January 2014 issue

Sista’s Keeper

I AM my Sista’s Keeper

January 2014 Vol. 2, Issue 3

Urban Xtreme Winter Beauty & Fashion New Years Resolutions

Spotlight:

2013 Miss Black USA Talented Teen Contestants Chandler Foreman & Jobrielle Winfrey

Plus:

Depression New Skin Routine Be Your Own You

Cymphonique How To Rock star’s Passion mixtape follow-up

Sistahood Issue • Celebrity sisters • “I AM my Sista’s Keeper”

Curly

Coiled

Silky Straight

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

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In This Issue 9

Spotlight:

2013 Miss Black USA Talented Teen Contestants Chandler Foreman & Jobrielle Winfrey

Purifying Your Mind

You know God’s standard for sex but you may be in a losing fight.

Winter Fashion 18

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I AM My Sista’s Keeper:

Readers tell us how much they love their sisters

Be Your Own You

BYOU builds the self-esteem of girls, teens and young women by encouraging them to embrace their unique selves.

College Prep Timeline

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On The Cover

Photos courtesy of: Cymphonique.com (left) The How To Rock star’s second mixtape, Passion 2, will be released in February.

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Promotions/Giveaways

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

You could win a BYOU Cymphonique T-Shirt!!!!!

Enter to win a Be Your Own You t-shirt (left) designed by January cover girl Cymphonique: Who is Cymphonique’s famous father?

“Like” our Facebook page & tweet us (@SistasKeeperMag) your answer to enter the giveaway. Use the hashtag: #SKCYMPHONIQUE

Connect With Sista’s Keeper TODAY!!!!!

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Sista’s Keeper Vol. 2, Issue 3 LaPorsha Lowry Founding Editor/Publisher Taris Easterling Contributing Writer Shaniqua Graves Contributing Writer Markia Holt Contributing Writer Regina Johnson Contributing Writer Yani Long Contributing Writer Mariya Moseley Contributing Writer Nomvuyo Osei Contributing Writer Noma Vilane Contributing Writer

Special Thanks Follow us on Twitter: @SistasKeeperMag http://www.twitter.com/SistasKeeperMag

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Follow us on Instagram: @SistasKeeperMag for photos, inspirational quotes, and MORE!!!!!

Follow us on Tumblr: http://sistaskeepermag.tumblr.com 4

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Cymphonique Miller Larry Shields Eric Talbert Urban Xtreme Adrienne Dennis Crystal Styles House of Cheatham, Inc. Karen Jones Geechee Beach Idanis Donyale Kitiya King Mischo Beauty Logan Neal Evan Summerville Daniel Lee Lowry Dottie Benjamin Terri Long Darie Wilson Antionette Cody

In Every Issue Promotions & Giveaways

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Beauty New Year, New Hair

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Beauty Winter Nail Trends

16 Health Defeating Depression

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How To Be Happy In 2014 26

Furaha

13 Nail Spotlight: Mischo Beauty

Jando New Year’s Resolutions 27

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Beauty New Skin Routine

How To Make Resolutions 28

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Entertainment Urban Xtreme

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Fashion Winter 2014 Fashion

Beauty

Maua

Ndege Resolution Tips

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Black Women In History 46 Judith Jamison January 2014

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Calendar January 2014

What’s going on and what to do this month The Ladies of Valor and Excellence Academy, Inc. is pleased to announce the debut of the “Beauty and Brains College Tour” for young ladies in grades 9-12.

This tour will offer the unique opportunity to receive first-hand experience on college campuses.

The girls will be able to talk to administrators, admission officers, students and faculty on each campus.

These tours will also include a sneak peak at dorms and extracurricular activities.

Stops on the tour include Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Clemson University, University of North Carolina Greensboro, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, and North Carolina State University.

The tour includes round trip

transportation on a luxury motor coach, quality hotel lodging, four (4) students per room, and 12 meals provided.

For more information, visit: http://www.theloveacademy.org/

For more January & February events & updates, visit our website:

www.sistaskeepermagazine.com Contributors Taris Easterling

How To Be Happy in 2014 (pg. 26) 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.

Markia Holt

Regina Johnson

New Year’s Playlist (pg. 16) & Ming & Aoki (pg. 37)

New Year’s Hair (pg. 10) & McClain Sisters (pg. 38)

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

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

Be Your Own You (pg. 34) & Chloe & Halle (pg. 38) 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.

Nomvuyo Osei

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Shaniqua Graves

Defeating Depression (pg. 22) 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.

What Should Your Resolution Be? (pg. 28) 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.

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Mariya Moseley

Khadijah & Malika Haqq (pg. 39) Moseley is currently a student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University, studying journalism and mass communication.

Noma Vilane

The Resolutions Guide (pg. 29) 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.

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Happy New Year from Sista’s Keeper Magazine!

’ts officially 2014 sistas and I have some BIG plans for Sista’s Keeper Magazine this year.

2013 was very good to us: we celebrated our 1-year anniversary in September, interviewed major artists like Coco Jones & Zendaya, and welcomed NEW subscribers throughout the year.

I am overjoyed to see what God is doing for the magazine and I’m anxious to experience what He has for it in 2014.

Cymphonique (pg. 30) has done a lot to help young women in just her 17 years of life.

She founded Fabulous Girls, which consists of a clothing line, book series and charity to bring awareness for kids with cancer. She is also the spokesperson for Be Your Own You, which also featured in this issue (pg.

34).

Urban Xtreme is a fun new singing group that we expect to hear a lot from in the future. These four girls really have their musical act together!

The theme for this month’s sections is New Year’s Resolutions and the purpose of these stories is to hear the resoultions of some of our sistas, then to come up with your own that you can stick to and that will be effective.

