August 2014 Issue

www.WomensElevationMagazine.com

WElevate. WEpromote. WEinspire.

Brown Girls Do More: WE Magazine sits down to chat with Brown Girls Do Ballet

WECelebrate |August Issue 2014

Women’s Elevation Magazine Celebrates

Special Article: #IAmJada: Societies desensitization towards victims

Grammy nominated, R&B Diva’s ATL Star Syleena Johnson sits down to talk about her new projects.

New Segment: Men on The Move: WE Magazine sits down to talk to Dr. Steve Perry on the state of our children

in this issue

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 from the founder Celebrating 2 great years of WE Magazine

6 are you honoring the dash?

Live your life to the fullest, every day

10 recipes Main courses, dessert and more!

44 celebration of contributors WE Magazine recognizes the individuals who have helped make our brand a success

50 celebration of supporters WE Magazine is blessed with fantastic people, companies and organizations which support us

65 your life’s message What message is your life sending others each day? Are you being a positive influence?

FEATURES 10 feature story - Steve Perry Dr. Steve Perry discusses today’s youth, and how better education and parenting play an important role in their success

22 feature story - Syleena Johnson R&B Diva Syleena Johnson sits down to discuss her upcoming projects with us

38 feature story - #IAMJADA A young rape victim uses social media to stand up, speak out and encourage others

52 feature story - Brown Girls Do Ballet TaKiyah Wallace’s photo project blossomed into an unexpected movement

in this issue

contributors

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS Sonja Smith Jones Owner of Beautiful Brown Girl www.beautifulbrowngirl.com

Kara Frison WE Magazine contributing writer www.softwordsbrighteyes.blogspot.com

Shannon Clark Graphic Designer www.srichardscreative.com

WElevate. WEpromote. WEinspire. www.WomensElevationMagazine.com

From the Founder

DELISHA SYLVESTER I can’t believe it’s been two years since the start of WE Magazine. We have interviewed so many people, supported so many causes, and started so many movements. The one thing I hope for going forward is the ability to be able to continue to share positive content. I’ve enjoyed the journey thus far. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve been overwhelmed, and in all of it I’ve been transparent. This issue is dedicated to every person that follows this brand. It doesn’t go unnoticed; matter of fact it keeps me going to know that there’s someone out there being inspired.

As always…Happy Reading.

DeLisha 4 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

By: Sonja Smith Jones

It’s not uncommon from time to time, to think about where we’ve been, what we’ve done and where we hope to progress. For most people this happens at least twice a year, New Year’s Day and near an approaching birthday. This was the case for me a few months ago, as I had another birthday and seriously began to question what was my life’s purpose. Like most of us, I don’t think on such topics very often, but in the weeks leading up to my birthday, I received news of three deaths of people that I knew, gone too soon, all under the age of 40.

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The truth of the matter is that we all enter this world with two things, a birth date and a death date. The first one we know, the second one, well, not so much. It is a bittersweet reality that some of us have more time than others, and truly none of us knows exactly how much time we have. So instead of grieving, I felt an odd zest for life and a desire to truly live, not simply exist. I wanted more adventures and less ho-hum monotony. I decided that what mattered most to me, is honoring the dash. The dash, being the hyphen between the two dates, representing my now, my present, my life.

I don’t have many fears, but if I had to pick one, it would be to arrive before God on judgment day and hear Him say, “This is what I sent you to Earth to accomplish, but this is what you did instead.” My aim is to make the most of my remaining time on this Earth. When it’s all said in done, I want to show up in heaven completely void of all the talents, gifts, and assignments that I was given before I was born. I want to do what I was created to do…now.

No matter what your “arrival plan” was, I refuse to think any of us were conceived by accident. Everything we’ve experienced up to this point, good or seemingly bad, was all an intricate piece to the greater jigsaw puzzle that is our current existence. We all have a purpose and destiny to live a life overflowing with joy and pleasures. For me, life has never been about amassing the most material possessions, but instead garnering the most memories, laughs, smiles and hugs.

There’s an old Chinese proverb that says the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago, and the second best time is today. If you are unhappy with the current state of your life then do something to transform it into something powerful and more meaningful. Mediocrity is choice. It is never too late to cultivate your happiness and live out loud. Each morning brings with it a new chance to either grow bitter or get better, and any day that you have breath in your lungs is another opportunity to honor the dash.

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Dr.

Steve

Perry Dr. Steve Perry’s heart pumps passion and produces positive change.

Featured in CNN’s Black in America series, Dr. Perry is the most talked about innovative educator on the scene today. Perry is the founder and principal of what U.S. News and World Report has cited as one of the top schools in the country, Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut. Capital Prep has sent 100% of its predominantly low-income, minority, first generation high school graduates to four-year colleges every year since its first class graduated in 2006. Perry is in a hurry to transform the community. Born into his family’s third generation of poverty on his mother’s 16th birthday, Perry believes that the success of a life is determined by where you end, not where you start. It is this philosophy that inspired him to transform the lives of poor and minority children by providing them with access to a college education. In addition to being the principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School, Dr. Perry, MSW is an Education Contributor for CNN and MSNBC, an Essence Magazine columnist, best-selling author, and host of the #1 docudrama for TVONE “Save My Son.” Read below to find out about Dr. Perry and his view on the state of our children.

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WE Magazine: When I created the Men on The Move segment I really wanted to incorporate people that were making a positive change in their community. I have been following you for quite some time. I’ve seen some of the shows that you have been a part of from the Lifeclass special with Oprah and the TV show Save My Son, and you were just the perfect candidate. So thank you for being a part of it; you’re our first one so I am excited (laughs).

