True Star Junior Summer 2010

FROM

OC

MOVIE REVIEW

INTRODUCING THE

WHAT TYPE OF

ONE CHANCE TO

OMG GIRLZ

KARATE KID

QUIZ INSIDE:

STUDENT ARE YOU?

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DO YOU HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT EVERYTHING?

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Through paid afterschool apprenticeship programs, teens learn to develop, write and edit content, produce graphic design layouts, sell advertisements, execute events and market the publication.

ABOUT TRUE STAR FOUNDATION: True Star Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides a creative outlet through literary and professional development programs for youth. Our mission is to expose youth to real world experiences through the arts, particularly in publishing, marketing and entertainment.

Participants work with students from various cultural and social economic backgrounds, express themselves in innovative, challenging ways and learn their role and responsibility as contributing adults to society.

SUPPORT TRUE STAR! To make a tax deductible donation to the True Star Foundation, please send a check payable to: True Star Foundation, P.O. Box 805080, Chicago, IL 60680-4112.

CONGRATULATION’S TO THE 2009-2010

CONTEST WINNERS

GRAND PRIZE WINNER 5TH & 6TH GRADE

GRAND PRIZE WINNER 7TH & 8TH GRADE

GRAND PRIZE WINNER HIGH SCHOOL

CHAQUAN HARDIA

ANTHONY FORD

BRIA POE

BEASLEY ACADEMIC CENTER

KIPP LEAD SCHOOL

KENWOOD ACADEMY TRUE STAR JR. 3

CONTRIBUTORS MCKINLEY NELSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A MESSAGE FROM T

MCKINLEY…

rue Star Jr. is a pilot program at Lindblom Math and Science Academy that consists of all 7th and 8th grade students. Modeled after the high school version of True Star, this is a magazine for preteens and teens to enjoy and learn from. As we continue to grow and improve in the media industry and produce more magazines, we hope to become the hottest preteen magazine in Chicago. We’ve worked hard to compile a masterpiece that is fun, informative and your go-to-guide for this summer. Enjoy!

TIANA SHUMATE

CASHMERE BERT DOMINIQUE REED

NIJA BRADFORD BEVERLY LAMBERT

LERRON BONNER 4 TRUE STAR JR.

MYRIAH WEATHERSPOON

ALANA BROOMFIELD JUSTICE MCFARLAND

LUTHER BOYD CORIN BERT

JOSHUA CHAPMAN NADIA LANGDON

NICHOLAS THOMAS DAJAH CARTER

JADA BEASLEY TRUE STAR JR. 5

CONTENTS EXPOSE’ 7 BURNING OFF THE BURGERS:

4EVER YOUNG 22 WHAT DOES MUSIC DO TO

YOUTH OBESITY IN AMERICA

YOUNG MINDS

BY MCKINLEY NELSON

BY DOMINIQUE REED

8 BOOTLEG BLUES: THE TRUTH BEHIND PIRACY

BY NICHOLAS THOMAS

DEEPER THAN SKIN 23 KAREEM ABDUL JABAAR: LIFE AFTER LEUKEMIA

TALKIN’ NERDY 9 PARENTS PRESSURING

BY NAIDA LANGDON

24 THE REAL STORY

FOR PERFECTION

BEHIND DREAD LOCKS

BY ALANA BROOMFIELD

BY JADA BEASLEY

SPRING AND SUMMER 2010 10 FASHION: SWAG STORIES 12 WHAT TYPE OF

KEEPIN’ SCORE 25 DOES WRESTLING

STUDENT ARE YOU?

BY JOSHUA CHAPMAN

BY JADA BEASLEY

HOT OFF THE PRESS 13 COVER STORY: ONE CHANCE

BY MCKINLEY NELSON

14 A GIRL’S DREAM

MAKE TEENS VIOLENT?

26 A TRUE POINT GUARD: AHMAD STARKS

BY MCKINLEY NELSON

PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON TRUE STAR JR. MAGAZINE

BY JUSTICE MCFARLAND

CONTACT US:

15 INTRODUCING…OMG GIRLZ

LETTERS TO TRUE STAR JR.

