May 2020 Issue Preview

Sista’s Keeper

I AM my Sista’s Keeper

May 2020 Vol. 7, Issue 2

Spotlight: Sienna Sauce

Being a Teen Girl Today

Plus: Being Social During Social Distancing

Mother’s Day Features High School Seniors & Their New Normal

Cute & Comfortable While In Quarantine

Tyla-Simone Crayton

16-year-old CEO wins BIG in pitch competition

The Generation Z Issue

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May 2020

Shoutout to Generation Z

Editor’s

and the Class of 2020

Letter

H Putting this issue together was so much fun because it’s all about Generation Z...girls who ’ey sistas!

were born between 1996 and 2015.

With social media and technology being so different even from when I grew up, I wanted to explore what it’s like Being A Teen Girl Today (pg.

28). I gained a lot of insight about your lives and how you see the world.

COVID-19 has changed a lot about our lives and no one knows this better than the Class of 2020. I could not imagine going through what they are when I graduated high school in 2006 (above).

Senior activities and graduation have been cancelled and students are navigating their emotions while still getting ready for college. In High School Seniors & Their New Normal (pg. 24), I talked to girls who have to deal with not seeing friends anymore and or doing what they’ve waited four long years to do.

Our cover girl Tyla-Simone Crayton (pg. 24) caught my eye when she was in a major pitch competition recently where she won $10,000 for her business.

I was so impressed at her presentation being that she is only 16 years old. I really enjoyed talking to her and she will be such a great inspiration for you. As the CEO of Sienna Sauce (pg. 9), Tyla-Simone is a rock star who you will enjoy getting to know.

Another feature in this issue celebrates mothers for Mothers’ Day. We asked sistas to let us know what their mother means to

Tell us what you think!

Join the conversation... #SistasKeeper

them...& they did not disappoint!

My relationship with my mother Gloria (bottom right) is an interesting one...she is the person who I know wants the best for me, even if what I want is something completely different.

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”

May 2020

Founding Editor/Publisher @SistasKeeperMag Sista’s Keeper

7

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Sienna Sauce Wins BIG

Spotlight

16-year-old CEO Tyla-Simone Crayton shined in the New Voices Pitch Competition, winning $10,000 for Sienna Sauce The New Voices Fund & Foundation and Target Accelerators held the New Voices Pitch Competition during the ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Virtual Summit on April 24th.

The judges were impressed by the presentation done by Tyla-Simone Crayton, 16, who is the CEO of Sienna Sauces. The total amount awarded was $100,000 and Crayton won her share of that, which was $10,000.

Sauce Life: About Sienna Sauce Sienna Sauce is a family based business that was established in April 2017.

“The concept of selling wings out of our home, started over a kitchen conversation”. The overall goal was to package the sauce and get it on shelves.

However, these Brooklyn natives migrated to Houston, TX and wanted to sprinkle a little of their flare around the city. Cooking and selling the wings was step one.

The creator of this “You Won’t Stop Licking Your Fingers” Sauce, is Sienna Sauce’s very own 16 year old Tyla-Simone Crayton, she is the business savvy CEO of the company. As Monique Crayton (Tyla-Simone’s mom) chef’d up the wings, Tyla-Simone created the sauce.

This home based company, offers 3 flavors. The first original flavor, Sweet & Tangy, Spicy, and Lemon Pepper. All three flavors are glazed gourmet secret sauce. So if you haven’t had the sauce as of yet, you should know, it’s all about the sauce; Its not just for wings! It also tastes delicious on meat, seafood, and veggies.

The third leaf of this trio is the Marketing genius, Tyla-Simone’s aunt, Nia Crooks She has pushed the company to becoming a household name in the Sienna Plantation area. The Sister/ Sister and Niece trio make up the close knit wing phenomenon, Sienna Sauce.

For more information or to order Sienna Sauce, visit:

https://siennasauce.com/

May 2020

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Tyla-Simone Has the

SAUCE CEO/entreprenuer Tyla-Simone Crayton is the self-proclaimed “Sauce Boss” who just won $10,000 for her business, Sienna Sauce in the New Voices Pitch Competition.

