September 2013 issue

Sista’s Keeper I AM my Sista’s Keeper

September 2013 Vol. 2, Issue 1

Dark vs. Light: How Skin Color Divides Us

7 Habits Series: • Sharpen the Saw

Spotlight: Bria Williams & Reginae Carter “Paparazzi Princesses” Plus: Back To School Stress

Chloe and Halle Back To School Issue

Winners of Disney’s Next Big Thing Get Ready To Make Their Mark

OUR 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE!!!!!

Curly

Coiled

Silky Straight

Available at neighborhood beauty supply stores and E-commerce sites.

In This Issue 40

7 Habits Series: Synergize

Back To School Fashion 18

Spotlight:

Celebrity Teen Authors Bria Williams & Reginae Carter

Finding God’s Forgiveness

God wants us to live abundantly & not wallow in guilt over past sins

Dark vs. Light Skin

How we use skin color to discriminate against each other

24 36

Start This School Year Off Right

32

9

42

On the Cover: Photos Courtesy of : Doug Bailey

The Next BIG Thing

(L to R) Chloe and Halle are ready to take the world by storm as Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing winners.

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

You could win a Sista’s Keeper Gift Bag!!!!!

Enter to win a Sista’s Keeper Gift Bag that includes: • CoverGirl LipSlick Smoochies lip gloss • “I AM my Sista’s Keeper” wristband • Journal & pen • Texture My Way samples “Like” our Facebook page & tweet us (@SistasKeeperMag) to enter the giveaway.

Use the hashtag: #SKGIFTBAG

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September 2013

Sista’s Keeper Vol. 2, Issue 1

LaPorsha Lowry Founding Editor/Publisher Taris Easterling Contributing Writer Shaniqua Graves Contributing Writer Yani Long Contributing Writer Jonathan Erik Veal Online Contributor

Special Thanks Chloe and Halle Bailey Doug Bailey Bria Williams Reginae Carter Cash Money Content Evan Summerville Crystal Styles House of Cheatham, Inc. Lala Anthony Motives for Lala Period Packs Inc. Daniel Lee Lowry Dottie Benjamin Terri Long Darie Wlson Antionette Cody Kayla J. Carr I AM my Sista’s Keeper

In Every Issue Promotions & Giveaways

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10

Beauty CoverGirl Lipslicks Smoochies

13

Beauty Back To School Hair Trends

Entertainment Queen Latifah’s new talk show 17

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Entertainment Tamar Braxton’s Love & War Entertainment

K. Michelle’s Rebel Against campaign 22

Furaha First Week Jitters 27

26

Jando New School Transition

Maua Baby Steps: Habit 7 28 17

Health Back To School Stress

29

Ndege TAKEOFF!!!!!

Black Women In History Ethel L. Payne 46 September 2013

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September/

Calendar

October 2013

What’s going on & what to do this month

October 5 Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure Marshall Park Charlotte, NC Activities begin at 6 AM participants may register The 17th annual as individuals or teams by Charlotte Race for the Cure visiting: will take place at Marshall Park in Uptown Charlotte. www.komencharlotte.org/ Volunteers and

For more September & October events & updates, visit our website:

www.sistaskeepermagazine.com

Contributors

Taris Easterling

Shaniqua Graves

Yani Long

Tamar Braxton (pg. 17), First Week Jitters (pg. 26)

Back-To-School Stress (pg. 22)

New School Transition (pg. 27); Takeoff (pg. 29)

Graves is a North Carolina native living in Greensboro.

Aside from journalism, the UNCG alumna also writes poetry and short stories.

The aspiring writer continues to seek projects that express her unique point of view with writing.

Long began writing at the age of 11 with journals that turned into poetry. She attended Guilford Technical Community College and recently graduated from NC A&T in May 2013.

She enjoys making jewelry, spending time with family, watching TV and playing cards.

Easterling is currently a sophomore at NC Central University. She’s an avid reader and writer so you will usually fi nd her doing one or the other.

She’s the lead host on her very own personal radio show, Unscripted Radio. @TarisUnscripted

Online Contributor

@WhoIsYaniLong

Jonathan Erik Veal is a May 2013 graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor’s degree in print journalism. A Charlotte native, Veal is currently working as the social media director for the Chris Canty Foundation in Charlotte, NC. 6

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Editor’s

Happy Birthday Sista’s Keeper Magazine!!!!!!

Letter

Hissue!!!!! We have made it to one year of ey sistas! This is our 1-year annivesary

empowering black teen girls and promoting selfesteem and sisterhood through our motto: “I AM my Sista’s Keeper” I am happy that we have made it this far and hope that we have much further to go. This is a labor of love for me: no matter how far this magazine goes or how much it grows, I will still go into each issue with the same passion for helping black teen girls as I do now.

Speaking of passion, Chloe & Halle (pg. 32) are two young sistas who are real-life sisters who share the same passion and talent for music. They also share an AMAZING positive energy, which I LOVE. Before I interviewed them for this issue’s feature, I had been tired and unhappy but their energy seemed to fly 3,000 miles from Los Angeles to Charlotte directly to me.

Bria Williams & Reginae Carter (pg. 9) are two more young ladies who have a passion: theirs is for telling their story of being celebrity daughters through their book, Paparazzi Princesses, and getting young people to start reading more. They feel that the younger generation is less likely to read because of the popularity of social media.

