forward to 2021 as a year of INCREASE: an increase in time, energy and help to continue promoting self-esteem and sisterhood to you.

Our cover girl Erica Carnegie (pg. 8) is competing in the Miss Florida Teen USA Competition as well as a college freshman.

We also got great advice for you from Black female police officers on how to interact with them during protests. (pg. 12)

Tell us what you think!

Join the conversation... #SistasKeeper

Editor’s Letter

As always, if you want to contact me of have any questions about the magazine, email me at: laporsha@sistaskeepermagazine.com or visit our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com Remember the purpose of Sista’s Keeper: to build you up as young women so you can be comfortable enough in yourself to help your sisters, cousins, friends, etc.

I hope that you enjoy this issue and remember:

“I AM my Sista’s Keeper”

Holiday 2020

Founding Editor/Publisher @SistasKeeperMag Sista’s Keeper

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Masyn’s FitKidz

Spotlight

9-year-old Masyn McIntyre was the winner of the 2020 Stiletto Challenge- Youth Business Pitch Competition sponsored by Stiletto Boss University.

Masyn’s FitKidz provides kid-friendly physical activities, snack/meal plans and motivation to help children be healthy, happy and confident.

They also virtually provide kid-friendly physical activities through virtual classes snack and meal plans with recipes and tutorial videos designed for kids age 6-12 motivation tips and tools to stay confident.

Sista’s Keeper: What made you want to become an entrepreneur at such a young age? * Masyn McIntyre: I see my parents, brother and sister with their own businesses and I wanted to create something I could do just for me.

SK: How did you decide what business to start and what industry? Was it based on your interest or to solve a problem?

MM: I want kids to not be picked on because of their weight and to be health, happy and confident of who they are no matter what size.

SK: What does your business bring to your community & the world?

MM: I want to teach kids they can eat healthy and stay fit and that doesn’t come in just one size.

SK: What advice would you give other young girls who want to start a business?

MM: Find what you love and just do it.

Try something even when other people say you can’t. You can do it!

SK: What’s next for your business? What are you working on or what would you like to promote?

MM: I need to create a better logo, trademark my business name, get a website and start my social media pages. Then I can start marketing .

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Teen Entrepreneur Features

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Winter 2020 Collection

Beauty

It’s love at frost sight when you cozy up to the new essie limited edition winter 2020 collection. Shades inspired by a dreamy, frosted fantasy that’s filled with holiday treats and all things sweet. From a cool, baby blue to a rich, rosy red, these polishes deliver a glistening, gold frosted effect that bring a fantastical winter dream to life.

For more on nail polish, nail care & more, visit: www.essie.com Holiday 2020

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Erica is Going For the

CROWN Speaker & ambassador Erica Carnegie has been selected to represent Clay County at the Miss Florida Teen USA Competition as Miss Clay County Teen USA.

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er selection was based on her academic and professional interests, involvement in her community, her passion for the pursuit of excellence and her interest in empowering other young women to follow in her footsteps.

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Double Graduate Erica is an 18-year old Fleming Island High School Class of 2020 graduate who attended college full time as a student in the high school/college dual enrollment program and graduated St. Johns River State College at 17 years old with an Associate’s Degree in May 2020.

While in high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society.

Erica was also a recipient of the Principal’s Scholar Academic Award all four years of high school and the Principal’s Scholar Leadership Award.

She was a peer tutor in Spanish and Math, a member of several school clubs including Great Decisions Club and Beta Club and served as a Teen Attorney in the Clay County Teen Court Program.

Award-Winning Service

Some of her community service awards include The President’s Volunteer Service Award, The Jax PAL 2020 Game Changer Award, 2019 Jacksonville Outstanding Teen Award and the 2018 Young Woman of Distinction Award.

Erica is also the Founder and first National Youth Ambassador for The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation’s Youth Ambassador Program.

The program has since expanded and now serves aneurysm and AVM youth survivors across the country.

an Academic Scholarship and is a member of several organizations, including the National Organization for Women, Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and the SCUBA club.

