January 2015 issue (UPDATED) by Sista's Keeper Magazine

Sista’s Keeper

I AM my Sista’s Keeper

January 2015 Vol. 3, Issue 3

New Year, New Start Keep Rising! Congratulates Kai L Sharpless

Spotlight: Amanda Gorman Polished Pebbles Plus: Being Fearless: What Does It Mean? How To Be Why You Should Be

National Mentoring Month

Gabrielle Jordan 14-year-old inspires youth to pursue entrepreneurship

Fearless Issue

In This Issue

Spotlight: Amanda Gorman & Polished Pearls Book Review

The Making of a Young Entrepreneur

Keep Rising! Girls Breanna Jones & Jasmine Lewter

New Year, New Start

In this feature, we give ideas for making and keeping your New Year’s Resolutions

National Mentoring Month

Polished Pebbles owner Kelly Fair tells us why having a mentor is important.

College Prep Timeline

On The Cover Photos courtesy of: Gabrielle Jordan’s website (left) Gabrielle Jordan is an author, motivational speaker and owns her own jewelry line, Jewelz of Jordan. Check out her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and what mindset you have to have.

January 2015

Sista’s Keeper

Promotions/Giveaways “Like” us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter for more info!

You could win a copy of The Makings of a Young Entrepreneur & a pair of Jewelz By Jordan earrings!!!!! Enter to win by answeing the following question: What does ExCEL stand for? “Like” our Facebook page & tweet us (@SistasKeeperMag) your answer to enter the giveaway. Use the hashtag: #SKGIVEAWAY

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Sista’s Keeper

January 2015

Sista’s Keeper Vol. 3, Issue 3

Founding Editor/Publisher LaPorsha Lowry Managing Editor Erik Veal Creative Director Yasmeen Parker PR/Marketing Surya Swilley Whitney Martin Social Media Stacie Bailey Contributing Writers Eman Al-Taher Kyla Brown Camile Daniels Alexis Knight Yani Long Whitney Martin Sha’Myua Miles Patrice Rivers De’Shauna Selby Jamiya Turns Special Thanks Gabrielle Jordan Williams Marcella M. Williams Jewelz of Jordan Kelly Fair Polished Pearls Tanisha Fordham-Alston Alexandria Venus Williams Keep Rising Girls Empowerment Summit Breana Jones Jasmine M. Lewter Crystal Styles House of Cheatham, Inc. Kelly Leonardt-Phoenix Stacie Bailey Ashley Reid Chukwuemeka Anazia Brittany Salter Jesse Lowry Trumaine McCaskill Evan Summerville Greg E. Hill Daniel Lee Lowry Dottie Benjamin Terri Long Darie Wilson Antionette Cody

I AM my Sista’s Keeper

In Every Issue

Health

Promotions & Giveaways

12 14

Beauty Protective Hairstyles Beauty

Winter/NYE Nails

Entertainment Movie Spotlight: Selma

Fashion Winter/NYE Fashion

21 24

Fashion

Jewelz By Jordan

Relationships

National Thank You Month

Furaha

What does being “fearless” mean? Jando

Ways to Be Fearless

Maua

How I Am Fearless (reader submissions)

Ndege

26 27 28

Why We Should Be Fearless

Black Women In History Coretta Scott King

January 2015

Sista’s Keeper

Calendar

January/ February 2014

What’s going on and what to do this month

Contributors

Kyla Brown

Kyla is a senior at Johnson C. Smith University majoring in communication arts. She was born and raised in Queens, New York where she discovered her love for journalism and the arts. She is currently the editor in chief to the Bull’s Eye Newspaper, a student news publication at the university. Kyla believes that in order to fully succeed, you must uplift and encourage others to do the same. She enjoys writing about entertainment as well as feature pieces that highlight truly influential individuals.

Eman Al-Taher Eman is a senior at UNCC majoring in Sociology. She grew up here in Charlotte and is Palestinian. “I have a very bubbly, outgoing personality; I live by my favorite quote “A bad attitude is like a flat tire. You can’t go anywhere until you change it.”. I like to write poetry and belly dance in my free time and am always up for reading a good book.”

Shamyua Miles

Event: 5th Annual Food Lion CIAA Teen Summit Date: Thursday, February 26, 2014 Time: 10am-2pm Place :Charlotte Convention Center It’s REAL TALK – getting teens ready for college and career! Teens hear from college students who share real life college experiences, visit various vendors from career counselors to college recruiters who can help them navigate next steps after high school! The summit is interactive and encourages teens to have candid conversation and interaction among their peers. Plus there’s food, step show exhibition, live DJ, contests and prizes including Food Lion gift cards! Event is FREE!! Registration is REQUIRED. Visit: www.girltalkfoundationinc.com

If your black teen girl organization is having an event that you want to be featured in Sista’s Keeper Magazine, please email us the information so that it may be featured in the Calendar of an upcoming issue: info@sistaskeepermagazine.com

For more January & February events & updates, visit our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com

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January 2015

Quaniqua Shamyua Miles is a 22 year old senior at North Carolina A&T State University and studies English (Technical Writing). She is from Raleigh, NC, but currently lives in Greensboro, NC. She has a 2 year old daughter, has dreamed of writing for a magazine for some time, and hopes to one day own her own magazine. She also dreams of starting her own organization to help young girls gain self-confidence and know how to value themselves. She hopes to use her wisdom, talents, and ideas to help make a difference in the world.

Patrice Rivers

Patrice Rivers is a 28 year old native from Virginia who is an author, poet, blogger and writer. She has published three books and is working on upcoming projects such as a children book series. Patrice has been writing since she was nine years old and has a passion for writing poetry. She is a 2009 graduate from Virginia State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Arts in Mass Communications. Patrice sees herself as a famous author and a Public Relations Specialist for a company.

Jamiya Turns

Jamiya is a junior at Johnson C. Smith University. She have a positive attitude and enjoy inspiring others. In her free time, she enjoys writing and reading great books and attending church and writing positive quotes.

Ife Presswood

Ife is a 20 year old native of Charlotte, NC. She is currently a senior at Fayetteville State University studying Business Administration: Marketing, with a minor study in Dance. A total fashion and hair-ista (Team Natural Before the Hype), she believes that your hair and how you dress is an extension of your being so #beyou #doyou, cause there is no one else like you! She loves to dance, read, roller skate, and cook.

Be FEARLESS in 2015!!!!!

Editor’s Letter

’ey sistas! To be fearless is to be bold and brave and go throughout life without

fear. To me, it also means to not let anything that may scare you stop you from reaching your goals. I am an example of this because I had to be fearless when I began this magazine. So many people told me that a magazine for black teen girls wouldn’t work or that it has been tried before and failed. However, here we are in our third year and our 15th issue. This issue is all about being FEARLESS... what that means, how to be fearless and why we should be fearless in our dreams and goals. Gabrielle Jordan (pg. 30) is fearless because she inspires us to go after our dreams by unleashing our unique value. You have to be pretty fearless yourself if you encourage to reach their full potential. Amanda Gorman (pg. 9) is the 2014 LA Youth Poet Laureate and she displayed fearlessness in the powerful subject matter and passionate delivery of her poetry. January is National Mentoring Month and we spoke to Kelly Fair, owner of Polished Pearls about her organization and the importance of having a mentor. We also cover Cervical Health Awareness Month by giving you information about a health issue that affects us as women. In this month’s sections, we will talk about the difference between being fearless and careless, ways to be fearless, why you should be fearless and special piece by my friend Tanisha Fordham-Alston about faith and fearlessness.

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”

Tell us what you think! Join the conversation... #SistasKeeper

Founding Editor/Publisher @SistasKeeperMag

January 2015

Sista’s Keeper

Subscribe to Sista’s Keeper!!!!! 6 issues per year for only $18!!!!!

