May 2014 issue by Sista's Keeper Magazine

Sista’s Keeper

I AM my Sista’s Keeper

May 2014 Vol. 2, Issue 5

Mother’s Day Big Dreamz Inc.

Spotlight:

Teen Entreprenuers/ Owners of Sweet Dream Girlz Brea & Halle Holmes

Ban Bossy Drink More Water!

Plus:

Do Goals Make You Happy? Developing Your Dreams Reader submissions Making A Vision Board

JoceLien

Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2013 The

DREAMS Issue

Curly

Coiled

Silky Straight

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

In This Issue Spotlight:

Teen Entreprenuers & Owners of Sweet Dream Girlz Brea & Halle Holmes

Music Spotlight: Sharve

We interviewed this singer/actress about her music & MORE!!!!!

Summer Fashion 18

Big Dreamz Inc.

Big Dreamz Inc. is a non-profit female mentoring program for ages 11-18 to prevent teenage pregnancy.

Ban Bossy

Words like bossy send a message: don’t raise your hand or speak up. Together we can encourage girls to lead.

College Prep Timeline

On The Cover Photos courtesy of: Tuyet Franks (left) Miss Black USA Talented Teen Jocelien Whitehead after she was crowned in August of last year. She is the third-straight winner from North Carolina and to be featured in Sista’s Keeper Magazine. May 2014

Sista’s Keeper

Promotions/Giveaways

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

You could win 2 tickets to see Belle!!!!! Enter to win two tickets to see the movie Belle that’s featured in : What movie did Gugu MbathaRaw star in with Tom Hanks & Julia Roberts? “Like” our Facebook page & tweet us (@SistasKeeperMag) your answer to enter the giveaway. Use the hashtag: #SKGIVEAWAY

Connect With Sista’s Keeper TODAY!!!!! “Like” our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SistasKeeperMagazine

Sista’s Keeper Vol. 2, Issue 4 Founding Editor/Publisher LaPorsha Lowry Managing Editor

Erik Veal PR/Marketing

Yasmeen Parker Surya Swilley Advertising

Briana Barner Paul Smith Social Media

Stacie Bailey Contributing Writers Camile Daniels Idanis Donyale Taris Easterling Shaniqua Graves Markia Holt Facia Johnson Regina Johnson Yani Long Mariya Moseley Nomvuyo Osei Noma Vilane Special Thanks

If you are on Pinterest, follow our page: http://www.pinterest.com/sistaskeepermag

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May 2014

Jocelien Whitehead Tuyet Franks Sharve’ Brea & Halle Holmes Crystal Styles House of Cheatham, Inc. Idanis Donyale Brittany Salter Jesse Lowry Trumaine McCaskill Evan Summerville Greg E. Hill Jesse Lowry Brittany Daniel Lee Lowry Dottie Benjamin Terri Long Darie Wilson Antionette Cody

I AM my Sista’s Keeper

In Every Issue Promotions & Giveaways

Beauty Summer 2014 hair

Beauty Summer 2014 nails

Health Finding the Right Bra

Health Drink More Water

Do Goals Make You Happy? 26

Furaha

Jando

Maua

Don’t SWEAT It

Entertainment Music Spotlight: Sharve’

Readers’ Dreams

Entertainment Movie Spotlight: Belle

Ndege Make a Vision Board

Fashion Summer 2014 Fashion

Beauty

Pursuing Your Dreams: Where To Start

Black Women In History 46 Hattie McDaniel May 2014

Sista’s Keeper

Calendar May-June 2014

What’s going on and what to do this month

Contributors Taris Easterling Easterling is currently a sophomore at NC Central University. She’s an avid reader and writer so you will usually find her doing one or the other. She’s the lead host on her very own personal radio show, Unscripted Radio.

Shaniqua Graves

If your black teen girl organization is having an event that you want to be featured in Sista’s Keeper Magazine, please send us the information so that it may be featured in the Calendar of an upcoming issue: • Name of the organizaton • Name of event • Date of event • Time of event • Location of event • Brief description of event Email the information to

info@sistaskeepermagazine.com

your e v Ha ation’s niz orga featured t even ere! h

For more May & June events & updates, visit our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com 6

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May 2014

Graves is a North Carolina native living in Greensboro. Aside from journalism, the UNCG alumna also writes poetry and short stories. The aspiring writer continues to seek projects that express her unique point of view with writing.

Markia Holt Holt is currently a student at Truman State University. She is a Communication major with a minor in Spanish for the Professions.

Regina Johnson Regina is a senior at the UNC Charlotte and is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in marketing. Writing has always been one of her passions and she plans on pursuing a career in Public Relations or Journalism. She is a strong believer that young women should build each other up and support one another in every endeavor.

Yani Long Long began writing at the age of 11 with journals that turned into poetry. She attended Guilford Technical Community College and recently graduated from NC A&T in May 2013. She enjoys making jewelry, spending time with family, watching TV and playing cards.

Mariya Moseley Moseley is currently a student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University, studying journalism and mass communication.

Nomvuyo Osei Osei is an artistic free spirit who is African born, Southern-American bred, with a passion for her husband and children, natural hair, writing, learning and healing. With her continued drive to uncover her life’s purpose, she hopes to be a positive and inspiring contributor to life and Sista’s Keeper Magazine.

Noma Vilane Vilane is a senior journalism major at North Carolina A&T State University. Her hobbies include reading, writing fiction, and spending time with friends and family.

DREAM...DREAM...DREAM!!!!! H

Editor’s ’ey sistas! This is a very special issue for me as it is all about DREAMS...how Letter to start dreaming to how to go about acheiving them. As you may know, it was my dream since I was in the 6th grade to start this very magazine and it took not only a LOT of dreaming but also a lot of DOING to make it come true. Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2013 Jocelien (pg. 30) has dreams that have taken her from her hometown of Greenville, NC to Washington, DC where she was crowned last August. Check out her feature to see just where they will take her next! (Bottom left: Jocelien & I at the pageant last year) Brea and Halle Holmes (pg. 9) did not find what they were looking for so instead of giving up, they started their own company to serve teens in the beauty industry. Sharve’ (pg. 16) is also following her dreams of being a singer/actress/model by having two singles available for download. BIG Dreamz Inc. is a non-profit organization that encourages girls go after their dreams and Ban Bossy also gets girls to stand up and be leaders. Both organizations help girls to follow their dreams so that’s why they’re featured. In this month’s sections, we will help you in every step of pursuing your dreams, from figuring out what they are to making a vision board. We also have a Mother’s Day feature this month. (Bottom right: My mother, Gloria and I on Easter) As always, if you want to contact me of have any questions about the magazine, email me at: laporsha@sistaskeepermagazine.com or visit our website: sisters, cousins, friends, etc. www.sistaskeepermagazine.com I hope that you enjoy this issue and Remember the purpose of Sista’s Keeper: to remember: build you up as young women so you can be “I AM my Sista’s Keeper” comfortable enough in yourself to help your

