WWW.YOURTRUESTAR.COM
FALL 08
CHICAGO GRAFFITI
THE MYSTERY BEHIND THE ART
OBAMA
THE VISION OF CHANGE
DERRICK ROSE
THA POPE
SPEAKS ON STYLE, SWAGGER AND HIS NEW VENTURE
QUIZ:
IS HE/SHE A KEEPER?
PLUS: SONGBIRD
JAZMINE SULLIVAN
CHICAGO’S NEW HOPE
FALL FASHION THE LATEST LOOKS OF THE SEASON
CHICAGO
SNEAKER BOUTIQUES
COLLEGE
RESOURCE CORNER AND MORE!!
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TRUTH IS 6 CHICAGO GRAFFITI By Jorge Luna
7 FUNDING DISCREPANCIES IN CPS By Adriana Rosales
8 WHY KILLERS KILL
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TECH 20 DRIVE CAM: WHO’S WATCHING YOU By Cordelia Craig
21 VIDEO GAME PREVIEW By Blake C. Henry
By Adrina Brack
YOUNG LUV 34 DATING AN ATHLETE By Adrina Brack
By Markise Wilson
10 MINIMUM DRINKING AGE
FALL 2008
THRU DA WIRE 22 THA POPE
35 FIGHTING FOR YOUR LOVE By Phillip Bowen
By Phillip Bowen
REAL TALK 11 FAMILY PRESSURE By Xavier O’Neal
BEAUTY VS. BRAINS By Michael Mahaffy
12 OBAMA: A VISION OF CHANGE By Dilane Mitchell
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH By Cynthia Paz
24 JAZMINE SULLIVAN By Briana Davis and Diamond Mayhew
25 RAY LAVENDAR By Leslie Mason
26 DERRICK ROSE ENGLEWOOD’S ROSES ARE BLOOMING By Michael Mahaffy
28 UNDER THE RADAR: Spotlighting Chicago’s underground artist scene
13 QUIZ: IS HE/SHE A KEEPER? By Janae Wallace and Adrina Brack
FASHION 14 FALL INTO FASHION: The Latest Looks of the Season
TEEN BIZ 36 BECOMING A FRESHMAN By Tiffany Fulson
38 SENIORS GET A FAST START ON COLLEGE By Tanya Kramarie
ON THE COURT 40 SNEAKER BOUTIQUES By Ashlee Jordan, Afua Asantewaa
INSIDE & OUT 31 JOCK ITH/YEAST INFECTIONS
42 SHANNON BROWN:
By Jameliah Salter
by Simone Taylor Deaderick
THE X FACTOR
32 HEALTH TIPS/GET FIT By Kyle Bailey
33 MY BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL By Afua Asantewaa
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 1130 SOUTH WABASH SUITE 302 CHICAGO, IL 60605 312.588.0100 OFFICE 312.588.0175 FAX TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 3
Although we’ve just traded in our beach bags and summer jobs for book bags and long school days, don’t abandon your need to have fun! With homecomings and college visits right around the corner, there is no doubt that this year will be packed with fun. Of course, this school year marks a new beginning for some, but for many others it represents a chance to end their high school years with a bang. As always, the True Star staff marks this as the beginning of something great! Welcome to the True Star back-to-school issue! In this issue, True Star covers news that affects teens – issues that mainstream media commonly overlook. From the history of Chicago graffiti and the latest news about the minimum drinking age, to the latest in technology, health news and a special college resource corner, True Star has something for everyone. And, let’s not forget about our fabulous fall fashion and tons of celebrity interviews, including Chicago’s own Derrick Rose and Tha Pope. Hope you enjoy! Yours Truly, Maya Powe Staff Editor
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS J. Na-Tae’ Thompson DeAnna McLeary
GUEST COPY EDITOR Jack Silverstein
Special Thanks to:
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Carlin Tools
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Deborah Walker ART DIRECTION DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION Angel D’Amico
INSTRUCTORS Editorial Jack Silverstein and Edgar Molina Graphic Design Polina Zionts and Rhonda Jackson
PHOTO COORDINATOR Mireya Acierto SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Deshaun Adams
Photography Deshaun Adams
Editorial Staff King College Prep
Student Editorial Consultants
Adriana Rosales Adrina Brack Afua Asantewaa Anthony Collins Ashlee Jordan Blake C. Henry Briana Davis Cordarius Taylor Cordelia Craig Cynthia Paz Diamond Mayhew Janae Wallace Jorge Luna Kyle Bailey Leslie Mason Markise Wilson Michael Mahaffy Na’Tasha Childress Nasia Triplett Nick Norals Phil Bowen Rossette Ellison Tiffany Fulson Walter Woods Xavier O’Neal Tanya Kramaric
Maya Powe Shannon Smith
Freelance Writers Simone Taylor Deaderick Jameliah Salter Tanya Kramaric Kimaya Davis Afua Asantewaa Willa Sachs Tyrrion Kidd Maya Powe
Creative Staff Simeon High School Student Art Directors Joy Heard & Cameron Madison Project Manager John Rivera
Quinnisha Allen Annette Archer Kendra Bogard Kiana Brown Brittany Brunson Tiana Coats Devante Crump Courtney Elzy Donna Ewing Kateya Grayson Darius Hillery James Hudson Antione Jimerson LaNaisa Lee Jaylin McClinton Tierra Mercado Yasmeen Muhammed Christopher Polk Brandon Quarles Ashley Reed Princess Rule Melissa Smith Damitrius Sweet Courtney Williams Rashonda Woods
Photography Staff Percy L. Julian High School
Sales and Marketing True Star Office
A’myrikal Adams DaShaun Adams Diamond Adams Sherrita Armstrong Dechez Booker Shelby Brown Shaianna Nathan Kira McCrary Rosemary McDaniels Danyale Myles Ricky Powell Robert Sanders Trenton Sapp Leah Smith Elisha Smith Rashon Snyder Regina Toney Christian Williams Famaiya Willis
Michael Mahaffy Kyle Bailey Leslie Mason Maya Powe Shannon Smith Afua Asantewaa Ashlee Jordan
THE MAJORITY OF THIS MAGAZINE IS DEVELOPED BY TEENS IN SEVERAL AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS PROGRAMS. THESE PROGRAMS ARE HOSTED BY ITS PARTNER AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION, TRUE STAR MAGAZINE. AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT OFFERS CHICAGO TEENS INNOVATIVE OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES THROUGH SCIENCE37, SPORTS37, TECH37, WORDS37 AND THE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED GALLERY37 PROGRAMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.AFTERSCHOOLMATTERS.ORG OR CALL (312) 742-4182.
TRUTH TRUTH ISIS
BY JORGE LUNA
G
raffiti writers are stereotyped in Chicago as nothing more than vandalizers and criminals. Graffiti is currently a felony in the city of Chicago, and many property owners have taken it upon themselves to protect their property. But despite the risk of catching a felony or even being attacked by property owners, taggers still tag and bombers still bomb! One could go anywhere in the city and see graffiti strewn all over buildings, trains, billboards and even busses and trucks. What compels them to do what they do despite the severe risk? Well, to understand graffiti writers, one first has to understand the differences among graffiti writers. There are three different ranks and styles in the world of graffiti: taggers, piecers, and bombers. Each of these graffiti types are motivated by different forces. The most common type of graffiti writer is the “tagger.” Tags are usually done very quickly: an artist usually carries a large permanent marker while out and about, and quickly marks his name on public property. The goal of most taggers is to be “up” in as many places as possible, giving them more notoriety and fame.
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The least common type of graffiti writer is the artist known as a “piecer.” This artist generally does permission walls, works of art that are commissioned by the owner of a property. The piercer is usually a graffiti writer who already has either a huge reputation within the graffiti community or is just extraordinarily creative. They are mostly motivated by money and, in many cases, consider themselves professional artists. Last but not least, there are the “bombers.” In terms of art and motivation, one can look at bombers as a tagger transitioning into a piecer. Bombers do “throw ups,” graffiti that is generally much more elaborate than a tag but not as complicated as a piece. For the bomber, tagging is seen as kids’ play. But unlike the piecer who is commissioned, a good bomber is expected to take dangerous risks to represent their name or crew within the city. The more dangerous, the more respect. In the end, whatever the motivation, graffiti is an art form, and as things appear on the streets it will continue to be that way for quite some time. Newer generations of graffiti writers are now hitting the scene and will soon make their mark, literally and figuratively, on the streets of Chicago.
