Sista’s Keeper
I AM my Sista’s Keeper
November/December 2016 Vol. 4, Issue 2
Do
Black Lives
AUTION CAUTION CAUTION CAUTIO
Really
Matter?
Or is it just a popular #hashtag???
Sistas, Your lives DO matter despite how it seems right now in our society & in the media. Continue to love each other, follow your dreams & be your sista’s keeper. -Sista’s Keeper Magazine
In This Issue
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Movie Preview
Spotlight: Chicago teen protesters Sophia Byrd, Eva Lewis, Natalie Braye & Maxine Wint
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Inspirational movie Love Has To Win
Supporting Our Brothas
22
42
College Prep Timeline On The Cover
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This issue will tackle some of the heavy issues surrounding Black Lives Matter & the police violence against African Americans. Our hope is that you may use this information & inform others.
November/December 2016
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Spotlight
Above: (From left to right) Sophia Byrd, Eva Lewis, Natalie Braye, and Maxine Wint (Photo: Colin Boyle)
Teen Girls Led Summer Protest in Chicago By: Bettina Chang Chicago Magazine Four black teenage girls were behind a sit-in protest and march in July to protest gun violence and police brutality in Chicago. The event was to “break the divide between communities, and bring youth from all areas of Chicago in solidarity with Black Lives Matter,” drew more than 1,000 people and the attention of local and national media—not bad for a group of 16- and 17-year-olds who organized the whole thing on social media. How did you get the idea for the rally? Eva Lewis: This girl that I knew from my old school, Maxine Wint and Sophia Byrd had an idea. Maxine posted on Twitter that she wanted to have a sit-in on Monday. They hadn’t organized a real protest before. So I offered to help. Natalie Braye had also communicated with Maxine. What happened next? EL: I said, we need a group chat. Then they said we need a press release, and I had just learned how to do that. I said, we need goals, we need a purpose. What we wanted was this to be a peaceful protest. We had a goal of no arrests, which seemed impossible, because I hadn’t heard of a protest with no arrests—like this weekend was wild. You are an activist and advocate. What does that mean?
At the UN headquarters, I learned about the difference between advocate and activist. I decided I want to do both. An activist shines light on issues that are happening. An advocate feeds off that energy, and brings it to the office space to talk with politicians about policy change. Because activists make the issue more relevant for the politicians. You can’t be an advocate if someone isn’t an activist in the first place. Who else helped you with the organizing? We did it with no adult help. Someone from BYP100 contacted us the day before and asked if we wanted help—they told us about lawyers and [provided] the medics [for the day of], but that’s it. How do you feel about it now? What did you learn from it? I learned a lot. Like with the idea of intersectionality. I live with that idea. That people can be affected by multiple -isms. I’m a black girl from the South Side. I was raised by a single mom because my parents are divorced. I understand what it’s like to be low-income, to be a girl, to be black, for three different things to be weighing on me. There’s lots of levels of oppression. What’s next for the four of you? We don’t know yet—nothing is set in stone. We want to set ourselves up as a group. Follow BLMChi Youth on Twitter: @BLMChiYouth
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BLACK &
By: Ife Michelle Beauty
History is a timeless cycle that never stops; it only repeats. Whether it’s recycled fashion trends, sampled music, or swapping “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” for a prideful “Black Lives Matter”; nothing is ever really new. The Black Panther Party, one of the greatest pro-black political parties of the 60’s has had that same affect not only in transcending their militant mindset and ways but also their clean, signature style. From the hats, to the leather jackets, to the Pan-African Flag buttons, the look of The Black Panther Party is one that will never be forgotten: so in honor of this organization, here are three hairstyles to help look as “Black and Proud” as the most committed Black Panther!
The Afro A signature look for women in The Black Panther Party, this hairstyle symbolized acceptance of one’s natural self and freedom from the forced norms, like straightening hair. If you are already natural this style is easy to achieve, just wash, deep condition, moisturize and comb hair to achieve a full look. If you are relaxed, bantu knot your hair with gel and let it dry overnight. After unraveling the knots, comb out hair from the root and fluff, until full look is achieved.