Dr. Steve Perry: As am I. I’m honored to be part of this. Thank you for considering me.

WE Magazine: No problem. I want to start with your background. I know that you are a part of a third generation that had hardships with poverty.

So tell us a little bit about your upbringing.

Dr. Steve Perry: Well they say all things for the good right? I am fortunate that I got to see what happens when you live a life that’s not well planned.

I got to see how if you don’t take the time to get your education together and set your goals that you’ll just get what life wants to give you. Which typically ain’t a lot.

WE Magazine: Exactly, so you were able to take your situation and turn it into something positive for others that may be going through the same thing. You’ve written a lot of books the two that come to mind are Man Up and Push Has Come to Shove. Tell me a little bit about the inspiration for writing those books.

Dr. Steve Perry: I’ll tell you exactly how Man Up happened. I was in Kansas City at an event for African American authors. It was in an African American community that was underprivileged at ineffective school talking to an African American audience. Every single person who came up to speak talked about white people. It just made me angry to be completely honest with you. So as I sat there I became more and more turned off by the conversation. So when it was finally my turn I said” Look around you.”

At the time I was already a self-published author from Middletown, CT. So I got up there and said “Look around there are no white people here.

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Why are we talking about white people, and none of them are here.

What about the people here who are in this community that is being run by black people? Why don’t we do something? Why don’t we get up off our behinds and do what we gotta do?” One of Malcolm X’s daughters was there and I said basically Malcolm wasn’t running around whining about white people. I’m not saying white people are not to blame for some of it, but you have to take accountability for your part.

I was in Atlanta at Clark-Atlanta University at an AU conference with five black colleges, and I said the same thing. I told them “You’ve been the butcher, the baker, and candle stick maker you can’t blame white people for nothing.” You’ve got the worst school systems in America, it’s embarrassing. You’ve got people cheating on exams, and you’re not even embarrassed anymore. I’m talking to the college educated black people who somehow have their children in these failed school systems.

Who are you going to blame? White people left a long time ago.

WE Magazine: Just touching on what you’ve said there I know you’ve talked about African Americans that are basically running the shows in these schools which goes into the next question. What are we lacking?

There is a lot of the blame being put on other people and other ethnic groups even the parents are quick to blame the school systems. Part of it is on the school systems. I live near Washington, DC and a lot of the schools in that system are horrible. My question would be where are the parents and what can we do to make the change? Where are we lacking as parents as it relates to education and minorities in schools?

Dr. Steve Perry: I’ll tell you where we’re lacking. We keep allowing the one or two chosen black leaders, chosen by white people, tell us that it’s all the parents fault. We have places like Southeast (DC), Chicago, and Bridgeport where you can be the best parent in the world. I mean literally the best parent in the world, but your kids can still be uneducated if you send them to these failed schools. So as parents we fail because we don’t work hard enough politically. Another area where we fall down is we have to educate ourselves. There is no good reason we have information at our fingertips yet we’re so far behind in terms of what kids should know and be able to do. Just like we know how to figure out the Women’s Elevation Magazine | 13

latest dances and get the latest footwear we can research anything we care about, and we need to do more of that. Another place that we as African Americans fall down, and we’re not the only ones, is that I believe many of the parents have lost their way and now children are running the joint. You ask many parents what they do on the weekends or in their spare time and they say that they run after their kids most of the time. Some parents feel bad about making their kids go with them to the grocery store because they feel bad that their taking away “their time.”

So they have to pacify them with some device while their doing it. There’s a lack of respect so what happens is I’ll come to talk to a parent’s child who’s acting up, and they’ll tell me “That’s your side of the story.” They’ve elevated a child to the level of a principal, and there’s something deeply wrong with that. The kids don’t know what to do with that level power so they squander it because that’s what you do as a child.

I’m not talking about one time and there’s an issue. I’m talking about multiple issues with the child, but you’ve given the child the power to tell you what’s going on. When your child can say “Well the teacher said it this way, but I didn’t do it,” and you can believe that, you’re in trouble.

It’s not to say that the teachers are always right, but it’s more important that the child learns to understand authority. I’m a principal but I am also a parent, and my sons attend my school. There have been times when my wife has said that something doesn’t sound right and I say “And? That’s the teacher. Arguing with the ref isn’t going to make us stop.” It’s more important to me that my sons understand that you do what you’re told. You don’t argue with the teachers you shut your mouth, and if you feel like you have something important to say then there’s a method of doing that.

WE Magazine: I come from a family where they believed in putting the fear of God in your child, and I think that’s what children are missing. They think that they run the show. The roles have been reversed. I also come from a time where education was very important, and it just seems like that’s not the case these days. We are so quick to learn the latest dance craze; we’re so into this reality TV culture that it seems that kids don’t see the value of education.

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Dr. Steve Perry: That’s not the kids though. I would argue that you came from a house that cared about education and not necessarily a generation that did. The fact that it occurred in your home shows that your parents wanted you to be successful. Our parents, at this stage, they want their children to be comfortable at all times. They don’t want them to suffer. So you see things that parents do to make their children comfortable, but it doesn’t. It makes them complacent. These children are “Living La Vida Loca,” but don’t work. I mean they don’t have to wait for anything. You’ll see parents again and again forfeiting something for their children. I get forfeiting something so that your child can eat or have clothes, but forfeiting something that you’ve earned so they can have $150 sneakers is asinine. It’s insane, and they show a community that is completely lost.

WE Magazine: One of things that you talk about is about the fatherless son epidemic. You’ve been a part of Oprah’s Lifeclass on this subject and on the show Save My Son, and this is a subject that is important.