As always, if you want to contact me of have any questions about the magazine, email me at: laporsha@sistaskeepermagazine.com

Editor’s Letter

or visit our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com Remember the purpose of Sista’s Keeper: to build you up as young women so you can be comfortable enough in yourself to help your sisters, cousins, friends, etc. I hope that you enjoy this issue and remember:

“I AM my Sista’s Keeper”

Tell us what you think!

Join the conversation... #SistasKeeper January 2014

Founding Editor/Publisher @SistasKeeperMag Sista’s Keeper

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Subscribe to Sista’s Keeper!!!!!

6 issues per year for only $18!!!!!

Receive a “I AM my Sista’s Keeper” wristband with your subscription

Go to the Subscribe page of our website: www.sistaskeepermagazine.com

Spotlight Chandler Foreman Miss Black Texas USA Talented Teen Aspiring actress, accomplished musician and writer, Chandler Foreman is the youngest child of an athletic facilitator and global enterprise advisor.

Born in Houston, Texas, this 16 year-old is a junior at Manvel High School. Being among her high school peers allows her to see how decisions that teens make affect their future goals and dreams.

Her platform: C.H.A.N., an acronym taken from her name, that stands for “Choosing Happily Abstaining Naturally. Through C.H.A.N., Chandler encourages pre-teens/teens to abstain from any behaviors and activities that could negatively impact their future.

Meet the 2013 Miss Black USA Talented Teen Contestants

This issue’s spotlight features two more contestants from the pageant.

Jobrielle Winfrey Miss Black Arkansas USA Talented Teen Jobrielle is the 16-year-old daughter of Rosetter E. Dirden. She is a senior at the historic Little Rock Central High School where she participates in several oganizations, clubs, and activities: Honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), National Thespian Society, Gospel Choir, Teachers of Tomorrow, Chinese Club, and Ladies Club (Vice-President).

She served as the lead actress in the 2013 spring play at Little Rock Central High entitled “High School Musical”. She was a 2012-2013 Tiger Varsity Cheerleader, and will be a 20132014 Hi-Stepper.

Jobrielle is a 12 year dance student at Centre for The Dansarts, and a 2012-2013, member of The Tidwell Project.

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Beauty

Begin the New

By: Regina Johnson

The new year is a great time to try something new with your hair.

High Bun Kelly Rowland rocks a fabulous high bun that everyone loves but adds her own style with a cute bang.

The high bun is always classy and best of all easy to do!

Start by sectioning your hair in the front for your bang, if you don’t have a bang you can always create a side flirty side swoop.

Next you’ll put your hair in a ponytail at the crown of your head (I always say the higher the better) making sure it’s nice and secure.

Now what I like to do to create my high bun is twist the end of my ponytail and then tuck it in the hair band.

You can also just wrap it around and secure it with bobbi pins.

However you style your high bun and bang you will look and feel as elegant and confident as our girl Kelly Rowland.

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Year with a Bang

Beauty

Ringlet Curls Ring in 2014 with these beautiful ringlet curls that Alicia Keys is flaunting. There’s no better way to celebrate the New Year than BIG beautiful curls and a new attitude.

So how do you get this look? Well since I’m a natural hair guru I’m going to gives steps that require as little heat on your hair as possible.

First you’ll need curl formers and your favorite moisturizer to add sheen. You’ll start with a damp head, apply your moisturizer, and then section each area of your hair while twisting around the curl formers. You can either let it stay overnight or if you have a hair dryer you can sit under the dryer until dry. Once you remove the curl formers you will have beautiful ringlets to show off for the New Year.

Bedazzled Headband

5, 4, 3, 2...2014 never looked so glamorous!

One word: accessorize!

This new Pocahontas inspired look is all the rave with celebrities and Chanel Iman rocks it effortlessly with her loose waves.

This style works best with a sleeker hairstyle like waves, spiral curls or bone straight tresses.

Looking for the number one accessory for the New Year? Well, this bedazzled headband is the...1 January 2014

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What’s On The Website?

Visit our website for photos, videos, events & MORE!!!!!

Extra content available ONLY online...

Coming in February • Black Women In History features • All Things Valentine’s Day www.sistaskeepermagazine.com

New Years Nail Trends

Beauty

It’s frosty outside and warm & toasty turtleneck to warm you up would be great! It’s parka-perfect weather but maybe you have a need for tweed. Should you mind your mittens, attend a lavish bash or come to bed red? Decisions, decisions...which polish color should you wear?

By: Idanis Donyale

What’s so great about this season’s nail polish choices...variety!

Glitter, silver, green, and blue are a few of the hottest polish shades being worn by the most discerning fashionista’s this year.

These shades easily transition from boardroom chair to courtside seats - from office politics to concert tickets. Wanna update your Winter wardrobe? Pick up a couple of these hot-right-now shades: 1.

2.

3.

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It’s Frosty Outside: Silver icicles for your fingertips; www.opi.com Warm & Toasty Turtleneck: A cozy pink pullover; www.essie. com Warm Me Up: Like a cup of hot chocolate; www.opi.com Parka Perfect; The blue green skyline; www.essie.com

5.

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Need For Tweed: Fashion forward way to wear tweed; www. sephora.com/ciate Mind Your Mittens: Blue IS the new Black; www.essie.com Lavish Bash: Glittery Gold; www.orly.com Come To Bed Red; Enough Said; www.butterlondon.com

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Nail Spotlight

By: Idanis Donyale In November, I had the pleasure of attending the launch party for “Mischo Beauty” where her first line of products, The Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquers, was released.

The line is created by the talented Kitiya Mischo King and the brands first nail lacquer collection pays homage to New York Fashion Week with names like Front Row, Lincoln Center and Empire State of Mind.

Kitiya is a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, and make-up artist and also holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Spelman College. Since starting Mischo in 2007, Kitiya has followers from all over the world who respect her advice and consider her one of the go-to authorities in the industry.