BY MARIAH WEATHERSPOON AND BEVERLY LAMBERT

CHICAGO, IL 60605-2717

16 AT THE MOVIES: KARATE KID

BY JOSHUA CHAPMAN

RISING STARS 18 SONG BIRD: CHERELLE SULLIVAN

BY LERRON BONNER

19 NEW TO THE GAME: N.E.P.H.E.W

BY LUTHER BOYD

COMMENTARY BY CASHMERE 20 BEHIND THE STATISTICS:

1130 SOUTH WABASH, SUTIE 302 EMAIL TRUESTARJR@TRUESTARMAGAZINE.COM

Executive Directors J. Na-Tae’ Thompson DeAnna McLeary Managing Editor Veronica Harrison Edgar Molina Jack Silverstein Web Content Manager Rashaan Meador Art Direction Design and Illustration

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Angel D’Amico-Bauer

BY CASHMERE BERT

Celebrity Booker Randy C. Bonds

21 PARENTAL ADVISORY? NOT!

BY CASHMERE BERT TRUE STAR RADIO

Photo Coordinator DeShaun Adams Special Projects Manager Deshaun Adams Philistine Thompson Public Relation & Marketing Outreach Specialist Kikanza Harris Director Integrated Marketing & Sales Floyd Glinsey Promotions Managers Jade Hedgeman Brittany McKinley

TRUESTARIS.COM TO DONATE TO TRUE STAR FOUNDATION, VISIT TRUESTARFOUNDATION.ORG

EXPOSE’

Off g n i n r Bu ers: g r u B the

Youth OBESITY in America

BY MCKINLEY NELSON

A

ren’t unhealthy foods hypnotizing and eye-catching from far away? Can’t you just imagine all of the sodium, cholesterol, fat, and extra calories going into your body? Not so delightful anymore…huh? I didn’t think so.

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), between 30% to 40% of adolescents in the United States become obese. You CAN be next if you don’t start eating right. burning calories and exercising.

“A proper diet, good nutrition, and also avoiding carbohydrates and sugar all help,” said Dr. Brownling, Family Medicine Physician

of Roseland Medical Clinic. “But what doesn’t help is spending your downtime playing video games and watching television.”

Developing unhealthy eating habits may be good for your satisfaction, but just may be bad for your body. This habit of eating junk food instead of healthy foods may increase the risk of obesity not only as an adolescent, but also as an adult. This disease may cause diabetes, a disease that occurs when one has too much sugar in their blood. To avoid this disease, it is very important to eat healthy as a young person, exercise and stay active at home and school.

TRUE STAR JR. 7

Bootleg Blues:

The Truth

Behind

Piracy

BY NICHOLAS THOMAS

W

hile walking around my neighborhood, you will hear residents often shout “CDs! DVDs!” These shouts are coming from the local ‘businessmen’ who sell bootleg CDs and DVDs for cheap prices. Little do people realize, this is illegal and it is considered a crime on the streets of Chicago.

Many people think that downloading movies is just using the internet to get what they want. Actually there is a law that states: DOWNLOADING MOVIES AND CDS IS ILLEGAL. It is actually stealing.

Internet piracy did not become popular until Napster gained a huge following in 1999.

The company made so many members that bootlegging movies and music became common.

Now, when some people get caught downloading illegal files no matter what they are, it is still stealing. However, people argue that 8 TRUE STAR JR.

downloading movies is not all that illegal and it’s a way to save money.

When talking to one of my local DVD men, who asked to remain anonymous, I asked him if he felt guilty about it and he said “I don’t feel that selling bootlegs are wrong. It puts extra money in my pocket.”

He also commented that because the movies might not have come out on DVD when he has them, they’re just giving the people what they want. People come to them asking for movies or CDs and they just give them their wish with a fee attached to it.

“It’s so rough out here and this economy has people thinking smart,” my local ‘businessman’ replied. “Why pay money to the movie theatre when you can stay home and watch what’s at the movies? In this business, I win and the customers win.”

TALKIN’ NERDY

BY ALANA BROOMFIELD

M

otivation! Encouragement!

Requirement! Do your parents stress you to be a perfect scholar in school? Many teens today feel that if their parents weren’t so tough, they could actually relax and complete their homework successfully and without stress of trying to be perfect.

“My mother tends to overwhelm me with so many questions before I can even start,” says Ellen Daniel, a student at Lindblom Math and Science Academy. “I am stressed when I start my homework.”