It’s a discussion that happens a lot. What are these one parent households lacking?

Dr. Steve Perry: There’s a huge difference. Women and men are traditionally different in their views on the world. They are more affectionate and men are typically better at setting the foundation

“They’ve elevated a child to the level of a principal, and there’s something deeply wrong with that.

The kids don’t know what to do with that level of power so they squander it.”

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for the home. When women are without the parent with whom they created the children they deal with many issues. From self-esteem to guilt.

You have guilt because you are looking at your child wondering what they are dealing with knowing that you are not with their father. So through that guilt what you find are homes where discipline is not in the forefront.

What you find are mothers who are more concerned with being nice than disciplining the children. This is not a judgment, I am simply stating what I am seeing. Many mothers feel so guilty about picking the wrong man or having done something that makes the man go so far way that the child is lost for them. So through that guilt many moms will allow their children to do things that they wouldn’t otherwise allow them to do.

In addition to that they allow their children certain access to things they don’t deserve. They’re not training them up right. What I mean by that is that so many moms grew doing things like washing dishes, cleaning the house, all the way up to cooking etc. all the things that we were brought up to do. They aren’t allowing their children to do that. This generation of single mothers has said the opposite. They have the mindset that they didn’t like doing those things growing up and that they felt guilty that they had to do those things so they aren’t making their children do them. Then what you end up seeing is a woman running around like a chicken with her head cut off working her butt off. Working two jobs, going to school, and this little son of hers has his feet up on the coffee table, playing some expensive game, with the sneakers that he had to have thrown around on the floor. She’s working for this dude, and he’s learning to be like the same bum that left him in the first place. She is raising the same baby daddy that she has.

WE Magazine: It’s a cycle so what would you suggest?

Dr. Steve Perry: One of the things that I would suggest is that these mothers need to shut their mouths and listen to somebody. Straight up; I’ve seen too many brothers who volunteer their services to help these kids only to have it turn around and be in vain. Their trying to correct the little boy and the mothers are interfering. I wish I could show this kid that we just expelled the mother is crazy. She is making this boy worse. She can’t do enough to mess up this boys’ life. It was a simple situation and all he 16 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

had to do admit that he did it and move on. She didn’t want that. Instead of just coming in on the humble she came in like she knew everything.

You know everything, but you’re living a lifestyle that’s so below standards and you’re struggling. Emotionally and financially you’re struggling. If you knew so much it would show up in some aspect of your life, but it’s not.

So maybe you should sit down somewhere and listen. You’re in the way.

You can’t know everything. It’s the very people that these kids need in their lives that they do everything to keep them out. Push people out so much that they just give up on the kid.

WE Magazine: All of those are good points. I want to wrap up this interview because I know that we are cutting it close. What is next for your brand?

Dr. Steve Perry: Same thing I’ve been doing educating kids, opening up more schools. This media stuff it happens I am very thankful for it. I didn’t want to do anymore TV because it was getting in the way of teaching the kids. What I’ve learned is to listen to what the creator is telling me, and following the opportunities. So my brand is sending kids to college.

We are opening a school in Bridgeport, CT, and we are looking to open other schools. If I end up back on television great if not so be it. A lot of folks tell me about how Save My Son affected them. I think that TV One missed out on something really important. Not because of me but because I have not met an African American that hasn’t seen the show and been affected by it.

WE Magazine: Yes I loved the program.

Dr. Steve Perry: Thank you and I appreciate the interview it has been a pleasure.

WE Magazine: Thank you again for sharing the knowledge have a great day.

Dr. Steve Perry: You too.

For more information on Dr. Steve Perry check out his website: www.drsteveperry.org. Also check him out on Facebook and Twitter.

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Recipes

for every occasion!

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Instructions 1. In a large bowl, combine the egg, crawfish, onions, butter, salt and cayenne. Stir in flour until blended.

2. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter, a few at a time, into hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

3. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish if desired and pepper sauce. Serve with beignets.

Crawfish Beignets

with Cajun Dipping Sauce Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Yield: 24 servings

Ingredients 1 egg, beaten 1 pound chopped cooked crawfish tail meat or shrimp 4 green onions, chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/3 cup bread flour Oil for deep-fat frying 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup ketchup 1/4 teaspoon prepared horseradish, optional 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice pinch coarse black pepper

Adapted from Taste of Home

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Spicy Shrimp with

Orange Brown Butter Sauce Ingredients 1/2 cup butter 1 teaspoon fresh thyme zest of one orange 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Instructions Heat the butter in a medium skillet over low heat. When the butter is melted, add the thyme leaves. Stir and simmer, keeping the heat low (it burns easily), for 5 minutes or until the butter reaches a golden brown color.

Remove from heat and stir in the zest.

Pour the butter into a small bowl and let it rest for a few minutes.

In the same skillet, with a light coating of the butter remaining, add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add the raw shrimp and the chili powder; shake or toss in the pan for 3-5 minutes or until the shrimp is no longer translucent.

Serve with the butter and pasta, grains, rice, or a salad.

Notes I used salted butter - it was very salty but I loved it. If you want to control the saltiness, choose unsalted butter and add salt to taste.

2 lbs. raw shrimp 1/2 teaspoon chili powder salt and pepper to taste

Adapted from Pinch of Yum 20 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350° and line 18 cups of a muffin pan with paper liners.

2. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions.

3. For each insane cupcake, spread 1 teaspoon of peanut butter over each of 2 Oreo cookies and stack them on top of each other. Place Oreo stacks into the lined muffin cups.

