True Star Junior Winter 2014

014

WINTER 2

VITAMINS DEALING WITH ANGER

ISSUES

E

STATUS

ABOUT

E

TAKING YOUR FRIENDSHIP TO RELATIONSHIP

FAST FACTS

R

YARA SHAHIDI

F

GETTING TO KNOW

COMIC BOOKS GET MORE DIVERSITY

Are You A

TRUESTAR?

REAL TEENS

REAL ISSUES STYLE TRENDS

CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS

HEALTH,

NEWS, SPORTS

AND MORE! CHECK OUT WWW.TRUESTARIS.COM

CONTENTS EXPOSE’

6: DEALING WITH ANGER MANAGEMENT ISSUES BY DONSHEA JOHNSON, CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL 7: STEREOTYPING NEIGHBORS BY JUMIKAH MARTINEZ LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 8: RACE VS. ETHNICITY BY ALEXUS ANDERSON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 9: EBOLA POPULATION CONTROL BY RIAN DUNN, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

4EVER YOUNG

10: WHY YOUR WHEREABOUTS MATTER BY CAREMAH KING, CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL 11: FRIENDSHIPS TO RELATIONSHIP BY KELSI WILLIAMS, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 12: SMART TIPS BEFORE STARTING A RELATIONSHIP BY ALEXUS ANDERSEN, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

TALKIN’ NERDY

13: MORE DIVERSITY IN COMICS BY TIA SMITH, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE 14: STUDENTS SOUND OFF ON SCHOOL LOCKERS BY MARIO COATES, CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL 15: OLD SCHOOL VS. NEW SCHOOL BY TYRA SMITH, LINDBOM MATH & SCIENCE

HOT OFF THE PRESS

16 & 17: YARA SHAHIDI GETS REAL BY TAYLOR MIGGINS, MORGAN PARK 18:JAHBRIL PORTER-OLLARIVA TAKES THE STAGE

BY TAYLOR MIGGINS, MORGAN PARK 19: ANIMATION TAKE OVER BY TIA SMITH, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

FASHION

20 – 23: WINTER FASHION

DEEPER THAN SKIN

24: HA! HA! HEALTH BY CHAZMEIR MIXON, SARAH E. GOODE STEM ACADEMY 25: FAST FACTS ABOUT VITAMINS BY RIKIYA MUHAMMAD, MUHAMMAD UNIVERSITY

KEEPIN’ SCORE

26: KOBE’S BACK BY CHARLES ERVING, CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL 27: JROTC VOLUNTEERS AT MARATHON BY DIOVION GALLIMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

CREATIVE CORNER

28 :IN THE SHADOWS BY DONSHEA JOHNSON, CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL 28: QUIET, NOT SHY BY DIOVION GALLIMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 29: BLACK HISTORY MONTH BY TYRA SMITH, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 29: KWANZAA: THE WINTER HOLIDAY FOR ALL

BY TYRA SMITH, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

SCHOOL SPIRIT

30: WHAT’S SO COOL ABOUT LINDBLOM? BY TRUE STAR STAFF 31: WOODSON PLAYS A NEW TUNE BY PAUL CRAFT, CARTER G. WOODSON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS DEANNA MCLEARY & J. NA-TAE’ THOMPSON MANAGING EDITOR MARTI PARHAM EDITORIAL INSTRUCTORS NYKEYA WOODS WEB CONTENT & MARKETING MANAGER JOI MITCHELL WEB CONTENT ASSISTANT HENRY COLLINS ART DIRECTION DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION ANGEL D’AMICO-BAUER PHOTO COORDINATOR DESHAUN ADAMS SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER DESHAUN ADAMS PHILISTINE THOMPSON MARKETING ASSISTANT DANEISHA GOODMAN

TRUESTARIS.COM TO DONATE TO TRUE STAR FOUNDATION, VISIT TRUESTARFOUNDATION.ORG

CONTRIBUTORS

Lindblom Math & Science

Divion Gallimore

Kelsi Williams

ZoĂŤ Mitchell

Riann Dunn

not pictured: Alexus Anderson Jumikah Martinez

4 TRUE STAR JR.

Tyra Smith

Tia Smith

not pictured: Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy Rikiya Muhammad Muhammad University Taylor Miggins Morgan Park HS

Carter G. Woodson School

Donshea Johnson

Paul Craft

Shakir Simms

not pictured: Caremah King

Bruce Jeffries Jewelya Daughtery

Mario Coates

Charles Erving PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON TRUE STAR JR. MAGAZINE CONTACT US: LETTERS TO TRUE STAR JR. 1130 SOUTH WABASH, SUITE 302 CHICAGO, IL 60605-2717 EMAIL: TRUESTARJR@TRUESTARMAGAZINE.COM

EXPOSE’

Dealing with Anger

Management Issues

BY DONSHEA JOHNSON, CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL

M

y name is Emily and I have a sister named Gabrella* with anger management issues. We have been with each other for our whole life, but she began to have this illness when she was 10 years old.

