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N O C
S T N E T
Social Activism Making History Be The Change You Want To See Beyond Brutality
Student Spotlight BLN NOMAS Sports Professionals of Color Black Artist League UPGRADE
Music & Culture Saved by the B.E.L. Real Message Behind the Music Top House Party Flyers Drake Review Abandoned Artistry Travel Noire
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Features Cuse What’s Good Black Card: Terms & Conditions
Fashion Behind Design: Alanne Stroy Ayida Solé Designs Menswear
Creative Writing Am I A Woman? Sunset 28 Days Wind Yesterday
e d a g e n e R
T S I L F F A T S Editors-in-Chief
Earica Parrish Elen Pease
Editors
Caroline Colvin Jasmine Taylor Phelicia Ball
Feauture Editors Fatima Bangura Taylyn Washington-Harmon
Marketing Director Khairi Reynolds
Copy Editor Jean Degraphe
Illustrator Taylor Hicks
Photo Editor
Social Media Directors Kennedy LaNier Fanta Cherif
Aaliyah Lambert Elena Whittle
Fashion Director Creative Directors
Brittany Belo
Felicia Vasquez Noahamin Taye 3
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n
esig D e h T d n i h Be H
ailing from Atlanta, GA, Posse Scholar ALANNE
STROY has
found a new home here at Syracuse University. In her second
year at SU, the fashion design major acts as Project Grind’s creative director, serves as a mentor for the organization, juggles vast amounts of school work, all on top of designing for the Ms. Black and Gold pageant. Inspired by music, fitness, and essentially all the world around her has to offer, Alanne constantly brings an ATL flare to her designs and whatever she puts her mind to.
BB: How did you get into fashion design?
Q&A
AS: My grandmother sewed most of her clothes so she inspired me to want to learn how. My mom wanted to be a fashion designer as well. I started to change my wardrobe and cut up my clothes by the age of 5. BB: Who are some your major influences? AS: My grandmother and my cousin who passed away are the biggest influences in my life because they were the two people I was closest with and losing them taught me how to be strong. They are truly my motivation every day. BB: What fun projects are you working on? AS: I am currently designing for the Ms. Black and Gold pageant. I am currently Creative Director and Head of the Fundraiser Committee of Project G.R.I.N.D. and working on creating my own website.
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BB: How has being from Atlanta
used to change. Atlanta taught me
shaped you as a designer (both
how to love the people and not
in your designs and in your
judge from where they come from
personal perspective)?
because Atlanta is a melting pot.
AS: Considering that I was born
Most of the music nowadays comes
and raised in Atlanta, my city is
from Atlanta, so when I go through
a part of my identity. I have lived
the creative process, I try to vibe
in almost all areas of Atlanta
out and listen to music that makes
which is why I’m so versatile and
me feel at home.
By Brittany Belo Photos by Brittany Belo Model: Ciara Bethel, Alanne Stroy
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Ayida SolĂŠ Designs
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Introducing AY ID A SOL É, a HaitianAmerican fashion design so phomore from Ca mbridge, Massachusetts. by Dylan Lowther
O
n Solé’s 9th birthday, her mother didn’t give her dolls or an Easy Bake oven. She gave her a sewing machine. Her mother, who was an aspiring fashion designer, and her
father, who was an artist– drummer, painter, actor–exposed her to various platforms of art early on. Recognizing her growing fascination with fashion, her mother enabled her by buying the sewing machine. Solé was initially disappointed. However, the gift made sense for someone who consistently dressed herself and took pride in the way she dressed from an early age. Her mother knew this disappointment would dissipate and Solé’s now calls that sewing machine the best gift she ever received. The rest was history. At age 14 is when, she says, she “really started making clothes.” Although Solé came to Syracuse to learn about fashion, she prefers to not be rooted anywhere: she visits different cities to expand
Models: Ashia Aubourg, Kenlee Presume, and Julie Elliston
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photos by Brittany Belo herself artistically and to increase her
crowd amongst entertainment and fashion
knowledge of the industry. She spent two
icons like Kanye West, the Wang family,
weeks in September interning for Essie—a
and many others. Being among so many
makeup company responsible for doing
influential, confident people of color in the
models’ nails and makeup in several
fashion industry gave Solé a glimpse of the
shows—during New York Fashion Week.