Receive a “I AM my Sista’s Keeper” wristband with your subscription

Go to the Subscribe page of our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com

Amazing Amanda

Spotlight

Amanda Gorman is a dynamic poet who was named the 2014 LA Youth Poet Laureate. She gets to travel, perform her poetry and reach new audiences every day. She wants her generation to realize that they are the ones that will change the world, take charge of the future and do positive good in the world.

Sista’s Keeper: Where do you draw inspiration from when doing your poetry and how do you bring about that passion? Amanda Gorman: I draw inspiration from the world around me. If

SK: What was it like to become the ﬁrst LA Youth Poet Laureate and what does that mean to you? AG: It was very dream-like for me. I was not expecting it because

something makes me feel a certain way, affects me, inspires me, or even

so many of the others were so talented. I was convinced that I wouldn’t

if it angers me, I know that it’s something that I should write about and

win so I was shocked (and still am). It was an amazing feeling and I

I’ll take that and turn it into poetry. Sometimes it may not even affect

was grateful to receive this honor.

me but it can draw out that emotion in me. SK: Please tell us more about how you were about to overcome a

I don’t have someone to look to as an example in Los Angeles because I’m the first but I contacted other poet laureates for advice. I

speech impediment to deliver your powerful poetry and where you got

felt pressure to set good example so I try to make a stand because what

that conﬁdence from?

I do can affect future laureates. This is a new platform and I am sort of

AG: When I was born, I was premature so that came with a lot of difficulties including having trouble speaking and being articulate. This was detrimental to my self-esteem but I found writing as a way to express myself. Writing poetry, stories and songs helped me express myself and my feelings in a way that I couldn’t vocally. I stopped

a pioneer so I can mold the position. I appreciate that and want to set high expectations for the position. SK: Are you working on any new poetry or will you be performing anywhere in the future? AG: I’m working on new poetry for my book that I get to publish as

feeling insecure about it because I realized that if the voice and message

poet laureate. There are also people contacting me now so I probably

is strong, people will listen.

will be performing in the future. I got to do a library tour as laureate

SK: What is the overall message that you want to bring to your audiences through your poetry? AG: My overall message is to be yourself. You can do anything that you put your mind to if you work hard. Be proud of yourself and your work no matter what, have confidence and OWN it. SK: Do you have any advice to young girls who want to start writing and performing poetry? AG: I would advise them to read as much as they can because

which was fun and I’m looking for things to do next. The book will be coming out when next LA poet laureate is named later in 2015. SK: Do you have any sisters or close female friends? If so, please tell us about your relationship with them? AG: I have a twin sister named Gabrielle and she is my best friend. I also have a lot of close female friends and we’re like a troupe. It’s interesting because we all provide different things to the group. I look out for sister & help her & vice versa. It’s the same with friends at

it helps you so much. Read things that are unexpected and diverse

school because we are like sisters. We have a wonderful friendship and

because it will help you build your own voice and decide what kind of

sisterhood or diverse and multicultural girls.

writer & poet you want to be. Also, this may be obvious but actually

SK: What is your deﬁnition of being your “sista’s keeper”?

writing everyday helps and having confidence in your work. Be

AG: My definition is someone who is a protector and supporter but

confident and use criticism constructively.

also can be a beacon for their sistas all around them.

January 2015

Sista’s Keeper

Spotlight By: Jamiya Turns

Polishing “Pebbles” Through Mentoring

Kelly Fair, owner of the Chicago-based organization Polished Pebbles spoke to us about their mission and the importance of mentoring for teen girls. Polished Pebbles is geared toward the advancement of young women ages 7-17. This program teaches young women from underserved neighborhoods how transform their anger and aggression issues in to something positive by teaching them to communicate effectively with the outside world and with each other. This organization is ran and operated by Kelly Fair who founded the program in 2009. Her passion for re-educating young women has driven her to get involved with countless organizations around the Chicago area. She has also won awards for her tireless efforts in the advancement of young woman. She has recently been recognized as one of Chicago’s neighborhood hero’s for her outstanding work in community service. Sista’s Keeper: What was the inspiration behind starting Polished Pebbles organization? Kelly Fair: While working in Corporate America 5 years ago, I decided that I wanted to work more closely with the young ladies in my community so I made a career change. I decided that I wanted to give young women the same options that I received when I was 13 years old. I received a chance to volunteer at Dudley’s Beauty College. While there I was mentored by the best women in the world who took the time to mold me in to the woman you see today. It was from that moment I knew I want to give women those same options I received as a young woman. SK: What do you hope to accomplish by mentoring young women? KF: I hope these young women become great well-rounded communicators. They will be able to communicate with each other as well at home and at school. I also want these young women to feel comfortable with expressing their feelings in a positive way. To help our young woman we bring in woman who can really speak life in to them. They come from

Sista’s Keeper

January 2015

all walks of life. The companies we are partnered with are Bloomingdales, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Microsoft. SK: Why do you think it is important for young women to have great mentors? KF: Everyone needs a mentor to help them along the way. Mentors can help with advice while teaching to build trusting relationships, young women today need to have a person they can go to for advice and to establish a trusting and loving relationship while learning from other woman what it takes to be a success in life. SK: Why do you think it is important for young women to learn effective communication? KF: Young ladies in 6th grade’s self-esteem can lower. They will also need great communication to combat negative stereotypes in the media. They will also learn how to communicate with groups of woman. They will also learn the importance of keeping and building relationships with the woman that you are in relationship with because you may need them one day. SK: Why do you think that women need a safe and effective way to channel our anger and aggression issues? KF: These young woman are growing up in neighborhoods with tremendous violence and it takes its effects them as much as the boys. These issues that are tormenting these girls are not being talked about by anyone, so because of that these girls are having behavior problems in school. The only way the problems can be solved is to get involved.

What’s On The Website?

Visit our website for photos, videos, events & MORE!!!!! Extra content available ONLY online... Coming in February

All Things Valentine’s Day (activities, gift ideas, etc.) & MORE!!!!!

www.sistaskeepermagazine.com

By: Ife Presswood

Protective Styles

Beauty

Thinking about going natural? Already natural? “GIRL! I love your hair!” As a Naturalista, who was “natural before the hype”, this is one of the phrases I have been hearing more and more within the past few years, as the idea of “being natural” and embracing ones’ natural mane has become increasingly popular amongst African-American woman. In the past year alone, relaxer and perm sales have decreased 6.5%, which is incredible considering how African-American woman embodied the cliché, “dipped and whipped”, and, being a girl with a head full of natural curls, kinks, and coils, made you a consummate outlier. Nevertheless, the spirit of embracing self and starting anew has fallen upon black women like fresh snow on Christmas; so it is pertinent to have a clear understanding of natural hair: what it is, types, what kind you have (yes, all black hair is different), and how to take care of it, in addition to knowing how to protectively style- so your hair can stay healthy, grow, and you can switch up your style!

Washing Washing out all old grease and dirt will reduce the amount of build-up in your hair after you take out your protective style. It will also allow for hair growth through the process. Make sure your shampoo is alcohol free!

Detangling It is imperative to always detangle hair while it is wet. Water loosens the coil in hair so it is easier to comb. Section hair and comb piece by piece: start with the ends, so that when you go root to tip you aren’t ripping your ends out. Once you detangle the ends, comb hair root to tip. Read our Natural Hair Q&A in Protective Styles Continued on page 45

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January 2015

To Save Your Hair

Beauty

Here are some tips to help protect your hair.