Base on the information on AboutKidsHealth. com, toddlers and young children need to learn how to control their emotions. Otherwise, frequent aggression over time can cause problems in school, at home and with their friends and family. One study found that 1 in 7 children who had aggression early in life that increased as they aged were at a higher risk of: • school failure • adult unemployment • physical violence • mental illness According to MentalHelp.net, anger is a fundamental emotion that everyone experiences from time to time.

From a young age, people learn to express anger by copying the behavior they see.

6 TRUE STAR JR.

Copying this behavior can lead to a mental disorder. The disorder needs treatment and talking with someone can help.

I had so many problems with my sister. I did try to help her with her illness, but Gabrella took all her pain and anger out on me. We had many fights and problems. I started to not even like her.

I couldn’t wait to get away from her.

It took some time for me to understand this lifestyle. God throws many things at you, but it’s your choice what you do with that problem. We fight every day. We told each other that we hated each other, but deep down inside we love each other so much. As the times goes by, you begin to understand that you could be pushing away the only person that cares about you. It’s not fair to the people who care and it’s not fair to people who put all their hard work into something they want to do to benefit your life and that person, especially when that’s the only brother or sister you have. I’ve written this passage because there are many people in this world with family members with the same problem as me and Gabrella.

PHOTO FROM I GROW CHICAGO/FACEBOOK

Stereotyping Neighbors “I FEEL SAFE ENOUGH TO WALK AROUND,” SHYQUAINA CLARK SAID. “IT’S BECAUSE THIS NEIGHBORHOOD IS NOT A DANGEROUS

BY JUMIKAH MARTINEZ, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

I

s Englewood really a bad place? Some residents don’t think so.

Lindblom Math & Science Academy student Jetaun Scott, 13, has lived in Englewood for six years. She lives 15 minutes away from school and she walks each day. “I feel safe because I am comfortable in the area,” Scott said.

Shyquaina Clark, 15, agreed. The two-year resident goes to Harper High School and also walks to school each day. “I feel safe enough to walk around,” Clark said. “It’s because this neighborhood is not a dangerous place and I know people around the area.”

Clark and Scott both hate Chicago being called “Chiraq.” Chiraq is what some call the city, saying that Chicago is like Iraq with all the killings and murders. More than 300 people were killed in the first week of November in Iraq, according to IraqBodyCount.com, the world’s largest public database of violent civilian deaths. There have been 184 murders in West Englewood since January 1, 2007. Englewood is only three square miles.

Both teens said the name Chiraq makes the city sound dangerous. Clark said, “It can make people feel uncomfortable and scared to come here.”

PLACE AND I KNOW PEOPLE AROUND THE AREA.”

Clark takes pride in her neighborhood. She helps rake yards, shovel snow, sweep the streets and clean up vacant lots. Clark added that Chief Keef and some other rappers made “Chicago seem badder than it really is to make themselves seem more cool. They just think no one cares but I think everyone in the community wants it to become better and is trying, but it’s just hard to do.”

Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco told a Baltimore radio station that Chief Keef is a representative of Chicago’s skyrocketing murder rate. “Chief Keef scares me. Not him specifically, but just the culture that he represents, specifically in Chicago,” Fiasco said.

Victoria Patterson, 29, has been living in Englewood for nine months and disagrees with Scott and Clark. Although Patterson thinks Chicago is a bad place, she has no solution for the violence. She is also okay with walking around the neighborhood because she is not scared. She said she “feels no type of way” about the city being called Chiraq. “Chicago sounds plain,” Patterson said. “Chiraq has a ring to it.”

TRUE STAR JR. 7

Race vs. Ethnicity

BY ALEXUS ANDERSON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

O

n many forms and applications, one of the most common things asked is a person’s race. For a while, people could only check generally used terms such as Asian, AfricanAmerican or Caucasian. Soon, people got the ability to check “other” and write on the line specifically what that race happened to be. Each person indentifies in varied ways, and being able to check those few boxes can put a huge limit on “identity.”

Race is a social concept used to categorize mankind into distinct populations based on skin color or physical features. It is one of the common distinctions of people. Along with race, ethnicity is another common variation that identifies a particular affiliation with a group based on common ancestral, historical, cultural and national experiences.

According to the article “Ethnicity vs. Race,” at Diffen.com, “The physical characteristics of Caucasians were described by M. A. MacConaill, as having ‘light skin and eyes, narrow noses, and thin lips. Their hair is usually straight or wavy’. … A person whose appearance matches these characteristics is said to be a Caucasian. However, there are many ethnicities within the Caucasian race [such as] 8 TRUE STAR JR.

Irish, Welsh, German, French, Spanish, Slovak and more. What differentiates these ethnic groups from each other is their country of origin, language they speak, cultural heritage and traditions, beliefs and rituals.”