role she envisions for herself. She feels there
This experience taught her how much
is an added responsibility that comes
work goes toward making or breaking
with being a Black woman in this field—
a fashion show. Solé’s reflected on the
and specifically, a Caribbean woman.
anal, never-ending prep process.“You
Under-representation, marginalization,
spend like four hours prepping for a ten
and misrepresentation of Black and
minute show. Then, it goes by with the
Caribbean people are all aspects of the
blink of an eye, then the next season
fashion industry she seeks to combat
comes.” She learned things about the
artistically. She intends to use this platform
industry only New York Fashion Week
to raise awareness about issues unrelated
could teach. “Experiential learning is so
to fashion—namely sickle-cell anemia—a
crucial… Because we are so sheltered
disease that affects one in 12 Black people
here on campus,” Solé said. The work
according to The Center for Disease Control
was long, and tedious— often getting
and Prevention. Solé’s confident, wandering
home at 2 a.m., and being expected
spirit has her mapping out her career years
to be clean, ready, and motivated at 7
into the future, but this temporal world has
a.m. the next day. The culminating event
her trapped in Syracuse. So, for now, she will
for her came at the Alexander Wang
be working in the warehouse, searching for
show. Here, she found herself in the
inspiration, and designing.
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From being called thugs, aggressors, and criminals, a new method is needed in communicating more positive images of black males in the professional realm. Something as simple and stylish as a suit and tie can serve as protection for black men against these negative stigmas.
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C L A SS I C
Renegade
MAN
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Depending on the working environment, something as simple as a pair of khakis and a nice collar shirt will do the trick. 37
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Wintertime is among us, and so it wouldn’t hurt to trade in that business blazer for a nice, warm sweater. Anthony strides in style, making boss moves and looks good while doing it!
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Upgrade Your Life Sophomore entrepreneur creates beauty products to help you upgrade your life
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s a sophomore African-American Studies and Citizen and Civic Engagement major, Asile Kismet Patin has gained an array of new skills that classify her as a one-woman entrepreneur for her new business, Upgrade Hair and Body Butter. Growing up in the Vine City area of Atlanta, GA, Patin struggled with her acne and was often bullied by her classmates. Products such as Jergens or Nivea just never worked for her. Patin described seeing “these beautiful women with beautiful clear skin” and desired that beautiful black glow. However, Patin always had a knack for concocting different products. Patin began mixing shea butter, coconut oil, and scents such as lavender and grapefruit. This eventually led her to create her signature hair and body butter. Patin says that the product has a great constancy to it, which makes the product attractive to its customers. “A little bit goes a long way unlike other products that eventually wear off,” says Patin. Patin also found inspiration from the Black Lives Matter movement. “I am a strong advocate for the Black Lives Matter, but Twitter and Instagram hash tags can only go so far,” said Patin. “We need to put our money where our mouths are, since hashtags on social media websites can’t do that.” Therefore, she worked to start a business where African-Americans could come and support this ideal. Today, Patin’s Upgrade Hair and Body Butter is thriving more than ever. Natasha Walker, one of her most loyal customers, said, “I love the lavender. When I put it on, it makes me feel relaxed and happy.” Patin had no previous experience in business and entrepreneurship and currently, she works alone as she sees her own vision the clearest. However, she recognizes that as the business grows she will have to be more comfortable
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with dealing with a team atmosphere. Since she is running the business on her own, Patin says that she is her hardest critic. She wants everything to be perfect for the customer to ensure that they return for future products. When constructing her overall brand identity, she wanted it to be simple and a true representative of herself. Patin is known for her afro and for her love for Beyoncé. The name ‘Upgrade’ derived from Beyonce’s song “Upgrade U,” and the logo includes an illustration of Patin with her signature afro, as well as an outline of her other body features. After testing her own product this past summer on her hair and skin, Patin said she saw immediate results. Today, her skin is clear and her hair has seen tremendous growth because of her product. Most importantly, her confidence has grown because of her clear skin. Similarly to Asile, Jessica Banks, a new customer, testified, “It gives my skin a nice healthy glow.” In producing the product, Patin says she pictured her “cute little metal jar atop people’s dresser’s next to their Shea Moisture products.” Her