Sista’s Keeper: I’d first like to say congratulations on the fabulous launch of Mischo Beauty Kitiya King: Thank you so much! It’s been a dream come true to get this far.

SK: What was your motivation for starting your own company?

KK: Beauty has always been my passion! I developed this in May 2007 to provide an honest, fact-based perspective on all things beauty.

As a chemist and cosmetologist, I’ve always wanted to enjoy both worlds. When I was pregnant with my son, I was really

careful with the products I was using and what I was eating, and actually didn’t polish my nails for the first six months of my pregnancy because of all the harmful toxins found in nail polish.

I eventually started using polishes that were 5-free, but found the formula didn’t go on smoothly or they weren’t durable. After giving birth to my son, I decided it was time to mix my science and beauty backgrounds to create a 5-free nail polish that was durable while still being non-toxic.

SK: Many of our readers are either preparing for some sort of additional education after high school or already in college. How do you feel your Chemistry degree helped in your journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur?

KK: I worked as a chemist for years, and it just so happened that it’s also relevant to my love for beauty, so I am able to do both. I love chemistry and mixing formulas, especially when it comes to concocting beauty products.

SK: What other advice do you have for teenaged girls and young women wanting to get into the beauty industry?

KK: First thing is to make a commitment. Then take action and stay focused, and hang on tight for the roller coaster ride to

Continued on page 41

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Starting a New Skin Care Routine

Beauty

The new year is the perfrect time to make changes in how you take care of yourself, and starting a new skin routine is a great way to start.

1) Know Your Skin Type

Developing your new routine is dependent on the type of skin you have: oily, normal/combination, dry, or sensitive.

3) Exfoliate

This important step scrubs away the dead skin cells that cause your poers to clog, as well as dry skin and acne.

Find a scrub with exfoliating beads and use it just once a week.

4) Skip Using a Toner 2) Cleanse Well

Finding a cleanser that works well for your skin is the key. Once you find one, stick with it and don’t switch between two.

Liquid facial cleaners work best and try not to use soap on your face because it will dry the skin.

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If you use a good cleanser, it should remove all remaining oil, makeup and dirt on your skin and a toner isn’t necessary.

5) Moisturize Your skin should be moisturized no matter wht skin type you have. The face and body should be moisturized but pay special attention to your face by using special formulas.

Your skin will determine how often you need to moisturize but try not to over-moisturize because it will clog your pores.

Entertainment

Music Spotlight: Urban Xtreme New teen group with a unique sound breaks onto the scene.

Urban Xtreme is the newest and hottest teen group to come onto the scene.

The group is made up of Ryan, 15, Regan, 14, Alisson, 14, and Anaya, 14. All of the girls are from Los Angeles, CA except for Alisson, who was born in Mexico.

Ryan and Regan are sisters but all of the girls come from musical background. However, there was no pressure to be in the music industry. It’s something that each one of them want to do.

They could mostly be compared to the late Aaliyah and the group TLC because they have a style that is classy and cool but not trashy. They encourage youth to enjoy their childhood and make the best of their lives.

They describe themselves as a “cool” girl group that is age-appropriate for their fans. They stay their age and want to stay young forever! Their motto is “show up & show out” 16

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How did you come together as a group?

Anaya: We met in middle school and we just clicked.

We loved to sing and dance together.

Regan: Our manager (Adrienne, Ryan & Regan’s mother) wanted to start an “Xtreme” entertainment movement so we came together and made a group.

Who are some of your musical inspirations?

All: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Aaliyah and TLC

New Year’s Playlist Beyoncé“Flawless” Mary, Mary“Get Up” Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu”Q.U.E.E.N.” Zendaya”Replay”

Compiled by: Markia Holt

Describe your musical style: Anaya: We are more of a pop/R&B group; we’re like Destiny’s Child or TLC but with an extra letter.

Tell us about your debut album you’re working on: Ryan: We are in the studio now working with Grammy Award-winning producers. We looking for material that we love and that we can dance to but is appropriate for our fans and us.

Alisson: We also have been rehearsing non-stop so that we’re ready when opportunities come our way.

What is it like having sponsors like Vlado Footwear, Miss Jessie’s and My Water?

Anaya: We are grateful to have sponsors like Miss Jessie’s, who helps us at concerts and travels with us.

We also have Vlado Footwear who provides all the shoes that we wear and My Water keeps us hydrated in the studio and on the road.

Describe your experience on Shake It Up: Regan: It was AMAZING because we love Zendaya and it was fun working with her.

Ryan: We were on the “Make Your Mark” special and it was fun to be around other kids who worked hard and loved to perform.

Tell us about your partnership with the American Heart Association: Anaya: We perform at different AHA heart walks and promote staying healthy, eating right, and dancing. We want youth to live a healthy life to have energy.

Ryan: It’s all about staying active, eating right and

being happy with yourself.

What is your message of empowerment to youth?

Entertainment Regan: Being different is better than trying to fit in.

Also, being classy and not trashy is the way to go because being appropriate builds confidence.

Alisson: Be yourself because you don’t need to fit in.

Ryan: It’s all right to be young and to be cool and classy but still look nice. Just get out there and have fun.

What is your definition of being your sista’s keeper?

Ryan: We love to promote a message that we are all sisters. There should be no talking about each other, no gossip and no drama.

Regan: It means supporting each other but also holding each other accountable. It’s amazing to be sisters with this group of girls because we can be real with each other.

Alisson: We need more watching out for each other and keeping it real.

Anaya: We all fight and argue but you should talk about your problems and then get over it. It will only bring you closer to your sisters.

Urban Xtreme is working on their untitled debut EP (extended play; a shorter album). They are also lining up more performances and a tour as well as working to get more endorsements.