Sealing In The Moisture

Keeping your hair moisturized while it is in a protective style can be challenging but it is not impossible. To do this, after you detangle, apply some type of light grease or leave in conditioner to your damp hair, (water seals in moisture) Once again starting at the ends and the applying from root to tip. Comb through. Now that you have cared for your hair, you can have fun protectively styling it! Protective styling is any hair style that minimizes and/or temporarily stops that manipulation of natural hair- manipulation being altering, pulling, hair in ways that vary from basic “maintenance” to hair state alteration i.e.: combing, brushing, straightening, perming, relaxing. It also protects from weather damage. The spectrum of protective styling is very broad and inclusive of many differing looks, styles, and designs, including but not limited to cornrows, with or without additional hair, box braids, Senegalese twists, micros, Marley twists, weaves (yes, a weave is a protective style as you are protecting your real hair) crotchet braids, Marley fro, faux locs, and mo-hawks. Also, styling your real hair and leaving it in that style for two to three weeks like two strand twists, braids, flat twists, Bantu knots (create awesome twists outs too!)

January 2015

Sista’s Keeper

By: Patrice Rivers

New Year Brings New Nail Trends

Beauty

Winter is the time of the year where you can get cuddled by the fire, drink hot chocolate, spend time with family and sit in front of the fireplace thinking about life! What about your finger nails? They need love to! How about spreading a little winter holiday spirit picking out the perfect nail art to put you in a sparkly mood?!

Greening up a White Christmas! Winter is like taking your nails on a nice frosty walk through the cold air! Try this green deep-coated Zoya polish on for size! If you aren’t into the glittery design nails, then this basic, but classy polish will lift up your winter spirits!

Thinking about going ice skating for a nice winter vacation? Well now you and your nails can with the wintery look. Add a little silver glitter to this flavor and spice it up on the ice!

Bursting of Dots

Who says dots are out of style? When mixing green and red dots together on snow white crisp nails, they spell fabulous! Going for a simpler look for the winter, then rock the acrylic white polish and mix it up with dip n dots and let your nails sparkle!

Get in Tuned with New Years By Having New Nails! Let’s Play in the Pink Doll House!

Polar Bear Express

Sista’s Keeper

Get into your “girly” innerself and dip into a town of pinks and sparkles! What girl doesn’t want to have fun with their nails? Let your hair down and spice your nails up this year and indulge into the town of pinks!

January 2015

What better way to bring in the New Year’s then to have a fresh new nail look? Step up your game by trying new designs this year!

Cosmetics

Clothes

Shoes

Nails

Accessories

E S I T R ! E ! ! ! V ! D E A ER H

Music

Hair Movies

Food/Drink & MORE!!!! To advertise, contact us: info@sistaskeepermagazine.com

By: De’Shauna Selby

Entertainment

Book Review: The Making of a Young Entrepreneur January 2015 issue cover girl Gabrielle Jordan is not only an accomplished speaker but also a writer.

Society has always spoke about us as a people should be responsible and proactive in the development of our youth but our cover girl Gabrielle J. Williams has accepted the challenge like no one has before. Business owner/Creator of Jewelz of Jordan, Motivational Speaker, aspiring Gemologist and now Author of an Amazon’s #1 Best Seller, Williams is taking her role in entrepreneurship and youth empowerment to great heights. In her best seller book, The Making Of A Young Entrepreneur: A Kid’s Guide To Developing The Mindset For Success, Williams talks business fundamentals, leadership duties and even shares steps on how to block those “Dream Killers” so you can no longer be a spectator of

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January 2015

your dreams! “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” is a quote from the popular book Who Moved My Cheese? and the very quote that gave Williams the push she needed to start her own business. After rigorous research, hard work and much success, she shares that she did not come this far on just faith alone! “Like the scripture says, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26)”, Williams states after highlighting her biggest fears and before sharing some great tips that would put any aspiring entrepreneur on the right path. Williams, 14, does not just brag about the successful steps she has taken to make her business what it is today but she hones in on the real meaning of sacrifice which is rather difficult for children her age. Williams was just 9 years old when she launch her business so her success proves that if she can do it, anyone can! In the Practice Makes Perfect chapter, Williams provides her readers with Jewelz To Live By in their pursuit to Entrepreneurship and she holds no punches by simply stating “Pay Now, Play Later”. This Kid’s Guide To Developing The Mind-Set Of Success is essential for parents, guardians and supporters of an aspiring young entrepreneur as well. Williams makes note in her book of the impact her family has had. She shares details on significant role they have played in her success and her confidence in being who she is today. If you are a parent or guardian of a young entrepreneur, this book will both inspire and challenge you to

understand the sacrifices required out of your child and accept the role in being proactive in leading them to success. Williams will leave her young readers with the number one lesson of all and that is identifying “Dream Killers” and remaining humble in your success by always giving back. “A Dream Killer is someone who tries to make you doubt your dream” is how she describes one of the many struggles a young entrepreneur will face. So, she encourages her readers to know who they are and replace them with those who are supportive which could

include family and or close friends. As for remaining humble, Williams believes “When you give back to people in need through your business, it’s a WIN-WIN-WIN situation!” which is a win worth learning about in her guide to success! Sign up on either website below to receive great business building tips and other resources for kids: http://www.gabriellejordaninspires. com/ http://jewelzofjordan.com/

MLK & Civil Rights Leaders Honored in ‘Selma’ “‘Selma’ is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson (played by Tom Wilkinson) signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s ‘Selma’ tells

the real story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (played by David Oyelowo) and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.” “Selma” will be released in theaters on January 9th. This is a great way to commemorate the MLK holiday and learn more about the people involved in the Civil Right Movement. Synopsis: http://www.selmamovie.com/#story

January 2015

Sista’s Keeper

By: Alexis Knight

Fashion

Set Off Fireworks With Turn the hallway into a runway! There are so many

Silver And Gold Everything the glitters isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gold! With this outfit, you are sure to be the star in the room. Keep it simple and chic by accenting these formal dresses with a simple spark of glitter. 18 Sistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keeper January 2015

These NYE Looks

Fashion

ways to bring the SPARKLE this new year.

Happy New Year!!!!! Whether you’re in New York City watching the ball drop visiting your favorite church family or simply enjoying dinner at your friend’s house, this outfit is the perfect way to bring in the New Year starting with a touch of spark to sparkling year to come.

Black And White Who said you can’t be over the top for the New Year? Break the rules a little bit by adding a hint of a pop color to that everyday outfit. Be bold, be beautiful by adding statement pieces that will bring lots of life, color, and texture to your look. January 2015

Sista’s Keeper

By: Ife Presswood

Fashion

What’s Your Flavor? The Easy Guide To Finding Your Style in 2015

“New Year, New Me!”; the ultimate cliche’ post on social media every year. Although we are all over the redundancy, it doesn’t mean we can’t embody the true essence of that statement. No, I am not talking about becoming a psycho version of your alter ego, I am talking about renewing and refreshing your style for the new year: so get ready to clean out all those sweaters, shirts, and bottoms you regretted buying, make room for something new, and let’s find that 2015 style! When finding your own style or attempting to revamp a current style set, there are three main ideas to keep in mind. First and foremost the all-important budget, secondly, body type, and lastly, creating a style that is all YOU, and not a muddled mess of the next person.