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November/December 2016
PROUD Hairstyles
Beauty
Afro Puffs Similar to the Afro, the Afro Puff was worn by those with an excessive amount of hair. The low puff was convenient for The Black Panther uniform which often included a hat. To achieve this style, use a rattail comb and make a part (wherever desired) from the middle of the head to the front. Using a generous amount of gel, gel down the front part of your hair, using a brush to lay the hair where the gel is applied. Create your puff using a simple hairbow. Apply moisture to puff.
Backwards French Braid For those who supported the movement but were not necessarily a Panther themselves, other simple natural styles were used, to still show liberation. Take a rattail comb and make a part from back to front directly down the middle. Adding a little gel to hold the hair once braided, take the hair from one side of the part and create a large cornrow from the back of the head to the front. Repeat on the other side. Once finished use bobby pins to feed the end of one braid into the other. Secure with more bobby pins (as needed). November/December 2016
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What’s On The Website?
Visit our website for photos, videos, events & MORE!!!!! Extra content available ONLY online... Coming in October • Coverage of Breast Cancer Walks • Halloween costume ideas • & MORE!!!!!
www.sistaskeepermagazine.com
Winter Nail Colors
Beauty
Check out the latest Fall 2016 collection from Essie.
Getting Groovy Yeah, baby! Slip on this metallic palladium gold and shake that groove thing all night long.
Go With The Flowy Plans are so boring. Live in the moment and be free in this cloud-like dove gray.
Satin Sister
Oh Behave!
Two. Much. Fun. You and this sleek ebony peacock blue are sure to be trusty sidekicks forever.
Mee-rowr! You’re purr-fectly feisty in this minx peach frost, my pet.
Ready To Boa
Party On A Platform Make it a night to remember and take the fun sky-high in this towering london garnet red crème. http://www.essie.com/Latest-Collections.aspx November/December 2016
Adorn yourself in this festive glistening bronzed mahogany. It completes you – and your sassy look – fabulously. Sista’s Keeper
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Beauty
Winter Skincare Tips It’s the winter season and you know it’s time for cold temperatures and lots of getting use to the cold weather.
We prepare our cars and houses for the winter season; we also have to prepare our skin as well. Your skin is a very important part of your body. It protects your vital organs and bones. During the month of November The American Academy of Dermatology has decided to bring awareness to the health of our skin. There are many ways to keep skin health during the winter months. By striving to keep our skin healthy we can reduce so many issues likes’ signs of ageing and skin damage if we learn to
take better care of our skin. The first thing we need to when taking care of our skin wear sunscreen. Sunscreen can also be vital for skin health in the winter months as well. The next key to healthy skin is to eat a healthy diet. We must eat lots of protein like omega 3 and vitamin B to keep our skin glowing. You can forget your lips you must wear plenty of ChapStick. You must stay cool and keep your composure lots of stress can cause acne. The last thing your skin needs is moisture. Your skin needs moisture stay hydrated and healthy.
Skincare Tips • Know your skin type: oily, dry or combination • Based on your skin type choose a cleanser and moisterizer that suits your skin and will not leave you with excessive oils or over-dry your skin • Exfoliate your skin on a regular basis that is tolerable for your skin type. Find a scrub with exfoliating beads and use it just once a week.
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Not everyone can acheive healthy, clear, glowing skin on their own. Knowing when to consult with the right professional is always key.
Sista’s Keeper
November/December 2016
Cosmetics
Clothes Shoes
E S I T ! R ! ! E ! ! V E D A ER H
Nails
Accessories
Music
Hair
Movies
Food/Drink & MORE!!!!