This issue’s theme is Back to School and you can find helpful tips for first week jitters, going to a new school, and getting the year started on a high note (pg. 26-29).

Back to School stress is something that we all have gone through as the new school year approaches. These tips will help you calm down and get ready to get the school year started (pg.

22).

Tell us what you think!

Join the conversation... #SistasKeeper

This month, we also discuss the dark skin vs. light skin debate (pg. 42). It’s a shame that African Americans are the only race that discriminates against it’s own on the basis of skin tone.

As always, if you want to contact me or have any questions about the magazine, email me at: sistaskeepermag@yahoo.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”

September 2013

Founding Editor/Publisher @SistasKeeperMag Sista’s Keeper

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Subscribe to Sista’s Keeper!!!!

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

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

Spotlight

Paparazzi Princesses

Celebrity teen authors Bria Williams and Reginae Carter tell a story of money, fame and gossip Paparazzi Princesses.

Bria Williams and Reginae Carter are two young women who have taken their story and are telling it to the world.

Paparazzi Princesses is the new book by Williams and Carter that takes a fictional look into the lives of Kayla & Promise, two teen girls who happen to also be daughters of celebrities.

Williams, 15, is the daughter of rapper Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Carter, 14, is the daughter of rapper Lil’ Wayne.

They decided to write a book based on their lives when Williams’ dad said they should write one. He just threw the idea out there and they really wanted to do it.

“Our dad’s were very supportive and excited about us writing a book also,” Williams said.

Carter added that you could also learn a lesson from how celebrity kids live.

“Everyone thinks it’s perfect but it’s not. We are teenage girls with celebrity fathers but

@briawilliams14 @reginae_carter1

we’re still kids who have to clean up.”

“We always say, ‘Oh my gosh! If someone could just look in on our lives…’ People think it would be so cool to be a celebrity’s kid, but it has its ups and downs,” Carter said.

“Me and Bria have been introduced to the paparazzi and awards shows since we were so little.

One day, we said, ‘Everybody thinks it’s just so perfect, but maybe we should tell them how it is.’

Wiliams and Carter have known each other since they were babies, they are each other’s God-sister and they are really close.

They offer the book as a way of letting the world just look at them and come into their lives.

They feel like not a lot of kids read nowadays, with social media and everything, so they’re hoping to put the fun back into reading.

@briawilliams1 @reginaecarter

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Beauty

Back To School School is back in session & you want to look your best

Beyonce’

Bold and daring are the keys for hair this fall. Sharp cuts and free-flowing curls will all help you make a hair statement this school year.

Asymmetrical Bob Beyonce’ made a BIG splash this summer when she debuted a shorter haircut that received mixed reviews.

Not long after that, she showed off this asymmetrical bob during a show on her Mrs. Carter World Tour.

This is not a new style but you can make it your own while being edgy by playing with angles in the cut.

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Hairstyles

Beauty

on the first day so try some of these styles.

Wynter Gordon

Natural Afro Keeping with the biggest hair trend right now, natural curls are a great way to get back to your roots (literally LOL).

It’s easier than you think to maintain natural curls: just find the style and products that work for you and stick to it.

Keke Pal,mer Straight With a Lil’ Twist Our sista Keke Palmer is always rocking a cute hairstyle and this one is no different.

This would be a normal straight hairstyle but you can curl and flip the ends to give it a lil’ POP! September 2013

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What’s On the Website?

• Event & entertainment stories • Interviews • Pictures • Videos • Extra content only available ONLINE • MORE!!!!!

Visit our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com

Beauty

Use Summer’s Skin Secret This Fall Summer is gone but this skincare secret will help you take care of your skin while the weather is still HOT. Your skin is typically oilier in the summer and Dr. Susan Taylor, MD, creator of Rx for Brown Skin, says that using sunscreen with SPF can keep your skin safe.

“SPF means sun protection factor and the number associated with (the SPF) indicates how long you can stay in the Dr. Susan Taylor, MD sun without burning,” Dr. Taylor says. “So if you wear an SPF 15 sunscreen, you can Extra Tips stay in the sun 15 times longer without Dr. Taylor suggests burning as compared to when you do not some products from her Rx for Brown Skin wear sunscreen.”

Dr. Taylor is in the process of line for keeping your developing an acne line which will be out skin smooth during soon! the summer:

Rx for Brown Skin Age Block SPF 15 Dr. Taylor says: It’s formulated so that it’s non-greasy and disappears into the skin without leaving a white residue on the skin

• •

SPF= Sun Protection Factor

Here are some do’s and don’ts:

DO: Select a cleanser for oily skin DON’T: Over wash your skin

Tip: Wash your face no more than twice a day • •

DO: Use a moisturizer only if your skin is dry DON’T: Rub or scrub your face when you wash it

Tip: If your skin is not dry, do not use a moisturizer • •

DO: Apply sunscreen everyday and reapply if you are outside more than 2 hours DON’T: Use harsh products like rubbing alcohol to remove the excess oil

Tip: Use products with Cetaphil (for normal to oily skin) or a cleanser that contains the ingredient Salicylic Acid (which will reduce oil)

Fall 2013 Nail Trends

By: Idanis Donyale

With celebrities launching their own nail polish lines and fashion designers requesting exclusive nail art to complement their runway creations, nail polish has become the new fashion accessory. This season, nail colors are beautiful whites and soft pastels along with playful patterns.