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Fashion

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New Looks for

January 2014

The New Year

January 2014

Fashion

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Fashion

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Fashion

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Health

Defeating

By: Shaniqua Graves As the New Year begins, everyone’s focus is on making positive change. Some have resolved to get more exercise, others to do better in school or on the job. No matter what part of your life needs work, the New Year can be a great opportunity to make a fresh start.

However, for some teens and adolescents, the New Year can feel quite the opposite. If you suffer from depression, all the talk about new beginnings and starting over can be more overwhelming than motivating.

If left untreated, depression can leave you feeling hollow and hopeless about the coming year. Fortunately, today’s medical community is much better prepared to diagnose and treat youth suffering from this mental illness than they were

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in the past.

Now, through projects such as the Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study and the Treatment of Adolescent Suicide Attempts study, researchers have been able to get a better look at what depression looks like it children and young adults.

This research has led to the discovery of more specific symptoms and more effective treatments which could greatly benefit any youth going

Depression Children and adolescents may experience some of the same symptoms of depression as adults. According to the Mayo Clinic some of these symptoms include: -Feelings of sadness and hopelessness -Irritability - Loss of interest in normal activities -Insomnia -Changes in appetite -Fatigue -Trouble thinking -Feeling worthless or guilty -Frequent thoughts of death or suicide -Unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headaches

In addition to these symptoms, the National Institute of Mental Health says that youth and their parents should be on the lookout for more specific symptoms, such as: -Complaints of feeling sick -Missing or refusal to go to school -Clinging to a parent of caregiver -Excessive worry that a parent may die -Sulking -Getting into trouble at school -Grouchiness -Negativity -Feeling misunderstood

Health

through this difficult illness. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, read on for the symptoms and possible treatments available for your healing.

If you and your doctor determine that you are in fact depressed, there are typically two options available for treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant medication, psychotherapy treatment, or (very likely) a combination of the two.

There are several types of medication available to help treat depression. No one pill works for everyone so it is important to be open with your doctor about the effects (good or bad) of any meds s/he prescribes for you.

If the first one does not help or makes things worse, please contact your doctor so that they can work with you to find a better alternative. In addition to- or even instead of- medicine your provider may refer you to a therapist to help you talk and work through any issues that may be contributing to your depression.

Talking through your feelings with an objective listener can make a great difference in how you see yourself and the world around you.

Just remember to be honest with both yourself and your doctors. Maintaining an open line of communication with your providers ensures that you get the best treatment possible for yourself.

If the symptoms listed above seem all too familiar to you, don’t hesitate to make arrangements to speak with your doctor. Resolve to take control of your mental health this year and make the step toward a new, happier you in 2014.

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Purifying You may know God’s standard for sex but you may be in a losing fight and not understand the battleground in your mind. If you lose there, you will probably lose the whole war for your life.

RESOLUTION: Because God has called me to have the mind of Christ, I will strive to honor Him with my private thoughts. I will attempt to take every thought captive for Christ.

Temptation An idea becomes a desire. A desire leads to an action. An action becomes a habit. A habit develops character.

A New Mind Read the resolution again and then write your own resolution in the space provided.

Include in your resolution at least one thing that you resolve to avoid and at least one thing that you will set your mind on.

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Your Mind Guard Your Mind You probably want to keep your thoughts on positive things. Nevertheless, from time to time, you find yourself dwelling on sexually impure thoughts.

Here are some suggestions for battling those thoughts so they don’t get the best of you.

1. When you talk to a member of the opposite sex, look at their eyes, not their body 2. When you find yourself tempted to think impure thoughts about an attractive member of the opposite sex, turn to God & pray.

3. Clean out your room, cell phone, or computer of all things that would lead you to be tempted.

4. Make a commitment not to view pornography.

5. Be careful with the stories and articles you read; sometimes words can draw a picture as well 6. Avoid spending a lot of time with people who dwell on sexual conversation or sexual jokes.

I resolve to have a pure mind by avoiding:

And setting my mind on:

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

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Furaha

How To Be Happy in 2014

2014 is a new year, so start it off right by looking at the positive side of every situation and it will be a happy year. Who doesn’t want to be happy? Without happiness, it’s hard to enjoy life, even if you have a healthy family and all of the material things you could ever want.

However, sometimes we get caught up in what we can’t do, compare ourselves to others and allow our circumstances to determine whether or not we will be happy.

Change Your Mindset How you look at a situation will influence if it is a positive or negative one. Accept yourself and those around you for flaws and strengths. We all get one chance to make the most of life and everything we are given.

Sometimes what we perceive as a weakness can prove to be helpful later on in life. The way you look at a situation can make it better or worse. It all depends on your attitude towards it.

Don’t Compare Yourself To Other People You have to be happy with yourself. Everyone is different and unique. Why hide your personality trying to be someone you’re not? You should try hard not to compare others around you as well. Your family, friends and classmates are who they are.

It’s not fair to try and change them to who you want

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them to be and it will make everyone miserable. And wouldn’t it be boring if everyone was the same as you are?

Stop Dwelling On Everything That Goes Wrong In Your Life Focus on all the good things that happen. A lot of people feel like they were dealt a bad hand in life. The difference between happy and unhappy people is that the happy people try to figure out the next step to get out of the situation, whether it’s through a hobby, like listening to music or sports, while an unhappy person will live in the past by always bringing up what makes them unhappy.

Live In The Moment It’s easy to stress out over the future and things that are beyond our control, like SAT scores or making the sports team, but not worrying isn’t the same thing as not caring.

Have fun in the tryout. Run your fastest and just be your best because in the end, as long as you did your personal best, that’s what truly counts.

Knowing Yourself This is very important in being happy. You can determine what is making you unhappy and change or eliminate it. You should get a piece of paper and writing down everything that you love about and makes you proud of yourself, no matter how trivial it may seem to you.