With young people receiving more and more homework, it’s hard to keep up with all their assignments.

“Parents feel as if it is so easy to receive straight A’s, but it’s so much more than just completing homework,” Briana McGee said.

McGee is an 8th grader at James Ward Elementary.

School is an important component of a child’s life. The pressure on teens is becoming a major problem in the life of high school students, because it is making teens more stressed and unfocused in the classrooms and at home.

However, with rigorous parents it’s hard to relax and stay completely focused.

With a rise of so many young people becoming involved with violence and things of that sort, home should be a place where they can go and feel relaxed from the pressures of their community and school work. So, parents please stay on top of homework but don’t pressure your children over the top!

DESIGN BY KENDRA BOGARD

TRUE STAR JR. 9

es i r o t S Swag

SW

EET

SW

AG

AG

ATED SW

IC SOPHIST 10 TRUE STAR JR.

SPRING AND SUMMER 2010

G

WA

S OOD

H

PRETTY BOY SWAG

TRUE STAR JR. 11

What Type of

Student Are You?

BY JADA BEASLEY

Take this quiz to see what kind of student you are at school! Be as honest as possible. Then, see your score below!

1. When you get homework from your teachers, do you: a. Do it the same day b. It can wait until tomorrow c. Cram the lunch before the class

8. You check your grades and find out you have a C- in math class. Do you: a. Talk to your teacher and do as much studying and extra credit as possible b. Try to ace the rest of your homework assignments c. Beg your teacher for sympathy

9. After school, do you:

a. Do homework and STUDY STUDY STUDY!!! b. Do your homework and rest for the rest of the day When you wake up in the morning, do c. Hang out and your homework is done when it’s done you: a. Put on your favorite pair of skinny The night before a final, do you: jeans and Nike shoes b. Put on your T-shirt and jeans and get a. Study, and then go to bed early: b. Go to bed and hope for the best ready to go c. Go to bed at 1:00am and cram that c. Slip on your favorite sweats and morning sweatshirt for a laid back day

2.

10.

3. When studying for test, do you: a. Break out the flashcards b. Study the night before c. Wing it

4. When you see a fist fight, do you: a. Get outta dodge! b. Watch and cheer on your best friend c. Jump in and hope for the best

5. When taking a test, do you:

a. Look over your test multiple times b. Try to be the first one done c. Use the “ennie meenie minnie moe” method

6. If your parents are yelling and

•* If you got mostly As, then you are a hard-working, overachieving nerd, but you still got your swag. You like to have a bunch of fun and you’re always full of energy. When you smell trouble, you make sure you’re not a part of it. You like to get the respect you deserve, but have fun along the way. You work now, then have fun later. * If you got mostly Bs, then you are a kid who knows their limit. You do what you can, but enjoy doing it. When you finish working, you celebrate by relaxing at home and planning for the next day. You live in the moment.

“preaching” to you, do you: a. Listen b. Roll your eyes c. Walk away and slap your door shut

* If you got mostly Cs, you like to chill, chill, CHILL! You do your best academically, but work as hard as you can. You like to be comfortable and are What are your three favorite colors? very loyal to your friends. You do what you want, and don’t get stepped on or a. Blue, purple, and electric green bossed by other people along the way. You b. Yellow, orange, and green live your life. c. Black, dark blue and dark green

7.

12 TRUE STAR JR.

DESIGN BY MIESHA NEWELL, SIMEON

HOT OFF THE PRESS

A Fresh Start

From One Chance to O.C.

T

he hit singles “Look At Her” featuring Fabo and “U Can’t,” put the group One Chance on the map. Are they still with Usher? Are they still producing hits? Are they still together? Well yes, they are still together and yes, they are still making music. But no, they aren’t with Usher.

At the time of the interview, O.C. was in the transition of moving on to T-Pain and signed to Nappy Boy Entertainment. Now that they’ve moved on, the talented singers and songwriters get an opportunity to start all over; Mike, John, Rob, and Courtney will have a fresh start.

The fresh start includes new music, new vibe, new swag, new attitude, and new name. “We would now like to be referred to as O.C,” said Mike.

“We’re giving the audience a new everything,” said John. T-Pain has provided the group with unlimited opportunities that they have never been presented with before.

The group of four are all in their twenties and come from the Southside of Chicago. They have traveled all over and landed in Miami, Florida.

