Rites of Passage Girls Empowerment News

RITES OF PASSAGE Youth are the Drivers for Change

spring 2015

RECIPROCITY

Cold Consulting LLC @COLDconsultant

RECIPROCITY

RESPONSIBILITY @urgentinc #ritesofpassage

INNOVATION

PENN STATE ACCEPTANCE LETTER

URGENT, Inc. INNOVATION GROWTH TRANSFORMATION Our mission is to empower young minds to transform their communities.

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

Understanding Love

Labels: from record labels to our names

Participants explored multiple labels ranging from stereotypes in relation to their names in comparison to music influence.

Participants engaged in discussion about understanding love in friendships, intimate relationships and family.

They wrote poems about what love means to them.

Girl Fight or Girl Friend?

Participants explored their friendship expectations and how they want to be treated within the girl code.

They were challenged to give their partner a super power that aids supporting healthy friendships. They were reminded to self reflect and embrace loving themselves by special guest and life coach Jennifer Wilkes.

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

Privacy & Personal Responsibility

Participants explored privacy and personal responsibility at home and at school. They were challenged to write an affirmation to empower young minds to transform their school community’s mindset.

Keondra Walton believes young people are “extraordinary! Be strong, be powerful and make some noise!”

Samantha Berry encourages young people to “be different. Be surrounded by white roses while you embrace that you’re the red one. Shine bright like a rainbow.

Be different.”

Gender Stereotypes

Sexual Violence

Participants discussed gender stereotypes, expectations portrayed in television shows in contrast to their lives. They were challenged to come up with real story lines of young people not portrayed on tv.

Participants learned and discussed sexual violence from a sex trafficking perspective with systemic barriers prevalent in Miami.

This was explored through a documentary film, interactive discussion and poetry.

One young lady suggested that she wanted to start a channel showcasing young people pursuing their dreams while many other participants wanted to write for tv shows that represent their lives.

WATCH URGENT, Inc.’s promo trailer: www.vimeo.com/urgentinc/ promo

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

Proactive Birth Control: Simulated Pregnancy Vest in Action

WATCH Early Parenthood Testimonials: www.vimeo.com/urgentinc/testimonials Participants engaged in critical dialogue regarding early parenthood. Some of them chose to wear a simulated third trimester pregnancy vest around school campus for at leas an hour. The vest weighs about 25 pounds which is the average total weight gain during pregnancy.

By wearing the vest they experienced fetal limb pressure and pressure on their bladder while having to walk up and down 3 flights of stairs, tie their shoes and observed peer reactions.

As part of their experience, they had to take care of a simulated baby for the entire weekend without help and the baby could not be turned off. Some of the participants had to wear the vest while learning how to care for their simulated baby. Amanita Pierre realized that “nothing was easy because I didn’t sleep but I had a good time playing with her.” Ciara Burgos didn’t have time to shower while providing care for her baby. She believes this experience helped her realize that “I don’t want to have a child at a young age.”

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

“Girlhood”: an adolescent film and talkback from Paris to Miami

@BurgerFi Rites of Passage Alumni Kimberly Larosiliere and Marguerite Saint Jean met up with current Rites of Passage members Ciara Burgos, Samantha Berry and Israel Powell and gives back @BurgerFi after film talk back. #Girlhood

Miami Beach Cinematheque @mbcinema “Girlhood” at Miami Beach Cinematheque - four participants enjoyed a night in Miami Beach to watch the film and meet the lead actresses from the film who reside in Paris, France at the reception after the film. As a followup to the film, they appreciated attending the Speaking in Cinema where the lead actresses engaged in critical discussion about the themes in the film like how the educational system treats black kids who don’t pass middle school, microagressive attitudes of criminal types, dominance in relationships and gang affiliation.

The film was directed by Celine Sciamma. Some of the participants were shocked by how a girl was able to visit a boy’s house at night. They noticed the absence of parenting by adults where it was the norm to be raised by their older siblings. This film explored how young people navigate the need of acceptance and sisterhood effect their choices in survival rather than focusing on life planning.