Whether it’s something as your favorite color to something big like getting into the college of your choice, all those things are important to help you see just how many wonderful things make you who you are.

Jando

New Years Resolutions

Sistas tell us their plans for 2014: What they want to work on or change about themselves. What’s your resolution? If you need help, turn to page 28 for more information about making realistic goals and how to accomplish them.

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My New Years resolution is to become more knowledgeable in my black history and heritage. In doing this I will be able to appreciate, understand, and celebrate being African American/Black. Being informed means having the ability to encourage and support black brothers and sisters.”

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Charlotte, NC

My New Years resolution has more to do with maintaining rather than change. It is to continue to show gratitude for all of the blessings that I receive and not to let anything stand in the way of me reaching my goals. With gratitude comes happiness so be thankful for being able to see another year.

-Regina Johnson Sista’s Keeper Magazine

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~Aliyah Wright, 18

My resolutions are to give up sweets (no more carrot cake or dark chocolate...Ugh! But I need to), to work out more (I want to try Zumba or ballroom dancing), eat healthy & continue build the magazine so that we can reach more and more teen girls and inspire them to be their “sista’s keeper”.

-LaPorsha Lowry Sista’s Keeper Magazine

I'm claiming that 2014 will be a great year and I'm going to do everything that I can to ensure that it is. I want to maintain a positive attitude and work on becoming a better me. Overall my main focus is to remain focused and keep God first.”

-Markia Holt Sista’s Keeper Magazine

My New Years Resolution: _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ January 2014

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Maua By: Nomvuyo Osei

What Should Your Resolution Be?

What’s your motivation? This is the road before making your New Year’s resolutions.

It’s that time again. Oh Boy…You know, the end of the year. Holiday Season. The end of a chapter, and the beginning of a new one.

Most of us will probably make New Year’s resolutions that we may not stick to past, mmmm, February 1st? Maybe?

Well, before we set a list of meaningless goals, these dreaded promises to ourselves about how hard we will work, and how much better shape we’ll be in, and how much smarter and prettier we’ll be, all by spring, of course, let us try something a little different…

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Maybe we can ask ourselves questions like: What type of person do I want to be?

How did I treat others?

How did I treat myself?

Do I appreciate what I have?

Do I appreciate who I am?

Do I truly KNOW who I am?

Do I trust myself?

Do I feel supported?

Am I surrounded by folks who can teach me something?

Is there something I want to do that I didn’t have the courage to do?

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Okay, don’t get me wrong. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to be smarter, prettier, and in better shape. We are just driven by many different things.

If we need a motivation adjustment, maybe this year we can look back, and analyze things a little differently.

You get it right? At the core of why we make New Year’s resolution, is our desire to change and grow.

The tricky part is knowing who and what we are motivated by.

If our motivation is money so we can buy more shoes and handbags for ourselves, our choices reflect that, just as if we are motivated by being more helpful in this world. We choose.

As we take a deeper look at ourselves, let us remember to release the judgment. There’s no need to tell ourselves how much we suck, or how stupid we are for having trusted that two-faced girl.

Life is about learning our lessons.

So let us remember to use our experiences as our tools that show us more valuable things about ourselves.

As we take the information in, and love ourselves, no matter what, we can then be very clear about what motivates us, and we can choose to trust ourselves and make goals that suit US, not others.

The Resolutions Guide At the end of every year, people make a list of things they want to see themselves achieve during the next year. However, very soon into the New Year, people find themselves abandoning their resolutions.

This article is to help you work to create resolutions that are more attainable in order to continue on with your goals throughout the year and work on becoming the person that you want to be.

Set Attainable Goals One of the reasons that our resolutions get abandoned soon after they are made is because people try to do too much. You know the saying: “Rome was not built in a day”?

Well, that applies to the goals that you set for the New Year. The resolutions you make are there to help make you a person who is improving for the duration of the year, not just for the first few months.

Make Your Resolutions A Habit Try to make your resolutions become a habit. If you want to live healthier in general, like by exercising and eating healthier foods, find specific ways to be healthy every day. Maybe switch a snack of chips for a fruit or soda for water or a healthy juice.

Also, plan to exercise daily by walking around the block or jump roping in the backyard. Once you make it a habit, these goals can continue well into 2014 and beyond.

Tell A Friend Or Family Member If you plan to exercise 5 days a week, sometimes letting someone else know can motivate you to keep going, especially if you have set a resolution that hasn’t worked out in the past. Then you can have a support system on the days you feel like giving up.

You can even ask them to help you achieve your goal in ways like exercising with you, or by helping you find

Ndege By: Noma Vilane

a local gym. Telling others also has the added benefit of making you accountable for your resolution.

Evaluate Your Progress For Your Resolutions People tend to get swamped with how busy work or school and home life makes them and lose track of their resolutions. Every couple of weeks whenever you have time, take a few minutes to ask yourself if you are on target with your New Year’s Resolutions. If not, readjust your schedule to work on your resolutions. After all, you would not have made them if they weren’t important to you.

Have Fun With Your Resolutions If you want to work at meeting more people in your town, audition for a community play. If you want to get more involved, go to town hall meetings and voice your concerns to your local law makers.

It can be fun and exciting to let your voice be heard, especially if it leads to a change in your community. It’s easy to feel like the resolutions that were made are more of a burden, but take a step back and remember that these goals that you set will help you to become the person you want to be.

2014 is a new year and you can start it by making resolutions to become happier with yourself. Every year you go in with the best of intentions to continue the resolution throughout the year or at least until the goal is complete.

Don’t give up if you stumble along the way. View it as a learning opportunity and move forward with your goal.

With determination and hard work, you can continue to maintain your resolutions past January 31.