Though they are thousands of miles away, what goes on in their hometown still plays a major part in their lives. The most important issue that they feel needs to be addressed is the senseless

BY MCKINLEY NELSON violence right here in their roots. “The violence amongst teens is pointless,” said John. “Crimes are being done just because,” said Courtney.

Why are we killing each other?

As the one and a half hour interview winded down, I asked the guys to give teens advice, share where they see themselves in the future and tell us what they would do if they were president. They said the following: John- “I never thought I would be a professional entertainer, although I have been singing most of my life. Never let anyone kill your dream and tell you what you can’t do.”

Courtney- “Stay focused, persistent, and have faith. For every ten No’s there will be a Yes!” Rob- “My goal is to have longevity, produce great music, conduct world tours and be the first musical artists/entrepreneurs that hit the billionaire mark.”

Mike- “If I were president, I would provide free healthcare and free college education to all. This would encourage more students to pursue a higher education.”

TRUE STAR JR. 13

Dream A Girl’s

BY JUSTICE MCFARLAND

W

hat do you think about when you hear the name Princess Tiana? Without one simple flick of the wrist, the world did not see this coming: the very first black Disney princess.

This move caused a very controversial response from a broad range of critics. Their biggest, black girls. These girls all have the same opinion on the movie itself. “Fantastic!” Many girls have said that having a black princess feels good. Good to know that our race can actually have something.

Adults feel the same. Many of them grew up with different races as princesses. Aurora, Belle, Ariel were Disney’s white princesses.

Pocahontas was Disney’s first Native-American princess and Mulan was Disney’s first princess of Chinese descent. Never before has America or any other country seen a black princess.

People many generations older have found 14 TRUE STAR JR.

the movie more exciting and charming than younger generations. A movie-goer, Danielle Shay said “I went to see it, and I found it being my favorite movie, because of the way it portrays every girl’s thinking.” “Many didn’t believe that we would ever see this, and I personally thank Disney for creating this for my daughter and I.” This movie is said to be a milestone in every girl’s book. Listening to their mother and grandmothers talk about how they grew up with all white princesses has changed the way they think about things in general. The world is changing over time; first, with a black president that affected everyone and now a black princess that affects the thinking of young girls, black or white. The world has yet to see what may come up next and surprise us all.

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THEREALOMGGIRLZ WWW.TWITTER.COM/THEREALOMGGIRLZ

WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/OMGGIRLZTV

BY MYRIAH WEATHERSPOON AND BEVERLY LAMBERT

T

he up and coming OMG Girlz group include four young girls with a lot of talent. Bahja (Beauty), age 13, Lourdes (Lolo), age 11, Reginae (Baby Carter), age 10, and Zonnique (Star), age 13, form the exquisite group. They were all born and raised in Atlanta, with the exception of Reginae who was born in New Orleans. Beauty and Star are the singers in the group, while Baby Carter and Lolo are the rappers in the group. The name OMG Girlz relates to their fun and vivid style.

Their first live performance took place on the BET series “Tiny and Toya,” but most people may remember them dancing on stage with Drake and Lil Wayne at the BET Awards, which wasn’t a big sweat to them.

“We are a group, we all have equal shine,” said Lolo, daughter of Shamra, and sister of Beauty.

While the OMG Girlz work hard in the studio to make music, they also maintain steady schedules at school.

“We were born into the industry, so we were born to be entertainers,” said Star, daughter of Tiny Cottle.

“We are all family,” said Baby Carter, daughter of Antonia and Lil Wayne. Of the four, there is no lead singer/ rapper.

Fans can also access them at: www.myspace.com/therealomggirlz and www.twitter.com/therealomggirlz.

The release of their album will be coming soon this year, featuring New Boyz, Lil Chuckee, Lil Sean, and Lil Wayne. The group’s New Year’s resolution is to make it to the top, and in the direction they are going that shouldn’t be hard.

TRUE STAR JR. 15

starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan

MOVIE REVIEW

BY JOSHUA CHAPMAN

T

he movie, The Karate Kid, is a remake of the 1985 original movie. The movie stars Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan and Taraji P. Henson. And now, here is the good, the mediocre and the ugly.

The Good Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan were very believable as their characters Dre and Mr. Han. The action was great and the finale Kung Fu combat was very intense.

