September 2015 3-Year Anniversary Issue

Sista’s Keeper

I AM my Sista’s Keeper

September 2015 Vol. 4, Issue 1

Spotlight: Miss Teen USA 2015 Contestants

Cover Girls Update Childhood Obesity Scream Queens

Plus: What RESPECT Really Means How To GIVE Respect Respect yourSELF How To GET Respect

Jéla Lewter

Sista’s Keeper Scholar 2015

Respect

Our 3-Year Anniversary Issue!!!!!

Issue

In This Issue

16

Spotlight: Miss Teen USA 2015 Contestants Fall TV Preview

Keke Palmer stars in Scream Queens NEW Trivia Game

WYKAU WAM

17

9

Cover Girls...

Where Are They Now?

32

In this feature, we update you on what’s going on with our former cover girls & what they’re up to

40

College Prep Timeline On The Cover

28

Photos courtesy of: Jela Lewter’s Facebook page (left) Our 2015 Sista’s Keeper Scholar Jela Lewter is this month’s cover girl.

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

You could win an “I AM my Sista’s Keeper” wristband!!!!!

Enter to win by answering the following question: When was the premeire issue of Sista’s Keeper Magazine published?

“Like” our Facebook page & tweet us (@SistasKeeperMag) your answer to enter the giveaway. Use the hashtag: #SKGIVEAWAY

Sista’s Keeper Vol. 3, Issue 3 Founding Editor/Publisher LaPorsha Lowry Managing Editor Erik Veal Editorial Assistant Toynia Anderson Contributng Writers Eman Al-Taher Camile Daniels Alexis Knight Yani Long Whitney Martin Sha’Myua Miles Patrice Rivers De’Shauna Selby Jamiya Turns Special Thanks

Connect With Sista’s Keeper TODAY!!!!!

“Like” our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SistasKeeperMagazine Follow us on Twitter: @SistasKeeperMag http://www.twitter.com/SistasKeeperMag If you are on Pinterest, follow our page: http://www.pinterest.com/sistaskeepermag Follow us on Instagram: @SistasKeeperMag for photos, inspirational quotes, and MORE!!!!!

Jela Lewter Kim Sexton-Lewter Tori Turner Kim Evens Carrie Cook EmpowHERment Inc. Charlotte Alumnae of DST Kelly Leonardt-Phoenix Stacie Bailey Ashley Reid Chukwuemeka Anazia Brittany Salter Jesse Lowry Trumaine McCaskill Evan Summerville Greg E. Hill Daniel Lee Lowry Dottie Benjamin Terri Long Darie Wilson Antionette Cody

Follow us on Tumblr: http://sistaskeepermag.tumblr.com 4

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September 2015

I AM my Sista’s Keeper

In Every Issue

Health

20

Promotions & Giveaways

4

10 13 14 16 18 22

Beauty Fall Hairstyles Beauty Fall Skincare Beauty Fall Nail Colors Entertainment

Childhood Obesity

Furaha

What Respect Really Means

24

Jando

25

Maua

26

Ndege

27

How To Give Respect

Respecting Yourself

Fall TV Preview:

Scream Queens Fashion

How To Get Respect

Fall Fashion

Relationships

Respecting Others

Black Women In History Aretha Franklin 46 September 2015

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Calendar September/ October 2015

What’s going on and what to do this month

Event: 5th Annual EmpowHERment Summit Date: Saturday, September 26, 2015 Time: 7:30am-3pm Place: Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology 1430 Alleghany St, Charlotte, NC 28208 The annual summit is a powerful leadership development experience that connects, challenges and inspires hundreds of girls in grades 6-12 and women in the Charlotte area. For more information, visit: http://www.empowherment.com/

For more September & October events & updates, please visit our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.weebly.com

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

The 52nd Debutante Cotillion is sponsored by Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in partnership with Deltas of Charlotte Foundation.

A Debutante Information Session will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2015 at 3:00 PM at the Delta Center.

The complete application packet must be submitted by Friday, September 25, 2015. All Debutantes must have a 2.5 GPA. A non-refundable activity fee of $175 is required of all Debutantes. The fee is due at the “Get Acquainted Session” which will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 3:00 PM at the Delta Center.

To complete the application & recommendation form, visit: http://charlottedst.org/ourprograms/debutantecotillion.html For questions and additional information, please contact us at cotillion@charlottedst.org 6

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R-E-S-P-E-C-T...Find out what it means to me!!!!!

Editor’s Letter

HYear #3!!!!!

’ey sistas! We have made it to the end of

Thank you to all of our readers, followers, subscribers and supporters that have helped us get this far.

Without you, this magazine would still be a dream in my head and notes scribbled in my notebook.

As I look back at the past 3 years of the magazine, I am grateful to have connected with young ladies who are great examples for our readers and have them as part of the Sista’s Keeper family.

This is issue that is all about RESPECT...how to get and give respect as well as what it actually means.

This concept is one that we here all the time but we may have different meanings and ideas of what you expect.

Our very first Sista’s Keeper Scholar (pg. 28) is Je’la Lewter and she is a great example of being her sista’s keeper and a leader.

This month’s Spotlight is on Miss Teen USA 2015 contestants (pg. 9) Jasmine Daniels and Niara Iman.

These young ladies did a great job in the pageant this year and have great platforms that they will continue to advocate in their communities.