1. Essie Marshmallow” although great for the classic French manicure this beautiful white also works well for full nail coverage.

2. OPI “In The Spot Light Pink” is the perfect pastel to compliment any outfit and looks great on all skin tones.

3. Zoya “The Pixie Dust Line” offers the most playful pattern for summertime fun with texture, matte and a variety of colors.

So while you’re looking through your closet matching the perfect shoes and handbag with your favorite outfit don’t forget to give attention to your fingers and toes and accessorize them as well with one of this seasons stylish polish options.

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www.essie.com

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www.opi.com September 2013

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Beauty

Give Me a Smooch!!!!!

CoverGirl’s new line of lip glosses will have your lips POPPING for the first weeks back to school.

Glide on sheer color and keep lips moisturized with CoverGirl’s fabulously flirty Smoochies lip balm. Collect all 12 shades because one smooch is never enough.

CoverGirl’s LipSlicks Smoochies contain essential lip conditioners with sheer color and a hint of shine.

1. C U L8R

If pink is your color, then this is the shade for you!

2. LUV U

Pink is a popular color in this line, both light and dark.

3. Text Me

Another dark red shade to bring out your lips.

4. Tweet Me

This red shade will give your lip a POP of color.

5. TRU LUV

A natural shade like this is perfect for fall.

6. LUV BUG This burgandy shade is a great gloss for every tone.

7. 2 CUTE

Keeping with the darker shades is this dark red color.

8. Sweet Tweet

This light pink shade is fall’s hot shade.

9. Be Sweet

A light brown shade that will pop as well.

10. Smooch

Another light pink shade that is good for fall.

11. ONLY U

Another natural shade that will compliment your skin tone.

12. B4N

A dark brown shade that will give you a bold lip.

For more information on CoverGirl’s LipSlicks Smoochies, visit: 14

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http://www.covergirl.com/beauty-products/lipcolor/lip-gloss/lipslicks-smoochies-lip-balm

Cosmetics

Clothes Shoes Accessories

E S I T !

R ! !

E ! !

V E D A ER H

Music

Movies

Hair

Food/Drink & MORE!!!!!

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Entertainment

The Queen is Back To Daytime Queen Latifah’s new talk show premieres on CBS Sepember 16th.

The long-awaited talk show return of singer/ actress/rapper Queen Latifah is finally here.

The Grammy Award-winning and Oscarnominated triple threat will premiere the Queen Latifah Show on CBS September 16th.

The show will feature celebrity interviews, human interest stories, comedy, pop culture snd musical performances.

Latifah’s talents will more than likely be on display as well, as the actress has been popular on both movie and TV projects.

“I have to be realistic about what I can and can’t do,” Latifah says. “So whatever I do, [it] has to really be worth it. I like to master the things I do. Making this show great, that’s my focus right now. I want to bring some positivity to daytime TV.” “Latifah can do it all: sing, dance, write books, she’s a philanthropist, she has all these A-list friends,” says The Queen Latifah Show Executive Producer Corin Nelson. “We’re creating a show that will allow her to tap into all those things. On her show,

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on any given day, she can sing, she can have a really interesting conversation with a celebrity.

She’s going to go out into the field to bring real people’s stories to the audience, but not in a heavy way, in a way that pays it forward. She’s really a roll-your-sleeves-up-and-get-involved type.”

Music

Back-To-School Playlist Bruno Mars“Treasure” OMG Girlz“Baddie” Janelle Monáe“Q.U.E.E.N.” Love Jones Girlz“Rumors”

By: Taris Easterling

Tamar Braxton Releases “Love and War”

Entertainment

Singer/reality star releases much-anticipated sophomore album after giving birth to first child

Music

pop which showcases the singer’s impressive and inimitable range,” said Rick Florino of Artistdirect.

He gave further praise to Braxton’s vocal performance. “She belts out each note poignantly on the instantly unforgettable chorus, carrying the song into the pantheon of great music ruminating on the thin line between ‘Love and War’.”

Braxton revealed to Essence that she originally She DID THAT! Toni? No, we’re talking about intended the song “Hot Sugar” to be released as the Toni’s little sister, Tamar Braxton is who is about to lead single from her second album, saying “given release her sophomore album Love and War. Tamar has hit the scene on fire starting with the show Braxton everything that happened to Vince and I this year, and everything we went through in our marriage, this song Family Values.

Love and War is the upcoming second studio album was fitting to me and Vince”, explaining “I’ve been in love before, and I’ve gotten my feelings hurt before American recording artist Tamar Braxton. The album is scheduled to be released on September 3rd. The lead but I’ve never experienced passion until I met Vince”.

She added “I’ve never argued this much with a single, “Love and War” received general acclaim from person, and I’ve never loved this hard. That’s what this critics.

“The song is a powerful and passionate slice of soul song is about.”

K. Michelle Empowers With “Rebel Against” Campaign Singer/reality star aims to help young women to overcome physical and mental abuse.

Singer K.Michelle has decided to turn her past abusive experiences into a campaign about fighting back. She has been working with the organization Saving Our Daughters for over a year and a half.

Now the organization, which aids women in dealing with past negative experiences so their lives are not shaped by them, is helping her with her own efforts at helping women, her “Rebel Against” Campaign.