TRUTH IS
Discrepancies
in School Funding BY ADRIANA ROSALES
H
as anyone ever wondered why some schools have more money than others? Why some schools have in-door pools, high-tech computer labs, tutoring services and a Lacrosse team when others can barely afford to pay for textbooks? Is it simply that some schools are poor while others are rich, just like some people are poor while others are rich? And if this is so, wouldn’t it make sense for the government to offer more help to poor schools rather than those that already have plenty of resources? Some would say yes, while others would say no. Recently, Rev. James Meeks of Salem Baptist Church organized a protest against CPS schools. After years of attempting to introduce legislation in order to finally equalize funding across Chicago as a state senator, Rev. Meeks encouraged CPS students to enroll in wealthy suburban schools instead of CPS, starting with Winnetka’s New Trier High School. According to cbs2chicago.com, CPS spends $10,000 per student each year while New Trier spends $18,000. The reason for this discrepancy is that funding for schools in Illinois is determined solely on property tax. Since property taxes in lower-income neighborhoods are lower than other areas, children of lowerincome areas will always receive less funding and hence less of an education.
Anna Hernandez, a CPS Payment Specialist, explained that most invoice funds go to higher income schools because neither CPS teachers nor students participate in activities that will benefit them all. “Which is unfortunate,” she added, “because the lack of resources is the main problem and nobody seems to acknowledge that.” Melinda Rivera, a CPS substitute teacher, said that she immediately noticed the difference between higher and lower-income schools after subbing for only a few months. “There is an atmosphere of apathy in most lower-income schools, amongst both the staff and the students—it is a culture of hopelessness.” Whatever the case and whoever there is to blame, something needs to be done to help bring both money and hope to our schools. We need our leaders and lawmakers to be both responsible and proactive, to never take “no” for an answer. We need our teachers to persevere and stay hopeful, because as they should already know: apathy is infectious. AND WE, AS STUDENTS, NEED TO TAKE CHARGE BY DOING THE BEST WITH WHAT WE HAVE AND FIGHTING FOR WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS—THE FUTURE!
“...CPS SPENDS $10,000 PER STUDENT EACH YEAR WHILE NEW TRIER SPENDS $18,000.”
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 7
TRUTH IS
WHY KILLERS BY MARKISE WILSON
KILL
S
o much attention has been directed towards the number of CPS students killed this year, but little has been done to understand the motives behind these tragedies. We now realize that regardless of community, police and school administration’s efforts, the violence has yet to decrease. The real problem with most, if not all, of these efforts is that they fail to address the motives behind gang-related violence, and instead are aimed at dealing with the crime after it has already been committed. So the real goal should be determining a person’s motivation for joining a gang. One of the main motivators is survival. According to heartlandalliance.org, Chicago has, since 2004, faced a poverty rate of 21.1%. This means that 21.1% of the people who live in Chicago are having great difficulty surviving. Survival means being provided with food, shelter, and clothing, but it also means feeling safe while traveling through the community. Unable to capture these necessities, teens look for support, and when families do not provide it, some turn to gangs. Poverty does not just affect a person physically, but emotionally as well. A person may come to feel less of himself, thus putting him at risk to depression and stress. He will possibly have a greater desire for a sense of respect and power, or just to make money—to help out at home or to have nice clothes, all of which seem possible while under the partnership of a gang. Others become involved simply because they have grown up in a neighborhood where gangs are a way of life.
“TEENS NEED TO BE INVOLVED IN SPORTS ACTIVITIES RATHER THAN HANGING OUT IN THE STREETS.”
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Instead of stacking penalties on top of penalties, society should try to eliminate the motivations. They should approach the needs of those suffering by establishing more extra curriculum activities, better education, better social services and more jobs. “Teens need to be involved in sports activities rather than hanging out in the streets,” said Denny Perdue of the Chicago Police Department. “Boxing allows teens to release built-in anger in a non-threatening manner.” It can be difficult to exclude yourself from gangs, but when accomplished the outcome is positive. Creating distance by being less available for gang activities because of a job, supervised and organized recreational programs, or even volunteering is a good way to remain unaffiliated. After these root problems have been erased or decreased, gang violence will be over without the incarceration or deaths of many.
DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH JOY HEARD
CHICAGO
TRUTH IS
VOICES AGAINST VIOLENCE
True Star Magazine partnered with the Department of Children and Youth Services on the Chicago Voices Against Violence Campaign “EXPRESS YOURSELF!” 10 Finalists and 1 winner were chosen from one of the following categories: Song/Music, Art, Performance Art/Spoken Word, Film/Video. All winners received a $1,000 scholarship and other prizes! True Star Magazine and the Department of Children and Youth Services thanks all those who entered and took a stand against violence.
Voices Against Violence “EXPRESS YOURSELF” WINNERS! Song/Music Category: Darius Luckett & Zoi Harris Art Category: Adryenne Boyland Performance Art/ Spoken Word: Djvon Simpson
WINNER OF SONG/MUSIC CATEGORY Darrius Luckett SCHOOL: Darrius graduated from Harper High School and now he attends Kennedy King College. AGE: 17 years old TALENT: Songwriter/Rapper INSPIRATION FOR SONG: Close friends that were killed violently over the last few years inspired the song and for me to enter the Voices Against Violence competition. Some of the names of those who lost their lives were used in the songs hook, “In loving memory of Starkeisha Reed, Seritha “Nugget” White, D-Man and Steelo.” I felt that that as a young black male growing up in the Englewood community with all of the violence surrounding me, I needed to try to curve violence through music because music is something that everyone can relate to. SOLUTIONS TO VIOLENCE: I think one way to slow violence down is to provide youth with some type of opportunity that would interest them, which would keep them off the street. Something like a Recreation center, which would provide indoor activities and a since of security. MY MESSAGE: There are better ways to channel your energy other than violence and negativity. Find out what your talent is and go extremely hard at it. Whether that talent is singing, rapping, hoopin’, football, or any other love that you have. Focus on your craft and your talents instead of nonsense.
WINNER OF SONG/MUSIC CATEGORY Zoi Harris SCHOOL: Williams Preparatory Academy AGE: 13 years old TALENT: Poet INSPIRATION FOR POEM: I wrote the poem because I kept hearing about kids getting killed every day on the news. I heard about the contest on the radio and thought my poem really spoke to the issue of violence.
Film/Video: Greater Roseland Community Committee – Kevin Mosley, Kelsey Hogan, Damien Tyler, Ashley Turner, Tatiana Ingram, Nakiesha Johnson, Doris Brent SOLUTIONS TO VIOLENCE: I would have motivational speakers come to speak to the community about non-violence and having pride and concern about our community. I would make tougher drug selling laws to stop selling of drugs that goes on every block in my community, including right in front of my house. I would increase the police protection and police presence in my community so that kids could play at the park across the street from my house or go swimming without worrying about getting shot. MY MESSAGE: Stay in school, go to college and get your education. Stay away from guns, alcohol, drugs and gangs. Learn how to resolve conflicts in life because violence doesn’t solve anything.
My Will By: Zoi Harris I wrote my will the other day Before my life is sent away The way they just shoot anybody with guns I know I’m not the only one That thinks their life is over Before it really has begun I wrote my will the other day Because these thugs don’t know that instead of dealing dope They should be building hope Laughing in the faces our ancestors, which used to be enslaved Forgetting the real gift our heroes gave Carrying that weed just to get high Then roll through my neighborhood to do a drive by Watching the TV seeing my best friend on channel 5 It’s sad she’s going to be pronounced dead at 4:25 So in my will I write Please don’t fuss and fight Over who is to blame Because of karma to them will happen the same I just ask them to let others know That this life is not the way to go Killing kids before they finish school You know that does not look cool The reason I wrote my will the other day is I’ve actually seen the violence not just been told The shame is I’ve already wrote my will and I’m not yet even 13 years old
TRUTH IS
WHY IS A PARTY
NOT A
“PARTY” WITHOUT LIQUOR? BY TIFFANY FULSON
I
n 1984, President Reagan passed the Uniform Drinking Age Act, ordering all states to enforce 21 as the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA). The law aimed to reduce drunk-driving fatalities, deaths that were occurring more frequently in states with a lower drinking age. Recently though, a movement to lower the drinking age has been underway. In our society, an 18-year-old can vote, can be sent off to war, and can even be tried as an adult. The argument says that if we expect 18year-olds to act as adults in these life and death situations, they should be afforded the opportunity to act as an adult when drinking. But are 18-year-olds responsible enough to drink legally? According to Choose Responsibility, a non-profit organization in favor of lowering the MLDA, they are. As their name suggests, Choose Responsibility believes that setting the drinking age at 21 has done nothing more than deny parents the opportunity to teach their children how to drink responsibly. Likewise, the National Youth Rights Association believes that the “AMERICAN YOUTH ALCOHOL POLICY SHOULD RECOGNIZE THE INEVITABILITY OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AMONG YOUTH AND SEEK TO REDUCE THE HARM OF THAT ALCOHOL USE,
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RATHER THAN UNREALISTICALLY TRY TO KEEP YOUNG PEOPLE FROM DRINKING AT ALL.” But organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) stand firm in their belief that setting the minimum drinking age at 21 has saved lives. Michelle Montero of MADD argues that ever since “the legal drinking age was raised to 21 years of age, the law has saved approximately 1,000 lives every year. Before the minimum drinking age was set at 21, the majority of all fatal crashes involving 18 to 20-yearold drivers involved alcohol. Since [the law’s passing], alcohol-related traffic deaths have dropped significantly.’’ Montero believes that teens are simply not mature enough to take on the responsibility of drinking, and that lowering the drinking age to 18 will put both teens and the general public at risk. Lowering the MLDA would show that the government has faith in 18 to 20-year-olds to make adult decisions and not abuse alcohol. But, realistically, many people in that age range are not mature enough to take on the responsibility. The reality of the situation is that different people mature at different rates, and simply because someone is old enough to go to war or to prison does not mean they are mature enough to drink responsibly.