She is also an intern at Crowns Magazine where she interviews community activists and has a featured column, “Today’s Interview With Erica”.

Her goal is to attend grad school in the dual JD/MBA program and eventually practice corporate or entertainment law. Erica enjoys playing piano, chess, Sudoku and baking.

Crazy End to Senior Year

“On the last day of school, my friends and I went to the beach. While we were there, we found out that we were going to be out of school for a week. We were upset because we like going to school and having something to do.

But then one week turned into two weeks, then three weeks then it was the end of April & May. After that, school was over. It was crazy because we didn’t have our senior prom, senior activities or graduation.

It was really upsetting missing all of those things that I was looking forward to for the past four years since freshman year & even before. However, I was just glad that the school was able to have a safe graduation ceremony for us later on.”

Balancing School and Life

Carnegie was involved in many clubs while dual-enrolled in high school and college, such as National Honors Society, National Spanish Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and Great Decisions.

Busy College Girl Also, she was very busy with extracurricular activities like playing piano, working, dancing Erica currently attends Stetson University on and volunteering.

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About Erica

Name: Erica Carnegie Age: 18 Birthday: August 6th City:@ericacarnegie2.0 Jacksonville, FL Favorite Movie: Avengers: Infinity War Favorite Food: Steamed broccoli Favorite Color: Pink

Connect w/ Erica @ericacarnegie2.0 “It definitely felt like a lot sometimes but I used two different calendars to balance my time,” Erica says.

“In one, I would write all my homework and the things that I need to do.

In the other, there were my events and time that I scheduled to hang out with my friends and for myself. It was important to take time to take a nap or watch Netflix and relax.”

“I compared the two to make sure that things did not overlap & that I’m relaxed and not overworked.”

Being Her Sista’s Keeper Carnegie has no siblings but she does have a group of friends that she is close with.

“We all boost each other up and are always rooting for each other at events and games.

That’s what being friends is all about: to uplift each other. Even when I struggle with my confidence, they are people who I want in my life. ”

For more from our interview with Erica, visit our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com Holiday 2020

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Advice From A We asked Black female poilce officers to give advice on interacting with the poilce in light of the social justice concerns in 2020 Corporal Anna M. Walker Wheaton, MD Sista’s Keeper: From a police officer’s perspective, what advice would you give teen girls about protesting and making sure that they remain peaceful (despite their emotions and feelings)?

Corporal Walker: When participating in a protest remember it’s important to know WHY you’re protesting and to remain peaceful while doing so. When/if things seems to be going left or getting out of hand it’s probably a good time to depart said protest.

SK: What advice would you give black teen girls & teens in general about interacting with the police & feeling safe around them?

CW: Be honest, respectful and speak like you’re sure of yourself. Don’t hesitate to interact with us and initiate conversation with us. Remember, we’re human just like you.

This is a career we chose but once we take of our uniforms we still enjoy many of the same fun things you do.

Officer Brittany Washington DC Sista’s Keeper: How do you show your Black Girl Magic as a police officer and as a black woman?

Officer Brittany: By doing what’s right and showing that I’m human as well when I interact with people on a daily basis I’m humble and cool, then they get to see me doing outreach which they can always appreciate and respect.

SK: What advice would you give black teen girls & teens in general about interacting with the police & feeling safe around them?

OB: Know that all officers aren’t bad, officers jobs is to protect you despite what media portrays. There are way more good officers than bad officers so there’s no need to be scared of the police.

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Black Female Officer Retired Assistant Chief of Police Vicki Charlotte, NC Sista’s Keeper: What can young women (specifically black women) learn about or from the police?

Assistant Chief Vicki : That in the essence of policing that they are a lot alike. Black Women are strong, resilient, peace makers , hard workers, resolve conflict regularly and look out for others which is the core of a good police officer.

SK: What advice would you give black teen girls & teens in general about interacting with the police & feeling safe around them?