4. Spoon 2 tablespoons of brownie batter over each of the stacked Oreos. Bake for 20 minutes, until brownies are cooked through.

Oreo Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes 5. Let cool completely then serve.

Oreo Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients 1 box (18 oz) brownie mix (I love Ghiradelli’s Double Chocolate Brownie Mix) 36 Oreo cookies 1/2 cup (about) creamy peanut butter

Adapted from PickyPalate.com Women’s Elevation Magazine | 21

Imagine this: you’re a Grammy-nominated singer, considered one of the best vocalists of your generation, who has scored major R&B hits and been invited to collaborate with the likes of Kanye West and R. Kelly, yet some folks consider you “underrated.” This has been the plight of Syleena Johnson, acclaimed as one of the finest R&B voices to have emerged during the past decade.

Syleena Johnson is back again with a new album on the way and so much more. Read on as we talk to Syleena Johnson on her new music project, being a part of the hit TV show R&B Divas: ATL, and her life.

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WE Magazine: I want to thank you for taking time out to do this interview.

S. Johnson: Not a problem. I’m on the road on my way to visit family.

WE Magazine: Awesome well I’m not going to hold you up. I’m going to dive right in and talk about your role on R&B Divas: ATL. Of course I have been watching R&B Divas for quite some time and I’ve known of you before that. I’ve been a fan of the show and it’s great be able to do this interview so the readers can get know you as a person.

I’m so happy to see a more relaxed Syleena Johnson this season and I feel like it’s a breath of fresh air. You are really into the music and I love what I’m seeing so far. What make you decide to participate in the show and what did you see for yourself going from the first season into the second season? What was your transition like?

S. Johnson: Well, I did the show to create and enhance the music. It’s always been about the music for me. The important thing was to get more awareness out there for my fans, create more fans, and really just to reunite R&B music, because it was kind of dwindling down. It’s coming back now with a vengeance which I’m really glad to see. I like to think that the R&B Divas could have played a role in that. I came on the show for that.

I did not know that it would be so much more than that; both good and indifferent, but you know I will keep rolling with the punches. I think that I am kind of starting to level out and I have definitely grown. I’m not all the way where I might be, but it has shown me some realizations and revelations about myself and 24 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

musically as well. Overall, it’s been a great journey and hopefully it’s just getting started and I’m excited for what’s to come.

WE Magazine: Awesome!! You were also a part of the show Iyanla Fix My Life. It was a very powerful episode that included your family. It was kind of different from R&B Divas because it was a different platform. What made you decide to put yourself on the forefront and be so vulnerable? During the show you showcased that side of your life with the world when you didn’t have to.

S. Johnson: Well I’ve always loved Iyanla Vanzant which is something some people don’t really know about me. I read her very first book, Value in the Valley, when I was 16 years old and right after that came In The Meantime. From there I would read her affirmations, but I’ve always been a huge fan of Iyanla. I am very aware of her wisdom and always wished that I could meet her. When the opportunity presented itself I thought it would be very therapeutic especially with my mom moving in and the drama that we were dealing. I knew it would be healing for her and with what she was dealing with as well.

I also thought it would be therapeutic for our family in general and I thought it would be great to show that vulnerability as an artist. Just because I am an artist it doesn’t mean that I’m not human and that I don’t go through stuff too. So I just thought it would be something positive overall. Since I’m already on reality TV I might as well use its engine in a positive way to get some growth, healing and better perspective out of it. That’s what we are supposed to be doing all the times anyway. So when you have the opportunity for growth and change you have to jump at it. I jumped at the opportunity.

It was beneficial.

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WE Magazine: Exactly, it was so good that you wanted to be vulnerable and show that side to the audience. That is one of the things I talked about in an interview with Dr. Sherry Blake.

People forget that celebrities are people and they have wants, wishes, feelings and all that. So I always love it when I can see something like that on TV and remember, “Hey they go through stuff too and we just don’t see it all the time and sometimes we see it all too much.”

S. Johnson: Let’s piggy back off of that. As artists, well at least for me and I don’t know about other artists, we are vulnerable to our music anyway. I’m a writer and I stress about me and my music. I feel that even if you didn’t write the song, as artists you are still giving the audience a part of yourself through your music. It’s really all the same. Music is just a different form of language; it’s really just a continuation.

WE Magazine: I definitely agree with that. I wanted to talk to you a little bit about sisterhood. Because I see your sisters on the show and they’re very important to you. Sisterhood was mentioned a lot on the show regarding Keke and all the other girls as well as your sisters in real life. You not only have sisters by blood, but you also have a bond via Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. I just want to know how both of those bonds help you stay grounded in an industry that can make you have a huge ego. What are some of the lessons you have learned by being both a sister and a soror?

S. Johnson: Absolutely, it has played a major role in keeping me grounded because I have people that hold me accountable.

I can’t really be out here acting a fool because I do represent the women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. I pledged, so you know 26 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

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it’s not a game to me and it’s not like I came on board at the end of the day, got acknowledged and got written in. Not to say that’s a bad thing because if I had been 37 I would have still chosen Zeta. I did go through the intake process in college; I’ve gone to regional meetings, Boule etc. So I definitely have to be kind of conscious on how I portray myself because I’m representing an organization. Secondly, I do have sisters that hold me accountable, real sisters, biological sisters not just sorors. I’ve also learned from the old school sorors. The old school sorors will check you and get you together. I have some old school sorors that got me right and checked me on some things. My older sisters are the same way. As older sisters they are not going to be quiet if I’m out here being foolish. They just will not. You know one of my sisters just happens to be my manager and that’s a double whammy because my brand is very important for not 28 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

just my livelihood but hers as well. So I have to be accountable for everything I do just by default.