FAMILY PRESSURE AND EXPECTATIONS
REAL REAL TALK TALK
BY XAVIER O’NEAL
There are various ways in which a person can be pressured, and depending on the situation, that pressure can be good or bad. It is good when a person is driven to be all they can be because of the potential they posses, but it can become a harmful threat when too much is applied. How a person is affected by pressure often depends on personal wellbeing and surrounding environment. A person with low self-esteem may experience a higher toll from pressure than a person who thinks highly of him or herself. Place too much pressure on a person and they may begin to make harmful choices involving drugs or sex. They may drop out of school, their behavior may worsen, or they may be pushed to join gangs just to fit in. The source of the pressure is also significant. Pressure and expectations from family life can be among the most intense that a person will ever feel. If family members expect a young person to be like another person in the family, it can cause that individual to give up on himself and what he does in the future. Again, not all pressure is bad. When you push someone to do better but not at too high a rate, it becomes something a person can benefit from. Pushing someone who is lazy is a common scenario, and one with success. This can create a better environment for the person, enabling them to experience a fuller life.
BEAUTY VS. BRAINS BY M.L. MAHAFFY
What is the last commercial or TV show that starred a not-so-good looking female? Correct… it hasn’t aired yet. The national media puts much emphasis on looks, but what do guys look for? Logically, guys would seem to agree with the media, but it isn’t that clear-cut. Men enjoy women who keep them interested physically, but how long can looks alone sustain a relationship? Sure, you may be able to show her off to your friends, but when you take her home and she can’t keep up with the conversation, her stock definitely goes down. A girl’s intelligence creates a balance in the relationship as opposed to one bound purely by sexual attraction. It would be quite irritating to constantly have to say “Never mind” or “Forget it” because she doesn’t know what you’re talking about! As manipulative as it may sound, guys have no problem talking to a pretty girl with no common sense. We’ll date them for a while and enjoy the moment, but it won’t be long before we see a girl who stimulates the mind without lacking physically. Sure, the cute face and thighs might draw a crowd, but common sense and book smarts keep the crowd.
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 11
REAL TALK
Barak Obama: The Vision of Change BY DILANE MITCHELL DESIGNED IN COLLABORATION WITH MELISSA SMITH
I
couldn’t believe what was happening.
Listening to the radio one January day, I heard that Senators Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton were running for President. “The Democrats’ top candidates are a black man and a woman,” I said. “Wow.” For a while I thought that the Democrats would pull some new white, male candidate out of a hat. But that did not happen. Obama fought off Clinton and was named the Democratic Presidential nominee. Often when I turn on the television, I am appalled at the way AfricanAmericans are displayed. There are very few instances in which a black person is shown in a morally correct and intelligent fashion. However, beginning in February of 2008, news became a lot more interesting. To see a black man doing something as amazing as running for president was a breath of fresh air. Senator Obama was always on some channel making a powerful and influential speech. I felt compelled to follow his story to the end. I was not alone. At school, we talked about Obama’s campaign just as much as the latest gossip or scandal. We had heated policy debates. We kept tallies of the state primary results and delegate count. It seemed everyone in the community was excited about Obama, and for two reasons: 1. Bush has to go this time, no matter what, and 2. Obama has a real chance. After the 2004 election the country should be prepared for anything. I know I’ll be watching. Will you?
hispanic heritage month BY CYNTHIA PAZ
F
rom Humboldt Park to Little Village and everywhere in between, Chicago’s Hispanic culture is thriving. But there is more to culture than waving a flag. Some teens aren’t aware of what their culture truly is, with some unable to even speak Spanish! Learning about your own culture, no matter what it is, is fairly easy if you live in Chicago. You just have to know where to look. Pilsen, as well as Little Village, is the heart of Chicago’s Mexican American population. Visit the neighborhoods and see many great examples of the rich culture. Mexican-style celebrations, Authentic Mexican cuisine and even Durganguense—a traditional Mexican dance—are all waiting for you. The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance is one of many organizations to promote Puerto Rican culture in Chicago. We even have the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra, the only cuatro orchestra in the Midwest. The C.C.O.’s director and founder Orlando Rivera is among the many advocates for Puerto Rican culture; his main life goal is to keep his culture alive. “It is very important to teach our kids about their culture,” he said. “Learning about their culture is going to make them…proud people in this society, because culture gives you a powerful thing called identity.” According to Rivera it is important for any ethnic group living outside their country to keep alive and preserve their traditions. Culture is a person’s DNA. It’s the part of life that tells others who we are, where we’re coming from, and why we have our unique traditions. 12 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
REAL TALK
A I N A M Is HE/SHE a Keeper? A I N A M MANIA BY JANAE WALLACE AND ADRINA BRACK
D
espite all of the advice against serious dating when you’re a teenager, most teenagers find themselves in a relationship at one time or another. One of the first problems teenagers face in relationships is determining whether or not the person they are with is even worth their time. This could be hard to figure out in the beginning because infatuation gets in the way of reason. Therefore, it’s good to ask some preliminary questions before deciding whether or not HE or SHE is a Keeper! The “Is He a Keeper” or “Is SHE a Keeper” quiz will help you do just that.
Is HE a Keeper?
Is SHE a Keeper?
Score
1. When on a date, how often does your boyfriend open doors for you? A. All the time (+4) B. Never (+1) C. He doesn’t like doing stuff like that (+2) D. When he remembers (+3)
1. Does she ever volunteer to up some funds when on a date? A. Um, no (+1) B. Sometimes (+3) C. Once in a long while (+2) D. All the time (+4)
(28-23PTS) KEEPER! NEEDLESS TO SAY,
2. Has he ever met your parents? A. He said he’s too scared to (+1) B. He wants to, but is waiting for the right time (+3) C. He has never even asked about them (+2) D. He has before (+4)
2. Is your girl someone you’d present to the family? A. Fasho! (+4) B. Um, not wearing those short shorts she likes to wear (+2) C. No (+1) D. Perhaps (+3)
3. What is his idea of a romantic date? A. Going to a friends crib so he can watch sports (+2) B. Go to his crib to “chill” (+1) C. Dinner at a restaurant and a walk in the park (+4) D. A movie and McDonalds (+3) 4. Does he acknowledge who you are when he is around his friends? A. Some of his friends know about you, but… (+3) B. Only his best friend knows of you (+2) C. Yes, all of his friends know who you are (+4) D. None of his friends know anything about you (+1) 5. If you were sick, he would... A. Tell you to text him when you get better (+1) B. Simply say “hope you get better” (+2) C. Bring you chicken soup and comfort you (+4) D. Drop off some soup and leave (+3) 6. When you ask questions about his feelings towards you, he says… A. I told you before (+2) B. You already know how I feel about you (+1) C. I love you baby! (+4) D. I care about you (+3) 7. Does he let you look through his phone? A. After you bug him about it (+3) B. He is hesitant (+2) C. He forbid it (+1) D. He lets you without question (+4)
3. How often does she give you a massage? A. Never (+1) B. Hardly ever (+2) C. Sometimes (+3) D. Whenever I like (+4) 4. How often does she go out with her friends? A. Never (+4) B. Every weekend (+1) C. Once a month (+2) D. Once in a long while (+3) 5. Does she have many “close” guy friends? A. A whole lot (+1) B. A few (+2) C. She has one (+3) D. Not one (+4) 6. Does she help you clean up? A. No, never (+1) B. She cleans up after me (+4) C. She cleans up only her mess (+3) D. Hardly ever (+2)
THINGS ARE GOOD AND EVERYTHING IS JUST LOVELY. HE OR SHE DEMONSTRATES THE MAKINGS OF A GOOD PARTNER, AND WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT, THERE’S NOT MUCH TO COMPLAIN ABOUT. (22-15PTS) PROMISING THERE IS DEFINITELY A CONNECTION BETWEEN YOU TWO, BUT A FEW THINGS BOTHER YOU. PERHAPS IT’S THEIR PHONE THAT FOR SOME REASON TENDS TO ALWAYS BE OUT OF BATTERY WHEN YOU’RE AROUND, OR EVEN THAT “SPECIAL” FRIEND THAT ALWAYS SEEMS TO FIND A WAY TO INTRUDE. EITHER WAY, SOMETHING’S QUESTIONABLE, BUT OVERALL THINGS ARE PROMISING. (14-8PTS) QUESTIONABLE THERE IS A MUTUAL INTEREST THERE, BUT SOMETHING’S NOT WORKING EXACTLY THE WAY YOU’D LIKE. HE OR SHE IS TOO MUCH INTO OTHER THINGS TO GIVE YOU THE PROPER AMOUNT OF ATTENTION. IF THINGS DO NOT IMPROVE IN ANY WAY, THINGS MAY GO SOUR QUICKER THEN THEY FLOURISH. IT’S YOUR CALL WHETHER YOU WANT TO STICK AROUND TO WITNESS THE OUTCOME. (7PTS) RUN! IF YOU HAVEN’T FIGURED IT OUT AFTER TAKING THIS QUIZ, YOU PROBABLY NEVER WILL. BUT I’LL TELL YOU EITHER WAY: RUN! THIS RELATIONSHIP IS AN OBVIOUS WASTE OF YOUR TIME AND THE SOONER YOU REALIZE IT, THE BETTER!