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It’s Her Party Teen sensation Cymphonique entered the entertainment industry as the daughter of Master P & sister of Romeo. Now, she is coming into her own with the follow-up to her mixtape, Passion.

O

n the set of her Nickelodeon show, How To Rock, Cymphonique Miller plays Kasey Simon, a confident teenager who isn’t afraid to shine.

This singer/actress was a 2009 finalist in Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing contest and released her first album, “Fabulous Girls” in January 2010. She recently released her mixtape, Passion, on June 25th.

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Passion

words, “to be your own you.”

Miller comes from somewhat of a musical family. Her father, Master P, is a hip-hop artist as well as her brother, Romeo.

She has a diverse R&B/pop and hip-hop sound that shows in the diversitty of her fan base.

Let The Kids Grow

Miller is also involved with the organization that her father, Master P, founded called “Let The Kids Grow”.

The mission of LTKG is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring responsible citizens.

Fabulous Girls They provide an outlet from alternative street life with a healthy knowledge of performing Miller has always been inspired by her arts, helping our children become the best they passion to help others. She created a book can become in the fields of art, health, dance, series called Fabulous Girls to empower young acting, music, and social skills. girls.

“We teach our kids about real life situations: She is also the founder and president of a how to deal with bullies, how to exercise, how clothing line of the same name as well as a to study, how to behave around adults and charity to bring awareness for kids with cancer. other children.

Our mission is to change the lives of children for the better because the children are our Be Your Own You future,” the organization’s website says.

Miller is the spokesperson for Be Your Own You, an organization with a mission to build the self-esteem of girls, teens, and young women worldwide, encouraging them to embrace their unique and authentic selves.

“Our goal is to diminish the need for girls to seek external validation and approval, and rather rely on their own inner strength in full awareness of their worth and inner beauty,” the organization’s website says.

“Through our products and education, we empower girls to make positive choices for their health, safety, well-being, personal happiness, and contribution to community.”

“We fully support their right to remain true to themselves regardless of challenges and pressures from peers, the media, and society; supporting their right to be authentic to who they truly are from the inside out, in other

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About Cymphonique Name: Cymphonique Raina Miller Age: 17 Birthday: August 1, 1996 Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Favorite Color: Gold Favorite Food: Frozen yougurt Hobbies: Kickboxing, swimming, drawing, playing the piano and guitar Fun Fact #1: She is a vegetarian Fun Fact #2: Miller is the great-great-grandaughter is jazz great Louis Armstrong.

Fun Fact #3: Miller is of African-American, Filipino, and Spanish descent

For more information on Cymphonique, visit her website: http://cymphonique.com/

@Cymphonique

January 2014

@officialCymphonique Sista’s Keeper

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By: Yani Long

Be Your Empowering Apparel

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At Be Your Own You, they believe in being yourself!

BYOU is a lifestyle brand that empowers girls and women to embrace their unique and authentic selves.

Research shows girls with a positive self-image make smarter life choices, do better academically, treat themselves and others with more respect, and lead overall happier lives.

Unfortunately, up to 90% of girls today suffer from some form of low self-esteem.

Unhealthy media messages, unrealistic standards of beauty established by our society, negative role models both in pop culture and within their own families, and extreme peer pressure challenge girls daily.

Each year, rates of bullying, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, premature sexual encounters, and suicide rise with girls even as young as preteens.

Their goal is to diminish the need for girls to seek external validation and approval, and rather rely on their own inner strength in full awareness of their worth and inner beauty.

Through our products and education, we empower girls to make positive choices for their health, safety, well-being, personal happiness, and contribution to community.

They fully support their right to remain true to themselves regardless of challenges and pressures from peers, the media, and society; supporting their

January 2014

Own You You Can Purchase With A Purpose! right to be authentic to who they truly are from the inside out, in other words, “to be your own you.”

BYOU is supported by and partnered with teen sensation singer/dancer/actress Cymphonique Miller.

Cymphonique is an advocate for girls’ empowerment and stars in her own show on Nickelodeon in 2012 titled “How to Rock,” where she plays a girl who loses her popularity after getting braces & glasses and shines her authentic self through her music.

She hails from the legendary “Miller Dynasty” family (her father is Master P and her brother is Romeo), and together they philanthropically work to empower kids around the country.

Cymphonique’s own non-profit organization, the Fabulous Girls Foundation, brings hope and inspiration to children with cancer.

With many other rising stars and teen phenomenon’s joing the BYOU Brand, we ask you to ‘Join The Movement’ and build greater self-esteem for girls and women worldwide!

Join the BYOU Newsletter & Receive The “Only You Can Be YOU” Song” FREE! Cymphonique wrote a song titled “Only YOU Can Be You” specificaly for all her fans to enjoy.

Join the newsletter to claim your FREE instant download.

For more information on BYOU, visit: http://www.beyourownyou.com/ January 2014

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Sister,

“Sistahood ” Feature

In honor of “Sistahood” issue, we want to highlight some celebrity-sister Malia & Sasha Obama

Daughters of President Barack Obama & First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia (15) and Sasha (13) have been under close guard since moving into the White House in 2009.

We love seeing them when we get the chance, like at the 2012 Presidential Inauguration when they were taking selfies during the parade.

They are also very stylish and beautiful young ladies who seem to have good heads on their shoulders.

Hopefully, we can get them to grace the cover of our magazine one day after they leave the White House. Here’s hoping...

-LaPorsha Lowry

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Sister

“Sistahood” Feature

relationships that show us the true meaning of being our “sista’s keeper” Ming Lee & Aoki Lee Simmons

Ming Lee, 13, and Aoki Lee, 10, are no strangers to the spotlight with fashion moguls Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons as parents.

The girls grew up in front of the camera as their mom had two reality shows Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.