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Fashion

Fall 2013 Here are some outfit ideas that you can play This trend has comfort in mine for you this fall. Long, flowing skirts are loose so you can move around. Pair this up with a tank or blouse and either flats or wedges.

Long, Flowing Skirts

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Jackets are great for the inbetween months when the weather is not too hot but not too cold.

Denim and color jackets work best to bring a summer outfit into fall and you can always accessorize.

September 2013

Denim/Color Jackets

Fashion Trends

Fashion

around with based on the hottest trends for fall 2013.

Not really to pack up your summer tank tops? Just throw on a denim jacket with it and make that outfit last a little bit longer.

You can always take the jacket off if you get hot.

Tank/Jacket Combo

Boots Boots are the perfect shoe for the fall because they can be worn with pretty much anything.

Pair it up with a purse or other accessories to bring the look together.

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Fashion

Pairing a bright color like orange with denim works well in the fall months, especially warm colors that go with fall.

Pick a color and focus on the accessories to go along with the denim.

Denim + Bright Colors You can also pair up the denim jacket with a dress and play around with the accessories. It’s the easiest way to bring the summer look into the fall and make it last.

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Fashion

Denim + Bright Colors Another example of a mix-and-match trend where you can wear one item with many different options. If it’s too hot for a sweater, you can still wear the other items with a different shirt.

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Health

By: Shaniqua Graves

New School Year?

NO Stress!!!!!

Going back to school does not have to put a BIG strain on your health.

It’s that time of year again: the summer is winding down and you and your friends are preparing to go back to school in the fall. While this can be an exciting time for some, for many it can prove to be quite stressful.

Many returning students find themselves worrying about more than new pencils and notebooks. For example, the idea of hitting the hallways might make you a bit anxious if you’ll be attending a new school this year.

Or maybe you’re not looking forward to that Calculus class you have to take this semester. Even still others of you may be stressing over how to create a great back to school wardrobe on a tight budget.

Whatever the cause for your anxiety, know that you are not alone. According to the kidshealth.org article “What Stresses You Out about School?” students across the board stress about three major concerns when going back to school: schoolwork (32%), social issues (30%), and appearance issues (25%).

If you find yourself worried about any of these

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issues (or any issue at all for that matter), there are many things you can do to relieve your stress. Try any one or combination of these tips to get and keep your stress in check the whole year through.

Music Music has an intense effect of our emotions.

Whenever you’re feeling a bit stressed try turning on some of your favorite artists. Choose soothing melodies or positive, uplifting lyrics to get you back in the right mindset for that first day. Feel free to dance along to really give your mood a boost!

Positive Thinking Whenever you’re faced with opposition, your strongest weapon is your mind. How do you load it?

With positive thoughts! Try not to focus on what bad things may happen.

Instead focus on what you hope to happen and

Health

“speak it into existence”. Instead of worrying over the fact that you barely passed your chemistry class last year, tell yourself that you will do better this year in biology.

Changing the tenor of your thoughts will automatically change your mood. Don’t be alarmed if this change doesn’t happen overnight. This is a habit that takes time to perfect so just stick to it and eventually you’ll see the difference.

Exercise Exercise has many benefits, including being a wonderful stress-buster! When you exercise your body releases hormones called endorphins which help relieve the pain of your workout. Fortunately, endorphins also help to relieve stress by giving you a feeling of pleasure.

Runners in particular talk about experiencing the “runner’s high” after a good workout. In addition to the physical effects of exercise, you can reap great mental rewards from exercise.

Learning to push through a workout is good practice for pushing through life’s tougher times. This positive attitude alone can do wonders to relieve and even prevent stress.

Talk About It If a run around the block with your headphones

doesn’t seem to do the trick for you, it may help to talk to someone about your school-related concerns. It’s possible that all you need to unload is the ear of a good friend.

Sometimes just saying it out loud (and maybe realizing how ridiculous we sound) is enough for us to get over our anxiety.

Other times it may help to speak with a profession who can help you decide how to tackle your particular obstacle. A school guidance counselor would be happy to help you figure out how to get extra help in a subject you’re struggling with or suggest a club to join to meet some new friends.

If you’re a bit more private or don’t feel the need to involve others, you could even write your thoughts in a journal or diary.

However you choose to express yourself, get it all off your chest. You should find that the simple act of expression can be a relief in itself.

Remember that stress is a part of life; you just have to know how to deal with it.

Use these tips on your first day and beyond to keep a good handle on stress and make this year your best yet!

No Stress List Here are 10 things that you can do to reduce back-to-school stress:

1. Find a song that helps you relax.

2. Have a Girls’ Night In 3. Take a Walk 4. Talk to someone 5. Exercise twice a week 6. Take time for yourself 7. Write it down 8. Breathe (in and out...it’s that easy!)

9. Think POSITIVE 10. Pray about it September 2013

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Relationships

Finding God’s God wants us to live an abundant life. He doesn’t

RESOLUTION: Because Jesus offers real forgiveness, I will not let guilt dominate my life. I will repent of sin and ask for God’s forgiveness. I will forgive myself and live a life of victory.

You can experience the freedom that comes from the forgiveness of God. It’s natural for us to feel guilty; sin has terrible effects on all of our relationships, especially our relationship with God. He is willing to completely forgive us for sin and wipe away guilt. But what if you honestly seek His forgiveness and from the people you’ve hurt, but you still feel guilty? God is serious about sin but also about forgiveness.