The participants appreciated an opportunity to meet young talented girls from Paris who were apart of a monumental project where traditionally French films are not about Black culture, much less have or focus on Black girls. Accolades for “Girlhood” include film festivals: Cannes, Toronto International and Sundance and an article in Variety.

WATCH “Girlhood” trailer: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

Peer Health Educator Training Participants engage in peer health educator train the trainer training facilitated by University of Miami’s Promote 2 Protect in efforts to promote HIV awareness. This project started with a youth led film “Two Similar Strangers” developed by URGENT, Inc’s Rites of Passage Youth Empowerment Academy’s participants in collaboration with University of Miami’s film students and Alex Moreno who manages the program and the division of adolescent medicine.

This partnership supports URGENT, Inc’s Campaign for Girls Well-Being by certifying peer health educators as the model training for MDCPS peer led curriculum for teen dating violence. @univmiami #promote2protect

WATCH “Two Similar Strangers” trailer: www.vimeo.com/urgentinc/twosimilarstrangers

Institute of Contemporary In partnership with Institute of Contemporary Art’s youth program, participants have engaged in discussion on contemporary art and how to create a short video that elevates youth voice. The young ladies will showcase their short video "What is a Girl?" this spring.

The video features Norzillia Mezinord, Alandeline Francois, Emmarica Lassin and Judelka St. Fort.

Emmarica Francois makes a point of saying "my look does not say who I am. I am above Haitian girls." Judelka St. Fort "doesn't care what people say. I like myself just the way I am." Alandeline is proud of "who I am and I am proud to be who I am." Norzillia Mezinord believes "a girl is someone who can dress the part, THINK the part, surprising each and everyone who steps in the room. A girl is someone who isn't afraid to be themselves without someone trying to look through you.” @icamiami

WATCH “What is a Girl?” video: www.vimeo.com/urgentinc/whatisagirl

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

Phenomenal Woman Interview: Elizabeth Valentine

by Tiffany Ortiz

A: “Well I do have to say that I am successful and it leads me to think about sort of three things I wanted to have in my career that I sort of thought about when I was in college, when I was thinking about what I'll do when I graduated and those three things I wanted to have in my career were : 1. I wanted to be intellectually stimulated. 2. I wanted to build relationships with those that I worked with. 3.

I wanted to have an impact on society and I think that teaching, something that I really learned to love gives me these three things because for me teaching is intellectually stimulating. I love school. I love learning and giving the gift of learning. You most definitely get to build very powerful relationships as a teacher.

Q: What advice would you give another woman who wants to be successful in life?

The definition of a phenomenal woman is a women who strives to be her best self. One who is able to go beyond the limitations that is presented to her. A phenomenal woman has many great qualities like Ms. Elizabeth Valentine. She is a teacher at Booker T. Washington Senior High School.

Ms. Valentine isn’t just a great educator but also a great friend. Everyday at school, students love coming to her class. Some students don’t even want to leave her class.

Ms. Valentine is a very easy person to talk to and very energetic. As a student in her class I can personally say she is my favorite teacher of the day.

Q: Do you believe you are successful now in life? If so, explain.

A: . Be the best you can before driving yourself insane. So that is to say push yourself to be amazing and dare I say perfect until you feel like you're going overboard. Stop right before you go overboard or at least before you've gone overboard too many times and definitely stop before you drown from going overboard. That will ensure that you are being the best self you can be while also preserving your own personal happiness.”

Q: If someone told you that you were a phenomenal woman, how would you respond?

A: “Just like cry. It's like how I reacted this morning ,it's like be overwhelmed with this joy in my heart, like almost want to cry.”

She may not always have the answers to everything but she can always help you think about the situation in many ways so you can come to a good decision on how to handle the situation. I’m grateful to have met Ms. Valentine and I just want the world to know how much a phenomenal woman she truly is.

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

NATIONAL YOUTH BOARD OPPORTUNITY IN NEW YORK

#jobsywobsy

NEW YORK - Israel Powell was was chosen to participate in the National Youth Board after interviewing for this opportunity.