Budget

Buffalo Exchange Plato’s Closet Junior League WareHouse Divine Consign FiFi’s Fine Resale

Sista’s Keeper

Now that you have an idea of what you are shopping for, you can get to it, right? Well, for some, it is that easy, but for others (like me) shopping can be hard sometimes. DO NOT feel badly nor let “the body struggle” deter you! Everyone’s body type is different and beautiful, and most clothes are designed to fit a smaller, euro-centric body type. The best thing to do when shopping is to be honest with yourself: •

Creating and sticking to budget is so important because we all know money spends fast. $100 may look good when it is nice and crisp in your hand, however it will spend like $5 if you aren’t careful. Start you budget by giving yourself a set amount of money to spend and stick to that number! It is best to carry cash, because when it is gone, it is gone and you can keep track of how much you have spent- as opposed to swiping a debit card and going way over your intended budget. Once you have the set amount of money that you are willing to spend, go through your closet and make a list of what you need, then what you want (no need in having that cute dress if you don’t have a bra to wear under it right?). Having an idea of what you are going to get keeps you from frivolously shopping, buying things you don’t need or actually want and coming home with nothing you intended to get. Lastly, “THRIFTING IS LIFE!” In all seriousness, most thrift stores offer new and gently used clothes that are in limited supply and always dope! However, if you just must buy store brand remember it is always cheaper online, so if you can buy off the stores website, do so! When trying to “save and style”, these are my go to stores: • • • • •

Body Type

January 2015

• •

Know your true size! Stores like Macy’s and Belk’s will gladly measure you in their Woman’s department. Understand, everything will not look good on everybody! Embrace your curves and do what works for you! Above all, don’t be embarrassed! Labels, sizes, and such do NOT define you!

Personality We all know that your personality is essentially what makes you, you. It can be sporty, girly, edgy, preppy, so on and so forth. Knowing your personality and understanding that it is all yours is important when finding your style because it will serve as a major determinate of not only what sort of clothes you will gravitate to, but how confidently your will be able to flaunt your styles. Like we said before, everything isn’t for everybody so even if what you like isn’t necessarily “popular” go for it and stunt; your positive attitude will always make it work! In addition, when looking for clothes to match your personal style, it may difficult to find something you truly love if what you like isn’t popular or in style. However, there is no need to fret, just “DIY” (Do it Yourself). DIY projects or reconstructing clothes are a perfect way to add your personal flair to an article of clothing or change something you absolutely hate into something you can’t live without. For examples and how-to’s, check out YouTube and just search what you are trying to accomplish; as a starting point, check out DIY Guru, The NotoriousKIA, for some amazing styles! Remember: “New year, New ME!” Live up 2015 in style- your style!!!

Fashion Spotlight: Jewelz By Jordan

By: Kyla Brown

Fashion

Gabrielle Jordan Williams is continuing to show us that black girls really do rock. The young Maryland native entrepreneur created her own jewelry line at the young age of 7 named Jewelz of Jordan. The jewelry company is comprised of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, which are all handmade by Jordan herself. Each piece of jewelry in the line incorporates Swarovski elements, precious and semiprecious gemstones and pearls. The young entrepreneur made Jewelz of Jordan back in 2009 after watching some instructional Youtube videos. She was only 7 years old when she started her company. She originally only sold the jewelry she made to family and friends but after she officially launched her business, she decided to expand the line locally to workshops and other seminars. She then decided in June of 2011, to expand Jewelz of Jordan due to the increasing demands inside and outside of the DC area. The jewelry ranges from about $30- $175 making it affordable for any person who enjoys hand crafted jewelry. Not only is the jewelry affordable but it is also meaningful as Jewelz for Jordan has created a special bracelet for breast cancer. The $55 rose quartz with pretty pink pave crystal bead bracelet with the breast cancer awareness charm named the Tigerlilly Bracelet donates a portion of the proceeds to the Tigerlilly Foundation. The Tigerlilly Foundation is a non-profit organization that dedicates its services to help educate, empower, advocate and support young women between the ages 15-40 before, during, and after breast cancer. Gabrielle Jordan serves as a Youth Ambassador for the foundation where she supports education and breast health for girls and women. While she volunteered as a youth ambassador, she thought of the idea to dedicate the bracelet to the Tigerlilly Foundation. Not only is this bracelet special to the Tigerlilly Foundation but it is also the Writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice for this jewelry line as well as the Classic Pearl in Pink, which would go beautifully with the bracelet.

For more information on on Jewelz of Jordan or to check out the collection of jewelry, visit: http://jewelzofjordan.com/

January 2015

Sistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keeper

By: Yani Long

Cervical Health

Health

It’s never too early to start thinking about your breast health and learning ways to prevent breast cancer as you continue to grow and become a woman. It is estimated that there about 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer in the United States and roughly 4,000 deaths caused by cervical cancer in 2014. Cervical cancer is formed in the tissues of the cervix and is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus infection, also known as HPV and there are approximately 40 types of gential HPV. The human papillomavirus infection is typically detected during scheduled annual and semi-annual visits to the doctor.

Being sexually active increases your risks of contracting HPV and any other sexually transmitted diseases. With HPV in particular, it is not necessarily spread through sex. It can can be spread from one person to another through skin to skin contact also. HPV include a more common virus such as papillomas which are commonly known as warts.

They can be found around or near your genitals, anus, mouth and throat. Other types If the virus is found it could mean several of the virus can cause warts to be found on things but does not always mean cancer. hands feet, other can cause warts on the lips Though it can cause cervical cancer it does not and tongue. always mean cancer will or is present. This does not necessarily link to the cause It is important, as a young woman, to visit of cervical cancer. Other HPV viruses are the doctor at least once a year sometimes considered high-risk and it is believed that a twice. It is especially vital to go if you are woman has to be infected with HPV before she sexually active. develops cancer. When completing a pap test, which is the technical term to use, it’s purpose is to check for abnormalities in cervical cells. When abnormal cells are present a sic month follow up is usually followed after the initial visit.

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If you experience any of the symptoms and are sexually active please schedule an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Awareness Month To prevent the spread of the human papillomavirus, a vaccination is available. Currently, kids ages 11 or 12 should get 3 doses of the vaccine. Teenagers should get the vaccine now. The vaccine lasts about 10 years through clinical research.

Talk to your parents if you have not received your HPV vaccination and if you have not had the vaccine, talk with your parents to schedule the vaccination. For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/hpv/

Signs of Advanced Cervical Cancer:

Symptoms for Cervical Cancer: • Vaginal bleeding – in between periods or after sex • Unusual vaginal discharge – pink or foul smelling • Pelvic pain – pain during intercourse

Health

• • • • • •

Weight loss Fatigue Back pain Leg pain or swelling Leakage of urine or feces from the vagina Bone fractures

January 2015

Sista’s Keeper

By: Shamyua Miles

Relationships

The Simpliest Thing You Christmas just left us, and a new year has arrived. January gives us plenty of reasons to be thankful; we are able to see a new year, and make this year better than the last. So why not start the year off right by celebrating National “Thank You” Month.

T hank you ) h s i l g (En

National “Thank You” Month is celebrated in January. We have always been told to tell others thank you when they do nice things for us but a lot of times we forget. National “Thank You” Month gives you a chance to show others that you appreciate them.

Merc i (Fren ch)

A few ways to celebrate National “Thank You” Month include:

e Dank ) an m r e (G

• Sharing what you are grateful for while are dinner with your family • Writing someone a thank you note, email or sticky note to someone • Doing something nice for someone else • Starting a gratitude or thankful journal It is important that you say thank you to others. This is because it will show that you care about them and it also shows that you that you are thankful for a nice gesture they have done for you.

Asant e (Swah ili)

Telling someone thank you can cause a person to want to continue to be kind to you and also do more nice things for you. Saying thank you in our personal relationships will show those that care about us that we appreciate and care about them.

as i c a r G sh) i n a p (S 24

Whether its your parents, siblings, family, friends, teachers or mentors, saying thank you can help theses relationships. The people you have personal relationships already care about you, but when they feel appreciated, it makes them want to do more nice things.