customer base started with her friends and her marketing strategy proved to be concise and thoughtful. “I think people make the mistake of sending out things too early and then people forget,” said Patin. “So, for my product I just wanted an ambush of flyers all at once.” She instructed her friends to post flyers at the same on Instagram and Twitter to generate word of mouth. Patin’s business continues to grow within in the Syracuse and back at home in Atlanta. Her mom has been her biggest supporter throughout her journey and Patin is tremendously grateful for her support. “My mom is my best friend. It feels good to have a team at home in Atlanta and to be recognized for something I worked so hard for,” said Patin. As for the future of Upgrade, look out for new scents from Asile during the holiday season so you can, to quote Patin, “Upgrade Your Life!” For more inquires check out her Instagram @ UpgradeByAsile or email UpgradeByAsile@gmail.com. By: Brielle Brown
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Am I a Woman? By Bianca Hayes,
previously published in Huff Post College
I
t’s October 21, and the clock just
Sociology, I am acutely aware of the
struck 9:37 p.m. I should be studying
portrayals of women in media. Why Is it
for tomorrow’s sociology midterm,
that strong-willed women are illustrated
but this has been weighing heavily on
as being heartless and unemotional,
my heart for the last 24 hours. I recently
or anything undesirable, but women
analyzed a combination of specific films,
who rely on men are loving, fun, and
articles, and personal experiences, and
cool? Why can’t you be a well rounded
I have found myself to be
woman who is strong
very overwhelmed. I am
minded? Why is it that you
not sure if it is due to how
have to be seen as less than
I was raised, or the fact
a woman for doing what you
that I am very observant,
want?
but I have always done
This article was partly inspired
what was best for me, and
by Chimamanda Ngozi
did not ever really feel
Adichie’s speech that she
pressured to do anything-
presented subsequent to
even if it was popular. If it
being honored at the 2015
is not right with my spirit, I
Girls Write Now Awards. She
am simply not doing it. With
basically discussed that
this being said, I did not fit
women should not aspire to
in while growing up, and I
be likable, but should aim to
actually used to think that
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be comfortable with living in
something was wrong with me because
their truth. Obviously, you should not be
I was different from the majority of my
rude and disregard people, because
peers. As I became more and more
that is mean-spirited and uncalled-for,
secure with myself, I cared less about
but being well liked should not be a
what other people thought of me.
priority. As women, we are subliminally
While this all occurred in my high
taught that we have to deal with any
school career, I find myself facing
and every situation or person that comes
these same issues, as I dissect society
our way no matter how unhealthy it is
and appreciate the lived experiences
for us.
of women, especially. As a budding
I am a pretty happy individual, but I
documentarian who intends on minoring
am fatigued when facing the reality
in Women and Gender Studies and
that although I am comfortable with
myself, my womanhood will always be defined in relation to men. We are socialized to believe that a woman has to marry, have children, or have a romantic relationship with a man in every stage of her life to be considered a woman. I do plan on marrying and having children, but women who do not want that for their lives should not be made to feel inferior.One of the main reasons why I chose to major in Television-Radioand Film is because I need to use the platform that I have to tell the stories of women through our point of view, not through the male gaze. I truly do have high hopes that women will become more and more appreciated, especially since the world would be unable to function without us. With the prominence of social media, television, etc. I expect for there to
be a substantial amount of progress in the near future.
Sunset By: Hope C. Wilcox
T
here's not to many times where and sit to watch you set... I feel like I want to chase the sun,
Until the horizon reminds me that I've lost the game of hide and go seek. Until the clouds laugh because only they get the privilege of taking the last peek. I give credit to God, the artist who made this work of art. Each day the sky replaces its spacious gallery with His newest inspiration. Only made for the enjoyment of its viewers . The world's renowned artist, who has work spread throughout the nations. The one who carved mountains out of rock in countries like Spain, one of many. The only things that moved were the planes in the sky and my heart. I was touched by the beauty that I got to experience all the way at the end from start. As the cloud, the canvas, and colors stood cold cradling my worries to sleep.... On this late Miami night watching the sunset with God on the street. I give credit to Him because He provided the free ticket of time to enjoy. A moment of awe for the sunset deployed. My heart can't help but thank the artist once more, because I was left breathless once, now, and forevermore.
GLORY
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Somebody, Please. What is 28 days of recognition To a people like me? A burned cross in a yard Standing guard for hatred, To a steeple like me? And although it must be recognized By the powers that be,
Please. What Is 28 days of recognition to a people Like me? I done been: 1. talked about 2. spit upon 3. my plate was broken when the dinner is gone 4. lynched at will 5. Emmett Till 6. Medals taken in Olympic fields 7. Denied my vote 8. Knife slide my throat It’s a cold world out there and they’ll hide my coat. Yet, still. A people like me put up a fight A strong fight, black fight Black fighters A 28 day all nighter won’t suffice They killing us every day now…. Anchors sensationalize just to 44
Stay down You either make ground Or get laid down.