W

hen Tyla-Simone Crayton presented her pitch to the judges, you could tell that this 16-year-old CEO knows what she’s talking about and has a passion for sharing her sauce with the world. She spoke with us about inspiring other teens towards entrepreneurship.

May 2020

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New Voices

Becoming The Sauce Boss

Crayton competed in the New Voices Pitch competition in April and won $10,000 for her business.

She says that the experience was great & easy to be a part of.

“We (the judges & I) had a conversation beforehand where they let me know what day we were pitching and did a test to make sure that the computers were going to work right,” Crayton says.

“They gave us a pitch coach and we had about 30 minutes with them to review and get feedback which was actually really helpful,” she says.

“After that, it was up to us. They gave us all the resources to see in general what our pitch should be about and the judges’ scoring sheet to see what information was important to include. I wrote my pitch, my mom reviewed it and we finalized it.”

Crayton says that even though she was nervous, perseverance was important for her. “I messed up but I finished all the way to the end and I’m glad I got the $10,000,” she says.

The inspiration for starting Sienna Sauce came when Crayton’s favorite wing place closed. She tried to recreate their sauce but came up with something on her own.

“After I made my own sauce, I really just wanted to share it with the world. At the time, I was 8 years old so I wasn’t thinking about what type of industry I was going to be in,” Crayton says.

“It was really just me wanting to take my product and share it. When I saw my family’s positive reactions to it, I wanted to get more of that.”

Once Crayton and her mother, Monique, moved to Houston, she decided to bottle her sauce and distribute it to people.

“It was like an entrepreneur switch that flipped on inside of me. I want to know the business side of it but also to have an impact on generations to come,” she says.

“It’s helping me build generational legacy and wealth for my family as well.”

Because of COVID-19, the pitch competition was online and virtual as opposed to live in front of judges and an audience. Crayton says that it was different from previous competitions that she’s been in.

“For me, it was different sitting down because I’m used to being lively and moving my arms, using my hands and engaging with the audience and judges,” Crayton says.

“It was a little more personal because you could see all the judges’ faces and facial expressions while you’re answering their questions,” she says.

“We recorded our pitch and answered the judges’ questions before we found out who won what so that anticipation was built up throughout the week.

However, it was great that everyone won something which I really thought was great.”

Crayton says that while she is grateful for winning money for her business, she is more grateful to be part of a black-women business-owner community.

“Being part of the New Voices family is a big prize in itself and we are all bonded together for life because of this experience that we shared together. We are going to support each other and that is inspiring.”

Crayton is currently homeschooled which helps her balance school and running a business. She says that taking things day by day and by storm helps.

“For me, it’s always been about prioritizing and time management as well as learning how to adjust to change,” Crayton says.

“Prioritizing between school work and business stuff like packaging products and completing orders is what I have to do because everything has to get done,” she says.

“Now being quarantined, my schedule is really off but I’ve been able to adjust take time that I didn’t have before and focus on business projects that I’ve been putting off.”

Virtual Pitch

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May 2020

Balancing Act

Networking Boss

Crayton uses her networking opportunities to be social with other teenage entrepreneurs and business owners.

“I’m going out to events a lot so I’ve been able to meet a lot of other entrepreneurs like me. I’ve built more relationships with them as well as keeping relationships with friends from my old school. Life is

About Tyla-Simone Name: Tyla-Simone Crayton Age: 16 Birthday: October 30th City: Houston, TX Favorite Movie: ATL & Bring It On Favorite Food: Asian food & chicken Favorite Color: White

Connect w/ Tyla-Simone @ceosauceboss about relationships and who you know.”

Advice for Entrepreneurs

Crayton says that if you want to be an entrepreneur at an early age, you have to change your mindset about being a business owner.

“We have been programmed to do our schoolwork, go to college and go get a job. It’s about accepting that entrepreneurship is an option,” Crayton says.