Jobsy Wobsy provided an all expense paid trip to New York in efforts to gain youth perspectives on growth of the company.

powerful authors giving back Dr. katrariina rosenblatt and jennifer wilkes

@KatRosenblatt Dr. Katariina Rosenblatt shares her triumphant story and autographed copies of “Stolen” with cast members of new play from the “Keeping it On” On Tour series. She will be one of the panelists for the town hall discussion for the play debut on May 30th.

@Cold Consulting

As one of the beautiful women from her “20 Beautiful Women” book, Jennifer Wilkes inspired the young ladies to love themselves with autographed copies of her book.

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

WE VALUE learning

innovation Aundray Adams, URGENT, Inc’s Youth Development’s contract manager discusses the impact of homeless youth while elevating their voice on the issue.

Participants are excited about preparing for their fashion show next month.

TEAMWORK

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Participants take responsibility of their career development while mentored by University of Miami’s law students on resume development coordinated by Horizons committee.

Darren Liddell with Catalyst Miami provides financial literacy to participants.

LET’S TALK ABOUT UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Participants Anais Richardson and Samantha Berry created posters of how they see unhealthy relationships.

The poster on the far right challenges the idea of multiple men seeking a woman who speaks up for herself.

The poster on the right uses the direction of the words to point out elements of an unhealthy relationship.

#teendating #unlovetriangle

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

SNAPS - national poetry month YOUTH POETRY @urgentinc #youthpoets I cry so many times, can’t you see the tears in my eyes? I’ve never loved someone like this. Can’t you see? I can’t resist. I love you with all my heart. Why would you try to tear us apart? How long does it take for you to say it back? I’ve been waiting so long to hear you. Haven’t you ever heard that love is lost even though I’m so scared that you might hurt me.

I love you, I love you Isn’t that enough?

I think I found the one I can trust -Keondra Walton What is love?

I’m so confused on the word Then feeling of being in love with someone feels so good, but with all the mixed emotions being there doesn’t feel so good.

Love, it hurts sometimes it brings me down the alter ego inside of a person once you’ve been heartbroken you feel like feverything love is painful it’s like a puzzle being put together once you meet that person Love is controlling, makes you feel helpless What is love?

I don’t believe in it.

-Kerva When he lays his hand on mine, my love for him intertwines. His exuberant personality fulfills mine. He makes me laugh. He is passionate about what we have. I just can’t find nothing like it. He is eager to put a smile across my face, even he can be annoying. When I feel insecure, he tells me I’m beautiful and I just can’t be sure. I love God and my family. His looks and charm is for me. He’s my boo boo. I love you and you know who.

-Antonia Dorellen URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

upcoming events rites of passage graduation ceremony & COMMUNITY CELEBRATION when: sunday, may 31st TIME: 1-4pm

WATCH Rites of Passage trailer: WATCH “Keeping it On” trailer: www.vimeo.com/ondemand/keepingiton JOIN IN ON THE FUN! Hip Hop Dance Classes When: April 28 May 5, 12, 19, 26

www.vimeo.com/urgentinc/ritesofpassage

team ohhh comes to urgent, inc.

Where: Edison high school 6161 NW 5th Ct. Miami, FL Time: 4-5:30pm Attire: sweats or leggings, t-shirt and sneakers

@TeamOhhhDance WATCH Team Ohhh & URGENT, Inc video: www.vimeo.com/urgentinc/teamohhh

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

MEET RITES OF PASSAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY STAFF The dynamic leadership of both Henry Crespo and Saliha Nelson has propelled Urgent, Inc. to elevate URGENT, Inc’s mission to empower young minds to transform communities. Henry Crespo, Sr. is the founder and president of UR-GENT, Inc. Crespo serves on the Great-er Miami Convention & Tourism Bureau, Affirmative Action Committee for the Florida Democratic Party, uting columnist The Miami Times and elected Vice Chair of Outreach for the Miami-Dade Democratic Party. Crespo has demonstrated leadership serving as the President of the Miami-Dade Young Democrats, President of the MiamiDade Democratic Black Caucus, Chairman of the Miami Beach Black Host Committee, and served on the Transition Team for District 17 Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson.