Tell us what you think! Join the conversation... #SistasKeeper

May 2014

Founding Editor/Publisher @SistasKeeperMag Sista’s Keeper

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Sweet Dream Girlz

Spotlight

After a disappointing shopping trip to find naturally-made beauty products for tweens and teens, this sister duo launched their own. In 2010, Brea and Halle Holmes tried to have a spa night at home. They went to the store to find natural skincare products that smelled appropriate for girls their age. After being feeling like our plans were ruined, Brea, 16 at the time and Halle, 10, talked to their parents about what they planned to do about it. Halle said that they should just start their own business. Two years later, they were frustrated again with the lack of girly apparel and sneakers. We were looking for cute tops and skirts that could be mixed with colorful sneakers and decided to design our own. What are some of the products that you make and sell? We manufacturer natural skincare products (body wash, moisturizer, fragrance spritzer, facial wash and moisturizer, body scrub) all that come in fragrances that smell good enough to eat. Girls love our Pink Sugar and Crazy Caramel Corn to name a few. Every season, we design an apparel line that is fun and flirty. These pieces can be mixed with our colorful sneakers that named after the things

we love like Pink Lemonade, Shimmery Vanilla Bean and Grape Soda. Where did the idea for the name “Sweet Dream Girlz” come from? Brea was listening to Beyonce's song, “Sweet Dreams” and loved it so that’s how the name came about. How does it feel to own your own business as young black women? Brea: I feel that we are inspiring others that look like me. I hope that others see my as a business woman and not my color. Halle: I feel that we are motivating all girls of color to aspire to own their business. They can do anything! What was your ﬁrst step in starting your business? We started researching the best ingredients that was good and harmful for young skin. Then, we talked to our family dermatologist about it. She loved the idea. Then, our parents made us create our own logo, packaging and find a manufacturer. Continued on page 44

Sweet Dream Girlz products are sold in specialty stores and online at www.sweetdreamgirlz.com www.sweetdreamgirlz.com.. Follow us on FB and Instagram @sweetdreamgirlz and Twitter @swtdreamgirlz @swtdreamgirlz.. Watch out for our product updates and contest! May 2014

Sista’s Keeper

Beauty

Turn the HEAT

Summer 2014 is quickly approaching! The weather is getting HOT and so are the hair trends. What hairstyles will you be caught in? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know? Here are some of my top hairstyles for the summer and how you can get some of the hottest hairstyles like the celebrities. You are sure to find what you the hairstyle you are looking for, for the perfect summer.

Beautiful Bob

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May 2014

Top Pick #1- Bobs are a classic hairstyle that will never go out of style. There are many lengths to wear the bob which makes the bob versatile to flatter anyone. Below are the short length and two styles straight and wavy. Taraji P. Henson (left) is known torock a bob whether it straight or wavy. To achieve this look all youneed is a nice hot flat iron to make your bob sleek and bend yourflat irons under to get a slight curl in your hair. To complete thewavy bob look you can either use flexirods or curling wand.

Up for Summer

Beauty

By: Kesha McDuffie

Pony Love Top Pick #2- Buns have become the go-to hairstyle when you are on the go whether you’re goingto work or out on a date. Buns are low maintenance and very easy to maintain. You only a few things items to achieve a nice sleek bun. You will need a brush, bobby pins, hair gel, and sock bun (optional). Sanaa Lathan (right) is rocking her high bun. This look could work for everyday and also when you have to go to a formal event.

Braids are Back

Although box braids was the trend for the summer of 2013 they are still in. Box braids are used for a protective style. With box braids it gives you the versatility to style your braids anyway you want to. Beyonce’ (left) was seen in braids last summer. To achieve this look you will need lots of bobby pins and a large ponytail holder. May 2014

Sista’s Keeper

What’s On The Website?

Visit our website for photos, videos, events & MORE!!!!! Extra content available ONLY online... Coming in June • College prep checklist • All Things SUMMER www.sistaskeepermagazine.com

Spring Nail Trends

Beauty

This juicy shade flatters every skin tone... Haute in the Heat, $8.50 http://www.essie.com/

This shimmery pink shade will take the place of the beach anyday... Illamasqua, $17 http://www1. bloomingdales.com/

This radiant orchid shade is cute for the summer months when you just want to have fun! Topshop (Prestige), $8 http://us.topshop.com/ This pink shade will look great on both your fingers and toes. Nicole by OPI (Leapink for Joy), $8 http://www.ulta.com

May 2014

Sistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keeper

Don’t SWEAT It!!!!!

Beauty

By: Noma Vilane

As the summer approaches and the weather gets warmer, we spend more time in the sun, which can cause sweating. Sweat is a natural way that our bodies regulates our internal temperature and cools itself, but sweat is far from attractive.

Sweating excessively is a common problem. But you don’t have to suffer or be embarrassed. There are ways that you can reduce and control sweating. Here are a few ways you can stop the extra sweat: Facial Scrubs Facial scrubs can be used on your back or on your face or on any area of your skin where you sweat. Facial scrubs help because they are an exfoliate that gets rid of the dead skin and unclog your pores. This will initially cause you to sweat more, but soon you will notice a decrease in the excess sweat.

Use An Antiperspirant Most people don’t realize that all deodorants are not antiperspirants. Deodorant is made to mask the odor caused from sweating while antiperspirant actually controls and reduces the amount of sweat. Make sure to check the label closely to see if the product you are using is in fact an antiperspirant. Doctors also advise putting a thin layer of antiperspirant on at night before going to bed and adding another thin layer in the morning for best results. Shave Your Underarms Everyone with underarm hair doesn’t experience excess sweating, but for people who do sweat easily, underarm hair can make the situation worse. Hair causes bacteria growth and bacteria is what causes the odor. Watch What You Eat (And Drink) Certain foods, such as caffeine can worsen sweating and should be avoided. Spicy foods can also lead to excess sweating and should be reduced or avoided. On the flip side, you should try to increase your water intake. Water can help rehydrate your body and it can also wash away the toxins that can clog pores and cause body odor. Practice Good Hygiene

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Make sure to take daily baths or showers and to wash your underarms. If you shave, avoid putting on deodorant (or antiperspirant) immediately. Wait until your underarm is completely dry. Moisture can help harbor bacteria growth on your deodorant so it’s important to dry your underarms before applying.