“There are three things that you should do. The first one is find someone who does what you want to do and see if they can mentor you. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.”

“The second thing is if you don’t know something, Google it. Do your research to find out anything you want to know. The last thing is never be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t know, ask for help.”

Being Her Sista’s Keeper

Crayton has one sister and two female best friends

who she says are always there for her when she needs to talk or laugh and to support her business. “They keep you grounded and give you a change to relax and hang out. They remind me that I’m still a kid.”

She says that her definition of being her Sista’s Keeper is being able to inspire each other and showing them that whatever they want to do can be done.

“It makes me feel that I’m doing my purpose and show other girls that we are inspiring generations of girls to come and that we should support and lift each other up.”

For more from our interview with Tyla-Simone, visit our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com May 2020

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Being a Teen We asked Generation Z girls what it’s like to be a teen girl today, what people get wrong about Gen Z, and they want the world to know

It is extremely hard to be a teen girl today. Society has set its own standard as to what we should look like. We have to wear makeup, do tic toks, isten and be able recite to the hottest music, have thousands of followers on social media and even more likes on your most recent posted picture.

These standards have corrupted the young beautiful minds of our teen girls today. All girls are unique and beautiful in their own way and should not be pressured by society to be what’s considered “hot” or “normal”.

The biggest thing that people get WRONG about this generation is that we are lazy and catered to.

This generation consist of a body of unique, innovative, goal setters and achievers.

People should know that Generation Z is a trailblazing generation. We march to the best of our own drum accomplishing things that have never been accomplished.

Arkia S., 17 28

Sista’s Keeper

->Being a teen girl is pretty tough, because you have your parents who wants you to do better than what they did. You have peers who are just as confused as you are in life but all are trying to live up to a standard of what today girls should be.

Getting dressed is probably one of the hardest things, you can never just wear what you want without having a second thought about it in your mind.

The biggest thing that people get wrong is that we’re the worst of the worst when it comes to generations.

Yes, we make stupid impulsive decisions but we’re teens. The only difference with us and the other generations is we have technology. We have a bad habit of sharing everything online; and social media is something the generations didn’t have growing up, so they didn’t get caught as much.

I want people to know that we are not all the same. We do not have the same mindset, it honestly all depends on how you were raised. Yes some of us walk away from the tree for a bit of time; but you’ll always come back to your roots. Lessons are meant to be learned my generation just have a different approach to the lesson we have to face.

Social media is very important. It’s the way everyone gets around in life as we know it today. From working at home to the cars we drive. Social media is just a way for everyone to connect. Social media is something seen as evil and it’s not. It’s all up to the user behind the screen.

NyQueria D. 18

-> It’s hard to be a teen girl today.

There are a lot of standards that we have to live up to and social media makes it harder.

What people get wrong about us is that we’re self centered and all about looks and popularity...or that we’re lazy.

I want people to know that we’re human and we mess up. But we also learn to get it right just like everyone else had too.

Eryal R., 18

May 2020

Girl Today Being a teenage girl today is complicated. You always have to worry about what you wear because someone might take it the wrong way or putting the same amount of work in as a male, so you have the same opportunities. Teenage girls are always held to a different standard than others.

Honestly at times it’s unfair, but it’s a blessings. Girls experience a lot growing up.

Our generation is body positive. Wearing things such as crop tops and exposing clothing is us being confident in our own skin, not a way in revealing our sexuality.

We are intelligent and capable of doing what everyone else can do. We don’t need alternatives or an easier way out.

Social media is a platform to discover new commodities, which could possibly turn into future careers. It helps enhance your creativity and opens up new opportunities to young adults.

Tania P., 18

To be a Generation Z teen today, it is a difficult transition because we're often referenced as youth because of our age, yet we have access to much more resources and making decisions at a earlier age about our educational pathways, college choices and making decisions for adulthood. We are viewed as girls, with expectations of a young woman.

It is wrong to think that we don’t care about anything other than ourselves or that we don’t listen. I want people to know that we are aware and empathetic to world events.