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Entertainment
Love Has To Win Marsai Martin stars in An American Girl Story - Melody 1963: Love Has to Win on Amazon Prime Based in 1963 Detroit during the civil rights movement, An American Girl StoryMelody 1963: Love Has to Win centers around 10-year-old Melody whose eyes are opened to the racial inequality surrounding her, including the 1963 Birmingham Church Bombing. As a result, her belief in the “indivisible” promise of our country’s Pledge of Allegiance
comes into question as she challenges her teacher on the validity of this given the horrific tragedy. After an emotional journey of selfreflection, her mother gives her the courage she needs by instilling in her that love brings out the best in everyone; reminding Melody that it’s important to “stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or scary.”
Black Lives Matter Playlist “Rise Up” Audra Day “Freedom” Beyonce “Alright” Kendrick Lamar
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“Glory” Common & John Legend
November/December 2016
Sista’s Keeper Library: “Courage To Soar” by Simone Biles Simone Biles’ entrance into the world of gymnastics may have started on a daycare field trip in her hometown of Spring, Texas, but her God-given talent, passion, and perseverance have made her one of the top gymnasts in the world, as well as a four-time winner of Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro. But there is more to Simone than the 19 medals (14 of them gold and the Olympic successes. Through years of hard work and determination, she has relied on her faith and family to stay focused and positive, while having fun competing at the highest level and doing what she loves. Here, in her own words, Simone takes you through the events, challenges, and trials that carried her from an early childhood in foster care to a coveted spot on the 2016 Olympic team. Along the way, Simone shares the details of her inspiring personal story—one filled with the kinds of daily acts of courage that led her, and can lead you, to even the most unlikely of dreams.
The Teen Media Literacy Photo Exhibit, presented by I Am Not The Media, Inc. is currently displayed at Imaginon: The Joe & Joan Martin Center in Charlotte, NC through December 30th. The exhibit includes a photo campaign with a message to the community created by teens! For more information or to visit the exhibit, visit: http://www.imaginon.org/ & http://www.iamnotthemedia.org/ November/December 2016
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It’s Never Too Early To
By: Corinne Lyons Health
National Diabetes Month is observed in the United States during the month of November. According to kidshealth.org, diabetes is where the body does not properly use glucose, the main source of fuel. The pancreas creates insulin, to help the body get glucose to the necessary body parts. However, with diabetes that process is not completed properly. This year, the American Diabetes Types of Diabetes: • Type 1: previously referred to as juvenile diabetes, is commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. It is caused by genetics and other unknown factors. Type 1 diabetes means \ the immune system destroys the cells used to produce insulin. There is no known prevention of Type 1 diabetes • Type 2: previously referred to as adult-onset diabetes, is diagnosed in older adults. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors. With this type of diabetes, the glucose doesn’t get into the necessary body parts causing a spike in blood sugar. There are ways to prevent Type 2 diabetes. • Type 3: known as gestational diabetes and effects pregnant women.
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Association is focusing on stories of friends, families, and neighbors who manage the dayto-day triumphs and challenges of living with diabetes with the theme “This is Diabetes”. The ADA estimates 29 million Americans in the United States have diabetes, 8.1 million of which are undiagnosed cases. There are many unknown factors about the disease it can be difficult to determine your risk of developing diabetes. There are some factors, like ethnicity, that aren’t controllable. Kidshealth.org states “people with a Native American, African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/ Pacific Islander racial/ethnic background are at higher risk for getting type 2 diabetes. And people who have family members with type 2 diabetes are also more likely to develop it.” However, limiting fast foods and soda, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating foods that are low in fat but are high in nutrients can prevent developing Type 2 diabetes. Sometimes diabetes symptoms, especially Type 2, are so mild that they go unnoticed. Doctors test for diabetes one of three ways, all of which usually needs to be repeated a second day to diagnose diabetes. Testing is carried out in a health care setting. Under certain situations, a second test may not be necessary. One test measures the A1C, or average blood glucose, for the past two to three
November/December 2016
Prevent Diabetes
months. This test doesn’t require fasting or a specialized drink. Normally, A1C should measure less than 5.7% with diabetes being diagnosed at 6.5% and higher. Fasting Plasma Glucose is another test to measure blood glucose levels. It is done after fasting, not eating or drinking anything except water for at least 8 hours before the test. This test is usually done first thing in the morning prior to breakfast. Diabetes is diagnosed if the fasting blood glucose is greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl.