Some people identify race as something others call ethnicity. Since some people have identified their race as something another person might not consider a race, it has caused uneasiness amongst people. For example, a person who has moved to America from Morocco may have a skin color that identifies as a “black” person/ African-American, but he might have a hard time understanding why he is being called AfricanAmerican because he identifies as Moroccan. In America, when people see a black person, they automatically assume that their roots are from Africa, when their ancestors could be Moroccan, Haitian, or even Jamaican. Some may not agree that those are races, but it depends on how one identifies.

There are major flaws in the entire conception of race and ethnicity because there are no genetic markers of race, and human variation totally contridicts these theories. Nothing scientifically proves race, but there is scientific evidence that we are all members of one race – the human race!

ANGELINE WILLIAMSDUNN, A PROFESSOR AT EAST-WEST UNIVERSITY, COMMENTED ON EBOLA: “THIS IS THE GOVERNMENT’S WAY OF CONTROLLING US...”

Is Ebola

Population Control?

BY RIANN DUNN, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

T

he recent controversy over the Ebola virus has been increasing steadily over the past months. The most interesting thing is that there are two extremely different sides to this story.

One side said that the Ebola disease is rarely curable and contagious through bodily fluids, according to the Center of Disease Control (CDC). “The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa,” the CDC reported.

The other side, often conspiracy theorists, believe that Ebola is the next Tuskegee Experiment, and the government’s way of population control. The Tuskegee Experiment took place from 1932 to 1972, and used human beings as lab rats for scientific gains to study Syphilis. The 399 African-American men were not told anything about the Syphilis disease, instead they were told that they were being treated for bad blood. Their doctors, dare I say scientific mad men, had no intention of ever telling their subjects about the Syphilis. The doctors also had no intention of curing the men.

Angeline Williams-Dunn, a professor at East-West University, commented on Ebola: “This is the government’s way of controlling us. They tell us things like Ebola is only spread through bodily fluids, yet some girl’s dog could have had it. They were also freaking out about that girl who flew to [Ohio], I believe, but I’m pretty sure no one came into contact with her bodily fluids. So, why worry?”

There is also the side of the story where Ebola is “curable.” Tom Fletcher, of the World Health Organization (WHO) team, said that “we think interventions such as intravenous fluids, IV antibiotics and paying attention to symptom control and nutrition are probably all important.”

This is a clear indication that Ebola can be cured.

Yet, the only two black males in America with the Ebola disease died.

How can we know for sure that Ebola is not just the government’s way of population control?

Is Ebola the next Tuskegee Experiment? Or will the government step up in their role and take care of this problem?

TRUE STAR JR. 9

4EVER YOUNG

EVERY 40 SECONDS A CHILD GOES MISSING

Hey Mom, I’m at Sarahs house.

Ok. Great thanks!

Why Your

Whereabouts Matter

BY CAREMAH KING, CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL

M

any parents won’t let their children go places alone for fear of their safety. A lot of violence happens and a lot of creepy people are out there. Parents love their children very much and they don’t want anything to happen to them.

According to The Black Star Project, “At about 24 deaths a year, Chicago children are being killed 24 times the rate that Chicago soldiers are being killed in Iraq. Statistics from Military Genealogy Trails show that during the five-year period between September 2001 and July 2006, six soldiers from Chicago were killed in Iraq combat. In a startling comparison, however, during an eight-year period between 1998 and 2007, 190 Chicago Public School children, mostly black, died in gun-related incidents.’’

10 TRUE STAR JR.

Anything could happen anywhere. For example, a man can come up to you from behind, grab you and pull you in an alley or an abandoned house and you could be killed. Children can be in a public park without any parents around and also be in danger. Parents always have to be around when their children are in public parks.

Children can be snatched and never seen again.

Every 40 seconds a child goes missing, according to Random Facts. In addition, more than 800,000 children are missing each year in the United States.

A lot of times kids have bad arguments with enemies or get their closest friends to jump on you, which can end up getting you hurt. It’s very dangerous to be around such situations when these things occur.

Friendship

To Relationship

BY KELSI WILLIAMS, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

M

any people wonder how a lot of relationships come to the actual “dating” status.

They are usually started with the people involved being friends. It can sound a little cliché to “fall in love” with your best friend, but it happens.

Relationships are formed when there is a strong bond between people. Since strong bonds have already been formed in friendships, people usually feed off that and form crushes.

From experience, I can say that “friendship to relationship,” or “friendship to crush,” situations do not always end up the way that you want them to. Here is some helpful advice on trying to make your friendship to crush/relationship work. *Do Not Tell A lot Of People Telling too many people can forever be the downfall of your friendship to crush relationship.

I’m not saying don’t trust anyone, because it always helps to have someone to talk to, but telling everyone can turn to telling that one person you

thought you could trust, and next thing you know your crush AND the entire student body knows. *Let Him/Her Know How You Feel I know sometimes telling the person you like that you have feelings for them can seem like it’s going to be disastrous, but it is honestly for the best.