Now do I make all the right choices all the time? No I make mistakes, I’m a human being, but for the most part I have a lot of little barriers around me who don’t allow me to act a fool. Now some people have a lot of barriers as well, but those barriers are negatives, but I’m blessed to have people around me who keep it 1000 with me and don’t have a problem letting me know what it is. Sometimes it’s annoying and it becomes critical, but I would rather have it that way. So it’s definitely a blessing that I am surrounded by positive forces. I am around people who love me and want to see me do well.

WE Magazine: That is definitely important when you are in this industry. I think that it is key. I don’t have sisters but I do have sorors so I understand where you are coming from.

I want to switch subjects for a minute.You are the child of successful singer, Sly Johnson, and I know that there has to be a certain level of pressure to excel in the industry. You kind of showcased it on R&B Divas. There is a certain level of importance in honing in on your craft and being real about what it is that you do. Do you think that you got a better opportunity because you are the child of someone who is successful in singing? Do you see the value in being able to see the real side of the business growing up and have a better or more realistic view point from the business side of things?

S. Johnson: I probably have a little bit of an advantage. My father is extremely smart. He is 77 and he has been in the business since he was in his twenties. Plus I have an uncle who is 84 who has been in the business since his twenties. So I am surrounded by Women’s Elevation Magazine | 29

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knowledge once again. I was brought in this industry at a young age so I am surrounded by knowledge all the time. I do have an edge as far as that is concerned. But you can be surrounded by music and be just as dumb as the day is long. You can also not be surrounded and be more knowledgeable because you have done the research therefore you understand. So I feel like I’m blessed. I feel like I have an edge because I started at a very young age. I started at 18 under my Dad. I was Vice President of Twinight Records when I was like 18 because it was my fathers’ label. So I do have, I guess, maybe not an advantage, but I do have a little bit more knowledge probably more than most.

WE Magazine: From an outsider looking in, you’re definitely one of the hardest working singers in the business. You are constantly performing. You were just in the DMV not too long ago, I believe at Rams Head. My question to you is how have you been able to maintain your relevancy in this business because it is so stuck on the newest, hottest trends? So how do you stay so relevant?

S. Johnson: Well for one you have to keep up with the trends.

Not directly but indirectly. You have to know what they are and you have to be able to incorporate what’s going on into your brand. You have to be a Social media hound. You have to utilize social media to the fullest and that is what I’ve done. You have to continue to feed your fan base with different avenues, with different things. It’s not just about putting out records. You now have Ustream, YouTube videos, doing contest you know all types of grass roots things. You have to have vision and you have to be a visionary. You have to incorporate your dreams, and think of it as “What can be cool? What can I do that others are not?

What can make a difference? What can make noise?” You have to continue to fight and to let people know that you are fighting. You have to know that what you are doing matters and Women’s Elevation Magazine | 31

makes sense. You have to have patience, endurance and you just have to stand strong for everything that you do. You also have to be knowledgeable, continue to study your craft and continue to study the industry. Pay attention to what is going on in your genre and always seek opportunities. How do you seek out opportunities? It’s just like when you graduate from college and you have your degree. Having your degree does not mean that you will get a job. You have to keep filling out applications.

It could be 2-3 years of applying for, but you have to continue to fill out applications. You have to think outside the box. Change up your resume. You just have to keep at it. You don’t want to chill when you are not where you want to be. You don’t have the liberty to do that.

I have yet to take a real break. I have not really taken a break since 1998. Maybe after Chapter 7 I’ll take one. There are just things I have to do and we are not promised tomorrow. We have to utilize and seize the day. Every day counts. That’s real life and real talk. Next week is not promised, next month, next year, the next minute and the next hour is not promised. You have to seize the day and make sure that everything you do is something positive towards what you want to for your life.

Everything you do should move you towards what your ultimate goal is for your life. That could be a conglomerate of different thing. For me it could be “Ooh I want to get a platinum album, ooh I want to get a hit record or ooh I want to release a book.”

For me I know that no matter what it is I just have to keep fighting until I achieve those things.

WE Magazine: I want to get into your album Chapter 6: Couples Therapy for a second because you are working on that album or it is already complete. I know that it is scheduled to come October 14th. What was the inspiration behind this album?

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S. Johnson: My marriage; we just had our anniversary seven years on July 1st. We have been together for nine years and we have three kids, three boys and just everything that we have gone through inside of the marriage. A lot of people think that marriage is let’s go put on a dress, lets go and walk down the aisle, you know go to the party afterwards, etc. that’s cool for some. Marriage is work but it’s a rewarding thing if you are willing to put in the work. Couples therapy is something that a lot of black couples don’t really believe in. I think therapy in general is something that black people don’t really believe in.

No matter what you go through you can get through anything if you just stick together. That’s the inspiration for this album to talk about the different elements and things that go on inside a relationship. I just happen to be married, but you don’t have to be married to hear this album. There are people that have been together you know going on 7, 8, 9 years 10 and 11 years they are not married, but they still have been through the same kind

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of things. I just made it for you know couples. You know, where is the love? We don’t have any more love.

WE Magazine: Awesome. Well I am excited for it because I’ve been in a relationship for 4 years, not married as of yet, but yeah I’m pretty sure that we need some therapy (Laughs).

S. Johnson: Yeah you would have a good time.

WE Magazine: We would have a good old time (Laughter). We tweeted out your new song “Perfectly Worthless” earlier today and I love the song. Love, love the song. I’m so excited for the album and it’s gotten great reception. Everyone that I’ve talked to loves it.