Health
The final test for diabetes is referred to as OGTT, which stands for Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. It is conducted two hours after drinking a special drink that will tell how your body processes glucose. Normally, OGTT should measure less than 140 mg/dl and diabetes is diagnosed at 200 mg/dl or greater. If you are affected by diabetes, you can join the ADA’s conversation on social media using the #thisisdiabetes hashtag.
Symptoms of Type 2: • Urinating often • Feeling very thirsty • Feeling very hungry – even if you are eating enough • Extreme fatigue • Blurry vision • Slow healing cuts/bruises • Losing weight – even if you are eating more (type 1), • Tingling, pain or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
For more information, visit: www.diabetes.org/ November/December 2016
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N IO N
CA UT IO N
CA UT IO N
CA UT
CA UT IO N
CA UT IO N
Do Black Lives Really Matter? While this answer to this question seems obvious, we have witnessed a series of events recently that seriously brings this up
B
eing black, specifically a black woman, has historically been special: others want to be us (from our hair to our facial and body features) but when it’s time to REALLY be us, they shy away. However, we were built for this. The pain and struggles that we have faced we have overcome, from slavery to segregation. Everything that others have tried to do to us to make us go away we have just persevered & most of the time flipped in our favor. That is what we have to do now: PRESS ON!!!!! November/December 2016
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Police Safety & We interviewed Officer Sanders, a black female police officer in South Carolina for some tips on interacting with police By: Jamiya Turns Police brutality is not a new concept to people. It has been televised over the years from the beating of Rodney King in 1995 to the riots in Los Angeles to the more recent death of Lamont Scott by an officer of the law. In between Rodney King and Lamont Scott, there have been countless slaying of black boys and men. Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Sean Bell and the list seem to be growing with each passing year. However, there is something different that we have now that we didn’t have before, with the invention of smartphones and tablets we the people are able to fight back through capturing these injustices on our devices.
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Sometimes that doesn’t seem to work because countless officers have been able to get away with this injustice with little to no consequences for their actions. It feels like we have taken a step back in time and went back to old laws instead of forming new ones. It’s to the point where we don’t feel safe in our own communities when engaging with the police because we don’t know what will happen. Parents don’t want their sons to leave there sight because we worry about if we will see them again. Parents are also at a crossroads about what to teach them about the police. African-American people are just in a state of worry and panic when it comes to the police.
November/December 2016
Brutality Prevention Q: What are some ways that we as the public can begin to feel safe with the police again?
A: When you see an officer out patrolling the neighborhood, go over to them & talk. We welcome that! Don't wait until the officer as to be called out for a crime...get to know them NOW!
Q: What are some ways the people in the community can help bridge the gap between the police and community?
A: Create an Officer/Community Day where the officers, their families and your families can get to know each other on a more personal level. Hang out with each other for a few hours, enjoy some festivites, eat, etc.
Q: What can young women learn about the police?
Q: Will there ever be a happy medium between and the community? What advice would you give young people about feeling safe with the police?
A: Remember: we are here to protect and serve you. A: Until both officers and citizens are held accountable for their actions, we won't meet a medium. Make yourself known to the officers that serves your communities. Go up to them ask for their cards. We want to address any of your concerns and we’d rather meet you this way than later on. Why wait until an incident occurs for us to get to know each other? Let’s s get to know each other now. November/December 2016
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Check Yourself: With all that is going on in the world & in our community, it’s hard to turn on the TV on or get on social media without seeing something that will upset us. We have to take time to process & deal with our feelings before they consume us.