Cosmetics

Clothes

Shoes

Nails

E S I T ! R ! ! E ! ! V E D A ER H

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Entertainment

Music Spotlight: Sharve’

Actress/singer/model has two singles available. 15-year-old Kaylah Baker, known as Sharve’, is an actress/singer/model from Louisiana who has two singles, “Nail Party” and “What You Think I’m On” available for download. Describe your musical style? I mainly focus on pop and R&B but I add soulful flair to it. My music is fun because I like to have fun with the audience. I have dance songs and inspirational ballads too. Who are some of your musical inspirations? I grew up in church so gospel artists like Kim Burrell, Mary Mary, and Marvin Sapp inspire me as well as Brandy and Whitney Houston. How do you manage school and singing/ performing? For me right now, it’s not that difficult but when I start performing and traveling it will more of a challenge. My parents are teachers so they’re strict on education. I had to let go of involvement in school activities to focus on music for right now. Tell us about the music you’re working on? It has an R&B feel with a message that teens can relate to. I have been writing more & working with great producers lately. The target date is sometime at the end of the year or maybe at my Sweet 16 party next year. There are also more singles to be released soon. 16

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Connect With Sharve’ www.facebook.com/IAMSHARVE @iamsharve http://iamsharve.com/

We are discussing dreams and setting goals in this issue (May 2014). What were some of your dreams that inspired you to become a singer and pursue this goal? I’ve always had a dream of singing and performing. I’ve been in entertainment because I started out modeling & acting. I also did musical theater at age 7. My main focus now is on music but later I want to get back to acting. This month is “Drinking Water Month” and we are promoting that to our readers. Tell us about being a brand ambassador for WATAAH? They support other artists like Coco Jones and OMG Girlz. It was an honor to be selected as a brand ambassador. I got to go to NY and went to headquarters to met with owners and administration. They are involved in social media so that connects us together with other ambassadors and I was able to meet them.

DREAMS Playlist Athena Cage“All or Nothing” Jazmine Sullivan“Dream Big” R. Kelly“I Believe I Can Fly” Mary Mary“Go Get It” & “Get Up”

What is your message of empowerment for youth? I have a non-profit organizations to empower Entertainment teens called IKOOL (“K”reating Our Own Legacy). We promote working hard, keeping God first and serving others. We want them to remain humble and use the gifts that God gave them to help others. Do you have any sisters? If so, what is your relationship like with them? I have one sister Kiera (11). We’re not far apart in age so we share the same interest, alike in some ways; bond; butt heads a little bit; looks up to me. What is your deﬁ nition of being your “sista’s keeper”? I have her back no matter what & we look out for each other; having a love & support system.

Movie Spotlight: Belle

It is rare that you see a movie about blacks that lived in traditionally-white historical times, such as the Reneissance. However, there is a film that tells the little-known story of one young lady inspired by a 1779 painting. Dido Belle, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy officer, is brought to England by her father and left in the care of his uncle at his estate. Though the social inequalities of the time make her an outsider, Dido is raised as an aristocrat alongside her cousin. Her relationship with a young lawyer has her uncle’s disapproval of who considers the match beneath her. Belle is in theaters on May 2nd.

May 2014

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Fashion

Summertime

Summer means stepping out of your fashion comfort zone. Take

Shorts and tank tops are always a GO for the summer. Pair them with a cute sandal or boot and a pair of sunglasses and your ready for some fun in the sun! Also, jeans are a easy choice and you can switch up the colors and washes to make different combinations.

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Style Ideas

Fashion

some of these fashions as ideas to put together your own styles.

Patterns and stripes are also on trend for the summer so look for them in flowy shirts, skirts and sundresses. Being comfortable is ALWAYS in style so a great pair of leggings and tennis shoes works as well. Get more style ideas for the summer from Polyvore: http://www.polyvore.com/

May 2014

Sistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Keeper

By: Shaniqua Graves Health

It’s COOL to

Spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner. If you’re like most of us, you can’t wait to get outdoors and soak up that sun. This May while you’re out running, swimming, and taking advantage of the beautiful weather, be sure to stay hydrated! While sodas, juices, and sports drinks hold a certain sugary appeal, Sista’s Keeper would like to join First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America in encouraging you to “Drink Up” by swapping out your usual sweet beverage for the good old H2O instead. Similar to the OMG Girlz’s partnership with WAT-AHH, Drink Up focuses on making water a part of the daily diet for kids and adults alike. May has been designated as “Drinking Water Month” and is the perfect time to participate in the Drink Up campaign.

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May 2014

It’s really quite simple- just commit to drinking one more glass or bottle of water each day then sit back and enjoy all the benefits of making such a healthy choice. Water is the best choice for many reasons. Just to name a few, it’s naturally caloriefree, has no artificial sweeteners or dyes, and helps your body perform most all of its major processes including digestion and body temperature regulation. Drinking water on a regular basis increases energy, brain power, immunity, and overall physical health. To help you Drink Up, Sista’s Keeper has a few tips to get you started this May and keep you going all year long:

Drink Water • Start with a glass of water in the morning. This will help get your inner juices flowing and help keep you on track for the rest of the day. If you’re not used to drinking water or simply not a fan, it can help to do it early in the morning so that you don’t forget it or have to dread it all day long. • Keep a pitcher in the fridge. Always having a cold pitcher or bottle of water available makes choosing water that much easier. Also, try to keep it in the front as a reminder to grab a glass. • Choose water as your beverage when having sugary or salty snacks. This can help keep your sugar intake down and help flush your system of the excess sugar and salt you consume throughout the day. • Grab a buddy. Any change is easier to make if you have the right support. Invite a friend, your family, or your school to join you in this challenge. If you can make it fun, you can make it stick! • Hang in there! At first it may be hard to pass up your favorite juice in favor of “plain old water” but remember the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Once you get into the habit of having one drink of water each day, move on to two, three, four, and so on. Before you know it you will have kicked your “drinking problem” and have created a very beneficial, super health habit. Your body will thank you for it!

First Lady Michelle Obama, the OMG Girlz & Sharve’ are just some of the people who promote drinking more water within teens. Their campaigns make it cool to grab a bottle od water.