7. Would she play video games with you? A. Only girlie games (+2) B. Once in a while (+3) C. Never, she hates them (+1) D. Yep, all the time (+4) TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 13
FASHION
Mieko Mellucci Short Trench Mieko Mellucci print top Citizens of Humanity Trouser denim Anne Michelle pumps AKIRA ruffle collar jacket AKIRA ruffled front blouse Kasil denim, Mellissa Flats
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FASHION
Moschino Button-Up shirt Converse by John Varvatos suspender pants Creative Recreation Boots
Monarchy short sleeve button up Seven Jeans for All Mankind Denim Gucci Sunglasses D&G Watch
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 15
FASHION
Betsey Johnson dress Jessica Simpson shoes
BB Dakota PVC Trench AKIRA Belt
Mieko Mellucci Coat AKIRA Belt
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FASHION
Ben Sherman Tuxedo Shirtdress Steve Madden Moto Pump
Bill Tornade Paris Blazer Just Cavalli Shirt Gourmet sneakers
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FASHION
Mieko Mellucci cropped military jacket Seven Jeans for All mankind Knit denim Jorge Bischoff Suede Boots
Chaser LA T-shirt Citizens of Humanity Gourmet Sneakers
Photographer: Mireya Acierto Stylist: Justin Min Mieko Mellucci Jacket AKIRA Rufed top Seven Jeans For All Mankind Trouser denim Jessica Simpson pump
Makeup: Krystyn Johnson Retouching: Niki Miller Models: Deyshauna Hamilton Arriell Washington Lonnie Mauldin
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TECH TECH
NEW TECHNOLOGY WATCHES TEEN DRIVERS BY CORDELIA CRAIG
According to teendrivers.com, 56 percent of teen car crashes are caused
by driver cell phone use. Teens are so focused on the conversation that their response time becomes slow. John Uiczycki, Executive Director of Transportation Safety at the National Safety Council, has spoken out against such use, stating that “talking on the phone is just as bad as drinking and driving.” Teens need to concentrate on what’s going on while they’re behind the wheel. A new technology called Drive-Cam is helping parents keep track of their driving children. Wcbstv.com describes Drive-Cam as “a small camera placed on the rearview mirror that captures erratic behavior.” The machinery can also be transferred to a web site where parents can log in and view their children. Another piece of equipment is Cell Coach, a device that gets mounted under the dash. The device sends off a loud sound when someone calls, and continues until the cell phone is turned off. This technology is designed to prevent teens from using their cell phones when driving. There is also software that can be installed into a cell phone. The software detects when someone is driving and sends callers to voice mail. This software prevents teens from being distracted by a ringing phone. Last but not least is Tiwi, a computer that instantly alerts and instructs young drivers while at the same time enabling parents to receive real-time notifications by phone, text, or email. Tiwi tells parents where their children are and what they are doing.
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS BY MAYA POWE
You’re a seven year old child walking home from school.
As you approach the corner, you see two guys make an exchange. They turn to look at you as you walk past, but quickly disregard you as a child who doesn’t know what the small Ziploc bag contains. Little do they know, someone not so oblivious to the exchange has been watching them make exchanges for the past six months from a remote controlled camera located on a post three blocks away. In 2003, a program called Operation Disruption was launched. As this became public information, many people misjudged the effectiveness of the surveillance cameras. One misjudgment was that the cameras did not work and as a result many crimes were not deterred. Another misjudgment was that the cameras could only reach the parameter of the corner it was located on. Therefore, as cameras started showing up on street posts, people would move their criminal behavior a few blocks away. Though many misconceptions about the cameras arose, the Chicago Police Department made it clear that the purpose of the cameras was not to replace the jobs of police officers, but to work in conjunction with other strategies. As the program progressed, there were mixed feelings in the community about whether or not the cameras were reasonable. Some people argued that it was an invasion of their communities and treated the cameras as a nuisance. 20 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
“I think it’s ugly that you only see them in certain neighborhoods as if crime doesn’t happen everywhere. If you go to the suburbs or certain areas up north you don’t see them as frequently, if at all,” says Morgan Arnold. Another student, Roderick Reed, says, “Honestly, when they put one up at the end of my block, I thought, is my area that bad? But, I thought about the activity that goes on down the street so I said it is a good thing that it’s there.” Nonetheless, others were relieved that there was a tool created to reduce the crime rate in their community. “I don’t believe it invades privacy because it doesn’t show anything that you wouldn’t see if you were walking down the street. It cuts down on crime. People see it and limit their illegal activities,” says Imani Wimberly. The cameras also became a large part of evidence used in indicting criminals. With the success of the first tier of cameras, more cameras were installed in 2005, these with special gunshot detection technology. While there were initial problems concerning citizen/ community support, the surveillance cameras have been proven to work thus far in reducing crime rates in communities prone to gang violence and narcotics sales and have made our streets safer.
TECH
VIDEO GAME PREVIEW BY BLAKE C. HENRY
From Atari to PS3, who would have imagined that video games
would eventually become what they are today. For our generation, life-like graphics and 3D visuals are standard. But look back a mere 20 years to see how far the gaming industry has come...who knows where they will go over the next 20 years?
TOO HUMAN
This is a great war game. You are charged with defending humanity from an army of monstrous robot war machines, with mankind depending on you to prevent human extinction. It will be hard to find this game used because no one is going to give it up. So go get it now.
SOUL CALIBUR IV
The fight between the spirit sword, Soul Calibur, and the cursed sword, Soul Edge, continues as fighters from across the galaxy seek to acquire the powerful swords. For each system there’s a special fighter: this time it’s Darth Vader for PS3 and Yoda for 360.
MADDEN NFL 2009
It’s been a long time coming, but Madden is in its twentieth year. EA Sports did a great job this time around, with better graphics, better sound, and a more HD look. Madden fans will be satisfied for sure.
THE FORCE UNLEASHED Darth Vader continues his quest to rid the universe of Jedi during
the unexplored years between Star Wars Episodes III and IV. Be prepared for a long journey of fighting for what’s right with life-like graphics that almost jump out and grab you as you play. For great deals on new and used games you should check out your local EB Games. Heading to online reserves or EBgames.com is also a good idea. These games should be reserved because they are going to go quick. Make sure you have them in your collection.
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 21
THRU THRU DA DA WIRE WIRE
THA
POPE BY PHILLIP BOWEN
S
hoes, Shoes, Shoes. Whether it’s Nike, Reeboks, Addidas, or just sandals and flip flops, we all have to have them. And along with those is K Swiss, back and better than ever, especially with Chicago’s very own Tha Pope behind them. Tha Pope has just recently signed a contract with K Swiss where he will add his personal style and taste. “I am currently signed with this independent label called Street Labels Music Group,” said Tha Pope. “K Swiss got in contact with me. They seen all of the footage I had on Youtube, [so] it was already a done deal before I even went to the meeting. I danced for them, did a little “footwork” and they endorsed me.” Some people think K Swiss shoes are only for the ‘fashionchallenged’, but according to Tha Pope, that’s not true. “People feed off of what other people think. If K Swiss came out with some raw shoes, then I’m going to wear them. You should be able to wear any type of clothing you want.”