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January 2015

Maha l ( Hawa o iian

)

Can Say Is Thank You Want to show how you appreciate the special people in your life? Here are a few other ways to show them that you are thankful: • Give them a hug! • Do something really nice for them • Give a gift • Acknowledge them publicly Saying thank you and showing that you are thankful can take you a long way.

Relationships

met, or to a loved one, saying thank you is important.

“Thank you is the best prayers that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.” -Alice Walker

Whether its to a stranger, a person you just

How to Write a Thank- You Card By: Whitney Martin Showing your appreciation for something shouldn’t be seen as a challenge especially when writing a thank you card. The hardest part about writing a thank you note is getting started, but it doesn’t have to be. A thank you card should express your feelings of gratitude on paper, however simply writing “thank you” doesn’t seem quite as personable. Follow these quick and easy steps to ensure you’re thank you card is memorable and expresses your appreciation to the fullest. Getting Started First, start your thank you card with a greeting. “Dear” is a great and simple way to address the person you are writing in a formal manner. Next, you should

express your thanks by stating what you are thankful for. Your thank you should be clear and precise. Also it should mention the reason you are writing the thank you card. For example, depending on the recipient, statements such as, “Thank you for attending…”, or “I appreciated your gift...” are great ways to convey your gratitude. If you want your thank you card to be more personable, you have more details based on the person receiving the card. This can include specifics about how you plan to utilize your gift or even how much you enjoyed their presence at an event. After you have expressed your thanks, it is best to write how much you are looking forward to seeing this person in the future. Feel free to invite the person, in which you are writing, to any upcoming events or parties you may have in the future. This shows the person receiving the card you hope to see them again. In closing, reiterate your thanks by stating how grateful you truly were for the present you received. A statement such as, “Thanks again…” is simple and restates your gratitude. Lastly, conclude the thank you card with best wishes. “Sincerely” is commonly used followed by your signature, however other closings work great as well. The signature completes the thank you card and it is now ready to be given to the recipient.

January 2015

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Furaha By: De’Shauna Selby

What Does Being Fearless Mean?

As we reflect on the “what was” and “what could have been” of 2014, have you asked yourself if anything that has or has not happen within this past year been a result of your own Fear? If you wish to see better in 2015, you cannot do the same things and expect different results. So, being Fearless may be the best way to start off your New Year if you follow its true meaning. Fearless is defined as being invulnerable to fear or intimidation; having or showing courage. Our generation has redefined the true meaning of being Fearless through senseless acts such as the fire challenge, violent crimes and lack of censorship both in public and on social media. These are poor examples of being Fearless but the perfect example for being careless. If you chose to be Fearless instead of careless in this New Year, then be Bold! Is there something you have been wanting to do that you believe could potentially make a difference in some way? Do you want to stand up and stand out for a change? Have you thought about saying “No!” for the first time in your life? Be Bold and just do it! Change, growth and opportunity is waiting on the other side but you have to be bold enough to see it through! Brave! Are you afraid of experiencing new things? Are you scared of change? Do you have a Fear of heights or speaking in public? Be Brave and be you! Having enough courage to face your Fears and be confident in doing so is much easier said than done. But, if you be yourself and be brave enough to take that first step, you could experience a new and Fearless you because all things are possible if you believe in yourself! Heroic! Do you have some advice that you want to share or a good deed you desire to do for someone but just can’t seem to do it? Have you being witnessing someone being bullied or verbally abused and really want to stand up for them but your hesitant? Be heroic! We were put on this earth with a purpose and through the journey of discovering our purpose we must understand that what we put in the universe is what we will get out of it.

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Lending a helping hand or being Fearless for a friend by standing up to their biggest fear is courageous, loving and truly heroic. You never know what this year may bring to you. You, too, may need a helping hand so be sure to give it so you can be appreciative when you receive it! Being Fearless isn’t about forgetting or overcoming the Fear. It is not about being desensitized or not having a conscious. Being Fearless is about accepting Fear for what it is: False Evidence Appearing Real. Most of what Fear is, is everything we don’t know about it but afraid it could be. Accept the unknown and be Fearless! As Brad Paisley would say, “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.”

Jando

Ways To Be FEARLESS Know What You Can Do

The easiest way to find out if you can accomplish something is to just do it...fasten your seatbelt, try your best and go for it. Take these tips with you in 2015 and begin to live your life without fear.

If you know your skills and talents, it will give you more Step Out of Your Comfort Zone freedom to try new things without fear. Make a list of your skills You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fearless if you just do what or things you do well and make you know you will succeed in. Part of the goals that will challenge these. fearless journey is trying something that you have never did before, even if you know you Be Willing to Fail might fail. We all know the story about Thomas Edison needing over 2,000 tries to make the light bulb. Failure is not always final and sometimes a second or third chance will be the one when you succeed.

Take Your Time & Breathe Being fearless does not mean rushing into something. You can take your time to prepare for something and still be fearless. Before you do anything, just stop, take a deep breath, count to three and release. Now go be FEARLESS!

Try Something New Want to improve your math skills? Join the math club at school! This will get you extra help in the subject while meeting new people and having new experiences. If you want to dance, try out for the dance team or enter a spelling bee if you want to improve that.

Hang Around Other Fearless People If you know that some of your friends are scared to try new things, you can split your time between them and someone who you admire for being fearless? Know someone who tried something new? Ask them how they did it and start a conversation with them.

January 2015

Sistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keeper

By: Tanisha Fordham

Maua

Standing On The Edge? Just Jump!

In the last year I’ve made more intimidating decisions than I’ve made in my entire life. Literally, I’m not joking. This year I got a medically approved breast reduction; we moved to Los Angeles; we left all our friends and family on the east coast and we came here, to Los Angeles, without having jobs. In college, I had the opportunity to be Miss NBCA. I was the student representative for HBCUs across the nation, so dope. I got to speak all over the east coast about being your unique self. At the time, I was still learning who I was but, I was honored to be able to speak to people about being passionate, uncompromising and unrelenting. After college, though, I found myself questioning, sometimes doubting, if that power actually existed inside of myself. We didn’t relocate after college; I got married a few weeks after I graduated and my hubby was pursuing his PhD so we chose to stay in N.C. In retrospect that was a choice that ultimately called for a lot of sacrifice. I didn’t get to take off, immediately, and explore the world. Yes, I did obtain my M.S. in Professional Leadership during our stay in North Carolina but I was left, in many ways, with the memory of friends and a yearning for the good-ole college days. But everything is made perfect in its time. This year –after five years of patience and hard work, God has given us the opportunity to spring into our next big adventure. So, here we are, in Los Angeles, ready to go. And, to be frank, we’re totally overwhelmed. Yes, we love it here but Rob still hasn’t found full time employment in his field and I am still hammering away at the media company that I started in 2007 – Enlightened Visions, Inc. Nevertheless, something splendid is coming to me as I type this brief reflection: you can’t wait until everything looks perfect to believe in yourself. Faith is the choice to believe in that which you can’t see. It is our faith that pulls us from success to success and from doubt into the realization of our dreams. When I competed in the Miss NBCA pageant I was so scared. All of the contestants were beautiful, intelligent, well-spoken, and talented but I believed, in my heart, that God told me that, that opportunity was mine. I was standing on an edge which can be

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exhilarating because anything is possible. But sometimes, the edge can be frightening, especially when you can’t see the bottom and aren’t carrying a parachute. So here’s the work: believe deeply, take courage, prepare, surround yourself with friends and family, but most importantly take faith and God. When you do these things, you will find that God will always catch you; belief, faith, and love will always come to your rescue. So, don’t worry. Don’t talk yourself out of it. You can do it. If you’re standing on the edge, just jump. Why I Am Fearless "I’m fearless because in spite of the many issues I face everyday I still get up and tackle those issues all while running my event planning business. ” -@klkeventdesigns “I remain fearless in everyday situations by putting my fear in God because he takes away any doubt that I have by reminding me that I am wonderfully made.” -Kyla Brown