In this issue, we highlight our past cover girls and give you an update on what they are doing now and what accomplishments that they have achieved.

In this month’s sections, we will help you show respect as well as get respect from others.

As always, if you want to contact me of have any questions about the magazine, email me at:

Tell us what you think!

Join the conversation... #SistasKeeper

Sista’s Keeper cover girls (l-r) Jocelien, Je’la Lewter, A’layeah Joisanne & Tori Turner pose with owner LaPorsha Lowry at the 3-Year Anniversary Scholarship Celebration on September 12, 2012.

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 2015

Founding Editor/Publisher @SistasKeeperMag Sista’s Keeper

7

Subscribe to Sista’s Keeper!!!!!

6 issues per year for only $18!!!!!

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

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

Spotlight

Miss Teen USA 2015 Contestants

Get to know these sistas who competed in the August 22nd pageant

Connect w/ Niara

Niara Iman, 17, is currently a senior at the Washington Latin Public Charter School where she participates in Student Government, leads the Indian Dance Club and serves as an Ambassador for the school.

Niara is an avid traveler. She has been to 25 states and has also traveled to France, India, Mexico and England. She traveled to England for the Olympics and there realized, after seeing so many cultures and people coming together, that she wanted to see the world and learn as much as she could about different cultures.

Last summer Niara spent a month traveling throughout the United States with 34 Iraqi students. She has studied Arabic for the past three years and was able to utilize her knowledge of Arabic as well as her pride for her home country. She was able to help celebrate and unite the two countries coming together. Niara’s other passions include dance, baking cupcakes and painting. One day she hopes to become Secretary of State.

@missdcteenusa @RealMissDCTeen

Jasmine Daniels is a 19-year-old student at Immaculata University. She plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, with double minors in buying and marketing.

With her passion for fashion, she enjoys sewing and constructing designs with the hopes of owning her own boutique one day featuring her creations.

She also has a love for makeup which inspired her to create a YouTube channel titled “MinebyJas”. It displays her beauty and how-to tutorials.

Her determined and optimistic personality will help her to build a successful fashion and beauty empire.

Jasmine maintains both a fashion blog and an anti-bullying blog. With her anti-bullying blog, she wishes for her readers to remember to always “Be B.R.A.V.E.” and “Be a Buddy”!

Top 15 Connect w/ Jasmine @RealMissPAteen @realmisspateenusa

For more information about the pageant, visit the Miss Teen USA website: http://www.missuniverse.com/missteenusa.

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Doll It Up

By: Ife Michelle Beauty

It is almost that time of year! The weather is cooling down, there is a constant refreshing breeze,and most of us are on the back to school train; FALL IS ALMOST HERE! Sadly, that means less free time to try out a new Youtube hair video on the daily basis, but never fear because here are five hairstyle sure toget (and keep) you dolled for the fall and as always, enjoy!

Cornrows Nothing is new, and this hairstyle proves it. Brought back from the 90’s (and countless times before) cornrows give you a long lasting, edgy look that can be extremely versatile.

Play with length, designs, colors, style and thickness until you find a style that is uniquely you!

Crochet Braids

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Looking to keep it simplistic? Crotchet braids are the perfect style! Growing in popularity, crotchet braids are a great protective style that allow for extreme versitlity.

Use marley or braiding hair to crotchet in and use perm rods, flexy rods, or a comb to fluff to achieve your perfect look!

For The Fall

Beauty

Color Nothing says back to school like a revamp on your style!

That doesn’t have to mean just your wardrobe: spice up your hair with some new color!

For the fall, deep reds, browns and oranges.

And for those fearless ladies: greys, dark blues, and violet!

Bob/Pixie Cut For those looking to do a little weave play or are adventureous enough to take that trip to the barbershop, a bob or a pixie cut might be for you!

Super sleek and always fun this style can be achieves with your natural hair, processed hair, wig pieces, and sew ins!

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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.weebly.com

Fall Nail Colors

Beauty

Check out the latest Fall 2015 collection from Essie.

Leggy Legend Shimmer, shake, & shine with this glamorous alloyed bronze bombshell that is the soul of rock chic.

With The Band Backstage, in the club or in the studio...toasted spice burgundy heats things up wherever she goes.

Color Binge

In The Lobby

Can’t stop...won’t stop...over the top and larger than life, this addictive orange red is ready to indulge.

Do you rendez-vous?

Instantly connect with your heart’s desire in this exotic cinnamon plum.

Frock n’ Roll Take It Outside Zip up a hot look, rock flared jeans and give him the blues in this intense midnight indigo.

Low cut and flirting with danger, this lustrous, shimmering rich espresso is a dress for success.

http://www.essie.com/Latest-Collections.aspx September 2015

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Back-To-School Skincare Tips

Beauty

Remember the golden rules...

Cleanse, Moisterize, Protect & Exfoliate

The old addage, "Beauty is only skin deep", that we have so often heard is a standard that we should adopt.

Our inner beauty and how we behave, treat people and respond in our daily lives is what is most important. However, this same addage speaks to what we reflect to the world with our skin.

Our skin is the largest organ of the body which helps us regulate our body temperatures, provides the first defense for our bodies from our environment and also performs many other biological functions.

As the first defense, our skin is the first thing that we display and reflect to society, therefore highlighting the importance of keeping your skin healthy, clear and glowing.