“YOU CAN STILL HAVE THAT SAME SWAG AND THAT SAME MENTALITY AND DON‘T HAVE TO USE ALL THE PROFANITY AND A LOT OF NEGATIVITY IN IT.” Musically, Tha Pope has his hand filled up also. With his first single Candy Love hitting the radio, he is showing his versatility in dancing, fashion, and music. “I got a couple of singles we were trying to do, and we thought Candy Love was a smart choice because of how the beat is. The ladies would like it and the fellas could relate to it. Then I can dance to it slowly, what they call a little freaky dance. It‘s good to perform.” Though he loves his hip-hop, Tha Pope is among the artists who oppose profanity and showboating violence in music. “You can still have that same swag and that same mentality and don‘t have to use all the profanity and a lot of negativity in it. Sometimes rappers talk about things that they never did before. They can talk about shooting a gun and all of the gangster stuff, but never did it. Don’t get me wrong, I still listen to some of that gangster rap and things like that, but you wouldn’t find me talking about it unless I did it.”.
BE SURE TO LOOK OUT FOR K SWISS WITH THA POPE, AND REQUEST CANDY LOVE ON YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATION. 22 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 23
THRU DA WIRE
JAZMINE SULLIVAN BY BRIANA DAVIS AND DIAMOND MAYHEW
“THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS. MY ALBUM IS NAMED “FEARLESS.” I’M NOT AFRAID TO DO ANYTHING.”
E
ver since Jazmine Sullivan’s new single, Need U Bad, debuted on September 23rd, there has been a positive buzz surrounding this up and coming artist. The pride of J Records, Sullivan has gained much respect in the streets as Missy Elliott’s prodigy. Now, at the bare age of 21, the Philadelphia-native is already gaining mention as “the next Lauryn Hill” due to her soulful sound. But even with the comparisons, Sullivan is proud to be unique among other singers. “The fact that I write my songs makes me more different,” she told True Star. Although she is a big fan of Beyonce, Rihanna, and Keyshia Cole, she sees no one as her competitor. She has been in the business since she was 16, when she signed with Jive Records and finished an entire album. But rather than success, her time with Jive was her first taste of failure. “I had my first single, second single all together, but eventually they dropped me.” Along with the artist comes the persona, and while some female singers can be “diva-ish,” this label does not apply to Jazmine Sullivan. She is a real, down-to-earth, and kind individual, something that shows in her music. “There’s a song on my album called Lions, Tigers, and Bears, which is a true story. It’s about being afraid to fall in love, [which is] kind of scary to me.” 24 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
Need U Bad is one of many songs based on personal experience. Like many artists, Sullivan has used her art to help her cope with life’s ups and downs. “I was very sad,” she said. “I put my everything into [my] album. I didn’t even take my SAT’s, which I do not suggest. You have to have a backup plan because nothing is promised. But I got a good foundation. My parents didn’t let me think otherwise. You determine your own future.” Many teens have thoughts about getting into the industry, a goal that may seem impossible. But Sullivan encourages teens to keep hope alive. “Know who you are as a person and artist because when you get in the industry, so many people are going to try and change you into what they think people like.” With her album “Fearless”, Sullivan is excited to take the next step. “The possibilities are endless. My album is named “Fearless.” I’m not afraid to do anything.”
THRU DA WIRE
Ray
Lavender BY LESLIE MASON
I WAS SINGING WHEN I WAS A LITTLE KID AT FOUR-YEARS-OLD. THE MUSIC ALWAYS TOUCHED ME.
F
ROM HIS EARLIEST DAYS SINGING IN THE CHURCH CHOIR, RAY LAVENDER HAS HAD A DRIVE FOR MUSIC. THE ATLANTA-NATIVE GOT UP
That boy can sing. A lot of people cannot sing in this business. People aren’t dumb, and J could really sing.
WITH TRUE STAR’S EDITORIAL STAFF THIS SUMMER FOR A TALK ABOUT HIS CAREER, MOTIVATION, AND LOVE OF MUSIC.
TS: What made you want to start singing?
TRUE STAR: What made you choose “My Girl’s Gotta Girlfriend” as your debut single? RAY LAVENDER: We had this single called “Donky Konk.” but I wasn’t satisfied. So I said, “You know what? I want the public to be more intimate with Ray Lavender.” And my life was a little crazy at one point. Akon was like: “Ray, just put it out.” Some people be scared to say that they girl gotta girlfriend. I wasn’t. It happened and I told about it. I’m getting Myspaces and emails saying, “Ray, I’m so glad you put this song out. This happened to me the other day.”
RL: I can remember Marvin Gaye, my mom and dad walking around dancing with each other. You know how your mom and dad walk around dancing with each other? [Imitates parents dancing] They would be walking around the house mad, but then that song would come on and they would start rolling with it. Just that feeling of music putting them together... I was singing when I was a little kid at four-years-old. The music always touched me. I was always listening to the words, and at one point I thought these people were in the radio and I was trying to figure out how they got there. My mom asked me, “Son, what do you want to be when you grow up?” “I wanna be in that radio.”
TS: Who were some of your musical influences? RL: Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Al Green, Freddy Jackson. R. Kelly is one of my favorite ones. New Edition, Troop, the Jackson Five, Michael Jackson…all of them. Babyface, Usher. Even J. Holiday. I went on tour with him.
New Edition came out and my sisters used to get the CD, look at it, and just cry. I was like, “What is wrong with y’all?” [Imitating sisters] “We love them so much. They sing so good.” And that day I was like, I want girls to do that. TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 25
BY M.L. MAHAFFY
M
any adolescents in the below-poverty neighborhoods find themselves in a sense of depression while enduring every day life. This is caused by a drug addiction in the immediate family, having one or no parents, or pressure to do or sell drugs. With all of this to worry about, it is difficult to devote your time to anything else… difficult, but not impossible. Just two years ago, many Chicago Public School students witnessed Derrick Rose dominate their league completely. He led Simeon High School to back-toback state championships while leading his team in assists and scoring. And imagine that, he’s from Englewood! Despite leading the city with the most CPS students killed in 2007, Englewood still managed to squeeze out a diamond. “My mom had to raise four boys. But my brothers are like my father figures in my life.” As Rose acknowledges, he wasn’t privileged with money or even what many would call a “traditional” household, but he had the desire to make something better for himself. Despite the violence and drugs surrounding him, he directed all of his inner anger, frustration, effort, and time to a sport and a dream. It paid off tremendously. After making history at Simeon, many hoped he would attend college here in Illinois, but that wasn’t the case. He attended Memphis University and led the team in assists and a chance at the title. Although Memphis lost the championship to Kansas, no one doubts that Rose has what it takes to become an NBA All-Star for years to come. “With the number one pick in the draft, the Chicago Bulls select…Derrick Rose!” That’s right, he comes back home. With a 1.7 % chance to get the number one pick, they get it, and they get him. Unfortunately though, for 26 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
many years to come, every player added to the Chicago Bulls with any expectations will be compared to Michael Jordan. Although Derrick Rose has extraordinary talent, he can hardly be compared to MJ before he even plays his first game. Michael Jordan made an immediate impact despite the fact that he was a rookie, but that’s Jordan. Still, who knows? In a little while we could be saying the same thing about a man named DR. At six-foot-three inches, one hundred and ninety pounds, Rose is expected to be a force at the point guard position. The Bulls are looking to make trades in order to fit him in, but they will do whatever is necessary to make the team a definite contender in the Eastern Conference. With point guards like Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Steve Nash in the league, how will he match up? Nobody knows the answer to that question just yet, but Chicago is behind him the whole way. This just goes to prove that it doesn’t matter where you come from—it’s all about where you’re going. Derrick Rose is going to the NBA, but I don’t think anybody, especially Chicagoans, will ever forget where he came from. For us, he’s the bar. Every inner-city youth from Chicago will aim toward him, not toward the NBA, but toward a dream. All have them, but few follow them. So, in September, while the rest of us are returning to school, Derrick Rose will be training and preparing to prove himself to the world in his rookie year. “My goals are extreme—Rookie of the Year, MVP of the league, [and] dominating my position…that’s about it.” The Bulls haven’t seen a championship since the late nineties, and fans are putting all their chips on Rose, straight from Englewood, to put Chicago back on top.
THRU DA WIRE
“MY GOALS ARE EXTREME ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, MVP OF THE LEAGUE [AND] DOMINATING MY POSITION”
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 27
THRU DA WIRE
Under The
Radar GLC MUSICAL STYLE My musical style is classic, soulful as well as refreshing. I reinstate love, life & loyalty to the game!
UNIQUENESS There are a few things that make me unique in general. I have a very distinct voice, I have an authentic flow and I deliver a message as well as a legacy of growth and accomplishment within my music and my lifestyle in general!
GOAL My ultimate goal through my music is to be recognized as one of the greats in life as well as music. I want to be regarded as a living legend. That way, when I’m gone I can live forever through my music.
INFLUENCE My major influences are Kanye West because I’ve watched him grow and develop over time and succeed, Barak and Michelle Obama as they make history together and anybody who came from the bottom and realized that there was only one way left to go and that was up!