If you tell them how you feel and they do not like you back, they will most likely let you down easy. If they find out from someone else they will say what is on their mind, which may not always be kind. *Remember That You Will Be Okay If your whole friendship to crush relationship does not work out for you, remember that it is not the end of the world. Your friendship with that person is not ruined. The best advice that I have for if things don’t go the way you wanted them to is to act like it never happened. That’s right – move on.

Time, in this case, really does heal all wounds.

TRUE STAR JR. 11

Smart Tips Before Starting

A Relationship

BY ALEXUS ANDERSON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

O

ld sayings like “you have to love yourself before you can love anybody else” have been repeated throughout the years like a broken record, and chances are you’ve still never understood the true meaning. Here are your smart tips before making a commitment to your crush, or saying the three most beautiful, but at the same time, most potentially life damaging words: I love you.

1.

Have An Abundance Of Self-confidence In life, developing self-confidence to its fullest degree is very important. One thing that should be important includes loving your body.

Although this is a major part of having self-confidence, it is not all about being able to strut your stuff on the runway with no fret. Self-confidence also goes beneath the skin!

Before becoming involved in a relationship, selfconfidence is important. If you are not comfortable with yourself, you will not be able to open up completely to your “better half” and there will be thick walls that can’t come down, separating the two of you from becoming closer and developing a true love.

12 TRUE STAR JR.

2.

Carry High Self-esteem On Your Shoulder Baring high self-respect is vital. The amount of self-respect that you have is the answer to the respect that you receive. High self-esteem includes talking up for yourself, and treating yourself in a valued way.

Before making a commitment, this is important because, if you don’t respect yourself, your partner will not know how to respect you and he/she might not treat you right. If your partner is not treating you right, the relationship can’t work out.

3. Find Peace Of Mind

Finding peace of mind is important for your stress level, your energy and maintaining healthy relationships. Peace of mind is not feeling the need to attack situations or over think them. It is letting things go, and you have to know how to do this so that life is simpler for you and the people around you.

Before coupling up, you want things to be healthy with your significant other. If you get mad or excited over everything then neither one of you will get a chance to be happy.

KHAN BRINGS A

TALKING NERDY

NEW PERSPECTIVE IN THE LITERARY WORLD AND INSPIRES PEOPLE OF ALL AGES TO STAND UP AND BECOME HEROES.

More Diversity In Comics

BY TIA SMITH, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE

K

amala Khan is known for many things such as writing highly read fan-fiction, fighting battles with Wolverine and Spider-Man, but most importantly because she’s the first Muslim character to have a comic. This 16-year-old superhero deals with all kinds of conundrums, but has to balance going to school, the mosque and saving Jersey City, New Jersey.

Ms. Marvel #1 hit the shelves of hundreds of comic book stores on February 5th and is currently on its sixth printing. Surprisingly, Marvel Comics only planned for her series to run eight issues, but now it’s here to stay.

Khan was created by Marvel editor Sana Amanat, writer G. Willow Wilson and artist Adrian Alphona. It is no coincidence that Khan, like editor Amanat, is a Pakistani-American Muslim, whose parents moved to New Jersey. In Amanat’s Technology Education Design (TED) Talk titled Myths, Misfits & Masks, Amanat talked about feeling like “an outsider” and never felt like she could fit in. She didn’t look like the other girls in her class.

which is why Ms. Marvel is such a relatable character. Khan brings a new perspective in the literary world and inspires people of all ages to stand up and become heroes.

At the back of each comic is a letter column, written by fans and answered by Amanat. In the first issue, one fan stated, “Ms. Marvel: She is going to pave the way for new heroes in both Marvel and beyond your hallowed wall;[...] She will probably still be something of a religious minority, but that’s okay; she’s helping to break down layers and years of hate and prejudice between cultures that have struggled to understand each other.”

The amount of diversity in comics and other forms of media continue to steadily increase.

Heroes such as Miles Morales, the BlackHispanic Spider-Man, and Silk, the newly created Asian- American Spider-Girl, are just as influential in society as Khan.

Less than a year old, Kamala Khan is a prominent superhero for readers and fans alike, no matter their age, race, gender or religion.

But feeling alone or different is not specific to race, gender or religion. It happens to everyone, TRUE STAR JR. 13

Students Sound Off

On School Lockers

BY MARIO COATES, CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL

C

arter G. Woodson South has put in lockers. Students think they should not have to pay for a locker because they might want to spend their money on something else.

“It should be a part of what the school pays for,” said Earl Kemp. The 11-year-old also said he really doesn’t want to pay for the lockers.

Another reason is that people do not want to waste their money on something that you cannot keep. Kids are thinking Chicago Public Schools is making people pay for it.

People think lockers should be part of the free supplies the teachers give students. Some kids in the school cannot afford to pay for a locker.

14 TRUE STAR JR.

Paying for lockers is not the only issue Woodson South students are talking about. Other people think teachers should not look in student lockers any time they want to. Why? Kids come to school to learn. You should not start digging in someone’s locker. People do not want other people to go in there because it is a matter of privacy, and the kids might feel harassed and embarrassed.