Social media is a valuable resource to me. It is important to our generation because we are progressive minded and accustomed to having quick access to people and information.

Cori B., 18

<- Being a teen girl in today’s society is a little hard. Instead of being who you want to be, you have to be what people will except. You have to look a certain way and dress a certain way. Just being yourself is never enough.

The biggest thing that people get wrong about this generation is social media. Social media is some times taken out of context. We are supposed to use it to entertain people and make people laugh to a certain extent. But some people use it for their own kind of purposes as in bullying.

Social media should bring people together, not pulled them apart. Not everything is a competition. It shouldn’t matter how famous you are or how much money you have, all people are equal.

Social media isn’t really important to me. I think it’s really important to Generation Z because it’s how most people make money. Making videos doing dumb things or even dressing half naked makes people money on social media. It’s also how people find out drama and other information.

Skylar M., 18

May 2020

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<- You have to be your own woman in today’s society. No matter what anybody else thinks about you or what you’re dreams or aspirations are stay true to yourself and your goals.

The biggest thing that people get wrong about this generation is that we don’t care about how our life will end up.and that we are not committed to our end goal.

There are a lot of individuals in generation Z that have goals and aspirations for their own lives. I think social media is very important for this generation because a lot of people have small businesses that they can promote through social media.

Payton J., 18

Teen girls today are focused on their appearance and how they present themselves to the world.

The biggest thing that people get wrong about this generation is that we are antisocial and addicted to technology.

I want people to know that we aspire to become something great in this world and we will do what ever it takes to reach our goals.

Social media to me is a great way for me to get creative and show my personally. Social Media always has its pros and cons.

Claire B., 18

-> In my opinion, being a teen girl today is fun but also comes with many challenges. I have had a front row seat at how social media and other influences have had a strong affect on girls and young women in this generation.

I think one of the big things that people get wrong about this generation is the idea that we can all be labeled and categorized according to how you think we are.

Generation Z is extremely diverse and our generation is unafraid to talk about our diversity and large range of differences. We openly talk about these labels and different categorizations and typically come to the conclusion that we don’t necessarily like them.

One thing that I want people to know about Generation Z that I believe they currently don’t know is that we are truly a generation full of optimism, passion, and drive. While some do notice this about this generation, many people do not take this into account as we are currently moving up into the workforce and changing the world.

Social media is important to me because it has played a vital role in finding opportunities and more across the world. Not only that, it has also tremendously enhanced our levels of communication. I think social media is important to Generation Z because we have really grown up right in the midst of social media blowing up--we have come accustomed to it.

Harmoni R., 17,

-> Being a teenage girl in today’s society is very inspiring but it’s also very stressful because there are so many different women making a difference in this world but it’s also stressful because of double standards.

Many people’s misconception of our generation is that we’re lazy and unmotivated to do things but we are a generation full of many talents and skills that will help shape the world into throughout time.

I want people to know that we have a lot to offer and we are a vital contribution to society and it’s growth.

Allison. T., 17

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In my opinion being a teen in today’s society is hard. We have to “fit in”, be mature but also act our age. We have to manage a social life, live a normal life, be active in a extra curricular, and remember to eat.

I want people to know about Generation Z is that people born from 1998-2002 are our own little generation and shouldn’t be included in the Generation Z. Social media is dumb to me.

Yes it helps me keep up with everybody I know but it’s gotten outta control. Social media is important to this generation because they think that it is a necessity when it’s not.

Chenoa B., 18

<- It’s very difficult being a teenage girl today, we are constantly trying to find out who we are and who we wanna be. There’s so much pressure for us to be perfect and to do everything right and be successful.

With social media painting a picture of what a “pretty girl” is, it is hard for a teenage girl to feel beautiful in her own skin. We are often times made to feel we need to change something about ourselves to be beautiful or to be accepted by society. Being a teen girl today is not easy but we will continue to grow and prosper.

People think we’re not educated. Despite this generation being so heavily based on social media, we are receiving our education and we are going to be a generation full of doctors, lawyers, CEOs, etc.