Kimora was the same age as Ming when she began her modeling career and her daughters are following in her footsteps.

The sisters made their designer debut in 2007 with their fashion line “Ming and Aoki”. We are certain to see more from these stylish sisters in the future and are certain that they will take the fashion world by storm.

-Markia Holt

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The McClain Sisters

Chloe & Halle

Chloe, 15, and Halle, 13, have been in showbiz since they were toddlers. Having acted with big stars like Angela Bassett, Queen Latifah, and Beyonce, they have definitely landed their position to impact the world with their talents and setting an example for young girls all over the world.

The Bailey sisters are a prime example of a healthy sisterlybond that no one can tear apart.

They support each other in every way possible and cannot wait to show the world what they are working with. They will soon inspire you and every other young girl on the rise to greatness.

-Yani Long

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Whoever said double the fun must not have met this sister trio!

The McCain sisters, China, Sierra, and Lauryn, are the true definition of a triple threat, these beautiful young ladies’ talents include acting, singing and dancing.

But aside from being superstars the girls know exactly what it means to be your sista’s keeper.

No matter where their careers take them they remain close and support one another.

-Regina Johnson

Khadijah & Malika Haqq

We’ve seen these sisters in several movies like ATL but these twins are as close as their genes.

Malika was Khadijah’s maid-ofhonor at her 2010 wedding and they can always be seen side-by-side together in the media and in movies.

-Mariya Moseley

Sista Spotlight:

Phylicia Rashad

Debbie Allen

&

Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad have been in the entertainment business for more than 40 years but they are just as close as ever.

Allen is known for her role on the 80’s TV show Fame and Rashad is best known for playing Claire Huxtable on the hit 80’s show The Cosby Show.

-Nomvuyo Osei January 2014

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I Am My Readers submitted stories about the women they

“

I love my sister Shari so much! She is my BEST friend.” @musical_prodigy_153

“

We may not be blood but that doesn’t make her any less my sister. True sisters grow together, laugh together, cry together, and then shop together!

My sister Krystle has had my back from the beginning, we support one another in every endeavor, we build each other up and encourage each other to be strong, successful Black women.

“Friendship isn’t about whom you have known the longest; it’s about who came and never left your side.”

That is why I’m my Sista’s Keeper.

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-Regina Johnson Sista’s Keeper Magazine Sista’s Keeper

January 2014

Sista’s Keeper care about and why they are their “Sista’s Keeper”

“

I am my ‘sista’s keeper’ because I’m the oldest... it’s expected of me to look after them. I have been in the “big sister” role since I was four years old and it is my obligation to set an example for them. Eboni (21), Chanda (18), and Genesis (10) are my greatest inspirations and they may not always want it, but I hope they know that I will ALWAYS be there for them.”

-LaPorsha Lowry Sista’s Keeper Magazine

Continued from page 13 come. It’s important to keep pushing through during the good and tough times. I love this quote by Sheryl Sandberg: “Speak Up. Believe In Yourself. Take Risks.” This is my life at the moment!

Sista Keeper: Now let’s get into your polish line. We’ve been hearing a lot over the last few years about 3-Free Nail Polish yours on the other hand is 5-Free. Can you educate our readers on the difference and the benefits of 5-Free?

Kitiya: The typical nail polish is created with a brew of Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, and Camphor. The “5-free” formula is free of those vicious toxins which have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and reproductive issues.

Sista Keeper: What else makes Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquers different from other brands?

Kitiya: Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquers are chip-resistant and fast drying. The colors are so highly pigmented, they’ve been compared to a gel manicure.

Sista Keeper: Why was it important for you to create a Nail Lacquer of this caliber?

Kitiya: It’s important for us to know what goes on and into our bodies with anything we use or consume. We take in so many harmful toxins on a daily basis from what we eat to our lotions and nail polish. It’s time for us to be more knowledgeable of the

products we use and live healthier.

Sista Keeper: Can you tell us a little about your next collection of Nail Lacquer?

Kitiya: In February, we will debut the spring collection - “The Icons Collection.” It is made up of five bold new shades honoring the tenacious and vibrant lifestyles of style icons I admire, such as Diana Ross, Marilyn Monroe and Coco Chanel.

Sista Keeper: Which color is your favorite and why?

Kitiya: I love all the shades so much, I can’t choose just one.

I carefully chose the colors to make sure I was in love with every single one of them. I will tell you, the #NYFW, which is the navy has been an editor favorite. Invite Only and Backstage Beauty are also two that I can’t keep in stock!

Sista Keeper: Where can our readers purchase your Nail Lacquer?

Kitiya: Then nail lacquers are available at www.

ShopMischoBeauty.com. We will launch our Icons collection of the Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquers in Spring 2014. There are lots of other exciting things coming up, so follow us on @ MischoBeauty on Twitter and Instagram for daily updates!

Sista Keeper: Thank you so much for your time and much continued success to you Kitiya!

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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.

• Create a tentative high school class plan.

• Enroll in a summer enrichment program.

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

extracurricular activities.

• 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

• 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/

January 2014

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.

December - February • Apply to four or more colleges that interest you. Some may have earlier or later deadlines. (Make copies of each application.)

• Attend a financial aid event if you haven't already done so. Review a copy of Paying for College.

• Apply for scholarships offered by the colleges to which you have applied.

• Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1.

You and your parents will need the previous year's income tax information to complete the it.

• Review you Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy.

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Crossword Puzzle

Resources • Cymphonique http://cymphonique.com/ • Be Your Own You (BYOU) http://www.beyourownyou.com/ • Mischo Beauty http://www.mischobeauty.com/ • Geechee Beach http://www.geecheebeach.com/ • SistaKeeper http://www.sistakeeper.com/

, “Be Your Own ___”

• Urban Xtreme http://www.urbanxtremecrew.com/ • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater http://www.alvinailey.org/ • College Prep Timeline http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/

N.I.A. (Nurturing Inner Awareness): I’m A Keeper By: Tracie Berry-McGhee, M.Ed., LPC When speaking of being a “keeper”, I think we must first look at ourselves. Are you being a keeper to yourself! Yes, it is important to be a Keeper to your sista but who is keeping you?