28 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
UP NEXT... Next for GLC is accomplishing the goals set forth! My album - Love, Life & Loyalty will be out in early 09, my clothing line is about to take off, my blog is prospering, I have a record on the Negro League commemorative album (due out this year), I’m working on a cartoon and I have a few new mixtapes about to take flight! MYSPACE.COM/GLC YOUTUBE.COM/MRGLC87 GLCITY.BLOGSPOT.COM
THRU DA WIRE
Under The
Radar
ivy league
Ms Triniti
MUSICAL STYLE
MUSICAL STYLE
We like to refer to ourselves as the “2008 Get Fresh Crew”. True hip hop with 2 emcee’s and a DJ. It don’t get no better than that. In fact I think we’ll do a a remake of Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff’s “He’s The Rapper and I’m The DJ”, but call ours “We’re The Rappers - He’s The DJ” lol.
My musical style is a cross between Dancehall/Reggae and Hip-Hop/ R&B. I call it ‘Ragga Hop’. The beats and rhythms give you the vibe of the Caribbean, the melodies are very R&B and the Cadence is often true Dancehall style. It’s a musical journey with many different flavors.
UNIQUENESS
UNIQUENESS
What you hear in our music is our every day life. We’re not dope boys or stick up kids. We’re some regular dudes who live regular lives with regular 9 to 5’s. Except for Agee who’s a fresh barber for any one who needs a cut, lol.
The blend created by all of my influences. Born in London to a Trinidadian father and American mother, and then raised between the UK and the Caribbean, I have been influenced by a lot of cultures. I am a mixed race, multi-ethnic girl and it comes out on my music, which is a blend of things, just like me!
GOAL To be influential, remain true to ourselves and maintain the true hip hop path that the legends have set. When everybody goes left we’ll go right, and make u pay attention to us.
INFLUENCE We have such different tastes in music. Kane originally being from Houston…it’s 8 Ball and MJG, Jay Z etc. [Jimmy and I] are on the other side of the spectrum. Back packer turned adult. I love Tribe, Little Brother, De La Soul, Slum Village, Common, Jay, Ye and etc. Agacee falls in the middle of us both and loves everything. Outkast, Nas, Biggie, T. I. Weezy, and etc. The fact that we have such different taste in music gives us an excellent balance in our projects cause we have input coming from different angles. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/IVYLEAGUEIL WWW.IVYLEAGUEIL.COM
GOAL To get to the heart of the listener, whether it is bringing you a song that makes you wanna get up and dance, or a song that makes you reflect and feel an emotional connection to what I am saying.
INFLUENCE Musically, I have been influenced by everyone from Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Patra, Lady Saw, Beenie Man, Alicia Keys, Prince, Shaaba Ranks and Tu Pac. I love Reggae music and I love any music with soul in it. In general, I have been influenced greatly by my father and one of my all time heroes, Nelson Mandela in the sense that if you have a dream, ANYTHING is possible. The odds may be stacked against you…but if you believe in what you’re doing you can achieve it. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/TRINITI
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 29
30 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
INSIDE INSIDE && OUT OUT
BY JAMELIAH SALTER
Yeast Infections are Avoidable ladies Those skin-tight jeans could be making you sick. If you’ve noticed irritation in the vaginal area or pain and swelling when urinating and a cottage cheese-like discharge, IT’S POSSIBLE YOU MAY HAVE CANDIDA ALBICANS, AKA, A YEAST INFECTION. This discomfort doesn’t discriminate -- males could contract the infection too. So ladies, you may want to pre-warn your guy if you so choose to have sex. According to health professionals, the primary causes for yeast infections include: medications, such as antibiotics and hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy and birth control pills. Tight fitting clothing and feminine hygiene products, like sprays and deodorants, don’t actually cause yeast infections, but they can increase your chances of becoming infected. Local gynecologist Dr. Langley says that “Young ladies should always be aware of their vaginal health. Just go to the doctor and see what he or she may tell you,” Langley said. Stephanie Franklin, 35, mother of four, says she knows a thing or two about the infection. “There is no actual way of avoiding it,” Franklin suggests. “Females get infected, go to the doctor, have it diagnosed and treated.”
Jocks Itching for a Scratch hey fellas Don’t try to turn the page. Just keep reading.
Ever experience discolored bumps in the groin, thigh or anal area? Have you noticed circular, raised rashes that flake, peel, or crack? YOU COULD BE EXPERIENCING JOCK ITCH! According to the Mayo Clinic, Tinea Cruris is the official medical name; itching and burning are its games. Jock itch is tied to athletes because it’s common with people who sweat a lot. It can also affect overweight people. This annoying itch is not just for guys. Anyone who sweats a lot and doesn’t wash afterwards can get it – so girls can be affected too! Dr. Steven Dowshen makes it clear that most doctors can diagnose jock itch just by looking at the rash. “Doctors usually gently scrape the skin to get a sample to look for fungi under the microscope,” Dowshen said. “It can usually be treated within weeks but it’s common for the infection to return.” According to Dowshen, antifungal treatments are prescribed and are to be applied twice a day for a minimum of two weeks. As a wrestler, boxer, baseball and football player, Michael Taylor of Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep is aware of the problem and said he takes precaution.
She does feel that loosening the attire could go a long way to help girls avoid infection. “THE CLOTHES THAT TEENAGE GIRLS WEAR TODAY ARE TOO TIGHT,” FRANKLIN SAID. “LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL HYGIENE AND KNOW YOUR BODY.”
“I ADMIT THAT I DON’T SHOWER RIGHT AFTER GYM CLASS BUT I DO SHOWER AFTER SCHOOL,” TAYLOR SAID.
While Franklin thinks it is common, not all teens are aware of the problem. Tarriel McCambry, 15, revealed she knew nothing about the infection. Her reaction to the definition of a yeast infection was, “It’s gross.”
PREVENT THE ITCH • TAKE A BATH OR SHOWER DAILY • WASH AFTER PLAYING A SPORT • NO SHARING TOWELS • WASH ATHLETIC SUPPORTERS
According to the Mayo Clinic, an estimated three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime. Numbers like these make it apparent that most of us don’t know enough about ourselves to ensure good personal health. It’s time to stay aware and stay clean.
He added, “It’s my responsibility to take care of my personal hygiene.”
Although it is common, jock itch can be avoided through good care and attention. Happy cleaning!
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 31
INSIDE & OUT
BY KYLE BAILEY
M
ost of our youth are becoming heavier and heavier by the second! Out of children and teens in the United States aged 6-19, 15 percent of them are overweight according to the 1999-2000 data from the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. This 15 percent is 9 million kids, which is triple what the proportion was in 1980. In being a teen we are exposed to food everywhere we go and the economy demands us to buy these juicy burgers, greasy fries and wings. Yes, some obesity comes from family history but that doesn’t mean we have to settle for it. Many think it is hard to lose weight when really if you find yourself a simple schedule or routine everyday it would help the process a lot. If you incorporate a few new habits into your schedule, you will steadily lose weight the right way.
These can include: .playing sports .walking or jogging with friends .laughing a lot .working out .eating right, no fast food! .getting enough sleep .staying active Being fit can help you do so many other things by providing you the energy and stamina to do more productive things like homework, studying for test, and working a job! So please do yourself a favor and get with being fit!!!!
32 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
Brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield
TV’S FOR TEENS? Teens who have a TV in their bedroom have poor diet and exercise habits as well as lower grades compared to those without (according to a study from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health). Those with a bedroom TV were apt to watch it a lot, clocking to more per week. Twice as many of the teens with a bedroom TV were classified as heavy TV watchers, at least hours a day, compared to those without one.
four five hours five
INSIDE & OUT
“...FIFTEEN OUT OF TWENTY-ONE CHILDREN PREFERRED THE WHITE DOLL.”
The My Black is Beautiful initiative is Proctor and Gamble’s commitment to celebrating the diverse beauty of African American women. Recently, the tour passed through Chicago, inspiring young girls around the city to value themselves, embrace their differences and define their own standards of beauty. To learn more about the initiative, visit www.myblackisbeautiful.com.
A Girl Like Me “Change has occurred, it is occurring now, and I can be part of the change”. – Kiri Davis, writer/producer, A Girl Like Me. By Afua Asantewaa
“WORDS ARE SEEDS THAT PRODUCE FRUIT OF CHANGE”
My Black is Courageous Actress Tasha Smith shares her thoughts on black women and self esteem By Afua Asantewaa Actress Tasha Smith is among the celebrities fighting to change the way African American girls look at themselves in the mirror. As a supporter of the My Black is Beautiful initiative, Smith says she knows the importance of the campaign because as a child, she always wanted someone to create an image for her to aspire to become. According to Smith, she did not always feel beautiful as a girl because she was dark skinned with coarse hair. She went through a lot of the issues many teen girls face today. Dropping out of the ninth grade, living in an unhealthy environment, and having to turn to stripping to make money could have destroyed her at one point in her life. Instead, Smith pulled out of this by looking at women she admired, like Angela Bassett and other strong black women who she saw on television or in movies. She used them as an example of what she wanted to be. “Words are seeds that produce fruit of change,” Smith remarks. Smith continues to tell her story in hopes that teens or young girls in her situation can learn from her and blossom into fearless and intelligent women. She also prays a lot and turns to God when in need of advice. “You duplicate what you communicate,” she says – and that is exactly what she has done through roles she played and by supporting positive campaigns aimed at helping black women and girl progress.