ACV: I would say most people police included will treat you the way you treat them. Speak like you would to anyone else. There are many great police officers. The actions of some are not those of all so give yourself and the officer the opportunity to get to know you that you would anyone else.

Officer KH Greensboro, NC Sista’s Keeper: How do you show your Black Girl Magic as a police officer and as a black woman?

Officer KH: It’s shown through my interpersonal skills in my daily life. I shine by working with individuals In whatever aspect is needed. I help to respectfully educate those who are not familiar with police roles. Yes, I wear a badge & uniform (and well!) but that’s not all I wear! I have many roles that I love and grow in every day.

SK: What advice would you give black teen girls & teens in general about interacting with the police & feeling safe around them?

OKH: Don’t be afraid. Ask questions. Voice your concerns. Continually be respectful.

Officer B (School Resource Officer) Atlanta, GA Sista’s Keeper: What can young women (specifically black women) learn about or from the police?

Officer B: Just because policing is a male dominated field, doesn’t mean you can’t show up and show out. I’ve had grown black men show me more respect, because of the way I talked to them, as a black woman/officer. In most cases, I was able to relate to their issue(s). Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.

SK: What advice would you give black teen girls & teens in general about interacting with the police & feeling safe around them?

OB: I would say always be compliant. You can set the tone when dealing with most officers. Be courteous and, if the officer is wrong, deal with it in court. Do not give them a reason to do anything harmful to you. The majority of us (police officers) are here to help you.

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Getting Ready

Education Feature

This college prep timeline provided by Minnesota Office of Higher Education will show you what you need to do to get ready for college.

7th & 8th Grade

• Begin thinking about the high school classes that will prepare you for college. Take the most difficult classes you can handle.

• Ask your parents or teachers to help you develop good study habits.

• Practice setting and reaching goals.

• Take interest and skills assessments to help you think about possible career options.

• Talk with your school counselor and parents about careers that interest you.

• Create a tentative high school class plan.

• Enroll in a summer enrichment program.

• Talk with your parents about saving and paying for college.

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In 9th & 10th Grade • Take interest and skills assessments to help you explore careers options.

• Talk with your school counselor about career options and the education required for those careers.

• Talk with friends, teachers, counselors and your parents about college.

• Review your high school class plan.

Take the most difficult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork.

• Sign up for classes that will earn college

• • • •

credit during your junior year through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options or Concurrent Enrollment.

Explore internships and apprenticeships.

Explore internships and apprenticeships.

Enroll in a summer enrichment program.

Participate in extracurricular activities.

Want to go to college?

It’s never too late to prepare...

For more information, visit: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/

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For College In 11th Grade • Attend college and financial aid events.

• Take the PSAT in the Fall to prepare for the SAT, and to identify areas where you need improvement.

• Consider possible career options and investigate the type of education that is needed.

• Request materials from schools that interest you and visit their websites.

• Arrange campus visits to those schools that interest you.

• Review your high school class plan.

Take the most difficult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork. Make sure you are meeting your high school graduation requirements.

• Sign up for classes that will earn college credit during your senior year through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options or Concurrent Enrollment.

• Register for and take the ACT and/or SAT in the Spring.

• Research private scholarship options.

• Participate in extracurricular activities.

• Get a job to earn and save money for college, or explore your skills through an internship or apprenticeship.

Education Feature

In 12th Grade • Visit the colleges that interest you. It’s okay to go more than once.

• Select the schools to which you will apply. Make a list of deadlines for each school.

• Have your high school transcript sent to colleges which you’ve applied.

• Prepare a portfolio if you’re interested in the arts. Some fine arts college programs require one.

• Take or re-take the ACT and/or SAT in the fall.

• Attend a financial aid event.

• Search and apply for scholarships.

But be aware of financial aid search companies.

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online.

• Review your high school class plan to make sure you are on track to graduate.

• Participate in extracurricular activities • Get a job to earn and save money for college, or explore your skills through an internship or apprenticeship.

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