Renegade Magazine | Volume 1 Issue 4 | Fall 2015

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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

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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.

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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.

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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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