Many of us have our own standards of beauty. Some might appreciate long hair, others short. Some prefer lighter skin to darker skin, but have you ever thought about putting these thoughts in writing or on tape for others to see or hear? One student did. Kiri Davis was only sixteen years old when she made her first documentary, titled A Girl Like Me. While enrolled in the Reel Works Teen Filmmaking workshop, Davis came up with the idea to document issues she struggled with as a child and things she discussed with her peers at school. Davis described a time when she was on the playground. “I couldn’t be the princess [because] I wasn’t white,” she recalls. Even today, many black teens face similar situations, which is what prompted Davis to tell her story to the world. A Girl Like Me explores the typical ideas of beauty for African American children and teenagers. In the documentary, Davis re-conducts Kenneth and Mamie Clark’s groundbreaking study of color preferences among young black children. The study asks children to choose their preference between one of two dolls: a white and black doll. Overall, fifteen out of the twenty-one children preferred the white doll. “We get into so many standards of beauty,” Davis remarks. The documentary also includes comments from her peers on skin color preferences and how it affects their daily lives. Today, Davis’ documentary has reached millions of people across the country and has also won many awards, including the Diversity Award at the 6th Annual Media Matters film festival. Additionally, Davis recently spoke at the My Black is Beautiful campaign in Chicago. Her film has been featured in the Tribeca Film Festival, HBO and the AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival. Davis’ film can also be viewed on YouTube. TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 33
YOUNG YOUNG LUV LUV
why date
an ATHLETE?
F
rom basketball to baseball, teen athletes are generally known as some of the most popular teens in high schools. Their talent and popularity make them people everyone wants to know and be around. Many athletes take advantage of the spotlight and while some have “groupies”, who try to talk to them only because they’re athletes, some still prefer the stability of a relationship. But with all their games, practices and even groupies, it is harder for them to maintain a healthy relationship. So why date an athlete…is it really all that it seems to be? Many people choose to date athletes simply because of their popularity. Some people like the attention that they would receive if they were known as the person who dates the star player. But that can also be perceived as desperate, which could cause rumors to start flying. Even with this possibility, people go after athletes because it can be considered a “good look”. Another reason to date an athlete is because of the benefits you receive. When you date an athlete, you may get invited to certain sport events that you wouldn’t if you were not dating an athlete. You also get a chance to learn about that sport and meet different people who matter in that sport. Since knowing the right people can be beneficial to you, this is also a plus when it comes to dating an athlete. On the downside of dating an athlete, there is gossip that surrounds the relationship and it can be overwhelming and sometimes cause problems within the relationship. Jealousy is very common when it comes to the people dating athletes because people like to cause drama and break-up relationships if they see a way that they can. Even with the gossip, at the end of the day, you are the one who’s dating them and with trust, what others do to break up the relationship doesn’t matter. 34 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
BY ADRINA BRACK
LaTonia Porter, the girlfriend of one of Simeon H.S. key players says, “There are advantages and disadvantages that come with the relationship, but it’s basically just like a normal relationship.” She and her boyfriend spend time with each other after his games and practices, which seems like a fair compromise for the relationship. On the down side, she stated that gossip is always something that surrounds her relationship, which is a big disadvantage of dating an athlete. If you plan to date an athlete, here are a few tips to keeping the drama down to a minimum: • Have trust in your relationship and don’t always jump to conclusions because gossip is GOSSIP • Manage your time well, because spending time with your athlete is important • Don’t only think about yourself, because being an athlete is not the easiest • Have fun and don’t stress over little things
Positives • Popularity • Go to games for free • Learn about the games NEGATIVES • Gossip • No time with each otheR • GroupieS
Fighting For Your
LOVE
is it ever appropriate to fight ... over your significant other?
BY PHILLIP BOWEN
I
s it ever appropriate to fight…………..over your significant other? Having a significant other can be a good experience; it can also be a “not - so - good” experience. A situation that occurs most frequently is cheating --when you’re involved in a relationship and someone else comes and tries to ruin everything. Should you fight for what’s yours or should you let your girlfriend/boyfriend make their own choice? Some teens have different views about the situation. Some say it’s not worth fighting if their partner doesn’t want to be with them. On the other hand, some say it’s worth fighting for if you were there first. You have to be the judge for yourself. Before you take any action, first ask yourself these questions:
• HOW WOULD MY SELF - IMAGE BE AFFECTED? • WOULD MY FRIENDS HAVE MORE RESPECT FOR ME?
• WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES? • IF I DO FIGHT, WILL I GO TO JAIL? The questions go way beyond that, but those are just there to start you off. Because of a fight or altercation, the worst case scenario would be someone getting seriously hurt or even worse, death. Let’s just say you take the choice to engage with violence and start to fight. You’re winning the fight, you’re “beating his brains out.” Now he is just as mad as you and pulls out a gun and fires it. Now something tragic just happened because of the choice you just made.
WAS IT WORTH IT? Today, there’s too much violence going on, as well as teenage deaths. Don’t let anything trivial like this put your life or anyone else’s life in danger. Remember to think twice and make the right decision.
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 35
TEEN TEENBIZ BIZ Academic Assitance
Becoming
a Freshman
Alternative Schools Network 1807 W. Sunnyside 773.728.4030 Asnchicago.org Call for a listing of alternative high schools in your area. GED classes and daycare facilities may be available for enrolled students.
BY TIFFANY FULSON
ASPIRA Inc. of Illinois 2435 N. Western 3909 W. Fullerton 773.770.1940 Aspirail.org Free tutoring in math, English and science. ACT prep classes are offered. There is also an open computer lab. Association House 1116 N. Kedzie 773.276.0084 Associationhouse.org Offers high school diploma classes, free homework assistance and tutoring. Big Brothers/Big Sisters Central Office 28 E. Jackson 312.427.0637 Bbbschgo.org Call to find locations near you. Free mentoring. Chicago Commons & Emerson House 746 N. Lawndale 773.826.9505 Chicagocommons.org Free tutoring, homework assist. and mentoring. Mentor program participants receive compensation. Grades 3-12. Chicago Park District 312.742.PLAY Chicagoparkdistrict.com Check with your neighborhood park for free tutoring and homework assistance. East Village Youth Program 3643 W. Belmont 312.275.0440 Evyp.org Free tutoring for youth. Grades 5-12. Glencoe Study Center 706 Greenbay Rd (Glencoe, IL) 847.835.5430 8-week courses, 4 times a year. GED, ACT, and SAT test prep, tutoring, and writing workshops for all ages. 36 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
“B
eing “you” is the key to a great high school experience,” says Brittney Fulson, a senior at Richards High School. “I can almost remember my first day of preschool, and now I find myself planning for my first day of high school.” Preparing for elementary school is a lot easier than preparing to depart it. It’s common for freshmen to be nervous and excited all at once: new school, new people, new teachers, new surrounding, basically new everything. The main focus is how to deal and adapt to the atmosphere. Many incoming freshmen have worries about how high school will affect their personalities. Jamal, 14, states, “I’m scared that I’m going to be too busy trying to fit in, that I might slip in my school work.” There are good and bad routes you can take to lead you into either a “smooth or rough” high school experience.
TIPS 1. BE YOURSELF. Don’t get so caught up trying to
fit in that you lose your personality. You want people to like you for you not the person you’re pretending to be. It would be so much easier to have a good relationship with your teachers and peers if you be yourself. Also you wouldn’t want to do something you would regret later.
2. DON’T THINK YOU’RE ALL THAT because
you’re not. Don’t think you’re prettier or more athletic than everyone because there are a lot more people in high school than middle and elementary school. Being arrogant can lead to confrontations or even fights. Be confident, not conceited.
3. DON’T SLACK OFF. Freshman year is critical.
Many students think that freshman year is the year to have fun, and that they can make it up in their, sophomore, junior, and senior year, but in reality it is harder to bring up your G.P.A if you start off low. Start off strong and end strong.
4. PREPARE EARLY. Start getting ready for midterms, the ACT, and the SAT. Even though it’s only your freshman year the more you practice the easier the test will be. You’ll also have a better chance of graduating.