(Left) Henry Crespo, President Saliha Nelson, Vice President

Shedia Nelson, Programs Manager & Artistic Director Newsletter developer & editor

Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant Youth Development Specialist

Saliha Nelson is the vice president of URGENT, Inc. and a graduate of North-western University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Policy. Nelson is an experienced non-profit executive for more than 10 years focused on providing high quality, empowering and caring services to youth and families. Specializing in youth development, Rites of Passage, intergenerational and prevention services. She is interested in consulting start-ups in program development, grant writing, and evaluation.

Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in education through University of Miami’s Community and Social Change Program.

Shedia Nelson is the programs manager and artistic director who utilizes her creativity and passion for challenging youth to move beyond their comfort zone to transcend their thoughts, behavior, leadership and hidden talents to guide them through their passage to adulthood as her motivation to provide a comprehensive learning development for youth.

As the artistic director, her most notable youth led production series of "She Kept Her Bra On" promotes teen dating violence awareness. In the summer of 2013, her short film adaptation of "Keeping it On" based on "She Kept Her Bra On: Chronicles of a Teenage Love Affair" debuted under the direction of Jalen James Acosta. Her role as an actress and screenwriter with the supporting dynamic original cast from the play was well received.

Terrance Cribbs-Lorrant is the youth development specialist and FACE (film, arts & culture, coding and entrepreneurship) coordinator who holds a degree in Education from Bethune-Cookman University and course studies towards his master/doctoral degree in International Inter-cultural Education from Florida Inter-national University. He continues to use his research skills to enhance the betterment of communities through his partnerships with Better Communities of America Inc. (BCAinc.); a not-for-profit hub of skilled professionals working towards the common goal us-ing science and “datadriven decision making” –like the Strategic Prevention Framework.

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC

URGENT, Inc. Rites of Passage Youth Development Program

Follow us on: www.urgentinc.org I Twitter: @urgentinc #ritesofpassage #keepingiton What is Rites of Passage?

facebook.com/urgentinc I youtube.com/urgentinc

Teen girls find their voice to speak out against the threats to their wellbeing, lead community awareness activities, use the arts, culture and media to spur positive change and engage in communities while tackling the issues of relationships, dating, body image, life skills, risky behavior, education, job and career.

Rites of Passage Meeting Locations

An original youth led film “Keeping it On” is Available to Rent or Buy: vimeo.com/ondemand/keepingiton Rites of Passage is generously funded by:

@ChildrensTrust

Mondays Time: 4:30-6pm Location: Girl Power 1600 NW 3rd Ave. Miami, FL 33136 Mondays & Tuesdays Time: 3-5pm Location: Center for Education & Empowerment 1000 NW 1st Ave., ste 100 Miami, FL 33136 Tuesdays & Wednesdays Time: 2:30-5pm Location: Edison high school 6161 NW 5th Ct. Miami, Fl 33127 Thursdays Time: 3-4:30pm Location: iTech @Thomas A. Edison Educational Center 6101 Northwest 2nd Ave Miami, FL

@WomensFundMiami

@CityofMiami

@MiamiDadeCounty

THANK YOU COMMUNITY PARTNERS I C A | \ / | M I A @Dade_County_Bar

@MDCPS

@icamiami

@SierraClub #IcoMiami

@GirlPowerMiami

@TeamOhhhDance

@KatRosenblatt @IgnitionFund

@univmiami #Promote2Protect

@amplifyme_media

URGENT, INC. CENTER FOR EMPOWERMENT & EDUCATION 1000 NW 1ST AVE., STE 100, MIAMI, FL 33136 I (786) 439-1544 WWW.URGENTINC.ORG I TWITTER: @URGENTINC I FACEBOOK.COM/URGENTINC I YOUTTUBE.COM/URGENTINC