May 2014

Health

Sista’s Keeper

Health

Finding The

Bras minimize jiggling and shape the appearance of a girl’s breasts. They’re also helpful from a health standpoint. Wearing the right bra keeps a girl's breasts supported while she's playing a sport and can help prevent injury to breast tissue. A well-fitting bra is also important for a woman's posture, particularly if she has large breasts. A bra that doesn't fit can cause back problems, muscle tension, and even headaches. Yet 8 out of 10 women wear bras that don't fit.

The chest, or band, size is the part of the bra that runs across a girl's chest and around her back. The cups are the parts of the bra that hold the breasts. Bras come in many sizes, which are different combinations of the chest sizes (shown as numbers — in the United States, these are 32, 34, 36, etc.) and cup sizes (shown as letters — AA, A, B, C, etc.). It's important to get both the chest and cup All About Straps, Snaps, Bands, and Cups sizes right to ensure a proper fit. If a girl wears a bra that's the wrong chest size, the bra's band Finding the right bra doesn't have to be an will either feel tight and uncomfortable around ordeal if you know the basics of bra sizing. There are two parts to a bra's size: the chest size her ribcage or it will be too loose and ride up her breasts. (also called the band size) and the cup size.

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Right Bra Bras that are too small in the cup will compress the breasts and force them to bulge out the sides (think armpit boobs). And cups that are too big can wrinkle and pucker, which won't look good under clothes. Measuring at Home So how do you calculate your chest and cup measurements? It's easy, and it's something you can do in the privacy of your own room at home. All you need is a tape measure. Chest measurement Bra fitting experts offer two methods of calculating the chest measurement. The most common method involves running a tape measure just under your breasts, all the way around your back and ribcage. The tape measure should rest flat on your skin and lie straight across your back — not so tight that it digs in, but not so loose that it sags down in back. Make a note of your measurement and add 5 inches. That's your chest size. You can also estimate your chest size by running a tape measure across your chest above your breasts, under your armpits, and around your back (measure from the same back position as in the first chest measurement option). This method is easier because you don't have to do any addition or other calculation, but

Health

some people feel it's less accurate than using the first method. If your chest measurement comes out as an odd number (such as 31 inches or 33 inches), it's usually a good rule to round down to the next number. Bras tend to stretch over time and most bras have a few sets of adjustable hooks and eyes, so you can adjust the tightness. Cup measurement. As with the chest measurement, when you're measuring for cup size, make sure the tape is not too loose or too tight. If you already own an unpadded bra that fits well, wear it when measuring for cup size. Be careful about the type of bra you wear to take your measurements, though. Sports bras can flatten breasts and give a cup reading that's too small, and padded or lined bras have the opposite effect. This time, when you run the tape measure around your body, you're going to take the measurement across the fullest part of your breasts. Write down this number. Now subtract your chest measurement. If the difference between the two numbers is less than 1 inch, your cup size is AA. If it's 1 inch, your cup size is A; 2 inches, you're a B; 3 inches you're a C, and so on. So you've taken your measurements and you're in the fitting room trying a bra in what's supposed to be your size — but it doesn't seem to fit. Now what? Read more of this article on our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com May 2014

Sista’s Keeper

Relationships

Like Mother, My mom is my BIGGEST supporter! She is my manager and she is also a single mother raising me & my cousin. She always pushes me to do better because she loves & cares for me. -Jocelien Whitehead

“Yes, mother. I can see you are flawed. You have not hidden it. That is your greatest gift to me.”

-Alice Walker

We appreciate everything that our Mom does for us every day. She’s kind, caring, intelligent, the most level-headed person that we know. She always encourages us to follow our dreams no matter how big or small they seem. We can always go to her for advice about anything because she’s our best friend. She always protects and takes care of all our needs and wants. She supports everything we do from our business, school and our everyday choices. No matter how hard things get she’s always there to encourage and love us. We love our mom so much and there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for her. -Brea & Halle Holmes

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Like Daughter

Relationships

5-Steps to a Better Mother-Daughter Relationship These 5 steps are guaranteed to change the way you and your mom (or the female role model in your life) connect with each other. Take this quick quiz and ask yourself a few simple questions to see how you can make things better with mom: • Do you feel like you’re losing your connection with your mom? • Do you find it difficult to communicate (even the smallest things) with your mom? • Is it sometimes difficult for you to understand your mom’s point-of-view on things? • Do you think it would be awesome to have a third-party’s opinion (from a professional) to help “break things down” when discussing sensitive issues with your mom? • How cool would it be to finally bring a sense of peace and settlement to your mother-daughter relationship challenges? If you answered “yes” to even one of these questions, you’re in luck! If you know what you want to do, but it’s just not happening, working, or getting the job done for you, no worries. Learning the following 5 skills and techniques are important to help better understand, communicate, translate, mediate, and mend and bring peace to the “situations” between you and your mom both now and in the future, thus impacting future daughters for generations to come. The following are five simple steps that can help you introduce new ways to create a genuine, positive bonding relationship your mom that works: 1) Communication Moms want their daughters to be able to open up

to them more (and daughters want the same thing in return). Moms and daughters have the need to talk more about what’s going on in their individual lives. This starts with active listening. 2) Understanding Moms want to get a small sense of understanding what their daughter is going through. This means processing what’s being said, and seeing it from the other person’s perspective. 3) Mediation Sometimes, certain mother-daughter discussions require an outside person (like a professional) to help mediate differences. Moms and daughters alike enjoy having a neutral, unbiased third party to help them through it all. Having someone there to facilitate the discussion means hearing the problem/obstacle athand, and bringing that challenge to the surface to ultimately find solutions. 4) Translation Mothers and daughters desire a full translation of the meaning of it all. Many times this requires a deeper understanding of communication issues and challenges from a mother’s perspective, and from a daughter’s perspective to help it all make sense. Sometimes it takes the mom admitting that she doesn’t know it all, and daughters admitting that they actually do need the help and advice of a mom. Try to consider each other’s view on things and help it make sense to you and her.

Read more of this article on our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com May 2014

Sista’s Keeper

Furaha By: Nomvuyo Osei

Does Setting Goals Make You HAPPY?