But searching lockers is okay if a kid might have weapons or drugs. People strongly believe that private property should not be searched. The fourth amendment protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures. Just because a student brings a backpack to school doesn’t mean it should be searched.

Old School vs.

New School

BY TYRA SMITH, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE

J

ohannes Gutenberg created the first printing press, and in 1455 the Gutenberg Bible was the first book ever published. Now more than 500 years later printing presses aren’t needed anymore because now the world has digital books.

People are now able to read eBooks from almost any electronic device they have. Some novels tend to be less expense than the price of a tangible book, and more book can be carried on one device than by hand. A pro for eBooks is the convenience. You can transfer the same books to other devices like your phone or tablet. Since the reading is being done on an electronic device, a con is that people have the desire to steal eBooks more so than an actual book. Also, if water spills on your device it can be destroyed leaving you without access to your library; unlike a real book were if it gets wet you can still read the book after it dries.

“Twister,” released in theaters in 1996, was the first movie available in DVD format.

Less than 20 years later, people can stream movies on computers and other devices.

Like eBooks, online video streaming can be easier to use because multiple devices can be used. Online streaming can be done in multiple locations, but only if there is Wifi. The streaming can also slow down the speed of your Internet. DVDs don’t require Internet access and sometimes come with a digital option for free. DVDs can be watched by using a TV and a DVD player or a computer.

Which is better? eBooks -Can be less expensive than real books -Holds multiple books -Easier to carry -Reader is able to look up definitions to words

Online Video Streaming -Requires only the Internet -Uses Internet bandwidth -Can be seen on multiple devices -Can watch from different locations Online Music Streaming Sites -Free unless you sign up for membership -No control over songs played -Limited number of skips

Digital Music

vs.

Books -Still readable if wet -You can share your book -Less likely to be stolen

vs.

DVDs -Can come with a digital option -Requires a DVD player/computer -Does not require Internet

vs.

CDs -Easy to break/scratch -Internet not required -Requires a CD player

-Can buy songs individually -Internet not required -Money required -Can purchase songs with gift cards/credit cards TRUE STAR JR. 15

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Yara Shahidi

Gets Real About “Black-ish” & School

BY TAYLOR MIGGINS, FRESHMAN, MORGAN PARK

Y

ara Shahidi is a young actress that has been in the game since she was six weeks old! However, that was completely by accident.

Shahidi’s mom, Keri, who is also an actress, took her daughter with her one day to visit her agent.

They asked if they could take a picture of young Shahidi because she was so small and cute. Little did her mom know that the picture taken was sent to an agency client. A few days later, Shahidi received her first job.

Since then, Shahidi, a native of Minneapolis who is half Black and half Iranian, has been in many different gigs, including a role in the movie Imagine That with Eddie Murphy, and her latest work as the character Zoey on the TV show “Black-ish.” Shahidi describes Zoey as popular, trendsetting, and smart. “She is focused on being ahead of the curve socially and has a goal to get all A’s and all shoes made by Stella McCartney!” says Shahidi. Zoey and Shahidi have a few things in common. “Both Zoey and I are very academic. My current GPA is a 4.53 and I think Zoey is pretty close to that. Also, playing Zoey has made me more aware of fashion. I used to only wear Oxfords and blazers, but our costume designer, Stacey Beverly, has spoiled Zoey and me.” Now Shahidi is also obsessed with Stella McCartney shoes.

Being on “Black-ish” is an opportunity that Shahidi definitely cherishes. She says that one of her best experiences has been ending up on 16 TRUE STAR JR.

the show and falling head over heels for every member of her TV family. “My TV siblings remind me a lot of my real little siblings,” she says, “and Marcus (who plays Jr.) and I are eerily similar!

We are both into our academics, pretty mellow and love to laugh.”

School is very important to Shahidi, who plans on attending Harvard and Oxford in the future.

She understands that staying focused is essential to balancing school and her career. “I am so lucky to have such a great team supporting me.

My family, ABC, and my high school teachers go out of their way to help me continue to be successful academically,” Shahidi explains.

Alongside her career and school, Shahidi has other interests, which include reading and traveling; she is also a karate black belt. One thing that a lot of people don’t know about Shahidi is that she likes to listen to1940s radio mysteries. “My parents got me hooked on audio books when I was little. …Even though I am older, the habit stuck.”

For those of you interested in becoming an actor, Shahidi suggests that you focus on the experience and not on getting booked. “Some of my best times have been moments that I am reading a script or in an audition room. Also, decide what you want and go for it!”

Be sure to check out “Black-ish” Wednesday nights on ABC.

TRUE STAR JR. 17

Jahbril Porter-Ollarvia TAKES THE STAGE TAYLOR MIGGINS, FRESHMAN, MORGAN PARK

J

ahbril Porter-Ollarvia is a 12-year-old actor from Chicago. He is currently co-starring as one of the actors in the new musical Porgy & Bess being shown at the Lyric Opera House.