28 Days
by Marius Antunn Jackson
There’s nothing we can do enough No truth to tell true enough We can’t tuck in our shirt-straight-vernacular-tailored-suit Enough. Please don’t be confused because confusion is romantic Bothering-ring on our telephones With Twitter and other antics. It’s easy to be distracted about how far we’ve made it when we assign 28 days for us to celebrate it. We need a glorious kind of emotion An infinity type of reaction A whole of our attention- not our attention split
SomebodyPlease. in rations
Make time for the difficulty Of our history A time to ensure that the children Are listening A time for assessment And time for review But make time cause somebody died to make time for you (said) Make Time Cause Somebody Died to Make Time for You Chin in the air Fist up Black, pride for you Make time somebody… Please.
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Wind Song by Cherokee Hubbert
A wisp of wind caressing my skin whispering into my ear with a rhythmic song Along with the wind I dance Around and around I spin never stopping blocking out all noise except for my wind song A wisp of wind caressing my skin whispering into my ear with a rhythmic song Along with the wind my hair swirls brushing against my neck sending me into chills A wisp of wind caressing my skin
whispering into my ear with a rhythmic song 46
Yesterday I found my voice.
Yesterday By Cherokee Hubbert
It was lost inside of meburied so deep inside I needed a flashlight just to see. Yesterday I found my self-esteem trapped inside a web of hurt stitched from years of never feeling good enough Always striving for perfection when my happiness was tied into all my imperfections. Yesterday I learned to love myself. I found the self love that I stripped from myself. The love that I turned my back to and left to rot in in the sweltering sun. The love that I can feel even when no one else is around. Yesterday I found out who I am. I discovered more than what was simply
skin deep. I reached into the depths of my soul and pulled out the person hidden in the shadows waiting for sustena nce. I am no longer locked away in my o wn prison. I unchained myself and let my true character out for the world to see. Yesterday I found out who I am and there is no going back. 47
Travel Noire SU students share their study abroad experiences Interviewed by: Nada Sherdy
Kahlil Johnathon Lashley London, England I generally feel Abroad has been amazing and should be mandatory for every student. I also feel being a young man of Jamaican descent coming from a low-income neighborhood in Brooklyn has altered my experience. Because of the rich melanin levels in my skin, many people assume I am a British person of Nigerian descent. In fact, it isn’t until I open my mouth to speak that Londoners are aware of how different I am. There were many instances where I was lost in the city of London and asked around for directions, but was answered with the clutch of a purse and scurrying of footsteps. I only ever get a verbal response when my accent is heard, and its usually along the lines of “Are you American?,” followed by directions to my destination. Besides these awkward instances, overall London has been a very diverse and interesting place to live. I’ve been exposed to foreign aspects of culture.
Danielle Reed: Madrid, Spain
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My favorite moments of studying abroad in Madrid came when I met people from all over the world exploring and traveling. Meeting so many different people from countries in Africa and Latin America who live in Madrid and speak between four and six languages showed me that that this world is so much bigger than I ever thought, but also a lot smaller than I imagined. I also learned that we, Americans are nice people. We smile a lot, so they say.
Being in Hong Kong for the semester has felt like I’ve been moving in slow motion and fast forward all at the same time. It’s definitely a time I will never forget and an experience I’ll share with my family forever. My absolute favorite moment was climbing the Great Wall of China in Beijing. Nothing compares
to
its
beauty.
For
anyone
considering going abroad, please go. No matter where you go, you won’t regret it!
Kadijah Watkins: Hong Kong, China
Natasha Amadi: London, England Paris was my favorite, just as I knew it would be: the elegance, the food, the fashion, the nightlife! It was 9 pm, the sun had completely set and we were sitting under The Eiffel Tower. Both our phones were dead and we couldn’t take pictures, so all I have to remember that moment is the picture in my head. I sat directly under The Eiffel Tower and watched it light up; sparkling and flickering lights everywhere and in that moment it was almost magical, unreal. The tower itself is more intricate and complicated than I ever imagined – no keychain will ever compare. I went back two weeks later.
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@RenegademagSU
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