Belle Tea Debut Issue

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Audry’s Dorm Delights

Curls Unleashed Embrace Your Natural Beauty

Six Steps To Heal Thyself

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Contents

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FEATURES

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Curls Unleashed: Embrace Your Natural Hair Hungry!

Audry’s Dorm Delights Six Steps To Heal Thyself The Flyest of them All

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A New Born Baby’s Guild To Her First Year At Bennett College Are You Ready To Start A Business Four Ways To Prepare For Adventures Abroad

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The Tall Girls Keeper

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Four Ways To Prepare For Adventures Abroad

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Research and P lan Ahead: Kno wledge is power, so arm yourself with information abo ut your destinati on’s culture, custom s, and safety considerations.

Check travel a dvisories to ensure your c hosen destinati on is safe and welcoming for black travele rs.

up on h s u r B ness: arn basic d e r Prepa ills and le nication e g a u mu e sk m g o a Lang c u g on a e n s h l t a l a r e c you bridg ct with lo goes a o t s e e t s phra and conn little effor ingful n gap vel. A ring mea hange. e l r e e c deep ay in fost al ex r u t l u w long ons and c ecti n n o c

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Embark on your next adventure with confidence, armed with these essential tips. The world is yours to explore, so go forth and conquer, fearless traveler!

ace r b m E dive ded: d n i n M a s, ture pen Be O of adven xperience we out pirit the s st into ne res. Step fir or tu head , and cul zone, sav rs flavo r comfort nd dance u of yo cuisines, a e in your lif c exoti rhythm of ion. t a n e i t s to th en de s o h c

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Pay for Out-of-C ountry Cell Service: Stay co nnected with loved ones and Instagram-wort hy moments by inv esting in out-ofcountry cell serv ice. Snap, share , and stay in the loop without worrying about roaming charg es.

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Hungry?

Here’s Audry’s way to fulfill that late night craving.

Below are two recipes that are dorm friendly!

READY TO SERVE IN 5 MINUTES!

Ingredients: 5 ounce spring mix (salad of choice) 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 pint strawberries, sliced 1 tablespoon of Briannas Home Style: Blush Wine Vinaigrette Dressing (or dressing of your choice)

Strawberry Blueberry Spinach Salad

Instructions: 1. Thoroughly wash and dry the spinach and berries. Slice the strawberries evenly.

2. Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl and toss gently to combine.

3. Add dressing of choice just before serving.

Or serve the dressing on the side for each person to add the amount they prefer

Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich Recipe READY IN 5 MINUTES!

Ingredients: 2 slices of bacon (optional) 1 diced grilled chicken breast (pre-made) 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese 1/4 cup of Spring salad mix

Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich Elevate your CRAVINGS with these TIPS: 1. Invest in new dinnerware/tablecloth for added style 2. Pour your salad dressing in a ramekin for a touch of elegance 6

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Instructions: 1. Spread mustard on one slice of bread.

2. Layer lettuce, tomato, and bacon on top.

3. Spread mustard on another slice of bread and place on top of bacon.

4. On top of that slice of bread place swiss cheese. Then cheddar cheese. Then place turkey and ham on top of that.

5. Spread mayonnaise on the last slice of

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“Style has a profound meaning to Black Americans. If we can’t drive, we will invent the dexterity of our feet. If we can’t have ham, we boil chitterlings; if we are given rotten peaches, we will make cobblers; if given scraps, we will make quilts; take away our drums, and we will clap our hands. We prove the human spirit will prevail. We will take what we have to make what we need.

We need confidence in our knowledge of

who we are.”

-Nikki Gionvanni

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frican American styles have emerged as a driving force in shaping global fashion and culture in the 21st century, leaving an indelible mark on trends and attitudes worldwide. Streetwear, a genre deeply rooted in African American urban culture, has become a global phenomenon, transcending geographic and cultural boundaries.

African American designers have risen to prominence, redefining industry standards and challenging traditional notions of beauty.

The natural hair movement has sparked a revolution in beauty standards, encouraging men and women of African descent to embrace their natural hair textures with pride. From coils and curls to twists and locs, Black hairstyles have become a symbol of empowerment and self-expression, challenging Eurocentric beauty norms and celebrating diversity.

In an increasingly interconnected world, African American styles serve as a powerful reminder of the richness and diversity of Black culture. By celebrating their heritage and embracing their creativity, African Americans continue to shape and influence the cultural landscape of the 21st century, inspiring generations to come with their innovation, resilience, and unapologetic self-expression.

A NEWBORN BABY’S GUIDE T O HER FIRST YEAR AT BENNET T COLLEGE During my first semester in the world, Dada was on paternity leave, which means he stayed at home to be with me when he was supposed to go to work.

He and my mom were not good at baby stuff at first. It took two of them to change, wash, and feed me.

They did not even know how get the car seat out when they brought me back from the hospital.

It turned out that Bennett College was turning 150 years old this year, and they had a bunch of celebrations. I hope I have a party like this on my first birthday! Dada and I went to the chapel for Founders’ Day, but I stayed outside so I would not cry in the chapel. Dada saw his friends and went inside to make sure Francy and Taylor started the video on YouTube. Then my Dad watched on his phone and I went to sleep. Later that day, I watched the Detroit football games with Dada and a walking, talking Lion, who Dada said is my Godfather.

Sometimes during the week, Dada would also sneak me into his office at school and work on his laptop. I just drank out of a bottle, but he got to eat in the Dining Hall. That’s when I met my friend Ms. Sweet Pea. I know she likes all babies, but I think I am special to her.

Every time I come to campus all of the Bennett Students play with me.

In October, Dada and my mom thought I should go to school with kids my age also, so I joined an infant room near my house. I got to play with other babies and ride around in a long baby cart.

At the end of the semester, I got to celebrate a bunch of new holidays. I celebrated Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I even celebrated my first Thanksgiving at Bennett College. After that, my Bennett friends went home.

At home during the holiday, I don’t think the giant cat named Mister liked me much, especially when I cried out for help. But, he did like following me to my room when I cried. Dada and my mom gave Mister treats after he helped them change my diapers. For Christsmas, Mom and Dada got me a toy doll of Mister so I could learn to play with him nicely.

In January, I got Covid and then Dada got it too. I got to help him teach the class on Zoom. Later in the year, I helped Dada teach in person in the classroom. Ms. AyeSha held me a few times when I got upset.

My favorite part of the semester came at the end of April when my school was closed for 9 days, and I got to stay at Bennett with all my friends. I even met a queen.

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COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY SPEAKER

DOMINIQUE MORISSEAU Award-winning, Tony Award Nominated Playwright, Actress, Poetess

May 18, 2024 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Campus Quadrangle Watch live: Bennett.edu/live

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“Walking out of the store with pants that actually reached my shoes was a small victory that felt like a major miletone in my fashion journey.” - RAVEN

RAVEN SUMNER IS

THE TALL GIRLS KEEPER I beg you, pull your chin up. Roll your shoulders back. Wear your high heels. Laugh at silly jokes. Enjoy the fact that you take up space. Understand that you recieve recognition without having to try.

Recognize that you are blessed to be apart of the 5% (of women above 5’9).

TALL TALES : STORY #1

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The long and short story of prom night: I always dreaded formal events because finding a long enough dress felt impossible. But for my senior prom, I finally discovered a boutique that specializes in gowns for taller women. Not only did the dress fit perfectly, it was also the only time I felt truly glamerous. It completely changed my view on formal wear and now I look forward to these events with excitement!”