Porter-Oliveria has been an actor with the Lyric Opera House for the past few years. He is also homeschooled, which gives him more time to focus on his career. During his free time, he likes to dance, play basketball, play video games, and play the cello. True Star Jr. chatted with the up-and-coming actor to learn more about him.

True Star Jr.: How old were you when you started acting?

Porter-Ollarvia: I was 5 years old.

TSJ: What kinds of preparations do you go through to prepare for a production?

Porter-Ollarvia: I just make sure I’m in a good mood.

TSJ: How do you balance school and acting?

Porter-Ollarvia: It’s kind of easy since I’m homeschooled. As long as I’m doing well in school and my grades are cool then acting comes easy.

TSJ: Who are some established actors that you look up to?

Porter-Ollarvia: I like China Anne McClain as an actor and have watched her grow up. I also like Samuel L. Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Dr. Bill Cosby, Don Cheadle, Arsenio Hall, Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock and Marlon Wayans.

18 TRUE STAR JR.

TSJ: What has been your favorite character to perform?

Porter-Ollarvia: I did a Herman opera at the Lyric Opera House where my friends and I climbed out of a sewer grate. It was fun! I’ve really enjoyed doing operas at the Lyric. I’ve done about seven to date. The actors, singers and staff are all really nice. We learned about the operas from doing a homeschool field trip.

TSJ: What other projects are you working on?

Porter-Ollarvia: I’m working on getting into a movie. I got into a talent agency.

TSJ: What advice would you give to other aspiring actors?

Porter-Ollarvia: If you really want to make it, make sure you get help with being in front of a crowd.

TSJ: Do you plan to make acting your career as an adult?

Porter-Ollarvia: Yes, but I do want to have other jobs. I would also like to be a basketball player, construction/contractor, architect and I may teach cello at some point.

Animation TAKEOVER

BY TIA SMITH, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

I

n 1995, Pixar Animations Studios made history by making its first computer generated imagery (CGI) feature film, “Toy Story.” Since then, CGI has been not only in fully animated films, but live actions films such as “Avatar” and “The Avengers.” It seems to have replaced the traditional 2D animations done mostly by hand, though some can be done by computers.

The last traditional Disney animated film was “Winnie the Pooh” (2011), and their first CGI animated film “Tangled,” a retelling of the classic fairytale “Rapunzel,” starring Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, hit theaters the year before.

Even Spongebob Squarepants has been turned into a 3D animated creature for the sequel of the Spongebob movie, “The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of the Water,” due in 2015.

CGI has been popular in companies such as Dreamworks, Pixar and Disney, though it does

not mean these companies want nothing to do with it. Traditional animation can still be saved by countries like Japan. Japanese animation, called anime in America, still continues its legacy. In 2013 Disney distributed the Japanese animated film, “The Wind Rises,” which was directed and written by the famous Hayao Miyazaki, best known for the 2001 film, “Spirited Away,” which won 31 awards including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and a Satellite Award for Best Animated or Mixed Media Feature.

“The Wind Rises” was the highest grossing film in Japan of 2013 and grossed $116.1 million in the box office. It also won a Satellite Award for Best Animated or Mixed Media Feature in 2014.

In America we may neglect the art tradition of animation, but like 2D animation, 3D still takes a good story to sell a movie and five years to produce it.

TRUE STAR JR. 19

WINTER Fashion KEEP WARM AND BE COOL THIS SEASON WITH THESE LOOKS.

Jahkil Jackson

20 TRUE STAR JR.

Asha Edwards Claire Bickler

TRUE STAR JR. 21

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DEEPER THAN SKIN

Ha! Ha! Health

LAUGHING WITH OTHERS LIGHTENS OUR TROUBLED EMOTIONS LIKE ANGER, SADNESS,

BY CHAZMEIR MIXON, FRESHMAN, SARAH E. GOODE STEM ACADEMY

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aughter is something that we tend to enjoy with friends and family because it makes us feel good inside and out. But, did you know that laughter is actually healthy for the body?

According to WebMD, laughter makes us breathe faster to send more air into the body’s tissues. When you have a hearty laugh, your level of oxygen is higher. Because of that, the air purifies the waste from cells to sustain life.

Humor also strengthens our immune system.

Our immune cells and antibodies are increased to fight diseases. Knowswhy.com states that endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals and temporary pain relievers, are triggered in the brain to alert the body. The T-cells, the helper cells in the body, are increased to keep damaged cells out of the body for good.

Best of all, laughing with others lightens our troubled emotions like anger, sadness, and aggression. When you laugh, you are more 24 TRUE STAR JR.

AND AGGRESSION.

relaxed. Mayo Clinic reports that stress is cooled down and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Tension is soothed to reduce physical symptoms of stress. You will have a good feeling as a result. You will feel lighthearted, cheerful, and even silly with people. Your bonds with friends and family are most likely to grow stronger and become long-lasting. Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D., a pioneer in humor therapy research, once said, “Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health.”

So, whenever you`re not feeling well, just laugh!