S. Johnson: Yeah you would be surprised that the video for “Perfectly Worthless” is just the first installment of a story of short films. So it will pick up from what happens after that point. It’s going to be dope and it is going to be all in video form. It’s going to be really dope.

WE Magazine: That is awesome! You know that people love the videos and it is a good generator on iTunes because you can have people pay for them. Get the coins; get the coins wherever you can (laughter). So I know you mentioned a book, I know you did the fitness DVD and of course you are songwriting, but what’s next for your brand? I know you are also doing a lot of events; I see all of the events coming up.

S. Johnson: Yes I am definitely preparing myself to tour. I don’t know which tour is going to happen, but I’m speaking it. I am doing lots of live spot dates, tons of them and they are coming in every single day. I have five pending right now. There are # ||Women’s 34 Women’sElevation ElevationMagazine Magazine

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five plus what you already see out there. will be going oversees soon. I’m doing an overseas tour with Leela James and it will be awesome. We’re doing a song together which is so fun because I love her and I think that she has one the greatest voices of our time. She is an amazing artist, so I’m so excited to get on stage with her. The book I am writing is called The Weight Is Over. It touches on body image and how it has affected my life and affected my career up until now. I’m training for a half marathon. I am looking forward to being a part Season 4 of R&B Divas. I found distribution for the “Mommy’s Got Soul” workout DVD and I am working on the soundtrack.

WE Magazine: Awesome, awesome I’m glad to hear that.

S. Johnson: Yeah I am so excited, and I’m working on like movie scripts and trying to do different things you know just staying busy working. I’m actually doing a grand opening we have a new store. So there are great things all around. My sister is releasing her book so it will coming out soon as well.

WE Magazine: Awesome. I am so happy to hear that. You just have such a positive brand and it has been great talking with you. I’m so happy to have been able to do this interview. Definitely keep us posted and send over whatever you have you’re doing and we will retweet and repost all of that. I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to do this interview and good luck with everything.

S. Johnson: Thank you! Thank you so much it has been a pleasure.

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WE Magazine: Thanks and you have a wonderful day.

S. Johnson: You too, goodbye.

For more information on Syleena Johnson check out her website www.syleenamusic.com. Also follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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Stand Up Against Sexual Assault

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I had such a hard time writing this article. Maybe it’s because I am thoroughly disgusted by the situation. Maybe it’s my sadden heart. Maybe it’s the fact that society has become so desensitized that acknowledging that this has happened makes it all too real. So as I sit here typing this I think back to when I first heard about this story. The story of a young girl who was raped and then had pictures of her unconscious body leaked to the internet by her alleged rapist. Jada (the family has not released their last name) was publically humiliated via social media and her rape became a joke. That was until she decided to stand up and speak out. She chose not to allow her situation to define her. Through her strength others have stepped up and reclaimed their own sense of self. Through her determination others have stood with her to change the face of this story.

Still something doesn’t sit right with me.

Innel Yahia, the alleged rapist (whose name has been released to the public), has been nothing short of an idiot in this situation. Researching his Twitter account I’ve found many people that not only support him, but also his own comments regarding the situation. “She’s not even worth a rape case.” That quote was on his Yahia’s Twitter. Along with the following statements: “Innel is my dream boy.” “If only CNN knew how much (expletive) I get.” “She obviously was just embarrassed for being exposed but it is what it is.” “#JusticeForInnel that (expletive) lyin’ Houston know it.” Some of these statements were made by Innel himself. While others were 40 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

made by his peers, some of them were girls. So as I sat back and read the story over and over I felt compelled to write this.

It amazes that Yahia isn’t even smart enough to shut down his social media accounts. Especially now that he’s being named as one of the alleged assailants.

Honestly it really doesn’t surprise me that he isn’t smart because he didn’t even have the intelligence not to leak the evidence. So I turn my attention to his parents. How is that they even allow him to have social media? Do they even understand the severity of this situation? I understand he is 17 years old and he makes his own decisions, but when something like this happens as a parent you have to step up.

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As a parent I look at this and wonder how the victim’s parents have not attempted to bodily harm the alleged rapist. As a woman I am disgusted by his actions. You have the audacity to allegedly rape this individual and then you have the nerve to post the pictures on Twitter.

If you are proven guilty I pray they put you under the jail.

And to those that have decided to support him by posting the memes, retweeting his ignorant statements, or using #JusticeForInnel I pray for you. I especially pray for the young girls that support him. I have to wonder who is teaching you because you obviously don’t value yourself. You can’t possibly value yourself because you can’t even see yourself in Jada’s shoes. What if that was you? Do you think that he wouldn’t have done the same thing? Are you that needy for likes and retweets that you condone his behavior? Who are you looking up to?

I am so proud of Jada for taking a stand, pushing through this ordeal, and speaking up against this injustice because many don’t. Her actions show other women and young girls that rape is not okay. It is not to be mocked. It is not to be accepted. My only hope is that her efforts are not in vain. I pray this won’t be another story that will be forgotten.

Jada and every girl/woman that has been sexually assaulted deserves respect, they deserve to come forward and no be ridiculed, they deserve to be supported. Hashtags are great, but what are we going to do as a community to stop it from occurring?

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Celebration of

Contributors

We would like to take the opportunity as a brand to thank some of the people that have helped make this brand a success. If it had not have been for your articles, your ideas, your motivation, your marketing, many more aspects the WE brand would not be what it is today.