I don’t think most people know that when they call us a spoiled and ungrateful generation that they are causing us to lose confidence within ourselves. We tend to not feel supported by everyone because we are looked at as being spoiled and entitled because we grew up with things that they didn’t have growing up.

Social media is extremely important to me, this generation does so many amazing things and social media is a way for us to broadcast our good deeds and our accomplishments.

It’s also a way for us to reach out to those that we aren’t able to get in contact with in person. So many charity groups, empowerment movements have been created and greatly supported through social media.

Madison D., 18 Being a teen girl today can be difficult. I am often faced with the adversary of comparison seeing as social media is a big thing today.

I find myself wanting the success or beauty of those on social media which is often a hoax they create. Although it can be difficult, it is also empowering.

A teen girl today has the resources she needs to follow her dreams and finish her goals. She just needs the drive.

A strong misconception about this generation is that we are selfcentered. This generation is creative, ambitious, and accepting.

Yes, I do think we can get a little self obsessed in this generation, but I think it is because we are so passionate and determined to get the things we desire.

I want people to know that we have a huge impact on the world. I think at times our generation is not taken seriously, but we should be, we are the future. We have different technology than back then, we can get more done and gain more information quicker.

Social media isn’t very important to me at the moment, but I believe it will be in the future when I use it for my career. I think social media is important to Generation Z because it’s a way to connect, a way to promote, and it’s very entertaining. Your can create new friendships, promote your business, and watch funny videos all at the tip of your fingers.

Amber G., 17 May 2020

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High School Seniors & COVID-19 has abruptly ended the school year for the Class of 2020 but somehow they are moving forward <- I’m disappointed that I got to miss senior events because these things are a once in a lifetime experience. I was looking forward to my last band concert and band banquet. I played the flute in my band.

Hopefully they can plan a graduation ceremony over the summer so we can have that experience.

Coronavirus has afftected my mental health because there has been so much stuff going on in the world and with me and my senior year being cut short. It’s hard not to be sad but I still have to find the good in all this.

Claire B., 18

I’m very upset that we have to miss all of our senior events. It feels as if we worked so hard for something and we were so close to getting it then it got snatched away from us. It sucks people who are not in the position (people that had prom or will have it in the years coming) they find it funny or they say it’s life everything doesn’t go as you want. Of course we know that but that was supposed to be a huge moment for us. Memories we will never get to make with our friends no more senior year.

My college auditions for theater m are cancelled, and that sucks because now I’m so confused on what to do. Vacations for my senior year with friends are cancelled it’s just a weird time right now.

There’s nothing that can be done, you can’t make up for lost time and memories that you didn’t make. It’s like one second you’re a senior then spring break happens and all of a sudden your high school life is over.

Not being able to celebrate my friends birthday party sucks, and baby shower and births being missed because of the virus is aggravating.

NyQueria D. 18

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<- I am more disappointed than upset to miss my senior events. I realize life happens beyond our control. Not being able to have the choice is the hardest part.

I am also missing scholarship banquets. I was really looking forward to going to the luncheons and dinners and they’ve all been cancelled as well as Honors Day. There not really anything that can be done about it. We just have to accept it, and look forward to creating new traditions.

Coronavirus has affected my work environment. I work part time in food services and it has become a challenge to make natural exchanges of food and money with a hyper sense of safety in mind while keeping an authentic smile on my face.

Cori B., 18

May 2020

Their New Normal I’m very upset I had to prom and graduation. I’ve working working for these moments all my life and now they’re being taken away from me. It’s really depressing I can’t spend these last few months of high school with my friends.

To make up for the lost time for the class of 2020, I think high schools should do something special for their sad seniors. As a senior I know I just want to make up that time being congratulated on high school successes with the people I made high school memories with.

I really don’t get to see my friends at all. My mom wants me to stay at home to insure my safety and I understand that. I just hope everything thing goes back to normal before I leave for college.