Forgiven God’s Word promises that He not only forgives sin, but completely takes away our guilt. Fill out the following Bible verses: “If we _________ our sins, He is faithful and just and will __________ us our sins and __________ us from all __________.

(1 John 1:9) “For I will __________ their __________ and will __________ their sins __ __________.” (Hebrews 8:12) “Therefore, there is now no __________ for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1)

Turn Away The Bible says that we must repent* of our sins (Acts 2:38). God is calling us to turn away from our sins, and to choose to be obedient to him.

Repentance involves a feeling of remorse, but it also involves a commitment to be different.

Which of the following shows repentance?

• I can’t believe I did that. It will never happen again.

• It doesn’t matter. God will forgive me. *Repent- to turn away

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Forgiveness

Relationships

want is to wallow in guilt over past sins.

Can’t Let Go

Me, a Sinner?

When you think of sin in your relationship with the opposite sex, you probably think of having sex before marriage, which the Bible calls FORNICATION. While the Bible clearly says that sex outside of marriage is wrong, that is not the only place Christians struggle.

In fact, you may have never been alone with a member of the opposite sex and still be guilty of sin in your relationships.

1. At times, I have touched a member of the opposite sex in a way that should be reserved for my life-long mate. (Proverbs 5:15-17; 20) 2. I sometimes entertain lustful thoughts about the opposite sex. (Proverbs 6:25) 3. I have at times tempted members of the opposite sex to sin by the way I walk, talk or dress. (1 Corinthins 10:32) 4. I don’t make God the center of my relationships with the opposite sex.

(Colossians 3:17) 5. I sometimes ignore God’s standards for sex and do what I want to do. (Hebrews 13:4) If you can identify with any of those sins, ask God to forgive you and ask Him for the strength to change.

God does not want you to live with a sense of guilt. He wants you to live free of the bondage of sin, forgiveness is freeing.

Write a word or draw a symbol that represents any sin for which you have asked forgiveness but still feel guilty.

Reread the resolution and write your own here: ____________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________

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Furaha “Joy”

By: Taris Easterling

Beat First Week Jitters

Going back to school or to a new school can be tough, but you have to focus on doing your best and putting your best foot forward.

The time has come around YET again. Back to school: back to walking those long halls or walking the verdant greens of many campuses.

Back to professors and homework. So I’m here to help you ease some of these worries and first day jitters.

Go to your school’s open house or registration day.

You can usually get your schedule, meet your teachers, get your locker combination, and tour the school.

Try to also have conversations with your teachers and get a feel of how they will be during the school year.

Acquire a map of the school. For your first hour write a one on the map where it is. Do that until you have all of your hours marked. Also, mark your locker, the cafeteria, gym, bathrooms, office, and the computer lab is.

This way you’ll know your way around everywhere.

It is okay to have a map on you. You are NOT

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supposed to know where everything is.

Go over some notes or worksheets from last year.

If you are looking to improve your grades, go over and see what you did wrong. Was it carelessness? Try reworking some problems.

I know this seems tedious but it helps you prepare your brain for school too. Email friends, or go on a networking site and talk to your friends about their classes too.

Hopefully you will have some classes with them too. Try to see who will be in your classes. It is exciting to be in the same classes with your friends although be mindful that you are in school to get an education, not be the social butterfly.

These tips should help you get started on your first day of school. Like French Montana, “Ain’t worried about nothing... “Have a successful and great school year.

New School Transition

Jando

“Initiation”

By:Yani Long

Once you get to high school, it’s a totally different ball game. The entire game has completely changed but you can make the best of it.

The rules are different, more players are allowed on the team and the length of the game is longer.

While the majority of young women do not like sports, it’s quite easy to compare high school to it.

Everything changes in high school, the people, the teachers, the curriculum, as well as the environment.

In order to stay in the game you have to learn how to play the game. Learn it, live it, love it.

First things first, in order to learn the game you have to understand the rules. The rules are simple and are as follows: 1.

Be you.

2.

Be mindful of your appearance. The more you put into yourself in the morning the more confident you will be to enhance your performance.

3.

Be on time for your classes, your teachers will respect you and take you seriously.

4.

Make friends with your class and upper classmen, those upper classmen can give you the heads up and what to expect with future teachers and classes.

5.

Develop study groups to help you and your peers prepare for tests and exams.

6.

Do not give in to peer-pressure. If you know it’s wrong then do not do it.

7.

Ignore the bullies.

8.

Join a club or organization, while you’re at it, you might find that a sport might suit you.

9.

Do not let relationships with boys consume you. While you may be interested in boys and this seems like an ideal time to have a boyfriend keep in mind that you have far more important things to worry about such as good grades.

10.

Use your time wisely. Freshman year is just the tip of the iceberg.

It’s important that you make an impression your teachers as well as your peers. What you do and how you do it for the duration of your high school career depends on you.

You will meet a number of people along the way and they will be a very diverse group depending where you attend school. They will have different personalities, different backgrounds, and some will even have different agendas. It’s your job to be you and to remain focused.

High school is much bigger than middle school and the subjects are a lot harder than they were in middle school.

It is beneficial to make these friends so that you can help them help you study to make good grades.