By: Eman Al-Taher

Why You SHOULD Be Ndege FEARLESS

As a child, I worried too much about what other people thought. I was that scared, timid child who was afraid of the world. I was scared that if I was weird or loud that no one would love or accept me. It was an irrational fear. When I was about 18, I finally decided that I truly didn’t care enough about what other people thought of me. I decided not to let it affect the person that I am and the person I would grow to become. It was funny, the less I tried to impress people, the more they liked me. I learned that not being afraid to disagree with those whose opinions varied from mine, and being true to myself made me more likeable. It made me more real. Being fearless is complicated. It is not as simple as saying “I don’t care what people think of me”. It’s about taking risks and chances. It’s about making a decision that is right for you, even if it is wrong for someone else. It’s about choosing the path less traveled on. It is really about knowing and understanding your fears and conquering them because you know in the end it is worth it. As I grew I began to realize that fear was nothing more than our mind playing games with our emotions. It is a figment of our imagination; we can build it up or belittle it based on our perceptions. Having fears is a normal part of life, but I learned not to let those fears dictate my life. I learned that I am in control. Being fearless helped me become a finalist in the 2012 Miss Arab USA pageant. It gave

me the courage I needed to go backpacking through Europe during the summer of 2013. It gave me the strength I needed to participate in the 2014 Spartan Sprint. It gave me the patience I needed to get my degree from UNC Charlotte this past December. Being fearless has allowed me to live my life to the fullest.

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Gabrielle ExCELs Author and motivational speaker Gabrielle Jordan is on a mission: to inspire young people to find their own unique value and reach their full potential in everything that they do.

abrielle Jordan has done a lot at just 14 years old: she is an author, started her own jewelry line, founded a mentoring program and travels around the world doing public speaking. Not bad for a high school freshman but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too hard to believe because Jordan is a sixth generation entrepreneur who strives to continue in that legacy. January 2015

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Jewelz Jordan started the jewelry company Jewelz of Jordan at age of nine to help women and girls develop a sense of ageless beauty and elegance. “I have always loved jewelry and had a passion for it,” Jordan says. “I taught myself how to make the jewelry on Youtube and I sold pieces that I made at school,” she says. “People would always ask me where I got it and wanted it when I wore it.” Jordan began the jewelry line with the help of her parents. “They saw my passion for it and asked me if I want to do it,” she says. “Support from your parents and mentors is very important in anything that you want to do.”

same principles Jordan employed when she started her business at age nine. “I want to see people reach their full potential by refusing to be spectators of their own dreams,” Jordan says. “The biggest thing that I want people to take away from the book is that you have to have the right mindset for success because everything starts in the mind and with the right focus,” she says. (Check out our book review on page 16.)

Awards

Jordan was selected from over 1,400 youth for the first-ever 2014 McDonald’s 365Black Community Choice Award honoring young leaders. “It was very exciting to get the chance to reach people through McDonalds,” Jordan says. “I had no words when I got the news. It was a big accomplishment for me.” She also received the 2014 Maryland Black Mayors In addition to her jewelry line, Jordan wrote Outstanding Leader Award. The Making of a Young Entrepreneur: A Kids Jordan’s motivational speaking is meant Guide to Developing the Mind-Set for Success. to inspire youth and adults around the world The book is geared toward helping others to go after their dreams by unleashing their build a solid business foundation using the unique value. “My message is about finding your unique value, what makes you special and using that to do what you want to do,” she says. Her specific audience is youth & female professionals.

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Meant To ExCEL

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In July 2014, Jordan started the ExCEL Youth Mentoring Institute as a platform to educate and cultivate seeds of leadership & entrepreneurship in youth. “After my presentations, parents come up and ask questions or want to talk to their children. I want to be on a global stage with

About Gabrielle Name: Gabrielle Jordan Williams Age: 14 Grade: 9th Birthday: February 20th Hometown: Bowie, MD Favorite Movie: The Hunger Games Favorite TV Show: Bones Favorite Food: Macaroni & cheese Favorite Color: Royal blue Hobbies: Cook, Legos, & stress boxing

my book and this program so that I can reach more people who may not be able to hear me speak,” she says. ExCEL stands for Excellence Created through Entrepreneurship and Leadership and the free program is exclusively for kids who have a business and want to take it to the next level, have a dream to be an entrepreneur, author or public speaker but don’t know where to start, have a dream of doing big things and need inspiration and motivation, or have parents and adults in your life that need help in learning how to help them.

Connect w/ Gabrielle @gabriellejordaninspires

@GabrielleIntl

Jordan Tigerlily bracelet, which a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Tigerlily Foundation. The biggest advice that Jordan gives to teen girls who want to start their own business is to understand their value and uniqueness. “You have to focus because people will tell you it won’t work,” she says. “You have to have a positive mindset, get your mind, keep yourself together and stay positive.”

Being Her Sista’s Keeper

Tigerlily

Jordan has a group of close friends and they have a great relationship. “They are very Jordan got involved in a partnership with the supportive because they ask about my business Tigerlily Foundation to provide help for breast and stuff but they are there to be my friends and not my fans,” she says. “They really keep cancer patients and survivors. me grounded.” “The organization helps patients pay bills Jordan’s definition of being her “sista’s and get groceries. I thought it was very unique keeper” is someone who wants to empower that they help them not just after they survive you. “I want to help others to understand that it but also as they’re going through it,” she there are always struggles but if you have says. skills & support, you can grow. It’s about Jordan serves as a Youth ambassador for being there for someone else,” she says. the organization and designed a Jewelz of

January 2015

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New Year, 2015 has begun and there is still time for you to make a Choosing a New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution can be hard if you are not specific and do not know what goals you want to acheive. Set yourself a goal, make a plan and stick with it. If you need some ideas, we have them listed below.

Do a good deed every day Start a diary and write down your thoughts

Learn a musical instrument

Learn a new skill

Get your photo taken in five interesting places

Get organized

Decide what you want to do in life Learn a language 34

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Say please and thank you more January 2015

New Start new start and get on the path that you want to be on

Exercise

Be on time Tell your crush that you like them

Learn a new word every day

Make a new friend

Appreciate the small things

January 2015

Be awesome Become independent

Stop complaining about things you don't like and do something about them

Sistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keeper

Why Mentors Are January is National Mentoring Month and having a mentor in By: Camille Daniels

people it all depends on whom you ask. For example, if you were to research Hillary Sometimes the best way to live is by having Clinton former secretary of state emphasized that mentoring helped her along the way into the best people around you. The right people help you to make the right decisions as you go her own career in politics. The same could also be said for Oprah through life and can help you find your way. Winfrey who credits Maya Angelou as one of These advisers or teachers can come in many forms. It can be a teacher, a counselor, a her mentors. Mentoring for many young people around preacher or anyone else. the country and the world have benefited However, the best person is not normally from the friendship or external parental like recognized by simply their occupation many guidance given by the selected adults. times they are known as mentors. A mentor It allows the young person another outlet to is defined as being a trusting and experienced ask the questions that may not be welcomed person. topics of discussion in the home. In the United States, mentoring is such It can also be a way into the various areas of an honored role that it has even been given work that a parent alone cannot provide. These its own month to be recognized around the kinds of benefits help kids to make better country. The event is held in January and is all about pairing the right adults in the lives of choices in life with the extra minds of advice around. young people. According to a recent report conducted If you’re looking for someone to be a guiding force in your life the month of January called the Mentoring Effect explained in a summary on nationalmentoring.org it mentions is a perfect time to look. that outside of helping kids make better It’s not only because it’s a new year but choices because of the influential people in because there’s a whole month out there their lives it also helps with the economy celebrating this unique relationship. and communities overall because they are There are organizations dedicated to strengthen. mentoring including the National Mentoring Anyone can become a mentor and help month organization. It’s dedicated to providing change the life of another. Mentoring can start all the materials needed to help anyone either looking to be a mentor or someone looking for as early as high school with helping kids both in high school and even younger. a mentor. In the end mentoring is all about giving back If you’re debating about whether or not and helping your fellow citizen. mentoring plays a role at all in the lives of