By: Sharee Silero The last few years have been tough for African Americans. From poverty to racial tension, police brutality and gun violence, the Black community has endured a lot. More often than not, another hashtag is used to commemorate and raise awareness of another Black or Brown man, woman or child killed during an interaction with a police officer. Living in a constant state of stress isn’t good for our health – spiritually, physically, emotionally or mentally. Sista’s Keeper Magazine spoke with Licensed Professional Counselor Cheryl Richardson, MS,
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LPC, LCAS-A, CRC of C. Richardson Counseling and Consulting in Charlotte, North Carolina for tips on how everyone, especially teens, can deal with the aftermath of such violence. Richardson has been a counselor for over three years, and in the mental health field for 15. She specializes in depression and anxiety amongst adolescents and young adults. “I think the state of mental health within the Black community is equivalent to the “big C word” Black elders did not like to discuss back in the 70’s,” Richardson said. “Mental health within the Black community is considered taboo and that taboo speaks in volumes
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Dealing With Grief as to the reason mental health concerns are not more widely addressed within our community.” From Louisiana to Minnesota, Maryland, North Carolina and Oklahoma, the deaths of Black and Brown men, women and children have affected the nation North, South, East and West. These deaths, including local ones, have a great effect on the minds, bodies and souls of Black teen girls. “The effects include a culture saturated in fear. Fear for our personal safety, fear for our fathers, brothers, uncles and sons,” Richardson said. “When in fear a person can easily become irrational and act out with extreme behaviors out of fear. Such extreme behaviors may appear reckless and/ or aggressive and in some cases debilitating to the effects of halting the social growth and development of a young girl.” Adding to the difficulty and fear are social media, videos, photos and first-hand accounts of these events, making living without fear or anxiety a challenge.
are for fear to settle in. It isn’t easy, but we must respond to the fact that it could have been our family member or friend with thankfulness. “We [should] pray and thank God it wasn’t [our loved one]. We pray and thank God for the strength of whomever the tragedy did affect. We gain knowledge about how to govern ourselves so that we can make it home and back to our families each night. Once we gain the knowledge, we [should] share it with our dads, brothers, uncles, cousins and friends.” Taking care of self is very important in times like these and should be practiced daily. “Self-care is generally taking care of or doing something to allow a person to be in or remain in a state of wellness. Self-care in our community looks like Girls Process Groups, Support Groups, getting a mentor and having a therapeutic relationship with a counselor,” said Richardson.
She added that once the Black community starts to talk about emotions and discover why we feel “Social media can have both positive and negative the ways we do, the stigma of mental health will effects on us. Positive to the regard that in some diminish and the real work surrounding it can begin. cases you can be informed, she said. She also said that counseling is a beneficial tool “Negative for so many other reasons, including too much is displayed on social media, all news is not good news and social media can invoke defiant behaviors within our community.”
So how do we deal with grief, social media and everyday life? According to Richardson, we should cope in a healthy way by going through the grief steps – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. “Each person’s grief process will take different amounts of time. Therefore grief should be a personal journey and should be talked about often,” she added. The more hashtags, the more opportunities there
for everyone, and that everyone will need it at some point in their lives. Richardson concluded, “Just because a person is in counseling does not make them crazy nor weak, but it makes them emotionally intact and strong for taking the steps to gain professional help.”
Sharee Silerio is a St. Louis-based freelance writer and television and film producer. She covers race, politics, social justice, media literacy, technology and empowerment. For more about Sharee and her work, visit ShareeSilerio.com.
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DO’s & DON’Ts Officer Sanders also gave very important information from a police officer’s perspective: here are some tips on what to do & what not to do when you are pulled over by a police officer
By: Simone Young
Do
✓
Slow Down & Buckle Up: Two of the main reasons people get pulled over are speeding & not wearing a seat belt.
Do
Don’t
X
Reach For Anything: Stay in the car with your hands on the steering wheel & NEVER reach around inside your car.