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Women’s Elevation Magazine Celebrates

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Monthly Contributors

Sonja Smith-Jones Columnist

Kara Frison Columnist

Tanya Angelique Columnist Shannon Clark Graphic Design 46 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

Blog Contributors

Darcel Laurie Blogger

Katrina K. Cheung Blogger

Keyauna C. Fogle Blogger

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Interns Mercedesz Brown Intern

Brittney Echoles Intern

Ariel Gaskill Former Intern 48 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

Celebration of

supporters

We have some of the best supporters and here are some of them. We would love to list them all but it’s just not possible. We thank everyone for your continued support!

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Brown Girls

Brown Girls Do Ballet began in 2013 as a personal photography project by TaKiyah Wallace

East Indian, and Native American girls enrolled in Ballet programs across the state of Texa

in Dallas, Houston, and, Austin, Texas. Soon, the parents and ballerinas alike were overwh

However, something else happened. The casting call information was spread outside of t

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s Do Ballet

e. Mrs. Wallace wanted to highlight underrepresented Hispanic, African ancestored, Asian,

as. Initially, photographic casting calls were opened to girls ages 3 to 18 enrolled in ballet

helmed with excitement to finally have a spotlight on people of color in the world of ballet.

the initial target area. Read on as we talk more with Brittani Turner of Brown Girls Do Ballet.

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WE Magazine: I had a moment to go over your site again right before the interview, and it’s funny how something that starts off as a project can grow into something bigger because of the need. You get the outcry of people saying “Omg I love this project I want you to keep it going,” and that’s kind of what happened with this. I believe it started out as a photography project and then moved into what it is today.

BGDB: Absolutely, that’s exactly what happened.

WE Magazine: And that’s awesome because that’s really how a lot of things start out. You start out not sure if you’re going to keep something going, but you know you want to do it. You have this need inside of you, and you end up just putting it out there to the world and hoping for the best. So when they come back and say “Yes, we love it!” that’s a great feeling.

BGDB: I’m glad you noticed that right away. You never know when you’re starting something new. You really don’t know until you hear the feedback. So I would say about six months down the line that’s when we knew we had something big.

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Authentic

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Determination

WE Magazine: That was a part of one of the questions I was going to ask. What was some of the feedback that you got because ballet is not something we see on an everyday basis. So what was some of that feedback?

BGDB: Initially we received a lot of feedback from dance moms. They sent us words of encouragement to let us know that what we were doing was helping.

About 90% of the feedback came from people trying to get involved with the project. From offering their volunteer services to helping connect us to dance studios people were coming from everywhere. Some of the ballerinas told us that this project served as a motivation to them because it highlighted girls that looked like them. They were happy that this diversity was finally being highlighted.

WE Magazine: Diversity is big in programs like this where you don’t see as many ballerinas of color. I know to mind I can bring up Misty Copeland as the number one person that sticks out as it relates to ballet. Especially after Black Girls Rock honoring her I think people started to really stop and take notice. Switching 56 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

subjects for a second I want to ask you when these girls enter in your program what are some of the values you are instill in them?

BGDB: Well we encourage perseverance, confidence, determination, and overall help the girls to follow their dreams. Of course we focus on ballet, but the mindset and inspiration they will get behind it is truly important. Ballet is so technical and intense so you really have to stay focused on it. It’s not something that you can dabble in and see if it works out; you truly have to make it a part of your life.

WE Magazine: I think that it’s so honorable of you all, and I can tell that it creates a lot of opportunity for these girls to tap into their gifts. It gives them to the confidence to do something different and out of the norm. So what are some of the ways that you help them gain opportunities from participating in ballet?

BGDB: Our program aids to provide resources to dance studios and scholarships for dancers to pursue summer internships outside of the normal ballet studios. It’s so imperative to your dance career especially if you are looking to do this professionally,

Confidence

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because that’s where you build your technique. Having a background in ballet I can tell you that it is very expensive. It can cost as much as college tuition so we want to be able to provide the resources for these girls. We want to help the girls stay abreast of the audition process. We want to help them with scheduling, how to give a great audition, and showcase the resources for them to even get to the auditions. Secondly, we want to be able to provide those scholarships, and if we’re not we want to be able to partner with those that can help.

WE Magazine: I know that you deal with girls who are very young I think the earliest age is 3 and it goes up to 18 years of age. That’s such a huge age gap I want to know what kind of background these girls are coming from when they enter the program. What sets them apart?

BGDB: We have people from that come from different social and economic backgrounds where they don’t necessarily tell us this outright, but we can infer from their energy that ballet is very expensive for them. So it’s a challenge for the parents to afford to participate.

Then we have people that are able to afford it and are very much involved in the process. Some of them have started dancing at three up to the age of 22 we actually don’t stop at 18. That was the goal, but we got so many responses that we

broaden

the

age gap.

WE

Magazine:

What

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sets

you

apart from other programs that might be doing the something similar?

BGDB: What sets us apart is the foundation of where we started. We started just as a project. We didn’t intend to take it on as a full non-profit. At the time we were really just giving the spotlight to these young girls. There’s not a focus on ballerinas who are minority. We’re not shown. So I think that the foundation is authentic and original.

WE Magazine: I like that you used the word authentic because that’s the feeling I get from the brand. I have never seen anything like this before.

BGDB: Thank you I am glad you got that feeling from it. Another thing that sets us apart is that we try to build relationships with not only our audience, but also our dancers. We follow their career; we invest time to go see them. We just had a photographer, who just had a baby, drive to one of the ballerinas to shoot her. We were just so excited because the young girl just started following our program out of pure excitement, and recently got into a summer intensive program for the America Ballet Theatre.