Psychologist and humor educator Steve Wilson, M.A., C.S.P., told WebMD, “I believe that if people can get more laughter in their lives, they are a lot better off.” In order to have a healthier life, watch something funny or spend time with people that make you giggle. Having a sense of humor is something that’s needed in our lives.

After all, laughter truly is the best medicine!

Fast Facts

About Vitamins

BY RIKIYAH MUHAMMAD, JUNIOR, MUHAMMAD UNIVERSITY

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ll your life you’ve been told how important it is to eat a balanced diet loaded with vitamins and minerals. A few essential daily vitamins are vitamin A, C, D, E & K. Each of these benefit the body in different ways and can be consumed through various foods. Here’s a quick Vital for strong bones and regulating the look at what vitamins are found in what foods and absorption of calcium and phosphorous. Vitamin D how they can affect your body in a positive way. also helps fight diseases.

Vitamin A: Helps form and maintain healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissue. Vitamin A also promotes good vision needed in low light.

Foods high in vitamin A include: carrots, eggs, tuna fish, fortified milk, cheese, liver, cod and halibut fish oil.

Vitamin D:

Foods high in vitamin D include: salmon, egg yolk, shrimp, milk, yogurt and orange juice.

Vitamin E: Protects the body from tissue damage and keeps the immune system strong to fight off sickness and infections.

Foods high in vitamin E include: almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, broccoli, fruits and meat.

Vitamin C: Vitamin K:

Needed to help repair tissues in all parts of the body. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the body’s immune system needed for Vitamin K helps your body by making proteins for proper growth, development, and to heal wounds. healthy bones and tissues. It also makes proteins for blood clotting.

Foods high in vitamin C include: citrus fruits and juices, mangos, pineapples, watermelon, cabbage, Foods high in vitamin K include: spinach, lettuce, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. meats, eggs, cereal and dark berries.

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KEEPIN’ SCORE

Kobe’s BACK!

BY CHARLES ERVING, CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL

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n the 2014-2015 National Basketball Association (NBA) season Kobe Bryant is coming back and he’s about to go off!

Let’s go back a couple of years before Bryant tore his Achilles. Before Bryant got hurt he won five championship rings, two NBA finals MVPs, an NBA most valuable player award, 16-time NBA All-Star and a four-time NBA All-Star MVP. On top of all that, no one in the NBA today can guard Bryant.

as Shaq’s team, and Kobe as the ‘2nd part of the duo.’ Once Shaq was traded we found out that Kobe was one of the greatest competitors scorers of all time and with a little more help people realized that he could be a leader of a team to win multiple championships (even without Shaq). As great as Shaq was, he never won a championship as the dominant player once he left Los Angeles (the 2006 Heat was Wade’s team), and is why I placed Kobe ahead of Shaq on this list.”

In 1997 Bryant scored 81 points over the Toronto Raptors. Six years later, Bryant set an NBA record with 12 made three-pointers, including nine straight. In 2006, Bryant scored 30 points in one quarter and the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz by the same amount.

According to the BestSportBlog.com, “Before Shaq and Kobe broke up, the Lakers were seen 26 TRUE STAR JR.

Bryant was the first round 13th pick to the Charlotte Hornets and was then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. As a rookie, Bryant earned himself a reputation as a high-flyer and became a fan favorite by winning the 1997 slam dunk contest. Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points at the age of 34.

JROTC

Volunteers At Marathon

BY DIOVION GALLIMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

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ore than 130 JROTC students participated in one of the country’s biggest marathons in October. However, what made the Bank of America Chicago Marathon fun was the preparation. Cadets had a chance to spend the night at Lindblom Math & Science Academy.

With a night full of friends, laughs and food who wouldn’t want to attend? But, the activities didn’t stop there! This special night was dedicated to the one and only, Sergeant Lawson.

To kick off the night, cadets prepared in advance to raise money for a birthday cake for Lawson.

After a joyful song, Lawson’s staff took turns telling memorable stories and jokes about the birthday boy! After staying up until 11p.m. it was lights out for everyone, but being the teenagers they are, the majority of cadets went to sleep somewhere between midnight and 1:00 a.m. A courteous 2:30 a.m. wake up call

was given by the parent volunteers, and by 4 a.m. we were loaded on the buses and ready to head out!

For the 10th year, Lindblom has volunteered to help out at the marathon! Near 5 a.m., on October 12th, students arrived at Grant Park.

After registration and getting the volunteer wardrobe, cadets were served a small breakfast.

Next, volunteers were lead to their start corals, and waited until 7:20 a.m. for the race to begin. During this time, students were allowed to converse with their peers, take pictures with participants in the marathon and much more.

Although, it was a bit cold outside, it was perfect marathon weather! The marathon had a great turnout, and there were tons of charity runners, not to mention famous runners participating this year. Although, cadets didn’t get to witness the end of the race, they saw the race begin. After their job was done, they went home at around 8 a.m.

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CREATIVE & CULTURE CORNER

In the Shadows

BY DONSHEA JOHNSON CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL Sometimes I think the world is falling down and I’m left in the shadows all alone when there’s no one else around but me.