Little Known Fact Sunscreen helps prevent uneven skin tone & dark spots

Skincare Tips: 1. Know your skin type:

oily, dry or combination 2. 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 you 3. Protect your skin daily with sunscreen: excessive exposure to sun causes pre-mature aging and increases your risk of skin cancer 4. Exfoliate your skin on a regular basis that is tolerable for your skin type

Not everyone can acheive healthy, clear, glowing skin on their own. Knowing when to consult with the right professional is always key.

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Cosmetics

Clothes Shoes

E S I T !

R ! !

E ! !

V E D A ER H

Nails

Accessories

Music

Hair

Movies

Food/Drink & MORE!!!!

To advertise, contact us: sistaskeepermag@yahoo.com

Entertainment

Keke Palmer Stars In “Scream Queens” New murder mystery show premieres Tuesday, September 22nd on FOX. By: Erik Veal The girls of Kappa House are dying for new pledges. Literally! Scream Queens is a new killercomedy horror series from the creators of “Glee” and “American Horror Story,” Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan and Brad Falchuk.

We are featuring this show because it stars former Sista’s Keeper Magazine cover girl, KeKe Palmer as new pledge, Zayday Williams.

New school year, new FRESH faces and a new pledge class on the doorsteps of the Kappa House at Wallace University. But yet the campus has its mysteries.

In 1995, something horrible happened to a pledge at a sorority and the mystery goes unsolved. Now 20 years later a devil-masked killer is stalking the sorority house and is out for revenge.

May the killer is a former pledge from 20 years ago sought out to take down the Kappa House or someone trying to join currently?

A classic whodunit and clue meets horror films, “Heathers” and “Friday the 13th,” this show is to bring you suspense and dark comedy.

Palmer’s character, Zayday is more of the curious

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type when it comes to the sorority life. According to Entertainment Weekly in an interview with the show creators, Zayday is the genius and is utilizing this Greek experience to benefit her in the future.

She wants to run for president, bolster her resume and she goes into that world in hopes of changing the system.

Along with Palmer is a dynamic cast that has been involved in the Glee realm or horror films in the past and present.

Leading lady in charge of the Kappa House, Chanel Oberlin (Emma Roberts) and her henchwomen, Chanel #5 (Abigail Breslin), Chanel #3 (Billie Lourd) are all seniors this year and must bring down their wealthy only standards to be a woman of Kappa after stern talk from Dean Cathy Munsch played by original scream queen, Jamie Lee Curtis.

To the new pledges, Hester (Lea Michele), Grace (Skyler Samuels) and others must do as what they are told to join the prestigious sorority but watch their backs as a killer is on the loose.

Find out more about the show Scream Queens at:

fox.com/Scream-Queens or facebook.com/screamqueensfox.

Trivia Game Keeps Our History Alive In 2009, Vicco Barringer was inspired to create Wykau Wam, an African American trivia game.

His goal was to create a game whose mission is to help keep African American history alive by connecting people to their culture and personal interests.

Barringer hopes to encourage everyone to think about their purpose and to make a positive impact on their futures through learning and play.

He anticipates that through the game, he can incite African Americans to leave a legacy not only for his children but for all African American children to enjoy

RESPECT Playlist

for years to come!

Wykau Wam is an acronym which means “What You Know About Us We All Matter”.

This is trivia game to help keep history alive by connecting people to their culture and personal interest.

The game is for ages 14 to adult. There are two teams with 2 to 5 players per team.

The game contains 1400 questions and answers.

The questions are split into 5 categories: Sports, HBCU, Politics & Inventions, Music and TV & Films.

Answer correctly to earn points and the objective is to be the first team to score 500 points.

“Respect” Aretha Franklin “U.N.I.T.Y.” Queen Latifah BONUS: “Think” Aretha Franklin

For more information on the game or to purchase, visit: http://www.wykau.com/

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By: Ife Presswood Fashion

Transition Into Fall With These Items

It’s entering that time of your when leaves turn from a bright pretty green to a beautiful array of reds, yellows, and oranges.

Fall is around the corner and just like the leaves on the trees turn so easily and are just as nice, here’s the 411 on how to transition from summer closet to your ultimate (early) fall collection!

When transitioning from summer into early fall there are a few must haves to prepare you for the slight drop in weather:

Scarves!

Every color, every print!

Denim Jacket & Cardigains!

Adds a little casual warmth to any summer dress or sleevsless top! Try a nice blazer, for those night time festivities!

Tights & Knee High Socks

Booties!!!!! <- Keep your legs warm and still allow you to get a few more wears out of your favorite minidress!

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Heels, wedges, combat, mocassins, open toe and cut out: perfect to throw onwith a pair of shorts and tights!

By: Alexis Knight

Back To School:

Fashion

Put the YOU in Uniform Just because you wear a uniform does not mean you can’t stand out and make it your own. Check out these outfit ideas to put the YOU in your uniform.

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Weighing Out The Facts

By: De’Shauna Selby Health

It is no secret that America is overweight. Two out of three Americans are overweight or obese, which has been a steady rate since the 2000’s with no decline in sight. Although studies highlight the 25 and up demographic, September provides the perfect opportunity to discuss Childhood Obesity.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. With the academic year in the works, this is a chance to get informed on the facts about the disease and preventive methods so you do not become a victim.