5. HAVE FUN. There are ways you can stay on top
of your work and enjoy high school at the same time. Surround yourself with smart people and make smart choices. The most important thing is to keep your priorities in order; if you do that your high school experience will be a success.
H G I H IM
Registration Code 100
A
TIME FLIES WHEN LEARNING IS FUN AIM High will raise your grades with caring teachers, games and extra incentives added to motivate performance. It’s FREE to register, so grab a friend and sign up today! To learn how you can ride the fast track to success, call 773.553.3590.
“Being part of a program in high school, helped launch my whole career, you never know where these roads will take you.” -Tha Pope
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 37
TEEN BIZ
Academic Assitance cont. Ivy League Tutoring 7134 S. Jeffrey 773.752.2222 Iveleaguetutoring.biz One-on-one tutoring and diagnostic testing for any age student. $75/hour.
Seniors: ��������
GET A FAST START ON COLLEGE ��������������������������� BY TANYA KRAMARIC
Reigers Reading and Tutoring Foundation 11636 S. Artesian Ave. 773.239.3895 Tutorial services in reading and math. Ages 3-Adult. Westside Youth Network 735 W. 35th St 773.523.8700 Offers family and child counseling, life skills education for children and free after school tutoring.
African American Youth Resources African American Images Fernworrd Church 10057 S Wallace 773.445.0322 Africanamericanimages.com Tutoring in reading, math, creative writing, test taking and computer training for youth grades 6-12. $20/hr (Sat 10a-3p) DuSable Museum of African American History 740 E. 56th Pl 773.947.0600 dusablemuseum.org Adults $3, Students/Seniors $2, Children $1, Under 6 FREE, Sunday FREE. Tues-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 12p-5p, Mon. closed. ETA Creative Arts Foundation 7558 S. South Chicago 773.752.3955 Etacreativearts.org ETA presents theater and gallery exhibits and offers classes in deama and dance for teens. Link Unlimited 2221 S. State 312.225.5465 Linkunlimited.org Four year program for incoming freshman. Scholarship program, tutoring, mentoring, and college prep for Afro-American students. 38 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
S
hort skirts, swimsuits, and time out in the sun will suddenly turn into warmer clothes and time to go back to school in the fall. For all high school students it may just be another year, but for the seniors; it is their last.
is critical to ensuring proper award amounts. With a little mistake of one wrong number, you can lose out on thousands of dollars geared toward your tuition money.
You may have to work, go to practice, and start spending a lot of time studying this fall for your AP and honors classes, but on top of all that you also have to start filling out college applications. How will all this be handled along with all the stress fall brings? Easy, get an early start.
Even less than stellar test scores shouldn’t deter you from applying. According to the admissions office at Ohio State University, half of the accepted enrollees score well on the ACT, but 25 percent have lower scores. Also, there are programs to assist students who may not meet the expected performance numbers.
There are many things a rising senior should know about filling out college applications to the school he or she wants to apply.
The last two things that need to be taken care of are your teacher recommendations and your college essay. The admissions offices usually prefer around two recommendations and written by a teacher who taught you an academic class, rather than a coach or extra-curricular activity leader.
High school counselors suggest that seniors should definitely focus on the GPA, attendance, and anything else that would affect your transcript. “Colleges will look at all of your years and how well you’ve done so that is why we tell freshmen that everything counts as soon as you walk into the doors of high school,” said Esther Viori, Whitney Young High school counselor. According to the admissions office at Yale University, grade patterns are important factors as well as the level of classes taken. They also look at if your grades have risen or fallen over your high school years. As you finalize your college choices, don’t ignore the Ivy-league schools or schools that have a high tuition. Financial aid and scholarships are always available for students in need. According to the admissions office at New York University, properly filling out the financial aid papers
In your college essay, be sure to explain your interests in life and why you are fit to attend that college of your choice. Many students make spelling errors even if they have used spell check on their computer. Torturing instead of tutoring, and being a bother instead of being a brother have been students’ mistakes in their essays. These little mistakes turn out to be important points that are lost when it comes to your admittance. Remember that these colleges and universities want to know about you and not everything about your friends and family. It is your choice on what to write about, but be sure to keep it clean and not too long as thousands of essays will be read! Make your essay stands out along with your class descriptions and wonderful grades and you will leave your college choices begging for your attendance the following year!
TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 39
ON ON THE THE COURT COURT
CHICAGO
SNEAKER BOUTIQUES From customized kicks to the dopest in urban streetwear, sneaker stores are popping up all around Chicago. Here, True Star takes a peek inside a few of the freshest stores across the city.
Making its grand opening in June 2008, this privately owned store was started by childhood friends and entrepreneurs Lavelle Sykes and Bobby Simmons of the Milwaukee Bucks. Offering everything from sneakers, T-shirts and denim, SuccezZ also carries Dunks, Ones, Jordans, Converse, Blazers and several other hot brands. Not only do they have a wide selection of the freshest gear, Sykes and Simmons made sure the atmosphere was also very comfortable and spacious for their shoppers. Plasma screens, a ‘lab’ with computers to design your own custom shoes, magazines, a DJ and even a Sony Playstation make your shopping trip even better! As two African American entrepreneurs, Sykes and Simmons have not only opened a business but have created a way to give back to the community. They hire serious employees who share their same vision and offer advice to anyone who asks about entrepreneurship. As for the store’s name – it was simple for Sykes and Simmons. SuccezZ simply stands for exactly what they aspire their store to be.
BY AFUA ASANTEWAA 40 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
ON THE COURT
Brands: Brooklyn Circus, Free Gold watch, Alife, Mama, Ctrl, Fenchurch, Vane, Enstrumental, Cheap Monday, Cubannie Links, Trainerspotter, EndsWealth, Nooka, Swndl,Darkhorse,Wesc,KiserNy , and many more… Solemates Chicago… The young married couple, Brian and Autumn Merritt created Solemates Chicago in effort to relive the good ole days. Redefining the concept of consignment shops, Solemates Chicago is one of the only streetwear boutiques in Chicago that carries an equal amount of apparel and shoes for men and women. ”I choose brands that I personally like and don’t follow the trends,” says co-owner Autumn Merritt. “We prefer to represent the relatively unknown brands - putting our clientele into something new.” From Jason Mark sneaker cleaner to Cubbanie Link’s acrylic earrings, Solemates is sure to have something for everyone.
BY ASHLEE JORDAN
Streetwear and vintage boutique Jugrnaut (meaning the unstoppable force) is holding it down for both ladies and gents when it comes to all things urban. From the latest gadgets to the hottest in urban streetwear labels and sneakers, the comic book themed store located in the up and coming South Loop area is making lots of noise. Aside from the name, what sets Jugrnaut apart from most streetwear stores is that it is also a toy store that carries vintage finds and rare streetwear brands. Catering to sneaker lovers, skateboard fanatics and everyone in between, “Jugrnaut will succeed and all our enemies will fail,” says art director and coowner Arthur ‘Joker’ Banks.
BY ASHLEE JORDAN TRUESTAR MAGAZINE 41
ON THE COURT
Shannon Brown:
The X Factor
BY SIMONE TAYLOR DEADERICK
F
irst the Chicago Bulls, then traded to the Cavaliers and currently playing for the Charlotte Bobcats, you could say professional b-ball player Shannon Brown has what it takes to make it big: the X factor. Growing up in a Maywood neighborhood where there wasn’t much to do, Brown did what the average teenage boy would - played basketball. While he dreamed of being like Mike (Jordan) and all of the other great players back in the day, as the son of a police officer he did a lot of things he’s not proud of to fit in. Brown recalls seeing the undercover work his father did. “I was sort of caught in the middle,” he says. Luckily, basketball eventually won, and Brown learned to stay out of trouble and focus on his craft. Brown remembers his confidence level was so high when he was younger, he didn’t really feel the need to have a plan B in his life. That same confidence landed him a spot in the draft after his junior year. “I thank God everyday because I am truly blessed to be in the position I’m in,” says Brown. Brown definitely takes his position seriously and believes that hard work, patience, being a positive image and a positive influence are qualities which have helped him along the way. He also says basketball is not only a sport, but a business based off potential and self presentation. “When I got drafted I became my own business,” said Brown. He even cut his hair to fit the business aspect of basketball. Outside of the court, Brown does his part in being a productive citizen by paying his church tithes. He also had a basketball camp where he brought in 330 kids and showed them basic basketball skills. Additionally, he’s in the process of donating money to various non- profit organizations. With so much on his plate, Brown feels he’s successful but knows he has a lot more to accomplish. He strives to one day say “he’s made it”, both on and off the court. He even has aspirations of opening a restaurant and being an actor someday. As for the future in basketball, Brown looks forward to working with the Bobcat’s new coach. “I’m just gonna bring my best game, offense and defense and just show them what I can do on the court.” 42 TRUESTAR MAGAZINE
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