The Mediocre In the original Karate Kid, Daniel was about 16 and so when there were romance storylines, it seemed normal. However, Dre is only 12 years old, and therefore it is pretty awkward during his romance storylines.

16 TRUE STAR JR.

The Ugly I didn’t find it very realistic that Dre and his mom moved to China. Mr. Han agreed to teach Dre Kung Fu, even though it is called the Karate Kid.

Overall Overall, I think it was a good movie and I give it high praise. The Karate Kid is a classic that should carry on in the movie industry for many years to come. Jaden Smith’s role deserves high praises as he is on his way up the ladder in the movie industry. I definitely recommend this movie this summer.

TRUE STAR JR. 17

RISING STARS Song Bird:

Cherelle Sullivan BY: LERRON BONNER

E

xtra, Extra! There is someone new to the music industry...introducing another Sullivan

artist. Read all about her. Can you believe it? If the amazing, talented Jasmine Sullivan wasn’t enough, the industry had to introduce the new talented artist Sherell Sullivan. From singing and rapping to illustrations and choreography, she does it all. Although Ms. Sullivan currently lives in Chicago IL, she is originally from Louisiana. Standing exactly five feet tall, the luxurious Sherell Sharnic Sullivan is an eye opener for the entire music industry.

True Star Jr: Sherrell, can you describe your music style?

Sherrell: My music style consist of various genres, including Hip-Hop, Alternative Rock, R&B, Jazz, Foreign music, and in some cases classical. I like to write music that expresses different moods and feelings of me. I don’t write for one kind of crowd. I like to include all kinds of nationalities into my music styles.

TSJ: What are some of your other talents?

Sherrell: My list of talents is stretched out far beyond the average artist’s today.

I dance, choreograph, draw, paint, etc. I feel that I am a natural comedian.

Fashion is a key aspect in my life. One day I might dress punk rock, another day I’ll dress afro centric. My ability to do a wide variety of things is not looked upon as a new topic to brag about with friends, it is simply a gift that I am well thankful of.

TSJ: What do you think it takes to be a successful artist?

Sherrell: I feel that there are certain responsibilities and duties that an artist must full-fill in order to be successful in the music industry. For example, one duty that must be taken care of in this process is the copyrighting all material including beats, songs, names, symbols, etc. My goal is to continue creating wonderful music for everyone and remain consistent while doing it.

TSJ: What has inspired you to be a music artist?

Sherrell: A large portion of my inspiration for my music comes from my loving mother. As far as giving it your all in the industry, I am influenced by the greatest entertainer of all time, Michael Jackson. When it comes time for singing and perfecting vocals, I feel inspired by the piano and from various guitars. Overall none of my talent would be possible without my savior, GOD and Jesus Christ.

Sherell Sharnic Sullivan cherrelle_sullivan@yahoo.com youtube.com/cherrellesullivan20 18 TRUE STAR JR.

New to the Game:

N.E.P.H.E.W.

BY LUTHER BOYD

H

ailing from the south side of Chicago, Te-Riel Lloyd, better known as N.E.P.H.E.W., is not your average 24 year old.

He is an artist on the rise in Chicago. He is the new addition to the rap game and he’s coming to make his mark. Lloyd believes he was born an artist and as he’s getting older, he’s perfecting his craft. Look out Chicago, N.E.P.H.E.W. is one of our city’s rising stars, and he’s not holding anything back.

True Star Jr: Te-Riel, how would you describe your style as a rapper?

Te-Riel: My music style is basically a soul-type rap music. I feel that the game is missing a lot right now. I’m the one that can bring it back. It’s always good to have the club hits and fun records, but hip-hop is about variety, and we can’t have that if everyone does the same thing.

TSJ: How will your music differ from the rap that’s already hitting the airwaves?

T: My music will bring more of an art feel because in my eyes music is an art, and many people just look at it as sound. Yes, I’m a hip-hop artist but I would compare my music style to Anthony Hamilton’s soulful poetic feel.

TSJ: Did you know you’d always rap?

T: Ten years ago I would have never thought I’d be here. I was always a big fan and good with words, but I never thought I was good enough to pursue. Look where I am now, I’ve already put out an album that was sold on iTunes, Amazon, and also Napster, and my goal has nothing to do with money and album sales. I want to create an influence and motivation for my listeners.