So, what is Obesity? Obesity is a condition of being dangerously overweight.

How is it measured? Obesity is measure through a system called BMI (Body Mass Index), which is a calculation of your weight and height. This is charted and compared to others your age which doctors can determine if you are healthy, underweight, overweight or obese.

Why is this important? Did you know that one of every three children are obese in the U.S.? Did you know that with teens who are obese, they have a significantly higher chance of developing long-term medical issues such as diabetes?

It is important to know your status so you can prevent further medical issues or catch them before it is too late.

As teens, you are old enough to be proactive in becoming a healthier you and you can also share the benefits with family and friends.

Here are some tips on how to avoid obesity and how to remain healthy:

Eat Clean!

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80% of weight loss and leading a healthy lifestyle is contingent upon eating right.

Become more conscious of the foods you consume on a daily basis and try your best to

of Childhood Obesity balance more good foods than bad.

As teens, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very difficult when you still ultimately depend on your parent/guardian to nourish you and not all parents do so on a healthy platform.

Because of that, it is important to share your interest in being healthy and the benefits of it and they, too, may join you on the journey.

Stay Active!

Now the 20% is about exercise. Although that is not much, it makes a significant difference depending on specific goals.

If you are trying to lose weight, that 20% of exercise can measure like it is 50%. Now if

Health

you are more concerned with managing your current weight or toning, then that 20% can measure accurately.

It is recommended that even 30 minutes per day of exercise can be essential to remaining healthy and contribute to healthy weight loss goals.

Pay Doc A Visit!

Aside from your annual check-ups, visit you doctor when you feel or see an abnormal change in your body. Ask questions about healthy diets and what nutrients you may or may not be missing so you are aware. The more you know, the better.

For more information, visit: http://www.strong4life.com/ September 2015

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Relationships

By: Patrice Rivers

Showing Respect To The What greater way to earn respect from others than

Generations of generations have tried to stand by the grounds of respect by first listening to our elders as you may know are people older than us.

Senior citizens and elders are definitely the prime ownership of what respect says and how it should be worn. It is very important to have and to show respect in each relationship you portray on a daily basis.

First let’s look at how respect can affect your everyday life. You may not know, but you deal with people every day and they observe you as you would observe others.

There are a lot of different relationships that first starts with respect because without respect, you can ask yourself “Where would I be?” Do you feel that people will generally take you seriously if you aren’t being respectful?

Look at different celebrities such as Oprah, Joyce Meyer, Denzel Washington or Jamie Foxx just to name a few. These people have come a long ways because of the respect they have for others.

Have you ever seen them portray a negative image in the public eye or said anything negative that was going to affect some young lives or people that love them?

No because they have been taught to humble themselves through the media and on a daily basis in their lives when nobody isn’t looking.

learn to respect ourselves as a person because if we don’t, who would respect us?

Especially as young ladies we much know that we are worthy and should be treated like the queens that we are!

But back to friendships, learn to value yourself enough and love yourself enough so that you are able to learn and care for others in a friendship.

Choose your friends wisely meaning choose people to hang out with that are positive, going somewhere in life, not a gossiper, who is going to have your back and not put you down.

Never allow yourself to deal with the negativity and the drama friends can bring. It is very important to engage in a healthy and stress-free friendship.

Just practice valuing your friends and the relationships and most importantly, be involved with people who respects you and never puts you down!

Friendships We all should know that you can’t call everyone you associate with, mingle with or even hang out with your friend. You will hear that from your parents while you are growing up and learning still.

Sistas you are your own friend before you are anybody else’s. Don’t allow the world to corrupt your mind and soul and to think that everyone that is nice to you is your friend, those people are only telling you what feels right but isn’t.

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Peers These are people that are surrounded by you. Peers can be people you see on the street walking past you, people that are sitting next to you on a bench by the bustop or someone that is on the elevator standing next to you.

Although you don’t know them personally, it is still

People In Your Life

Relationships

to show respect to them? important to maintain that high respect level because like to be wise. Respect always come from the home like I said you never know who is watching you! first and is supposed to be taught.

Look apart and be apart in your daily routine. Like the saying goes, “Treat people the way you would want to be treated!”

Teachers/Mentors So respect others the way that they would want to be

treated. Never engage yourself with the negative crowd Showing respect in the classrooms and to people that nor surround yourself with drama that will deteriorate are trying to help you further your education or just your image. Respect goes a long ways! trying to help you period can take you a long ways in life.

Why should somebody help a person that doesn’t even care about themselves? Even when teachers teach their students in the classroom, students must learn to respect their teachers and know that they are only trying to educate them for a higher learning.

Education is important and teachers must show their compassion and caring towards students to engage with them.

Building healthy relationships that is built on communication and self-respect will definitely take you a long ways.

Just like I mentioned earlier, try to avoid relationships Parents in your life that is stressful and filled with negativity and drama. Enjoy life to the fullest with the people that Now this one right here is a MAJOR importance of you care about and remember that respect can go a long respect. I’m pretty sure your parents and grandparents ways! have told you the stories of when they were little back in the day and if they would even attempt to talk back to their parents, they will get a switch and whip them silly.

I still hear these stories not only from my parents and my grandmother and from my peers as well. The generation that we are living in now doesn’t even know what respect is!