Setting the goals helps us make a decision about what type of person we want to be, what kind of life we want to have, and what kind of affect we want to have on others. Setting goals allows us to dream beyond our current circumstances and reach for may seem like the impossible in some people’s eyes. There is a catch though. We can set any goal we want, and it is achievable, however, we are who we are, and we are equipped with what we’re equipped with, and the amount of work involved in order to achieve goals depends our level of passion and commitment, our will, and those tools that we are already equipped with. For example, if I want to be a professional wrestler, I absolutely can do that, however, I have to ask myself a few questions: • Am I passionate about being a professional wrestler? • Am I committed to the amount of working out and practicing that it would take for me to become a professional wrestler? • What is my present level of fitness? After I answer these questions, I find that my answers are not strong enough for me 26

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to pursue the goal of being a professional wrestler. This could make me very unhappy if I really want to be a professional wrestler. This is where we have tune in to why we are setting the goals we are setting, so they align with the truth of who we are, what we’re passionate about, and what we’re actually willing to DO. So, it seems like our happiness lies with not only setting the goals, but telling ourselves the truth about who we are, what we’re passionate about, what we’re willing to do to actually achieve those goals, and staying focused on our goals, no matter what.

Pursuing Your Dreams: Where To Start So, now what? How do we know what goals to set? After we know that we can absolutely set any goal we want, and absolutely achieve that goal, we can get rid of the notion of being “realistic” because our current circumstances have NOTHING to do with where we can go in life. With that said, we can be honest with ourselves and trust ourselves. It seems like people who achive their goals are passionate, committed, hard-working, and focused. So, what were we interested in when we were a little girl? What are the things we constantly think about? What maks us excited? What type of person do we want to be? What is our “Why” for our goal? No matter what anyone tells us, we must know that anything is possible. Knowing that, we must be honest with ourselves about who we really are, and be willing to do the work to

Jando By: Nomvuyo Osei

continuously uncover the magic that is inside of us. This process of figuring out who we really are doesn’t have to do with anyone else. We are influened by television, our friends, our parents, and so much more. Those quiet moments of solitary contemplation, is where we will find our who we really are. We must get still, quiet, and trust that voice within. So we may want to take a quiet walk alone everyday for 30 minutes, or we may want to pray, or meditate, or journal, or just sit there and stare at the wall. Whatever our way is, is OUR way, and we must learn to listen to that inner voice in order to know who we are and what goals we need to set. We are all here for different purposes, and we must fulfill OUR purpose, not someone else’s.

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Maua

What Are Your Dreams?

Sistas let us know what their dreams and goals are for college, career and the future. "My dream is to become a pharmacist. I want to go to Hampton University because they have a great pharmacy school. I want to finish within 6 years and get my license. " Ny-Jael, 16 Charlotte, NC "I want to attend Virginia State University to be a Woo-Woo (dancer) and major in math. I want to be an eye doctor to help people with vision problems. ” Breana, 15 Charlotte, NC "I want to attend UNC Charlotte to major in the arts and become a photographer and journalist. " Fonna, 17 Charlotte, NC "I want to be a forensic scientist. I plan to attend UNC Chapel Hill and later on have a two-story house with four dogs. ” Nyisha, 15 Charlotte, NC

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"I want to go into childcare because it runs in my family. I want to get my certification and license to run my own daycare." Nasya, 16 Charlotte, NC "I want become a pediatrician but most importantly I want to be able to take care of my mother and grandmother.” Joaniese, 17 Charlotte, NC

"I want to attend UNCC and also attend cosmetology school to be a hairstylist and have my own salon one day. " Carol, 19, Charlotte, NC "I want to be a forensic scientist. I plan to attend UNC Chapel Hill and later on have a two-story house with four dogs. ” Nyisha, 19 Charlotte, NC

Make a Vision Board

Ndege

A vision board is a collage of images, pictures and affirmations of your dreams and all of the things that make you happy. It can also be called a dream board, treasure map or vision map. Vision boards are a great way to make you feel positive, and are helpful.

1) Decide the main theme of your board. It may be based on something specific you wish to accomplish or obtain, or it may be a general idea of everything that makes you happy.

4) Type or write some affirmations that correspond with your theme. Ex: I CAN accomplish this goal!!!!! 5) Glue your pictures and affirmations to your poster board and pin them to your cork board.

3) Print and/ or cut out your pictures.

2) Find pictures that correspond with your theme, either from old magazines, photographs, or from the Internet.

6) Hang your vision board in a place you will see every day. 7) View your board at least once a day, and focus on the objects, sayings and theme of your board.

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Three Times: The Charm Miss Black USA Talented Teen Jocelien is the third-straight contestant from the state of North Carolina to win the crown. Jasmine Sessoms and Naya Coard were featured as well.

hen we called to speak to Jocelien Whitehead for this interview, she was preparing for a performance in her school talent show that night. The 14-year old freshman at South Central High School in Greenville, NC most certainly wowed the audience like she did us in last year in the Miss Black USA Talented Teen pageant she won. May 2014

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Pageant Experience Jocelien says that the Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2013 pageant was tough and that she had to be on top of her game the entire time. “It was also fun because I got to meet all the other girls. We had to learn the introduction routines in only three days and it had to be perfect. The most important thing was to have fun and a great time.” She adds that when she won, she didn't think she really did. “I was shocked because I was the youngest (at age 14) so I was surprised. However, I met my best friend Shemerah Norman in the pageant and we are still close. We talk all the time!”

Anti-Bullying Platform Jocelien’s platform in the pageant was anti-bullying and she has done a lot during her reign to spread the word. “It means a lot to me because no child should go through that. You shouldn't change yourself for others,” she says. “Society is difficult and it changes you. People change who they are because they are scared of being judged. That goes for girls, boys and adults. I just want to let them know that you can make it through it.”

Queen’s Duties

Jocelien does a lot of traveling within the state of North Carolina by going to events and talking to kids in order to reach out. “Sometimes I’ll make an appearance at events. On May 3rd, I will be at the BET festival’s Teen Expo in Baltimore, Md.” She adds that reaching out to others is one of her biggest accomplishments during her reign. “I like to have fun so this title gives me the chance to be myself. I’m goofy, funny and have a carefree personality. I’m loving, enjoy getting to know people and supporting others.”

All About The Music

Whitehead is working on her debut album, which is coming out in July. “I’m working on different stuff and it will be a pop/hip hop style. It will be very diverse so 32

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I’m working with different producers.” Her first single "LoveStruck" is very catchy and has been getting more and more exposure & views. “People love that song & I’ve been getting great feedback about it,” she says. “When I make appearances, kids like it and my friends sing it too. They joke about it with me becuase people know it & dance like I did in the video.” She says her friends are very supportive. “They tell me that I'm blessed so that support keeps me focused.” She will also be touring this summer on her own at festivals from Florida to Pennsylvania.