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January 2015

Important for Black Girls your life can mean the difference between “I want to” & “I did”. By: Kelly Fair With over 5 million hits in less than a week’s time, it seems that the public has a humongous appetite to see the YouTube video of the guy on the New York subway who “smacks the soul out” of a woman on the F train, after she and her friends insult and then hit him with a stiletto boot and a purse. As a mentor who’s worked with more than 1,000 AfricanAmerican girls, I feel it’s my responsibility to step off the sidelines of being a bystander and provide insight on what may predispose these young women to demonstrate the violent behavior we’ve seen in these viral videos. So much attention has been given to the crisis of low-income, urban Black boys; however, the effect this crisis has had on adolescent Black girls who live in the same neighborhoods has been largely unaddressed. Girls are witnessing and experiencing the same violence in their schools, neighborhoods, and homes as boys are. As a means for survival, girls have adopted a “street code” to protect their reputation and retaliate when they believe their reputation is threatened. Unfortunately, their homes provide no refuge. Pop culture uses TV, videos, and music to bombard them with a barrage of imagery that frequently portrays Black women as loud, obnoxious, aggressive, promiscuous, and innately prone to bad relationships with other women. African-American girls continue to be disproportionately over-represented among girls in confinement and court-ordered residential placements. They are also significantly overrepresented among girls who experience exclusionary discipline, such as out-of-school suspensions and expulsions.

educators and youth professionals who can help you understand the experiences of the kids and their families in our communities. Plus, your mere presence and involvement demonstrates to young people new ways of being, life choices, the importance of respecting others, and alternatives to violent reactions.

Create Dialogue On Black Male/Female Relations Consider holding forums and discussions in your community and campus to talk about male and female relations in our community, focusing on looming challenges in communication, expectations, and almost a lack of trust between the genders in the African-American community.

Advocate Now that you are mentoring or volunteering in your community, you have an improved understanding of what the needs are to help advocate for improvements. Parents can join the PTA, community members can join local school councils or governing organizations to make sure that often under-resourced schools get funding for afterschool or mentoring programs, and social workers can work to ensure youth and their families receive proper social services. Kelly Fair is the founder of the highly successful Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program, a University of Chicago adopted community program, that has served more than 1000+ girls, aged seven to 17 years old, to be effective communicators, and career and community conscious leaders! This work has been supported by a network of 300+ volunteers from the Chicagoland community and area businesses such as Bloomingdale’s, Microsoft, ThoughtWorks and many more.

So what do we do as community members, professionals, parents, and college students to move our concern and activism and help the young, Black girls in our communities? Here are a few suggestions:

Mentor/Volunteer Don’t take my word for it. The best way to observe and

learn about the challenges youth face, especially Black girls, is to connect with them directly by volunteering and mentoring in schools or community organizations. You’ll have a chance to talk with kids and be guided by

@KFairtheMentor

January 2015

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Getting Ready

Education Feature

This college prep timeline provided by http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/

In 9th & 10th Grade

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. • Volunteer in your community. • 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 want to explore. • Create a tentative high school class plan. • Enroll in a summer enrichment program.

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• Take interest and skills assessments to help you explore careers options.

• Review your high school class plan. Take the most difficult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork.

• Talk with your school counselor about career options and the education • Sign up for classes that will earn college credit required for those careers. during your junior year through Advanced • Talk with your parents Placement, International about saving and paying Baccalaureate, for college. Postsecondary Enrollment Options or • Talk with friends, College in the Schools. teachers, counselors and your parents about • Explore internships and college. apprenticeships. • Check if your school • Enroll in a summer requires 10th graders to enrichment program. take the PLAN to prepare for the ACT. • Participate in extracurricular activities.

Want to go to college? It’s never too late to prepare... For more information, visit: http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/ January 2015

For College

Education Feature

will show you what you need to do to get ready for college.

In 11th Grade • Attend college and financial aid events. • Mentor others and have a mentor for yourself. • 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. • Participate in extracurricular activities. • Request admissions and financial aid forms. • Sign up for classes that will earn college credit during your senior year through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options or College in the Schools. • Register for and take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring. • 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. • Enroll in a summer enrichment program. • Get a job to earn and save money for college, or explore your skills through an internship or apprenticeship. • Research private scholarship options.

In 12th Grade • Stay focused on your schoolwork and take the most difficult classes you can handle. • Take career interest assessments and determine the education needed for careers that interest you. • Participate in extracurricular activities. • Volunteer in the community.

December through February • Apply to four or more colleges that interest you. Some may have earlier or later deadlines. (Make copies of each application.) • Attend a financial aid event if you haven’t already done so. Review a copy of Paying for College. • Apply for scholarships offered by the colleges to which you have applied. • Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1. You and your parents will need the previous year’s income tax information to complete the it. • Review you Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy.

January 2015

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Media Partner

Living Fearlessly With God Have you ever asked yourself, “What does it mean to be fearless?” Fearless is your ability to believe that you can do anything that you put your mind to do. You can be an honor roll student. You can make the cheerleading squad. You have the ability within in you to be fearless. We are called by God to be bold and fearless. There are so many girls who are afraid of making a mistake that they don’t do anything. There are girls that are afraid of being judged or criticized by their peers. It is important for you to know that when you care so deeply about what other people think that it could totally immobilize you. Fear keeps you from living your best life and making progress. Fear consumes your energy. Fear leaves you empty. Fear makes you ineffective. God did not give you the spirit of fear. He also knows you aren’t perfect and He’s totally okay with it. We don’t have to perform for him. All we have to do is trust Him. As teenage girls we have to step out in faith and be fearless to do God’s will and be one of his servants even if seems like we’re not in the in crowd. Remember that if you are always striving to be normal, you will never know how amazing you are.

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January 2015

About Keep Rising! The Keep Rising! Empowerment Summit for Girls is a one-day conference for girls 11-18 where girls are allowed to ask anything, become inspired and empowered to be anything they want to be. Keep Rising! summit is a powerful, innovative and groundbreaking experience where girls will attend workshops led by industry experts. Girls will learn: – How to communicate effectively with other girls. – How to support girls emotionally and spiritually. – How to ensure their personal success. To learn more about the Keep Rising! Empowerment Summit for Girls, please visit: www.keeprisingsummit.com

Media Partner

Keep Rising! Wants To Congratulate Kai L. Sharpless Keep Rising! Empowerment Summit for sleepovers and hanging with her friends. Girls wants to give a special Keep Rising! shout Even as an elementary school student, Kai is a visionary and goal setter because it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t out to Kai L. Sharpless. matter the venue or level of difficulty she is Kai is one fearless young lady. Recently, she always up for the challenge. completed her second 5K race with Girls on the Run, a national non-profit organization Whether in her local YMCA working out, reading books in the Mecklenburg County that aims to build self-esteem and team building in young girls through the sport of public library or just hanging out with her running. Kai is so fearless, that she ran her friends Kai always has a "can do" attitude and is always up for a good challenge. first three miles without stopping. A rising fifth grader at Highland Creek Elementary in Charlotte, N.C., Kai is an avid reader, loves school and is a second year acoustic guitar student. Like any young lady, she loves having

Kai's parents are Stephen and Sonja Sharpless of Charlotte. She has an older sister, Kelly, who is a rising ninth grader at Piedmont IB Middle School. Keep Rising!