✓
Know Your Rights: If you are asked to let an officer search your car, you can say NO (unless there is a warrant and or detection of something)
X
Don’t
Make Sudden Movements: An officer may be threatened by suddent movements of not being able to see your hands.
November/December 2016 ista’s Keeper 2016
September
When Pulled Over Do
Respectfully Question The Offi cer:
✓
If you disagree with being pulled over, ask for the officer’s name, badge number & supervisor’s name. Explain to the officer (respectfully) that you don't feel you're in violation of anything & why. Tell the officer you would like to speak with the supervisor for more information or to file a complaint.
Do
Mind Your Appearance & Actions: For the most part, youth don’t pose a threat based only on appearance. However, an officer may take precaution if your appearance is paired with suspicious behavior or movements.
✓
November/December 2016
Black Lives Matter • 2/26/2012: George Zimmerman Shoots Trayvon Martin In Sanford, FL • 4/11/2012: George Zimmerman is charged with seconddegree murder 7/13/2012: George Zimmerman is acquitted of the murder of Trayvon Martin 7/14/2013: Patrisse Cullors re-posts a message about the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the murder of Trayvon Martin with the hashtag #blacklivesmatter
• 11/2/2013: Renisha McBride is killed by a Theodore Wafer in Dearborn Heights, Michigan • 7/17/2014: Eric Garner is murdered by police in Long Island, New York • 8/1/2014: The city’s medical examiner rules Garner’s death a homicide, saying a chokehold killed him. 36
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• 8/5/2014: John Crawford is shot and killed by police in Beavercreek, Ohio • 8/9/2014: Michael Brown is shot by officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Mo; BLM Freedom riders take buses to Ferguson in support of protestors • 8/10-8/30: Massive protests erupt in Ferguson; military presence increased due to the events of the protest
Movement Timeline • 12/3/2014: A grand jury decides not to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo for the death of Eric Garner; hundreds of protests break out across NYC in support of Eric Garner • 12/24/2014: Antonio Martin is killed by St. Louis police • 1/19/2015: Thousands of protesters around the country engage in #ReclaimMLK protests • 1/22/2015: Black Lives Matter release their Black State Of The Union Address
• 9/24/2014: A grand jury rules there will be no indictment of Darren Wilson in the death of John Crawford • 11/22/2014: 12-year-old Tamir Rice is killed in a playground by a police officer while holding a toy gun • 11/24/2014: The grand jury decides not to indict Darren Wilson for the death of Michael Brown; thousands of protestors march to the DOJ in DC following the release of the verdict
• 2/1/2015: African American Policy Forum releases document on the deaths of black women by police brutality and coin the hashtag #SayHerName • 4/18/2015: Freddie Gray is killed in police custody in Baltimore, MD
4/19/2015: Massive protest erupt in Baltimore 7/13/2015: Sandra Bland dies in police custody in Texas
For more information on the Black Lives Matter movement, visit: http://blacklivesmatter.com/ November/December 2016
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Youth Voices Sistas who participated in the Youth Voices Unleashed workshop took time to answer the following question: What does “Black Lives Matter” mean to you?