Like I got nowhere to go, this is how my life is going to be to be there.

No one in the world that can help me.

No one else that understands.

Quiet, Not Shy

BY DIOVION GALLIMORE LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY I like to sit alone Rather than talking to people on the phone.

I’m not described as loud And I rather not hang in crowds.

But, I’m not shy That’s a big lie.

I like to express my emotions And show my devotion.

But, I’m just quiet On a low talkativity diet.

So, now you see What I’m really meant to be.

You can come up to me and say hi Because I’m quiet, not shy.

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Black History Month

BY TYRA SMITH, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

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lack history month comes around every

year in February. Certain people are highlighted and are made icons of the month, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Harriet Tubman.

Even though these people did do important things and earned their own spotlight in Black History Month, there are many people that are overlooked during the whole year or even the month of February. For example, inventor Garrett Morgan, the creator of the stop light and gas mask, is not talked about frequently during Black History Month. His inventions are helpful still to this day and are used in our everyday lives. Because of his creations people are protected from breathing in dangerous gases,

Kwanzaa:

The Winter Holiday For All

BY TYRA SMITH, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

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very December 26th marks the beginning of Kwanzaa, a week-long holiday. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1965, Kwanzaa is one of the only winter holidays that has no ties to any religion. Kwanzaa can also be celebrated by anyone.

and fewer car accidents take place on our busy streets.

There are many important Black history makers who deserve to be celebrated not just in February, but all year round.

the candles that are lit during Kwanzaa. A black candle stands in the middle; on the right side there are three green candles and on the other are three red. A Kwanzaa ceremony is held to pay respect to the celebrator’s ancestors.

A cup called the unity cup is filled with a liquid, like water or juice. The family shares the unity cup and gives it to one another after pouring the liquid into a container like a bowl. If this part of the holiday takes place with a larger crowd, sometimes each person has their own cup and the crowd drinks together.

Seven key principles are showcased during these seven days – one principle per day. These concepts are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Selfdetermination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).

Like other holidays during the winter season, gifts are a part of this holiday. Gifts are given out on the last day of Kwanzaa, which is Imani. Even though store bought gifts are not unappreciated, handmade presents can use multiple concepts of Kwanzaa like Kuumba.

The colors associated with Kwanzaa are red, black and green. These colors are presented on

Even though Kwanzaa is less than 50 years old its presence as a holiday is well known.

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SCHOOL SPIRIT

What’s So Cool

About Lindblom?

BY LINDBLOM TRUE STAR JR STAFF

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obert Lindblom Math & Science Academy is a well known landmark, which certified in 2008, in Englewood. Lindblom is one of nine selective enrollment high schools in the Chicago Public Schools system and hosts grades seven through twelve. The school offers an academic center program where 7th and 8th grade students can earn high school credit. More than one thousand students attend this Chicago public school.

It is a great experience to have, knowing how to be better accustomed to the ways of high school. This program allows the student to know what is expected of them, and allows them the opportunity to be treated as a high school scholar. Lindblom offers a day out of every week for students to focus on their interests and 30 TRUE STAR JR.

get support; the classes all consist of honors and advanced placement. Baxter International Inc. has partnered with Lindblom to build the Biotechnology Center for Excellence.

Last school year, Lindblom Math & Science Academy was ranked the 14th best high school in Illinois and #385 nationally by US News & World Reports. The school has the largest Arabic program in the United States. The senior class of 2014 earned over $40.8 million in scholarships.

Linblom has several notable alums including Grammy nominated house music pioneer Steve “Silk” Hurley, several journalists, and the first African-American woman to be tenured at Harvard University, Eileen Jackson Southern.

Woodson Plays A New Tune M

BY PAUL CRAFT, CARTER G. WOODSON SCHOOL s. Coby Stienbraker started a band at Carter G. Woodson South Elementary School.

She told True Star that Woodson has been selected by the VH1 Save the Music Foundation to start a band program with trombones, clarinets, trumpets, flutes, and saxophones.

Since practice started, Steinbraker said the students are doing fine and she really enjoys spending time teaching students how to play.

She also said she isn’t bothered by the sounds the students make when playing the saxophone or clarinet. Despite some of the kids acting up, Steinbraker thinks what she is doing is worth it. “I don’t want you all to waste it doing foolish things,” Steinbraker said. She wants students to become excited about the instruments too.

“They could practice at home so when we come back they would be better than before.”

Since practice started, Steinbraker said the students are doing fine and she really enjoys spending time teaching students how to play.

She also said she isn’t bothered by the sounds the students make when playing the saxophone or clarinet. Even despite some of the kids acting up, Steinbraker thinks what she is doing is worth it. “I don’t want you all to waste it doing foolish things,” Steinbraker said. She wants students to become excited about the instruments too.

“They could practice at home so when we come back they would be better than before.”

An application for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation grant is by invitation. Steinbraker was lucky to get one. The grant provides money to public elementary and middle schools that do not currently have a music program.

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