It’s sad to say, but it is very true. You have kids that are three, eight, five, and eleven trying to take control of the parents and talking back. Some parents don’t even know how to handle the kid’s behavior because they are too much out of control.

But respecting your parents is very important because it will teach you how to respect others and what it feels September 2015

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Furaha

What Respect REALLY Means

Learning respect is best by example. Pay attention to adults who respect each other and themselves so they can influence you to do the same.

As we get older and become teens, the influence from peers and the media come more into play. Make some basic rules with your family about how to treat each other.

This is the first step in learning respect.

Everyone must adhere to these rules. The rules should include the following: 1. Name calling is not allowed.

2. No family member should ever put another family member down.

3. Negative talking of other family members is prohibited.

4. Forgiveness is important within the family and should be encouraged.

Setting clear expectations for respect within the family is of utmost importance. There should be clear consequences for disrespect, even if it involves a parent.

Everyone has to be on the same page in this to understand where the boundaries exist. Respect is always mutual.

Self-respect is central in learning to respect other family members. If you do not have selfrespect and self-esteem, then your ability to respect others might be impaired.

Listed below are the things necessary for you to maintain their self-esteem: • A sense of security.

• A sense of belonging to the family and feeling wanted by the family.

• A sense of purpose, that the family has a need for them.

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• A sense of personal competence and pride, a sense that they are capable of being successful.

• A sense of trust.

• A sense of responsibility towards the family.

• A sense of contribution that they have something to offer the family.

• A sense of making decisions that influence the family.

• A sense of self-control and a sense that in any circumstance, they are capable of controlling what is said and how it is said.

• A sense of encouragement.

• A sense of acceptance and forgiveness.

• A sense of family self-esteem.

Continued on page 45

Respecting Yourself

By: Eman Al-Taher

Jando

Throughout our lives, we try to gain the love and respect from others.

We all want to be popular, we want to be accepted.

We think that if we have a lot of friends we will be happy, or if people notice us we all of a sudden have more purpose in life.

Whether these things are true or not it all starts with loving ourselves, as I have said in a past article, but more than that it is also about respecting ourselves.

Most of us do not realize this but the way other people view us and treat us is a direct result of how we treat ourselves.

I personally believe that before you can fully learn to respect yourself, you need to discover who you are and learn to love all of you, flaws included.

Self-Respect Tips • Don’t let other people’s thoughts about you shape who you are.

• Don’t speak badly about yourself.

• Don’t let anybody force you to be or do anything you don’t want to do or be, simply to gain their approval or friendship.

• Don’t violate your own moral codes.

• Control your emotions.

• Increase your knowledge.

• Seek a relationship with God. • Be responsible.

• Do the things you need to do.

• Respect others. (see my other blogs on respect here) • Be quick to forgive others. (see my blogs on forgiveness here) • Be friendly to everyone you meet. Friendly people are never miserable people.

• Hang around encouraging people that are doing positive things.

• Don’t lie. When you continually tell the truth, you give yourself the priceless gift of a clear conscience.

• Make good decisions.

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Maua

Quotes of RESPECT

This month, we highlight quotes from black women that show the importance of showing and giving respect.

“But really, we also need to learn how to love one another as women. How to appreciate and respect each other.

-Chaka Khan “We learned about gratitude and humility and we were taught to value everyone’s contribution and treat everyone with respect.

-Michelle Obama

“I write for those women who do not have a voice because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We’ve been taught that silence would save us, but it won’t.

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Ndege

How To Give Respect

Respect is the most important building block of the ABCs. Respect is a pattern of behavior that is found in healthy relationships.

You have to give respect in order to get it, and it is something everyone deserves.

People who respect each other trust and support each other and value each other's independence.

They also have the freedom to be themselves, talk honestly and freely, and make decisions and compromises together.

They respect boundaries and encourage each other to spend time with friends and family.

The best way to be respectful is by making sure you are respecting yourself.

You should have opinions, express your opinions, and feel good about a relationship.

You should not feel pressured to do something just because it seems like everyone else is doing it, or because someone else is trying to get you to do something.

Show respect not only with your actions but also with your words.

Belittling, put-downs, and unreasonable accusations are forms of verbal and emotional abuse. They are not a part of a healthy relationship.

Some examples include: someone calling you stupid, ugly, or fat (in front of others or when you are alone); or someone ignoring you when certain people are around, calls you constantly, is jealous of everyone, or needs to know where you are at all times.

How does respect fit into the ABCs? You can have and give more respect through:

A

wareness

Be aware that you deserve respect whether or not you are being respected.

B

alance

Have mutual respect for the relationship and for one another.

C

hoices

Make conscious choices that are respectful of yourself, your relationship, and whoever else is involved.

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Sista’s Keeper

Scholar The first ever Sista’s Keeper Magazine scholarship winner is Jéla Lewter, a 17-year-old senior at A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, NC.

J

éla Lewter is the epitome of being her “sista’s keeper” because she has several different opportunities to do this in her life.

She has two sisters that she loves and supports as well as her cross country team that she serves as captain.

Jéla not only knows what being her “sista’s keeper” means, she also shows it and sets an example for her sisters, peers and now our readers. Get to know our scholarship winner and read her excellent essay where she gives her personal definition of being her “sista’s keeper”.