“Black people all over the world need to continue standing up and unifying not only on the killing of black people by the police but to overall oppression of our people. I want to use my youth voice to impact the movement by becoming an activist within the black community. The youth are the future and we all need to wake up and embrace our beauty and potential.” <-Merisa, 16
Black Lives Matter means a lot to me because people need to understand what’s going on in the world right now. Some people may think we’re selfish and not thinking about others. However, you mostly here only about us African-Americnas dying each and every day and it’s not okay. African-Americans are dying because of gun violence and police brutality among other things and it has to stop! Sydney, 15
“Black Lives Matter” is a movement that makes me feel stronger. It shows me that with all the things going on in the world, people still have the energy and faith to fight. It explains so much, especially with the murders by cops and all of the black youth being killed, that the movement really just stated the fact that black lives DO matter. Some people find it offensive, but you wouldn’t want your people being killed and beaten without having a voice behind it. I can use my voice to impact the movement by protesting and standing up for what I believe in. I’m tired of not having justice and we have to stand up for what’s right at some point. VaSanti, 13 -> 38
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UNLEASHED “The “Black Lives Matter” movement means a lot to me. For African-Americans, racial injustice has always been prominent and there’s a time where this has to end. We have fought long and hard for our freedom but we are still in bondage. The things being done to us, especially police brutality, is a repeat of our past. We can NOT continue to digress.” Monica, 17 ->
“Black people are getting judged by our skin color & that’s why it matters to me. We have feelings too! When I go out somewhere, a white person always gives me a really ugly look and that bothers me.” <-Mya, 13 “When I think of ‘black lives matter”, I think of a strong group of people that make a difference. The way I can use my voice is by teaching my peers how to create their own businesses so we won’t have to rely on other groups to boost our economy.” Sakara, 14
To me, “Black Lives Matter” is a statement that we aren’t treated equally but we have to stand up for our community. Why should I be judged by the color of my skin? Why can’t I walk with my people without being shot down? I feel like I have a voice to say that everyone should come together. We should be able to have peaceful protests with signs because we are one. Karizma, 16 ->
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Getting Ready
Education Feature
This college prep timeline provided by Minnesota Offi ce of Higher
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. 42
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In 9th & 10th Grade • 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 required for those careers. • Sign up for classes that will earn college credit during your junior year • Talk with your parents through Advanced about saving and paying Placement, International for college. Baccalaureate, Postsecondary • Talk with friends, Enrollment Options or teachers, counselors College in the Schools. and your parents about college. • Explore internships and • Check if your school apprenticeships. requires 10th graders to take the PLAN to prepare • Enroll in a summer enrichment program. 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.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg. cfm?pageID=1176
November/December 2016
For College
Education
Education will show you what you need to do to get ready for college.
Feature
In 12th Grade
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.
• 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
September-November
• Meet with your school counselor to review your high school class plan. • Select the schools to which you will apply & make a list of deadlines for each school. • Create a resume of your academic, athletic and work activities as well as other achievements. • Ask for recommendations (if required) from teachers, counselors and others who can comment on your abilities and talents.
December-February
• Apply to four or more colleges that interest you. • Attend a financial aid event if you haven't already done so. • 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 it.
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Black Women In History
Founders of BLM Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi & Patrisse Cullors take on the task of humanizing the lives of black people
Patrisse Cullors I created #BlackLivesMatter with Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi, two of my sisters, as a call to action for Black people after 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was posthumously placed on trial for his own murder and the killer, George Zimmerman, was not held accountable for the crime he committed. It was a response to the anti-Black racism that permeates our society and also, unfortunately, our movements. Black Lives Matter is an ideological and political intervention in a world where Black lives are systematically and intentionally targeted for demise. It is an affirmation of Black folksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contributions to this society, our humanity, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression. We were humbled when cultural workers, artists, designers and techies offered their labor and love to expand #BlackLivesMatter beyond a social media hashtag. Opal, Patrisse, and I created
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Sistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keeper
November/December 2016
Alicia Garza
Opal Tometi
the infrastructure for this movement project—moving the hashtag from social media to the streets. Our team grew through a very successful Black Lives Matter ride, led and designed by Patrisse Cullors and Darnell L. Moore, organized to support the movement that is growing in St. Louis, MO, after 18-year old Mike Brown was killed at the hands of Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson. We’ve hosted national conference calls focused on issues of critical importance to Black people working hard for the liberation of our people. We’ve connected people across the country working to end the various forms of injustice impacting our people. We’ve created space for the celebration and humanization of Black lives. -Alicia
November/December 2016
Garza
Sista’s Keeper
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By eighth grade, only half as many girls as boys are interested in math, science, and engineering careers. If each of us gives a girl our time and support today, she can find the courage, confidence, and character sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to build a better tomorrow.