People say that teens don’t have stress, but statistics show that the top five stressors are “school work (78%), parents (68%), romantic relationships (64%), friends’ problems (64%), and younger siblings (64%).Stress is a part of life.

Whether you live a healthy life or a life full of drama, stress will be in the mist. It is up to you to decide how do I handle the stress in my life.

Remember, this is your healing journey and if you want to weather the storm then you need to be in control of your mind, body and spirit.

You may feel that you should always be in control, but let us be realistic, we all lose it from time to time, and that is when you need to take time out to think and reflect! Look at your mental, internally and say, what about me, am I about to take a step out of my element, am I about to lose control.

We need to always be in touch with what is going on in our bodies! Girls are faster to argue, faster to fight and faster to become a part of drama. The issue is not always the girl next to you, this time the issUe could be YOU! So we want you to Nurture Inner Awareness mentally, 44

physically and spiritually...with three quick tips: 1. Say to yourself outloud that hurt people, hurt people (reminder to self we will not step down to negativity, why are argue with someone who is hurting) 2. Let it Go and Let it Flow (remember it takes so much to hold on to baggage, so let it go and let flow positive energy 3. Own Your NOW! (remember, you are in control of your destiny, so Own it!)

Your Soulflower Sista, Tracie Berry-McGhee M.Ed LPC Tracie Berry-McGhee M.Ed., LPC, a native of St. Louis, MO. received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1990 and her M. Ed in counseling, in 1998 from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

She has written and produced a spoken-word CD, and self-published two Poetry for the Soul books, a curriculum and journal designed for AfricanAmerican girls seeking to find self, and become aware of their purpose.

In 2004, SistaKeeper Empowerment Center became a nonprofit organization in St. Louis, MO and now has chapters in Africa, Jamaica, New Mexico and Germany. In 2005, she started her private practice Imani Therapy, specializing in women and teen girl issues. Today, her purpose has led her to establishing the Nia Group STL, a wellness center for women where she currently provides prevention, intervention and awareness through individual counseling, facilitating mentoring circles through SistaKeeper and promoting young women finding their purpose through motivational speaking engagements in local, national, and global communities.

For more information visit: www.niagroupstl.com Questions for our next N.I.A.: email info@sistaskeepermagazine.com

Sista’s Keeper

January 2014

SistaKeeper Empowerment Center is on a mission...

Nurturing Inner Awareness collectively!

Our membership is designed to enrich and enhances your personal growth in hopes that you will always remember to be true to yourself while finding your purpose.

National Membership ($35) Includes: *SistaKeeper T-Shirt (Red) or I’m a Keeper Tee (Pink) *SistaKeeper Membership Pledge Card **Your choice of SistaKeeper Poetry for the Soul/or I’m a Keeper Book and Journal *1-year Subscription (6 issues) to Sista’s Keeper Magazine for 2014 Local SistaKeeper STL Membership ($70) Includes: * Entry to circles held once a month & any local workshops/events at discounted rates *SistaKeeper T-Shirt (Red) or I’m a Keeper Tee (Pink) *Membership Pledge Card *Journal and SK Journal Bag *1-year Subscription (6 issues) to Sista’s Keeper Magazine for 2014

SistaKeeper membership entitles you to receive: •

Membership packet (Membership ID, pledge, Journal, Lanyard) • •

Access to community events at discounted rates Access to circles offered monthly at discounted rates

•

A 1-year subscription to our sistapartner, Sista’s Keeper Magazine

•

Access to our t-shirts, hoodies, bags available at discounted rates

As a member, you will have complete access to all activities and SistaKeeper products at a 10% discounted price.

Visit our SK SHOP online were we offer all our SK memberships & products. Take the SistaKeeper Pledge, Sign our I define ME wall with a Poetry Piece that may be selected to be spotlighted in one of the Sista’s Keeper Magazine 2014 Editions. Become a SistaKeeper today!

Take the SistaKeeper Pledge and put your city, state, church or community organization on the map for representing leadership, diversity and self-worth knowing I am a SistaKeeper! We also offer SistaKeeper T-Shirts and hoodies to wear when attending community activities at discounted rates.

A Sistakeeper is You! A SistaKeeper is Me! A SistaKeeper is We! www.sistakeeper.com Visit us on FB, Twitter or Instagram: @SistaKeeperSTL

Black Women In History

Judith Jamison Dancer, choreographer, and Artistic Director Emerita of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

• Jamison was born May 10, 1943 in Philadelphia, PA. • She began her dance training at Judimar School of Dance at age 6.

• She graduated from Judimar at age 17 and began college at Fisk University.

• In 1964, Jamison was invited to work with the American Ballet Theater in New York City.

• She made her premiere with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on October 30, 1965.

• Jamison performed Pas de Duke that was choreographed for her

by Alvin Ailey on July 2, 1976.

• She premiered her first ballet, Divining, for the AAADT on July 2, 1984.

• After Ailey’s death, Jamison honored his wish and became the Artistic Director of the AAADT on December 2, 1989.

• On July 2, 1999, Jamison wins an Emmy award for her choreography work in the PBS documentary, A Hymn for Alvin Ailey.

• Jamison became Artistic Director Emerita of the AAADT on July 3, 2011.

• She continues to promote the arts in our culture and the significance of the Ailey legacy; using dance as a medium.

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For more information on the AAADT, visit: http://www.alvinailey.org

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 she’ll need to build a better tomorrow.