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A Sista’s Keeper must be intelligent, compassionate, and motivated. The role requires her to be strong, determined, and aspiring for greatness. These are all qualities of a good role model and leader. When you take up the title of a Sista’s Keeper, you are to be made an example of by paving the way of success for other girls just like yourself. You are proving to young black girls that they can be successful despite what others expect, and especially because of who they are.

The objective is to instill confidence in your sistas that they may not be able to receive as much as necessary. The media and mainstream music do a thorough job of misrepresenting black females and throwing labels and generalizations on us. If you are a sista’s keeper you are a walking contradiction to all of the negative light shone on Black women. You are a woman with a purpose.

I am my sista’s keeper because I desire to break barriers set up for me. I think of myself as a mixing pot of different things to offer to the world because of my talents and interests.

I display creativity and a passion for the arts with my participation in theatre, drawing, and writing. I am always expanding my mind whether it is in school or at home entranced in a good book. I am constantly setting goals for myself. It is necessary to create expectations for myself while in school because your time learning determines a lot of your life. I want to be satisfied with where that education takes me and represent my sistas in a positive light.

In addition to setting goals in school, I apply them to the sports I compete in. I have run cross-country, winter track and spring track for over 6 years now. Every year, through hard work and determination my times improve and personal goals are completed or become easier to reach. Participating in these sports has taught me about perseverance and putting in the work necessary to achieve; even though they are team sports, the experience is still very much individual, so, it is up to me to push myself.

However, the experience also makes me a team player. I wish for my teammates to succeed just as much as myself; similar to that of a sista’s keeper who desires for all her sistas to achieve all that they can. When I’m with my teammates I cheer them on, supporting them with encouraging words and high fives.

Lastly, I am a Sista’s keeper because I am truly a sister. Not only do I have two birth sisters, but I come from a very large family and I have many aunts, cousins, and fictive sisters that are just like the real thing. The sisterhood that we share in our family is unmatched.

Many “Sistas” have worked to make a difference in my life and I know that I must do the same for others. It is essential as my Sista’s keeper that I am a positive influence; constantly reminding my sistas of their strength and potential for greatness. A sista’s keeper raises up many more sista’s keepers and this is a pattern I hope to continue.

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-Jela

What is an example of when you displayed high school.

I’m always there to give support and help mentor sisterhood and being your “sista’s keeper”? younger runners. Running is also something that is I display sisterhood by always being there for my hard to love all the time but you must always keep a actual sisters. When they need advice or help with their positive attitude because it will infect the attitude of your teammates. work, I’m there for them.

When they are doing something they shouldn’t be doing it’s my job to steer them in the right direction. Tell us about yourself in a personal statement: I recognize that I am a part of a greater whole and my I am full-fledged bibliophile. I spend large amounts sistas are extensions of me. of my time reading novels or excitedly talking about How would you describe and rank your self- them. I think that means I have a love for adventure and that I’m very open-minded because of all the things I esteem and why? experience through stories.

This also means I have a large imagination and big I would rank my self-esteem as normal. I struggle with other’s perception of me like any other teenager dreams like modeling and acting and writing my own novels someday. and it hinders me from being my true self sometimes.

When I’m around people I’m not close with it makes me very quiet and reserved. However, I do feel What are your career goals/where do you see confident while playing sports and putting myself in yourself in 10 years? outgoing situations.

My love of reading inspired my aspiration to work for Please give an example of a leadership role that a publishing company. Specifically, Harper Teen books because they distribute some of my favorite reads. you’ve had or a time that you were a leader.

In ten years, I would like to be employed at Harper As a senior team member I am a leader on my team. teen to read manuscripts and decide whether they should Running cross-country is an example of how, even continue on to the publishing stages. I would even like though it’s an individual sport, your teammates rely on to be writing my own novels for large audiences to you for motivation and encouragement. I’m seen as a enjoy. Hopefully, my involvement in the publishing leader to my team because I am one of the top runners industry will positively impact the amount of diversity and I have run all three seasons for all of my years in in literature.

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Cover Girls...

Gabrielle Douglas September 2012

(Premiere Issue)

Gabrielle Douglas took the world by storm in the 2012 Summer Olympics when she won the all-around competition to win the Gold medal. She appeared on our premiere issue in September 2012. She just graduated from high school and is now training for the 2016 Olympics.

Also, she recently competed in the 2015 City of Jesolo Trophy.

Keke Palmer

November 2012 32

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September 2015

Keke Palmer has been busy since her cover on the November 2012 issue: she was on Broadway (the first AfricanAmerican woman to play Cinderella), played “Chilli” in the CrazySexyCool: the TLC Story, & starred in the movie Brotherly Love. She also debuted her own BET talk show, Just Keke.

Now, she is starring on Fox’s Scream Queens.

Where Are They Now? McClain (aka the McClain Sisters) first came on the scene in 2007’s Daddy’s Little Girls.

They were on the cover of the January 2013 issue.

China, Sierra & Lauryn released “The Holiday Song last year.

Also, Lauryn recently graduated from high school.

McClain

January 2013

Coco Jones

Let It Shine star Coco Jones was on the cover of the March 2013 issue.

She has a new single on iTunes called “Let ‘Em Know”.

March 2013 September 2015

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The OMG Girlz were on the cover of the July 2013 issue.

Unforntuately, the group disbanded this year to focus on solo projects.