You don’t have to do it alone and it is very possible to achieve. You want to remain confident. High school lasts four years and will give you a taste of what college will be like. While freshman year may appear to be scary it really isn’t. Keep calm and think of your first year as the first stepping stone to your future.

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Maua

“Blossom”

Baby Steps

Baby steps are small steps towards a goal. You want to accomplish something but it can’t happen overnight...you have to WORK for it! Think of these tips as “baby steps” to go along with the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens feature. Go to pg. 42 and read it fi rst, then come back to this page.

Use this worksheet in your daily life.

Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw Body • Eat breakfast

• Start an exercise program that you’ll enjoy & do it for 30 days • Give up a bad habit for a week & see how you feel at the end Mind

• Read the newspaper every day and pay attention to headlines

• Expand your horizons: visit a museum or eat at a restaurant that you’ve never been to Heart

• Go on a one-on-one outing with a family member or friend (see a movie, go shopping, get ice cream, etc.)

Soul

• Start a journal and write in it everyday

• Take time to pray and meditate each day to reflect on your life 28

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Ndege

“Flight”

TAKEOFF!!!!!

It’s a new school year and it’s a new venture. After your summer vacation you have one more destination. Think of the new school year as your fi nal destination until your next summer vacation.

While there may be a little turbulence on the plane upon approaching your destination it’s important that prior to, your bags are secure, you’ve taken your seat, you’ve fastened your seat belt, and are prepared for takeoff.

By: Yani Long

Are Your Bags Secured?

Whether you are a freshman in high school or a first year college student the question is, are you ready and prepared for what the new school year may bring? Do you have your school supplies? What about your school schedule? Do you know where your classes are?

The last thing you want is to be unprepared for the school year ahead of you. The curriculum is different, free time is limited especially if you participate in anything extracurricular such as sports, band, or other clubs and organizations, and also keep in mind that you will probably encounter an entirely different caliber of peers.

Please Take Your Seat In the case, be on time.

When walking into your classroom you do not want to arrive late. When arriving late you suffer the consequences.

Especially if you are a college student, your tardiness or absence has a negative impact on your grade at most colleges and universities.

High school is slightly different. There is a saying, “if you’re early you’re on time and if you’re on time then you’re late.” You want to make an impression on your teachers and professors and set an example for your peers. So be early to take your seat on time.

Fasten Your Seat Belt Once you’ve have taken your seat, ask yourself: “Am I secured? Are you organized?

High school prepares you for college and college prepares you for the real world. You have to make sure that you have everything that you need at all times.

While there may be times that you may back slide or forget, what may be helpful is purchasing a planner so that you can remind yourself of the things that you need.

Being that this is the day in age where technology advancements are on the rise, another helpful way of keeping yourself organized is setting yourself daily reminders on your cell phones or any other technological device that you may have.

It’s Time To Take Off Get ready because this plane ride might get a little shaky. Be prepared, be on time, be organized, and brace yourself for what this new school year has in store.

This is the time where you soon begin to learn more about yourself as a young adult, what you will face as you transition from teenager to an adult, the many obstacles that you will have to experience to fulfill any accomplishments, and the many new faces you will meet along the way.

The friendships and bonds are abundant, the experiences are far more greater, and the curriculum gets harder. The key to making the best of this school year is to stay focused.

You have far more destinations to reach along your journey to success; the good thing about it is that you always have vacation time that awaits you to give you a break from all the madness.

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http://www.motivescosmetics.com/lala

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The Next BIG

Thing

Sister-duo Chloe & Halle are ready to make their mark on the music scene. Their new song “Unstoppable” will be released in October, which is their first official single.

A

t only 15 and 13 years old, Chloe and Halle Bailey are making their own lane in music. They won last year’s Radio Disney “Next Big Thing” contest. They have over 10 million views on YouTube, have acted in movies and performed on TV in projects that have been in include “Joyful Noise” and Disney Channel’s “Let It Shine”.

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They Love To Sing Chloe and Halle have been singing together since a very young age. In fact, Chloe began singing first and Halle joined as soon as she could.

“Well, I’ve been singing since I was 2. I have always loved it and it was fun,” Chloe says.

The sisters won a Spelman summer camp contest 2 years in a row and began singing together professionally after that.

“I’ve been singing since I was 4. We make our own Youtube videos and we have even been on the Ellen show.”

Unstoppable

The duo has been busy since winning the Radio Disney Next Big Thing contest in 2011. Their new song “Unstoppable” will be released in October on Radio Disney & iTunes. “It’s our first official single and we will be performing it on “Austin & Ally” in

October.

“We still tour; we’re on a back to school tour now and we are also back and forth in the studio making music,” Halle says.

Next BIG Thing Chloe and Halle won the Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing in 2011. They credit their closeness as sisters to helping them win.

“We love to harmonize & arrange. It helps that she’s my sister,” Chloe says.

Halle adds that they were asked to audition based on their YouTube videos. “We made it to the top 5 before we knew it. It was great exposure for us and a way to perform for the audience who voted & we won!”

YouTube Sensations The sisters recently performed at Macy’s for the NAACP teen summit in Orlando last month as well as other states such as Minnesota, Indiana and New Jersey.

“We love to perform and share our gift with the audience,” Chloe says.

“It’s fun to be at these places & see the faces in the crowd and their reaction,” Halle says.