Following He Dreams

This issue is the “Dreams” issue and we asked Jocelien what advice she has for our sistas to follow their own dreams. “It’s ok to dream, no matter what it is. No dream is too big if you’re willing to keep pushing to get it done. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Do what you can to make it possible. If you say you can, then you can do anything. Believe in yourself, stay positive and push to do better. You are here for a reason so do what makes you happy. Always remember to pray & have faith.

Being Her Sista’s Keeper Jocelien has a little baby sister who was born on December 5th and her name is Skylar. She loves her new sister & knows that she has to be a good role model for her all the time. She also has four close friends; Arian who she has been friends with since 6th grade and is very supportive, Kiera who she calls her twin and is very positive, Tykeria who is her best friend and she describes as the crazy and fun one, and Tammy, her cousin who lives with her and they are like sisters. Jocelien’s definition of being her “sista's keeper” is someone who is very positive and able to see the good and not the bad in her sister. “Trust & loyalty are big things to me. We don’t have to bring each other down or worry about who’s prettier. Sisterhood should be about being together & coming together to make us better; following our dreams, getting our education. It’s not all based on looks. We must always be there no matter what!”

About Jocelien Name: Jocelien Danee Whitehead Age: 14 Birthday: May 10th Hometown: Greenville, NC Favorite Artist: Beyonce’ (she sung “Listen” from Dreamgirls in the pageant. Favorite Food: Teramisu & Japanease/ Vietnamese food Favorite color: Neon blue Favorite movie: Historical movies like The Butler Hobbies: Playing outside, singing and dancing

Connect w/ Jocelien http://www.facebook.com/JoceLien

@JoceLien_Danee

@_queenjocee May 2014

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Every Girl Should Have The organization’s mission is to empower, encourage, and inspire girls ages

Big Dreamz Inc. is a non-profit organization based out of Charlotte, NC, which mentors young girls between the ages of 11 and 18. The organization’s main focus is preventing teen pregnancy in the communities of Charlotte and around the world. With teen pregnancy on the rise and becoming more common, Big Dreamz’s purpose is to empower, encourage, and inspire young girls. Character building, mentorship, and workshops are just a few of the components that are used to educate and guide these young girls toward completion of their goals. Big Dreamz ultimate goal is to provide the tools to help with the development of having a healthy, positive and successful life. Leadership, service, and mentorship are the foundation that helps support their mission, vision, and goal. Big Dreamz has two events that focus on Leadership. D.I.V.A EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT and My Journey to Success: Life after high school. The Summit go over areas involving

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self-esteem, life skills, relationships, career development, beauty and health tips. My Journey to Success focuses on high school juniors and seniors. High school is known to be the beginning of adult hood in preparation for the real world. Many high school juniors and seniors are not aware of basics necessary that are available to them to further their education and growth. My Journey to Success will cover financial planning, interviewing skills, professional attire, and effective communication. Big Dreamz has partnered up with the Charlotte Mecklenburg LibraryImagination and Mecklenburg County

“BIG Dreamz”

By: Yani Long

11-18 to reach their goals in an effort to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.

expected from the mentors for commitment Schools to support the event. to communicate to their mentees by phone, Every, second, Saturday of each month young girls of the organization participates face to face interaction, and email. in a community service project. Such projects include working with Second Harvest Food Bank, Crisis Assistance, The Battered Women’s Shelter, and have the option to creating their own service project. Through community service to help the young girls with a better understanding of those who are less fortunate. The young girls that belong to the organization are each paired up with a mentor for the duration of their school year. Each mentor is trained twice annually to ensure they are supplied with the key components to become effective mentors. Fifteen to 20 hours a month are what is

To learn more about Big Dreamz Inc., you can contact by phone or email at (704) 930-1228 or bigdreamzin13@gmail.com. You can also follow them via twitter @bigdreamzinc and can find them on Facebook under Big Dreamz Inc. http://www.bigdreamzinc.com/ May 2014

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I’m Not Bossy... When it comes to girls and ambition, the pattern is clear: girls are discouraged from leading. When a little boy asserts himself, he’s called a “leader.” Yet when a little girl does the same, she risks being branded “bossy”—a precursor to words like “aggressive,” “angry,” and “too ambitious” that plague strong female leaders. Calling girls bossy is one of many things we do to discourage them from leading. It’s no wonder that by middle school, girls are less interested in leadership roles than boys, a trend that continues into adulthood.

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When girls begin to be demanding, and take charge, they are often times called “bossy,” whereas a boy can do the same thing and be labeled as a “leader.” That being said, LeanIn.Org and Girl Scouts of the USA are kicking off Ban Bossy, which is a public service campaign to encourage leadership and achievement in girls. Girls Leadership Institute co-founder Rachel Simmons and the Girl Scout Research Institute, have both helped a great deal with the campaign and even developed 10 practical tips to help all young women build stronger leadership skills. The first tip is to speak up in class, which includes raising your hand, and having confidence in your answer. The second tip is to stop apologizing before you speak. Often times girls can introduce opinions with apologies such as, “I’m not sure if this is right, but …” This statement makes the audience question your response before you even articulate your expressions. The third tip is for girls to challenge themselves even more. Challenging yourself includes getting out of your comfort zone and doing something you would have never done before such as taking up a sport you’ve never played before, or enrolling in a class that no one would expect you to take. Taking these small risks would very impactful in the end.

May 2014

I’m The BOSS!

By: Mariya Moseley

The fourth tip is to ask for help, and not be afraid. Young women need to learn how to be bold and not be afraid to ask their teachers, coaches, or other adults you admire to talk with you about what you’re passionate about. The fifth rule is to not do everyone else’s work. Although women are usually naturally nurturing and loving individuals, often times lending a helping hand happens often even during group projects, etc. With giving that extra help to others, some may feel overwhelmed or that they are not getting credit for what they deserve. This could be resolved by addressing the problem directing and asking your classmate to finish their tasks alone or recommend them to someone else. The sixth rule ties into the fifth task, and the sixth rule is to speak up in a friendship. This rule includes being direct to others and addressing an issue to them personally and appropriately rather than gossiping about it later to others. The seventh rule is to trust your inner feeling. Many times women can doubt their gut feeling, and then later realize that they were right the entire time. Going with your initial feelings or thoughts is very important. For those that having a

spiritual connection with GOD, often times it is the lord speaking to them about an issue and they will ignore it. This rule helps avoid overthinking, and if you ask GOD and just go with your gut feeling, everything will work out for the best. The eighth rule is to change the world. This tip is very important because several young women need to understand that you don’t have to run the world to change it. Change can start just by simply joining a club, plan a flash mob, or enter your crazy idea into the science fair. It could also include running for class president. The ninth tip is to remember that speaking up will always be worth it. Whether you lose an election that you were a candidate in or even if you didn’t get the response you were hoping for, remaining faithful and learning from every experience is extremely important and will take you very far. The tenth and final tip is to Practice! Practice your schoolwork and study, practice your role in the school play, practice riding your bike, always always always practice! Although it may seem tough in the beginning, always remember that at the end of the road is victory!