Skylar M., 18 <- I am very upset that we will possibly miss graduation. I’ve been looking forward to this event since I was in elementary school.

Even though graduation is not officially canceled as of right now.

I am still worried and getting upset The graduation will not happen.

Coronavirus has affected me because me and my mom were supposed to travel to Europe during the summer and that is now canceled.

Payton J., 18 <- In all honesty, it was heartbreaking to learn that I would not be able to achieve major milestones that every one looks forward to in life.

The class of 2020 has worked so hard these past 12 years and endured so much it would have been accomplishing to have a prom and graduation and etc.

But, as I stated before Generation Z/Class of 2020 we are trailblazers and we are set apart. I also have great Faith that in some way this was all apart of God’s plan and I’m interested to see the lesson He has taught His children during this trying time.

I do not think anything can be done to make up for this.

We have prematurely closed a chapter in our life that we can not get back. Time and memories that can not be remade. However we should support and love on each other now and in the next chapter of our life.

Gratefully i have not been effected by the this pandemic as much as others have. I am still surrounded by family and friends in good health. My heart goes out to those who are effected in a greater way and my prayers are with them.

Arkia S., 17

I’m upset that I have to miss graduation. I’ve worked hard for my family to not be able to see me walk the stage. It’s a big accomplishment.

I also have to miss my Senior Cookout and my graduation trip to Hawaii.

I can’t hang out with my friends before we all go off to college in the fall. My senior trip with my mom to Hawaii this summer.

I don’t think there is anything to make up for it. We’ve missed out on so much already, it’s hard to get that time back.

Eryal R., 18

May 2020

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In ninth grade I decided to wait until my senior to go to prom. I was so excited for this event and hearing that it was cancelled was devastating.

I haven’t seen most of my family in a while because I’ve lived in Germany for the past three years. My graduation and the after party is what would’ve bring us all together again.

Honestly, nothing can replace it because life still has to move forward and we have to prepare for college now. There is no party or any celebration that could make up for the prom experience. Having several appointments to get your hair done, make up done, and to just look your best on the day cannot be made up.

The coronavirus has affected many relationships. Not being able to see my friends face to face has made us all become distant. Also it has affected my work ethic and my sleep schedule. Recently I have become lazy and I stay up all night and go to sleep all day, which isn’t good for when life is back to normal.

Tania P., 18

I am upset that I am missing big senior events such as prom and graduation. I was really looking forward to participating in those events. My debutante cotillion was cancelled and many of my college events for this summer have also been cancelled.

I think it would be nice if people were actively working towards creating a prom/graduation for us after everything is over. If that is not possible it would be nice if our future colleges could host something on campus that could act as a make-shift prom.

I think the coronavirus has of course affected me and others mentally.

This is something that many of us never expected to happen. We are still learning how to navigate the issue.

Harmoni R., 17

My senior prom I’ve been planning since my freshman year I was ready to pop out once again for prom like I did for my junior year. Graduation was something that I’ve been looking forward to for a life time.

I began the countdown the first day of senior year and was practicing how I’m going to walk across the stage with my whole family cheering me on, but now all of the 13 years of hard work get no recognition.

I was looking forward to all the senior events that was happening.I wish there was a time machine to go back reverse everything and make sure the coronavirus doesn’t happen.

Chenoa G., 17

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I am upset about missing out on the big senior events I was looking forward to. I have found that many people feel the same and are deeply saddened because of how ready they were to experience the several rights of passage that comes with being a senior.

I was ready to have fun and really enjoy my senior year. I have missed out on prom, my senior dinner, and other events, but the one that hit me the hardest is not walking across the stage for graduation. I am aware there are deeper issues than my senior events, but the abruptness of it all really took me by storm.

I was looking forward to my college acceptance weekend and my family and I planned on going to Disney on Ice for the first time. I don’t think there is going to be a way to get back what we lost, but I do think that there is hope of a better future. I feel that in the end a bigger result will come out of it.

I was unable to attend the Accepted Students Weekend at the college I plan on attending. I was planning on going to Johnson & Wales University North Miami for the event, but it was cancelled due to the coronavirus.