California Love The Baileys moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles a couple weeks ago and they love it because it’s always sunny.

They are currently being homeschooled and taking classes online. They are happy to be in this position to do what they love.

Being Their Sista’s Keeper

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Chloe says that being her sista’s keeper means being there for her with support & encouragement. “Let her know she can do it. Every girl should have a keeper and a shoulder to cry on.

Halle says it means knowing something that Chloe would love, being nice and sweet. “It’s all about having that connection and being close when times are tough.”

Chloe and Halle Bailey

@chloeandhalle

About Halle

About Chloe

Name: Halle Bailey Age: 13 Talents: Singing, dancing, acting, and playing guitar Birthday: March 27th Favorite color: Purple Hobbies: Riding bikes: “We just moved to LA into an actual neighborhood so there’s more space.”

Something you can’t live without: “My guitar Ellah (which is my name backwards) has dragonflies on it and I take everywhere.

I have 4 but that’s my favorite one.”

Favorite animal: Dragonflies Who inspires you? Lenny Kravitz, Billie Holiday; One Republic; Coldplay

Name: Chloe Bailey Age: 15 Birthday: July 1st Talents: Singing, dancing, acting, and playing the piano Hobbies: swimming; “We live in LA now so I want to learn how to skateboard.”

Favorite color: Blue Things to do for fun: riding bikes; singing; “I’m an Instagram addict...I’m obsessed with Instagram & Twitter.”

Something you can’t live without: phone, keyboard (ideas pop up; melodies); lipglosses & lip balms Who inspires you? Beyonce; Alicia Keys (plays piano); Frank Ocean; Pharell Williams; Diane Warren September 2013

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Dark Skin

W

African Americans are the only race that discriminate hen other races look at African-Americans, they only see one race.

However, there is a BIG difference in how other races see us and how we see ourselves.

African Americans are the only race that discriminates against their own because of skin color and tone. That is a trend that is destroying our self-esteem and has to stop.

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vs. Light Skin against each other on the basis of skin tone...That’s sad!

The debate is based on beauty and the belief that African Americans with lighter skin are more beautiful than darker skin.

Some believe that this is because we are trying to fit into beauty standard that are based on European and white features. We as a race must fight to believe that we are ALL beautiful.

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“Dark Girls” Documentary Dark Girls is a fascinating and controversial documentary film that goes underneath the surface to explore the prejudices that darkskinned women face throughout the world.

It explores the roots of classism, racism and the lack of self-esteem within a segment of cultures that span from America to the most remote corners of the globe.

Women share their personal stories, touching on deeply ingrained beliefs and attitudes of society, while allowing generations to heal as they learn to love themselves for who they are.

For more information on the documentary, visit:

http://officialdarkgirlsmovie.com/

COLORISM: Discrimination in which human beings are accorded differing social treatment based on skin color.

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“I haven't been bullied but I have experienced hate as a dark skin woman. I've always like wearing bright colors and women always comment on how dark skin women/girls can't or usually don't wear bright colors. People also question if I’m mixed with something because my hair curls when it's wet.” @honesttisme

September 2013

The Clark Doll Test of the 1940’s In the late 1940’s a famous psychological study was done in which a young Black girl was presented with a set of dolls.

Every time the she was asked to point to the one that wasn’t pretty, not smart, etc., she pointed to the Black doll that looked just like her. In her mind, she was already indoctrinated.

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Be Effective!!!!!

Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw

Do you ever feel imbalanced, stressed-out, or empty inside? If so, habit 7 is specially designed to help you deal with this. It’s all about keeping your personal self sharp so that you can better deal with life.

It means regularly renewing and strengthening the four key dimensions of your life: Body-The Physical Dimension (Exercise, eat healthy, sleep well, relax)

Brain-The Mental Dimension (Read, educate, write, learn new skills)

10 ways to keep your physical self sharp: 1. Eat well 2. Relax in the bathtub 3. Ride your bike 4. Work out/lift weights 5. Get some sleep 6. Meditate/practice yoga 7. Play sports 8. Take a walk 9. Stretch out 10. Do aerobics

Ways to sharpen your mind: • Read a book or magazine • Travel • Visit the library or museum • Write a story, poem or song • Play a board or card game • Comment/answer in class • Attend a school play • Learn to play an instrument • Have good conversations with friends • Solve a crossword puzzle (see pg. 44)

• Focus on building relationships or making regular deposits into your relationship bank account & personal bank account • RBA: keep promises, do small acts of kindness, be loyal, listen, say you’re sorry, set clear expectations • PBA: keep promises to yourself, do small acts of kindness, be gentle with yourself, be honest, renew yourself, tap into your talents • Look for opportunities throughout the day to make deposits and build lasting relationships

Ways to feed your soul: • Write in a journal • Go for a walk • Read an inspirational book • Pray • Write poetry • Think deeply • Listen to uplifting music (gospel) • Go to church

Heart- The Emotional Dimension (Build relationships (RBA, PBA) serve, laugh)

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Soul- The Spiritual Dimension (Meditate, keep a journal, pray)

Balance Is Better To perform at your best, you need to strive for balance in all four areas

Why is balance so important? It’s because how you do in one dimension of life will affect the other three.