Bahja “Beauty” Rodriguez (middle) released her first official solo single entitled “Lipstick” in July.

OMG Girlz July 2013

Sister duo Chloe & Halle were featured on the September 2013 1-Year Anniversary issue.

The YouTube sensations won season 5 of Radio Disney’s Next BIG Thing. They signed a deal with Beyonce’s management company Parkwood Entertainment.

Chloe & Halle September 2013

Zendaya just graduated high school and is working on her second album. She also defended her dreadlock hairstyle at the 2015 Oscars recently after negative comments were made. She can be seen in KC Undercover Sundays at 8:30pm on Disney Channel.

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Zendaya

November 2013

Singer/actress Cymphonique was on the January 2014 issue. She is currently part of the group Fabulous Girls.

She can also be seen this fall on her father, Master Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new reality show, Family Empire, that will air on the Reelz channel.

Cymphonique

January 2014

Rachel Crow graced the cover of the March 2014 issue when she starred in the animated movie Rio 2.

Next, she will be in the upcoming Disney Channel original movie Invisible Sister which will air in October.

The movie is about a teen girl whose science project goes terribly wrong, making her sister suddenly invisible. Crow plays Nikki, her best friend and teammate.

Alayeah Joisanne July 2014

Rachel Crow

March 2014

The July 2014 issue had actress Alayeah Joisanne on the cover.

She is currently attending Bloomfield College where she majors in Creative Arts & Technology.

Also, she is starring in the upcoming movie Beautiful Destroyer as Zee.

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Tori Turner was on the September 2015 2-Year Anniversary cover and has been recognized for being a teen entrepreneur and philanthropist. She was recently honored at the 2015 McDonald’s 365Black Awards with the Community Choice Youth Award.

Tori Turner

September 2014

Leanna Archer

November 2014

Entrepreneur, author, speaker & philanthropist Gabrielle Jordan was featured on the cover of the January 2015 issue.

She has been speaking at events while running Jewelz of Jordan & the ExCEL Youth Mentoring Institute.

She was a 2015 M.A.D. (Making A Difference) Girl where she was recognized by the First Lady, Michelle Obama during the Black Girls Rock awards show.

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Leanna Archer was featured on the November 2014 issue.

She is currently in college. She takes business classes so that she can continue to grow Leanna’s Hair, but she is majoring in Political Science.

Gabrielle Jordan January 2015

September 2015

Miss Black USA Talented Teen Jasmin Sessoms was the cover girl of the May 2012 preview issue for being Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2011. She has graduated from Fayetteville State University & now lives in Raleigh, NC. Jasmin Sessoms May 2012

Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2012 Naya Coard was featured on the cover of the May 2013 issue. She is currently attending Spelman College in Atlanta, GA where she studies English.

Naya Coard May 2013

The 2013 winner, singer Jocelien, is on tour and performing all across the country. Her video for “White Flag” will be released soon.

Jocelien

May 2014

The May 2015 issue had Kylee Johnson, Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2015, on the cover. She is currently attending Arizona State University.

Kylee Johnson May 2015

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Quvenzhane Wallis stars in the animated film The Prophet as Almitra, the largely silent but occasionally troublemaking daughter of a housekeeper. The movie opened on August 7th.

The Annie star is also working on some new projects, including movies like Fathers and Daughters and Counting by 7s.

She is still the face of Armani Junior as well.

Quvenzhane

March 2015

Sharve

July 2015 38

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May 2015

Sharve was the cover girl for the July 2015 issue and she’s building on the success of her her single, “Love Easy”. She is still working on her debut EP which will be out soon. The owner of Born2B Entertainment and Sharve Music Entertainment, she also founded the iKool Foundation which helps out the homeless in the Houston, Texas area.

What You Know About Us We All Matter WYKAU WAM is an African-American trivia game to help keep history alive by connecting people to their culture and personal interest. It encourages everyone to think about their purpose and to make a positive impact on their future.

For more information or to order the game,

http://www.wykau.com/

Getting Ready

Education Feature

This college prep timeline provided by Minnesota Office 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.

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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 apprenticeships.

• Check if your school 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

September 2015

For College

Education

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

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

• Mentor others and have a mentor for yourself.

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

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

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

• Arrange campus visits to those schools that interest you.

• Participate in extracurricular activities.

• Request admissions and financial aid forms.

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

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

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

Stay focused on your schoolwork. Make sure you are meeting your high school graduation requirements.

• Enroll in a summer enrichment program.

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

• Research private scholarship options.

Feature

In 12th Grade • Stay focused on your schoolwork and take the most difficult classes you can handle.

• Take career interest assessments and determine the education needed for careers that interest you.

• Participate in extracurricular activities.

• Volunteer in the community.

September-November • Arrange campus visits to those schools that interest you.

• 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.

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

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Thank you to all our

readers and

subscribers

for supporting us and helping us get to our

3-year anniversary!!!!!

Sistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keeper Magazine

Resources • Scream Queens http://www.fox.com/scream-queens • Wykau Wam http://www.wykau.com/ • Miss Teen USA http://www.missuniverse.com/missteenusa

•

Keep Rising! Empowerment Summit for Girls http://www.keeprisingsummit.com/ • College Prep Timeline http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/ • Charlotte Alumnae Delta Debutantes http://charlottedst.org/ourprograms/debutantecotillion.html

Sista’s Keeper Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS

18 March 2013 issue cover girl Coco _____

3 September 2014 issue cover girl Tori _____ 4 March 2015 issue cover girl Quvenzhane _____ 7 September 2012 issue cover girl Gabrielle _____ 9 September 2013 issue cover girl Chloe and _____ 10 July 2013 issue cover girl _____ Girlz 12 November 2012 issue cover girl Keke _____ 14 January 2014 issue cover girl _____ 15 March 2014 issue cover girl Rachel _____ 16 July 2014 issue cover girl _____ Joisanne 17 May 2014 issue cover girl _____

DOWN

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1 November 2013 issue cover girl _____ 2 May 2013 issue cover girl Naya _____ 5 July 2015 issue cover girl _____ 6 May 2015 issue cover girl _____ Johnson 8 January 2015 issue cover girl _____ Jordan 11 January 2013 issue cover girls _____ Sisters 13 November 2014 issue cover girl Leanna _____

Respect, Continued from page 24

Learning to use “I” messages rather than “you” messages, can be a good way of showing respect.

Expressing “I” statements is an easy way of avoiding name calling, being disrespectful, and letting them know how their actions make you feel.

At the end of the day, respect is learned mostly by example. You learn respect more easily if you have set boundaries and set expectations for behavior towards yourself and others. Positive self-esteem will also be a valuable part of respectful behavior.

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Biography.com Black Women In History

Aretha Franklin The Queen of Soul who taught us to demand R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Born Aretha Louise Franklin on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Baptist preacher and a gospel singer mother. She is the fourth of five children and her mother died to a heart attack.

Her family relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where her father gained national recognition as a preacher. Franklin’s musical gifts became apparent at an early age. Largely self-taught, she was regarded as a child prodigy. A gifted pianist with a powerful voice, Franklin sang in front of her father’s Detroit congregation.

By the age of 14, she recorded some of her earliest tracks at the church. She also performed with a traveling revival show.

At the age of 15, she became a mother. Her second child followed two years later. After a brief hiatus she returned to performing, Franklin traveled to New York in 1960. After being courted by several labels, including Motown and RCA, Franklin signed with Columbia Records. She released “The Great Aretha Franklin” for the label that same year.

In 1961, the single “Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody” hit No. 37 on the pop charts but Franklin moved to Atlantic in 1967.

Paired with sidemen trained in soul, blues, rock and gospel—including session guitarists Eric Clapton and Duane Allman—Aretha recorded the single “I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You).”

As the single became a massive top 10 hit, Franklin re-emerged in New York, and was able to complete the partially recorded track, “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man.” Franklin cemented her reign in 1967 and 1968 with a string of hit singles that would become enduring classics. In 1967, the album “I Never

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Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)” was released.

The first song on the album, “Respect,” an empowered cover of an Otis Redding track, reached No. 1 on both the R&B and pop charts, and won Aretha her first two Grammy Awards.

She also had top 10 hits with “Baby I Love You,’’ “Think,” “Chain of Fools,’’ “I Say A Little Prayer,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

Franklin’s success continued throughout the 70s, and as the artist took home eight consecutive Grammy awards for Best R&B Female Vocal Performance, she earned the title the “Queen of Soul.”

A string of chart failures ended Franklin’s relationship with Atlantic in 1979. The same year, her father was hospitalized after a burglary attempt in his home left him in a coma. As her popularity waned and her father’s health declined, Franklin was also saddled with a massive bill from the IRS. A cameo in the film The Blues Brothers (1980) helped Franklin revive her flagging career.

Performing “Think’’ alongside comedians John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd exposed her to a new generation of R&B lovers, and she soon signed to Arista Records.

Her new label released 1982’s Jump To It, an album that enjoyed huge success on the R&B charts and earned Franklin a Grammy nomination. Two years later, she endured the death of her father.

In 1985, Franklin released another smash-hit album. The polished pop record Who’s Zoomin’ Who? featured the single “Freeway of Love,” as well as a collaboration with the popular rock band the Eurythmics. The record became Aretha’s biggest-selling album yet.

The following year, Franklin became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and

“We all require and want respect.

It’s our basic human right.”

-Aretha Franklin

Roll Hall of Fame. Also in 1987, the University of Detroit credited Franklin with an honorary doctorate.

In 1993, she was invited to sing at the inauguration of Bill Clinton, and in 1994, she was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the next few years, the songstress was the subject of multiple documentaries and tributes.

In 1998, Franklin reprised her former role in Blues Brothers 2000, released the gold-selling “A Rose Is Still A Rose,” and stood in for Luciano Pavarotti, who was too ill to accept his Lifetime Achievement Award. . She was awarded the Presidential Medal of

Freedom and became the second woman ever to be inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame. In 2008, she received her 18th Grammy Award for “ Never Gonna Break My Faith”—a collaboration with Mary J. Blige—and was tapped to sing at the 2009 inauguration of president Barack Obama.

With 18 Grammys under her belt, Franklin is regarded as one of the most honored artists in Grammy history, ranked among the likes of Alison Krauss, Adele and Beyoncé Knowles.

In 2011, Franklin released her first album on her own label, A Woman Falling Out of Love.

With fans and critics alike impressed with her performances, she successfully proved that the Queen of Soul still reigns supreme.

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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.