However, I am thankful that it’s hasn’t drastically affected my life.

Amber G., 17

To hear more from these seniors & how they are dealing with this new normal, visit our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com I’m devastated...all of my years of grade school lead up to me finally becoming a senior and experiencing everything senior year has to offer.

Now, I’ll never get that opportunity.

I was looking forward to spending my last high school spring break in Florida with my closest friends. We had to cancel the trip because of social distancing rules and everything being closed so I spent my last high school spring break in the house.

Even if we get a graduation ceremony or they try to give us a new version of our activities, it won’t be the same. I won’t have that same joy that I would have had if it all went as planned.

It’s put me in a bad place emotionally. I’ve been stuck in the house and I’m usually never in the house when I don’t have school. I’m a very outgoing and social person and being in the house has just made me very depressed with an empty feeling.

I stay in bed and either sleep or watch Netflix. I don’t have the motivation or energy to do anything. I feel very out of sync with my normal self and that’s something I’m trying to fix.

Madison D., 18 May 2020

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What My Mother As a special treat for Mothers’ Day, these sistas let us know My mother is my everything, literally! She supports me though every choice I decide to make. I love how she checks on me but also gives me my space.

My mom helps through my good and bad days and I’m really thankful that I have someone like her. She’s truly a blessing, without her I don’t know where I would be.

I’m always trying to make my mom proud. My mom’s feelings really mean a lot to me and as long as she’s happy, I’m happy. I would never do anything that I know would disappoint her. My mom always believes in me and that’s what keeps me going. Mom thank you for everything you have ever done for me. I promise I will always make you a proud parent!

Skylar M., 18 <- I love my mom, we’ve been through a lot and I really am a mamas girl. She’s very important to me she raised me and my 3 sisters all on her own and I admire her for that.

NyQueria D. 18

My mama is my best friend.

I am her twin and she is my backbone.

My mother is the strongest black women I know and there are not enough thank yous to tell her how much I am thankful for her.

She is the reason I am the young adult I am today.

Chenoa B., 18

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-> I grew up in a malemajority household with two older brothers, my father and my mother.

Despite having so many male figures in my life, my mom has influenced me from seeing her every day in the house, is the author, entrepreneur, and mother of three.

She is my Shero because as her daughter, business partner, and someone who has witnessed her acts in the community, I admire her for her selflessness when it comes to helping others, perseverance after coming across life challenges, and ability to handle all of her responsibilities while still prioritizing her children.

Cori B., 18

-> I truly have the best mom in the world. She’s my best friend and I know she’ll be there for me whenever I need her.

She’s my role model and I pray everyday that I become an amazing mother like is. I admire how strong her walk is with God and I am forever grateful to Him for choosing me to be her daughter.

I love the relationship I’ve built with my mom and we’re becoming closer everyday. I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world. I love her with all of my heart Madison D. 18 My mom has been through a lot. She raised me and my amazing sisters, while going to school and working a full-time job.

Growing up I was nothing but trouble. My mom could have given up on me so many times, but she didn’t. She is my hero, she pushes me to be the best woman I can be and I love her with all my heart.

Nothing I can say will ever be able to describe how proud and lucky I am to have her as my mother. I will make her proud and be the honest citizen she raised me to be. I owe her my life.

Mom, if you are reading I am so sorry if I ever acted ungrateful. When I was in a dark place in my life you were my light and guided me back to the right path. So I want to thank you for everything.

Thank you for all the little and big things you have done for me. Thank you for every I love you, every hug and kiss. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for being my mother. I love you.

Tania P., 18

May 2020

Means To Me about their mother/daughter relationships.

My mom and I are very close. She is the person I can tell anything to, share my thoughts with. My mom supports me in everything I do.

She loves me and makes sure that I’m taken care of. I’m so blessed to have a mom that gives me so much love and support. I couldn’t ask for anything better.

Claire B., 18 My mother, Brandi has been such a great role model, and there is truly no way for me to completely express how inspired I am by her!