It’s hard to be friendly (heart) when you’re exhausted (body). It also works the other way: when you’re feeling motivated and in tune with yourself (soul), it’s easier to focus on your studies (mind) and be more friendly (heart).

“Balance and moderation in all things”

Laugh Or You’ll Cry There is one last key to keeping your heart healthy and strong: just laugh

Laughter loosens up the mental gears and helps us think more creatively; helps us cope with the difficulties of life; reduces stress levels; relaxes us as it lowers our heart rate and blood pressure; connects us with others and counteracts feelings of alienation, a major factor in depression and suicide; releases endorphin, the brain’s natural painkillers Laughter has also been shown to promote good health and speed healing; learn to laugh at yourself when strange or stupid things happen to you because they will

Take Time For A Time-Out

You need time out to rejuvenate yourself; This is what sharpening the saw is all about

Let It Out...Write It Down Keeping a journal can help your soul; become the only place to fully express yourself no matter how angry, scared, insecure or confused you are. Start here:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ September 2013

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Education Feature

Start the School

This college prep timeline provided by http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/ will show you what you need to do to get ready for college.

7th & 8th Grade

Freshman/Sophomore Year • Take interest and skills assessments to help you explore careers options

activities

• Begin thinking about the high • Talk with your school counselor school classes about career options and the that will prepare education required for those careers you for college.

Take the most • Talk with your parents about saving difficult classes and paying for college you can handle • Talk with friends, teachers, • Develop good counselors and your parents about study habits college

• Review your high school class plan.

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

• Volunteer in your • Participate in extracurricular community

• Enroll in a summer enrichment program

• Practice setting and reaching goals • Take interest and skills assessments to help you think about possible career options

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

• Create a tentative high school class plan • Enroll in a summer enrichment program 42

• Check if your school requires 10th graders to take the PLAN to prepare for the ACT

• Sign up for classes that will earn college credit during your junior year through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options or College in the Schools • Explore internships and apprenticeships

Junior Year

• Attend college and financial aid events

• Mentor others and have a mentor for yourself

Schools

• Register for and take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring

• Participate in extracurricular activities

• 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

• Request admissions and financial aid forms

• Enroll in a summer enrichment program

• 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

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

• Arrange campus visits to those schools that interest you

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• Research private scholarship options.

Year Off RIGHT

By: LaPorsha Lowry

Senior Year • Sign up for classes that will earStay 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.

ATTENTION SENIORS!!!!!

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of what you need to do during your last year of high school to make sure that you are ready for college & beyond.

September-November

3.

Apply for scholarships offered by the colleges to which you have applied.

4.

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

5.

Review you Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy.

1.

Arrange campus visits to those schools that interest you. It’s okay to go more than once

2.

Take or retake the ACT and/or SAT in the fall

3.

Meet with your school counselor to review your high school class plan

4.

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

5.

Create a resume of your academic, athletic and work activities as well as other achievements. Prepare a portfolio if you’re interested in the arts

1.

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

6.

Ask for recommendations (if required) from teachers, counselors and others who can comment on your abilities and talents

2.

Choose a college and notify in writing those you don’t plan to attend.

7.

Attend a financial aid event. Review a copy of Paying for College

3.

Send in any required forms or deposits.

8.

Check if there is still time to sign up for spring classes that will earn college credit through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options or College in the Schools

December - February

March - May

Summer 1.

Get a job to earn money for college.

2.

Review orientation materials from the college you selected.

1.

Apply to four or more colleges that interest you.

Some may have earlier or later deadlines. (Make copies of each application.)

3.

If living on campus, check with the college for a list of what’s provided by the school and what the school expects the student to provide.

2.

Attend a financial aid event if you haven’t already done so. Review a copy of Paying for College

4.

Contact your roommate.

For more information, visit http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/> Preparing > College Prep Timeline September 2013

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Sista’s Keeper Crossword Puzzle

Continued from pg. 22

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Cartoon: “I AM My Sista’s Keeper”

Resources • Chloe & Halle http://www.facebook.com/ChloeandHalle • Paparazzi Princesses http://cashmoneycontent.com/ • Rx For Brown Skin http://www.rxforbrownskin.com/ • Dr. Leeya Pinder http://www.gcwomenscenter.org/ • Saving Our Daughters http://savingourdaughters.org • EmpowHERment Inc. http://www.empowherment.com/ • Period Packs Inc. www.periodpacks.com • Texture My Way http://texturemyway.com/

Continued from pg. 23

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Black Women In History

Ethel L. Payne Journalist and the “First Lady of the Black Press”

Ethel L. Payne was a journalist, Washington correspondent and an important infl uence on Civil Rights due to the coverage she received and gave.

Payne wrote articles and asked questions at press conferences that helped the movement and the fi ght for equality.

• 1911: Born August 14th in Chicago, Illinois • 1951: Became a full-time writer for The Chicago Defender and worked there for 27 years • 1954: Became The Chicago Defender Washington bureau chief • 1963: Reported on the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the desegregation efforts at Little Rock Central High School and the March on Washington 46

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• 1966: Provided on-site coverage of African-American troops in Vietnam • 1972: Became the fi rst black female radio and television commentator at a national news organization; hired by CBS and worked there for 10 years • Early 1980’s: Campaigned for the release of South African leader Nelson Mandela from prison • 1991: Died on May 28, 1991

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 she’ll need to build a better tomorrow.