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Speak Up in Class

Stop Apologizing Before You Speak

Raise your hand, even when you’re not sure about the answer. Avoid editing what you want to say in your head, and try not to worry about being wrong. Speaking up isn’t about having the perfect answer. It gives you the experience of thinking on your feet, debating with others, and wrestling with an idea— all crucial skills that you’ll use in every area of your life.

Girls often introduce opinions with apologies (“I’m not sure if this is right, but...”). Others use upspeak to make statements sound like questions (“Martin Luther King was a civil rights leader? He believed in peaceful protest?”). Pay attention to the little ways you might be making yourself smaller when you speak up in class, like playing with your hair, saying you “kind of” think something, asking if what you just said “makes sense,” or speaking so softly that no one can hear you. Challenge Yourself

DID YOU KNOW? Girls are typically called on less in class than boys, so it’s important to get your hand up and keep it up!

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When we worry about failure or criticism, we’re more likely to seek out experiences we know we can control. But playing it safe means you’ll never have the exhilaration of overcoming an obstacle and proving to yourself (and others) that you’re brave enough to try. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Take up a sport you’ve never played. Enroll in a class that no one would expect you to take. Learn how to code. Or take a small risk, like introducing yourself to someone you don’t know.

May 2014

Ask for Help Use the Buddy System! Do you apologize before you speak, get quiet at the end of your sentences, or make statements in class that sound like questions? Find a friend and create a secret signal you can use when you catch each other in the act. Tug your ear when your buddy starts a sentence with, “I don’t know if this is right, but...” Before you know it, you and your friend will have broken the habits that can make you seem smaller.

The most successful people don’t make it on their own. Instead, they find advisors along the way: experienced, wiser people who know a lot and help them. Don’t be afraid to ask teachers, coaches, or other adults you admire to talk with you about what you’re passionate about. Ask them what they wish they’d known when they were your age. Who knows, one day they may even help make your dreams a reality!

PUSH YOURSELF BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Don’t Do Everyone Else’s Work When a group project member doesn’t contribute well (or at all), it’s easy just to do it yourself—and stay quiet about it. Taking over can give you control in the moment, but it can also leave you feeling resentful, carrying more of the workload, and not getting any of the credit. Address the problem directly by asking your classmate when she thinks she’ll finish her tasks. If you don’t get a clear response, be more direct about what you need, or ask a teacher for help.

DID YOU KNOW? Girls are twice as likely as boys to worry that leadership roles will make them seem “bossy.” May 2014

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Speak Up in Friendship We’ve probably all gossiped at one point or another, but if you always talk about your friends instead of to them, you miss the chance to practice speaking up to the people who matter most. Being able to tell someone how you feel will help you in every area of your life, no matter how you choose to lean in. And you may want to avoid relying on texting or social media to say the tough stuff. It makes communication easier in the moment, but you’ll risk paying the price later of not speaking face-to-face now. Being direct is scary, but do it with care and you’ll earn the respect and trust of those around you.

DID YOU KNOW? Leadership opportunities are everywhere! You can practice important skills through everyday activities like taking care of a pet or someone in need, raising money for a cause—even babysitting. 40

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Set Small Goals We get it—you have big dreams. But ambition isn’t about doing it the fastest or all at once. The secret to big success is setting small goals. Every day, identify one or two steps you can take to get you closer to your dream. Want to speak up more in class? Start by telling your teachers about your goal and see how they can help, or try writing down what you might say and reading it out loud to yourself. If you think your goals are almost ridiculously small, that’s how you know you’re doing it right.

Trust Your Inner Voice We all have a voice playing inside our heads. It might say little things like “I wish the bell would ring” or big things like “I wish my friend would stop asking me about my grades.” That voice is your gut. It’s telling you what you genuinely think, need and want. It’s easy to stop listening to that voice when you’re worried about what people might think. Stay connected to it as much as you can. It’s your inner compass. If you can’t share that voice now, keep a journal where you can—and keep looking for the people who want to hear it.

Change the World

TRUST YOUR You don’t have to run VOICE the world to change it. What lights you up inside? EVEN WHEN IT FEELS What makes you feel outraged? Join a club, LIKE THE plan a flash mob, enter WORLD your crazy idea DOESN’T. into the science fair. Maybe even vote YOU for class president. Running a campaign gives you amazing practice for speaking and marketing yourself as a leader. Whatever you decide, remember: your voice is like no one else’s, but we won’t hear it if you don’t use it.

DID YOU KNOW? When you participate in extracurricular activities, you gain leadership skills that stay with you for life. Try something new and work to develop those skills!7

Easy to Speak Up, but It’s Worth It You’re growing up in a world that’s still confused about how powerful it wants girls to be. Girls are supposed to be confident but nice, ambitious but not selfish, successful but not conceited. The rules can be confusing and unfair— which means not everyone’s going to love it when you speak up. In fact, no matter how nicely you say something, there may be a person who thinks you’re being mean. Trust your voice even when it feels like the world doesn’t, and stay close to the friends and family members who celebrate your strength.

Practice! You’ve grown up practicing things like schoolwork, sports, and music. But no one tells you to practice speaking up, taking risks, or saying what you need. What’s up with that? There’s nothing in life that doesn’t require practice, and leaning in is no exception. Work those muscles! It might be scary the first time, but it gets easier.

JOIN US TO BAN BOSSY

Post “I will #banbossy” to your social media channels and visit banbossy.com to take the pledge and learn more.