She puts her all into everything that she does! My relationship with her really means the world to me.

My mom has truly helped mold me into the young woman I present myself as today. She has supported me through all my dreams and goals and for that I am beyond grateful!

Harmoni R., 18

-> My mother is the epitome example of a hardworking educated black women.

It is her strength, faith, and dignity that motivates me to be better each and every day.

Arkia S., 17

<- My mother, Bridget has been such an inspiration throughout my life. She has always taught me to be the best person I can bring to society. She has shaped my life to make me the amazing young woman I am now.

Allison. T., 17

My mom is my twin.

She’s very outspoken and blunt.

She can be aggressive at times but she’s very loving and a nurturer by heart.

She will go above and beyond for my siblings and I. She’s the greatest.

Eryal R., 18

-> My mother is one of the most important people in my life. She raised me to be who I am today and I honestly can’t imagine where I would be without her. I am very fortunate to have a mother that supports my accomplishments and let’s me know when I’m not doing things to my full potential. My mother has impacted my life the most.

Amber G., 17 My mother is my super hero.

She does everything for me and my siblings and she always shows up when you need her.

Our relationship is the most special relationship I have in my life. I love my mom to death and I’d do anything for her. She is the strongest women I know.

Payton J., 18

May 2020

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Ways To Be Social During By: Jéla Lewter

While school is out and the normal hang out spots-- like malls and movie theaters-- are closed indefinitely, trying to spend time with friends is just not the same. You can still text and call, but you miss the joy that being around your favorite people brings.

Even though you are not able to hang out with your friends how you normally would, here are some great ways to spend quality time with the people you care about.

Netflix Party This movie-centric Google Chrome extension allows you to watch films with your friends without the hassle of trying to perfectly sync the moment you hit play or pause!

You and your friends can share a screen without even needing to be in the same room. Use the chat feature on the side of the page to make comments and joke with each other.

This feel-good site will make it feel like you are all in the same room.

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May 2020

Gaming Apps with Friends There are plenty of apps that allow you to spend time with friends when you are a part.

Download games like ‘Words with Friends’ and ‘UNO’ for some friendly competition!

For iPhone users there is a wide variety of options in iMessage games that allow you to let out your competitive side while texting at the same time.

Social Distancing

Houseparty A fun alternative to group Facetime, this smart phone app allows you to chat face to face with up to eight friends easily. Let your friends know you are “in the house” and ready to hang just by opening the app.

To really get the party started Houseparty offers fun in-app games like ‘Heads Up,’ ‘Quick Draw.’ and ‘Trivia’ that help pass the time.

Virtual Dance Parties You may not be able to go out with your friends, but you can still turn up with them! Put together a playlist of your favorite dance tunes and hop on Zoom.

Share your audio to get the dance party started. This is one way to stay active and get moving while having a good time.

Social Media Tags and Challenges Writing Letters and Postcards Technology is key in helping us stay connected to friends and loved ones easily while staying home, but if you want to show someone how much you mean to them, a handwritten card or letter goes a long way.

Take some time to write to those you care about! Whether silly or heartfelt, it is always a special feeling to find a personalized note in your mailbox.

The internet is filled with creative ideas for how to connect while separated.

While we have been social distancing, activities like the #DontRushChallenge and fun Instagram story tags have been taking social media by storm.

Find inspiration from the challenges you find on Tik Tok, Twitter and Instagram, then put your own creative spin on them with the help of friends.

May 2020

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Black Women In History

Dr. Paula Newsome

The first African-American woman to have a private optometry practice in North Carolina

Attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and majored in biology

One of the first three University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center students to receive both an OD and a Masters of Science in Physiological Optics

Pursued a residency at the Eye Institute in Primary Eye Care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

First African-American female optometrist to start a private practice in the state of North Carolina and the second to be licensed to practice in NC

First African American female to become a fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Optometry

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There is a clinic operatory named after Dr. Newsome at UAB School of Optometry

May 2020

Black Women In History

May 2020

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