WE Magazine: That’s awesome!!

BGDB: Yes so we really stay in touch with them via social media so that we can build relationships with them.

WE Magazine: And that goes back to being authentic and that shows that your brand truly cares about them beyond just ballet. You care not only about teaching them, but you care about the student that is learning. This is truly important especially in a world where we are bombarded by media. A lot of children are on the streets during the summer so I wanted ask you what are we lacking as a community to give kids opportunities like this?

BGDB: This is a generalization off of things that I have seen, but I would have to say more than likely resources. Secondly, it’s exposure things outside of what’s around them. We’ve had dancers inform us that sometimes dance isn’t possible for minorities because classical music isn’t a part Women’s Elevation Magazine | 59 49

of our culture. So you find that we’re more a part of sports and other genres of dance because it’s not something we’re exposed to.

WE Magazine: I want to jump into talking about media stereotypes as it relates to dance and minorities. We are mostly seen for dancing in the genre of hip hop more so than anything else. How does this affect the way that minorities are viewing other styles of dance? How does it affect them getting involved in something outside of the norm?

BGDB: I would say that some of the stereotypes definitely have a negative effect on young girls especially. One of the biggest things is body image. As a ballerina there’s a certain body type you’re expected to have and it’s long and thin with no curves. The other aspect is that being brown is not necessarily something that is expected either. It may be harsh, but this is what we’ve been shown through centuries all the way back to 17th century art. The thing is that we don’t think that we have the body type to do it especially if the

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We try to build relationships with not only our audience, but also our dancer. only exposure to dance you see is women dancing in a kind of sexual and provocative manner. It’s discouraging to the younger generation.

WE Magazine: I agree with you on that one. I am an 80s babies so I grew in a generation where Hip Hop was hot and video girls were hotter. I mean I remember them being the biggest thing since sliced bread, and they were everywhere.

Now everything is coming full circle with a lot of the “new” dances like twerking.

This is all a lot of kids see because that’s all that’s placed in front of them.

BGDB: And we don’t want them to follow the trends. Granted they are being exposed to those trends, but we don’t want them to follow. We have to shine a light on women doing other things in the realm of dance that have longevity.

We can showcase women like Misty Copeland whose career isn’t going to end because she’s not a video girl. Her career doesn’t end in two years’ time after the Hip Hop industry has again changed. She’s a legend, and I think that any ballerina who is a minority can create history for herself. So that’s what we look to showcase.

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I would say that some of the stereotypes definitely have a negative effect on young girls especially.

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WE Magazine: I want to wrap this interview up by asking what is next for the Brown Girls Do Ballet brand.

BGDB: We are sponsoring several dance studios which I mentioned before.

This past year we’ve already sponsored a couple of students. In the fall we have our first exhibit in which we are bringing in a partnership from well-known photographers as well. It will not only service our kickstarter campaign, but this will be the backbone funding for our donations to other dancers and students. So we’re really excited about that. Another thing we have coming up is our Brown Ballerina dancewear which we are in progress with the wholesale for that. We also have Brown Ballerina calendars. They are being created to show diversity in the ballet world. So we’re just really excited about the upcoming ventures.

WE Magazine: Well we are excited about everything you have coming up and thank you for participating in this interview.

For more information on Brown Girls Do Ballet go to www.browngirlsdoballet.com.

Also check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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August Spiritual Corner

“Your life will go wherever your words lead it . . .

Be aware of the things you speak and put out into the universe.”

– Rob Hill Sr. {@RobHillSr / RobHillSr.com} Have you ever considered the story or message that you’re sharing with others on a daily basis? Through our words and actions, we are adding to the story of our lives. Think about this . . . your words not only have the power to shape your own reputation, world or self-esteem but they can also impact the lives of the people with whom you come into contact.

Will you choose to perpetuate a cycle of negativity or decide to spread a message of love, peace and encouragement?

While you may primarily think about the words that come out of your mouth, I hope you also think about the things that you write and even the pictures you post. Your presence on social media may only give outsiders a glimpse of who you are but please believe that your pictures, tweets and statuses still help to frame people’s perception(s) of you.

So, if you’re striving to be a woman of integrity, know that there is no need to fill your Instagram profile up with booty shots or the “classic” middle finger pose.

What are you saying about yourself? Show people that there is more to you than your body and that you can carry yourself in a classy way!

“Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”

Realize. . . not every thought that crosses your mind needs to be spoken or written. Think before you speak and consider, “Will what I’m about to say help anything?” I hope that you make a conscious decision to build (yourself and) others up- rather than tearing them down.

While social media can be a great tool, people have also found ways to use it in order to attack and bully others. The story of Deb Antney’s son, Caodes “Kayo” Scott is an unfortunate reminder of this fact.

I just want to encourage you to be mindful of the words that your release from your mind and mouth.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue. . .

(Proverbs 18:21).“ Make a decision to let your life’s message be one of hope that can encourage others. We’ll all face challenges and hard times. We may not always have the answers to life’s questions or solutions to our problems, but maintain your faith in the One who does.

Let us encourage one another to live our best lives!

Without even saying a word, they will speak for each of us. How will your story read?

“Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read just by looking at you.”

2 Corinthians 3:2 (The Message//REMIX)

Kara Frison is a 2010 graduate of Hood College who strives to inspire others through her writing. You can read more of her thoughts at www.softwordsbrighteyes.blogspot.com and learn about her organization- Ladies of Virtue. . .

Empowered! (for women - 14 & older) by visiting www.facebook.com/LadiesOfVirtueEmpowered.

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