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Getting Ready

Education Feature

This college prep timeline provided by http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/

In 9th & 10th Grade

7th & 8th Grade • Begin thinking about the high school classes that will prepare you for college. Take the most difficult classes you can handle. • Ask your parents or teachers to help you develop good study habits. • Practice setting and reaching goals. • Volunteer in your community. • Take interest and skills assessments to help you think about possible career options. • Talk with your school counselor and parents about careers that interest you want to explore.

• Take interest and skills assessments to help you explore careers options.

• Review your high school class plan. Take the most difficult classes you can • Talk with your school handle. Stay focused on counselor about career your schoolwork. options and the education required for those careers. • Sign up for classes that will earn college credit • Talk with your parents during your junior year about saving and paying through Advanced for college. Placement, International Baccalaureate, • Talk with friends, Postsecondary teachers, counselors Enrollment Options or and your parents about College in the Schools. college. • Check if your school requires 10th graders to take the PLAN to prepare for the ACT. • Participate in

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

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extracurricular activities.

May 2014

• Explore internships and apprenticeships. • Enroll in a summer enrichment program.

Want to go to college? It’s never too late to prepare... For more information, visit: http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/

For College

Education Feature

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

In 11th Grade • Attend college and financial aid events. • Mentor others and have a mentor for yourself. • Take the PSAT in the fall to prepare for the SAT, and to identify areas where you need improvement. • Consider possible career options and investigate the type of education that is needed. • Request materials from schools that interest you and visit their websites. • Arrange campus visits to those schools that interest you. • Participate in extracurricular activities. • Request admissions and financial aid forms. • Sign up for classes that will earn college credit during your senior year through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Postsecondary Enrollment Options or College in the Schools. • Register for and take the ACT and/or SAT in the spring. • Review your high school class plan. Take the most difficult classes you can handle. Stay focused on your schoolwork. Make sure you are meeting your high school graduation requirements. • Enroll in a summer enrichment program. • Get a job to earn and save money for college, or explore your skills through an internship or apprenticeship. • Research private scholarship options.

In 12th Grade • Stay focused on your schoolwork and take the most difficult classes you can handle. . • Take career interest assessments and determine the education needed for careers that interest you. • Participate in extracurricular activities. • Volunteer in the community.

March - May • Have your final high school transcript sent to the colleges to which you’ve applied. • Choose a college and notify in writing those you don’t plan to attend. • Send in any required forms or deposits.

Summer • Get a job to earn money for college. • Review orientation materials from the college you selected. • If living on campus, check with the college for a list of what’s provided by the school and what the school expects the student to provide. • Contact your roommate. May 2014

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Sista’s Keeper Crossword Puzzle

Resources • Jocelien http://www.joceliendanee.com/ • Miss Black USA Talented Teen http://www.missblackusa.org/ • Sweet Dream Girlz • http://www.sweetdreamgirlz.com/ Sharve http://iamsharve.com/ • Belle (movie) http://www.foxsearchlight.com/Belle/ Drink Up! http://youarewhatyoudrink.org/ WAT-AAH http://drinkwataah.com/ • Big Dreamz Inc. http://www.bigdreamzinc.com/ • Ban Bossy http://banbossy.com/ • College Prep Timeline http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/ • College Prep Timeline http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/ • College Prep Timeline http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/

Continued from page 9 address a overlooked segment of the tween/teen market. I keep going and striving to see my products everywhere and making girls Sweet Dream Girlz from head to toe. We set a yearly strategy with milestones to achieve along the way. Brea: Seeing our idea from its beginning to now makes me keep going and expanding the brand more. In order to start and run a business, you have to be dedicated to it every single day. Even if it requires giving up free time and other things. Halle and I meet regularly to go over our short and long term goals. What exciting things do you have planned in the future for SDG? We have just wrapped our first television commercial to air in Los Angeles on Style and Disney XD. We have pitched our story to several reality show production companies. We continue to approach mass market retailers with hopes to start wholesale

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relationships with Nordstrom, Dillards or JCPenney. What is it like working together with your sister on this business? Halle: Sometimes it can be complicated but, we put our heads together to create a unique product. Brea: There are times that we disagree but, eventually we come to a good compromise. What does it mean to be your “sista’s keeper”? Brea: I have to love, protect and sometimes take care of her. Halle: I have to always consider her feelings and protect her at all times. Girls see our story and often ask how they can do it to. So, in 2013, we wanted to help other girls start their own business and created SPA DIVA. It is a spa event and direct selling program. Girls can host spa parties with our natural skin care products and earn their own money. Our resource CD provides all of the things that they need to get started.

Like this issue????? Let us know what you think..

• Follow us on Twitter: @SistasKeeperMag • “Like” us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SistasKeeperMagazine • Email us your comments to: info@sistaskeepermagazine.com

Black Women In History

Hattie McDaniel Actress and First African-American to win an Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress in Gone With The Wind in 1939)

• 1895: Born on June 10 to a family of entertainers in Wichita, Kansas. She was her parents’ 13th child. Her father, Henry, was a Baptist minister who played the banjo and performed in minstrel shows. Her mother, Susan Holbert, was a gospel singer. • 1901: Moved to Denver, Colorado; attended the 24th Street Elementary School where she was one of only two black students in her class. Following her elementary schooling, McDaniel attended Denver East High School for two years. • 1910: she decided to leave school in order to train with her father’s minstrel troupe full time • 1920: Became a member of Professor George Morrison’s orchestra, and toured with his and other vaudeville troops for the next five years. • 1925: Invited to perform on Denver’s KOA radio station. The performance gave McDaniel the illustrious distinction of being the first African-American woman to sing on the radio in the United States. • 1929: Landed a steady job as a vocalist at Sam Pick’s Club in Milwaukee 46

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• 1939: Accepted a role that would mark the highlight of her entertainment career. As Mammy, Scarlett O’Hara’s house servant in Gone with the Wind, • 1940: Earned the Academy Award for best supporting actress, becoming the first African American to win an Oscar. All of the film’s black actors, including McDaniel, were barred from attending the film’s premiere in 1939, aired at the Loew’s Grand Theatre on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia. • 1951: McDaniel started filming for a television version of The Beulah Show. Unexpectedly, she suffered a heart attack around the same time, but was able to resume filming after a short recovery period. • 1952: Diagnosed with breast cancer and lost her battle in Los Angeles, California, on October 26th. Since her death, McDaniel has been posthumously awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Additionally, in 1975, she was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.

By eighth grade, only half as many girls as boys are interested in math, science, and engineering careers. If each of us gives a girl our time and support today, she can find the courage, confidence, and character sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to build a better tomorrow.