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7 Reasons To Always Be Spontaneous and Fearless By: Asiah Lemon Girls Who Lead We all need to find reasons to be spontaneous and fearless at any moment, sometimes a random boost of spontaneity and fearless is just what we need. It can be scary sometimes to let go of your routine and go with the flow because it is riskier, but it can also create memories, wonderful lessons and funny stories to tell. Here are some reasons to be spontaneous and fearless that will make you feel better. Knowledge Being spontaneous and living in the moment allows us to learn something new, whether it is good or bad. Whether it be finding your new book store to learning a life changing lesson. Either way we still gain knowledge.

Gain Experience Exploration is the key to gaining experience. Do you remember when we were little, we were taught to color inside of the lines. Not one person is perfect and we all know that coloring outside of the lines is where the magic happens. Just like that we can be fearless and spontaneous and experience what is outside of those lines.

It’s Fun and Carefree In my opinion, I believe the best part of going with the flow and being fearless is that it’s fun! We are able to enjoy those silly, random moments without having to worry about anything. I can always be spontaneous and fearless just for this feeling. Once you feel what it is like, you get addicted for life. The most unplanned moments in time bring so much joy to us, what more can we ask for right?

No Regrets Living life with no limits or regrets! In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take. Living in fear takes us away from all the opportunities life has in store

for us. Being afraid to do something you really want to do will only make you regret not doing it in the future. Based on my personal experience, the spontaneous moments were the best ones. I enjoyed living in the moment and did not regret one bit. No matter if the result was good or bad, I still had a great story to tell. So take a chance and be fearless honey!

Happiness Creating happy moments is a great way to boost up your spontaneous mood and increase your fearless attitude. We are all fearless of something in life, but living in fear (all the time) is like running fast in placeyou will get nowhere. Obviously you can’t just become spontaneous and fearless all at once. It takes time and needs to be taken one step at a time. Enjoying these crazy little moments only brings happiness into your life. Try taking a friend or family member on your crazy adventures.

Stories To Tell My favorite part of books and movies, is when the grandmother tells the teen in need, their past crazy stories and life experiences in order to give the teen a boost of inspiration. It may just be me, but I would love to be that grandma! Being spontaneous and fearless now will not only benefit us now, but benefit us in the future. Don’t we all want that sparkly moment our life to reminisce about?

You Only Live Once Whether you are singing the song or putting your words into action, it’s true! We only live once, so why not make this life a memorable and meaningful one? There are many ways to be spontaneous. GWL tip: Create a bucket list with a close friends or family member of things you would love to do. Take daily small steps toward completing them. Being fearless is really hard to do unless you have faith in yourself.

Asiah Lemon is a certified cool chick who is a Life Coach for tween and teen girls. Find out 10 ways to boost your confidence: www.girlswholead.com

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January 2015

Resources

New Blessings Waiting \ By: Patrice Rivers

As the time nears A new beginning starts to arise No more hiding in the darkness No more disguise This is your year to finally shine Relax your mind because you are free! A new growth; sista it’s time to rise Don’t worry about the past or people that try to bring you down 2015; this is your year! God still protects you, He’s always around There is a new blessing that awaits for you Speak to your situations because the past will be behind you; this time you are through! Declare your year sista because there will be new things in store for you It’s time to clean out your closet and fill it with things brand new Plan for a successful year and follow your dreams and listen to your heart that will lead you to a brand new you.

• Gabrielle Jordan Williams http://www.gabriellejordaninspires. com/ • Jewelz of Jordan http://jewelzofjordan.com/ • Keep Rising! Empowerment Summit for Girls http://www.keeprisingsummit.com/ • College Prep Timeline http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/ • Girls Who Lead http://girlswholead.com/ Polished Peabbles http://polishedpebbles.com/

Sista’s Keeper Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 6 Cover girl’s book The Making Of A Young _____ 7 Cover girl’s last name & name of her jewelry line, Jewelz of _____ 10 “Spotlight” sista _____ Gorman is the 2014 Inaugural LA Youth Poet Laureate

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DOWN 1 Name of cover girl’s mentoring program _____ Youth Mentoring Institute 2 This issue’s theme 3 “Spotlight” organization promoting mentoring, Polished _____ 4 Every sista needs one of these for success 5 January is also _____ Health Awareness Month 8 Civil Rights leader Coretta Scott _____ 9 January is National _____ You Month

Protective Styles, Continued from page 12 So, what does it mean to be “natural”? “Natural” is a term used to define or reference the state of hair. Natural hair is unaltered from its “native” state, meaning it holds its original curl pattern, hair DNA, color, texture, etc. The term “natural” is used to describe the hair of ANY race or denomination. Natural hair that is specific to African-Americans is correctly termed Afro-textured and is basically the natural state of African-American hair that has not been altered in any of the above stated ways. Ok! I, as an African-American, have afro-textured natural hair BUT, naturals I have seen have different looking hair? Why is that? Everyone has what is called a hair ID, your “hairdentity”. This “hair-dentity” can range between four grades labeled with a number between “one” and “four”.

Each number grade has has a series of subgrades that range from “a” to “c” further defining the curl definition of afro-textured hair. Ones “hair-dentity” is essentially determined through your genetic make-up, and can be figured for personal use through what is called a curl chart. (simply pictured below) Cool! I have my “hair-dentity” and I understand what it means to be natural! Now the big question is how do I preserve the natural? Caring for and protectively styling your natural hair is important to maintaining healthy and strong hair and to promoting growth; making sure it stays around to accent your individual style! Like anything, there is a method to the madness, thus, before you can rock that super cute fro-hawk you saw on Pinterest, you have to make sure your hair is given a little TLC.

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January 2015

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Black Women In History

Coretta Scott-King Author, activist and widow of Martin Luther King, Jr. who helped lead the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s

By: Camille Daniels

Many know Coretta Scott King as simply the wife of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but like many women there was more to her than simply her role as his wife. She was a woman with her own goals and hopes while also being a wife and mother. So here’s a quick rundown of just a little bit of who Coretta Scott King was.

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Born on April 27, 1927 in Perry Country, Ala. Attended Lincoln High School and graduated valedictorian of her class Earned her bachelors of arts degree in music and education from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio Attending Boston’s New England Conservatory of Music and earning a degree in voice and violin While attending school in Boston she met Dr. King and in June 1953 they married Their union produced four children Yolanda, Martin Luther King III, Dexter, and Bernice.

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When Mrs. King wasn’t being an attentive • mother she also handled her duties as the first lady of her church, Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. She also was an activist with her being an • outspoken supporter of various causes with providing speeches before different audiences including churches, civic, and colleges to name a few.

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Put together a series of concerts known at the Freedom Concerts and performed in them that consisted of poetry narration and prose and these concerts posed as fundraising events for the movement Southern Christian Leadership Conference In 1962, she served as a delegate for the Women’s Strike for Peace in Geneva, Switzerland Life after Dr. King’s assassination in April 1968 for Mrs. King consisted of devoting her time to the Atlanta-based Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. The center now is sits on a 23-acered piece of land and includes Dr. King’s childhood home Helped create programs through the organization to train thousands of people around Dr. King’s philosophy and methods of non-violence Began the process in 1983 for Martin Luther King Day to become a national holiday. Mrs. King was the first woman to ever speak at Harvard University for their day class Also the first woman to give a sermon at statutory service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London While she enjoyed being a mother and a wife Mrs. King still managed to find a way to have a path that was purely for her, simply Coretta.

“Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul..”

-Coretta Scott King January 2015

Sista’s Keeper