TSJ: What influences you to be a music artist?

T: My influence in music is not so much a person, it’s music in general as an art. As far as artists that I listen to and admire their music, I listen to a lot of Scarface, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Marvin Gaye, mainly lyricists and soulful artists.

Te-Riel Lloyd (N.E.P.H.E.W.) www.nephewfromthego.com TRUE STAR JR. 19

COMMENTARY BY CASHMERE

Behind the Statistics:

domestic violence

T

eens often struggle with separating abuse from love. Nearly one in five teenage girls has said that their boyfriend has inflicted violence or self-harm against them when presented with a break-up.

According to a 2008 study did by the Bureau of Justice on Domestic Violence, among youth, teen dating violence often is unknown because teenagers usually are inexperienced with dating relationships, are pressured by peers to act violently, want independence from parents, and have “romantic” views of love.

According to the “Bureau of Justice Statistics Crime Data Brief: Intimate Partner Violence,” “Intimate partner violent behavior made up 20% of all nonfatal violent crime experienced by women during 2001, and three percent of non-fatal for men.”

20 TRUE STAR JR.

BY CASHMERE BERT

Studies done by the State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, 3.3 million children witness physical and verbal spousal abuse each year. Research has proven that every single child that has been in a house where domestic violence occurred will grow up, and eventually have it be part of their life.

Domestic violence shouldn’t be part of any child’s life. It brings nothing but guilt, confusion, and anger upon the child. No child should have to be brought up having to deal with abuse upon their parents or guardians. If you ever get involved with a relationship like this, feel free to call 1-800-799-7233. This is a domestic violence hotline with people ready to listen.

PARENTAL ADVISORY?

not!

BY CASHMERE BERT

“F

ree speech not only lives, it rocks!” These wise words were said by the world-renowned mogul Oprah Winfrey.

Censorship is the editing of material from a written or visual presentation.

Sometimes the word “censored” indicates that material is removed in the concern of integrity, or would be offensive to the intended audience. This may be either sound (bleeped) or video (blurred). The media today has become more vulgar than ever before. On December 6, 1995, more than 25 national liberties groups, and commercial producers of entertainment, information, and journalism joined an ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union).

The United States Congress urged the conferees to reject all proposals to impose new government censorship. The U.S. Office of Censorship was created to control information pertaining to WW II originally.

In my opinion, censorship is brainless. It takes away the voices of people all over the world. It is pointless. It is dull. You should be able to say what is on your mind at all times. The world is so judgmental. If BACKGROUND DESIGN BY KENDRA BOGARD

d e d r e o r s o n s cceen everyone would stop and listen, they will then understand that people are speaking wisdom. If you can say something off the record then you should be able to say it freely. I believe that what you say is up to you. Freedom of speech is first amendment in the constitution. Is the constitution irrelevant now? Why does censorship even exist? It has no purpose but to put a muzzle on the citizens of the world. Will you let the world control your life?

TRUE STAR JR. 21

4EVER YOUNG

BY DOMINIQUE REED

T

oday’s youth are heavily influenced by the music they listen to. According to a fact released in 2008 by the New York Times, 9 out 10 teens have Mp3 players or CD players in their possession.

Music is a huge part of many people’s lives.

It affects today’s teens both positively and negatively. Music can influence a person’s behavior, perspective, personality, and judgment. It can also affect someone’s grades because they sometimes get too fascinated by music that they don’t leave enough time for school. Also, conveyed messages in music may distract teen’s judgments. For example, listening to a certain artist and their perception of what success is can be easily misunderstood to a young person’s mind.

Alexis Lanier, a 12 year old student at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, is a lover of anything and everything musical. “Music is my life. If someone took music from

Music is such a powerful mass medium because it involves pop culture and people’s style. It can change the way someone dressed, talks, and the way they feel. Many artists sing and/or write songs that justify violent behavior, sexual promiscuity, illegal activity and the negative behavior while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some teens idolize the artists and take the lyrics literally.

Music can also affect teens positively. If someone finds out they have a musical gift, they can possibly make that into a career.

Also, music can become a hobby. It will help them express themselves in a new and positive way.

Teens today have a small group of positive role models to pick from. The influence that music has on teens affects everyone. The artists have the responsibility to try to set good examples. Most teens today listen to music; therefore it has a strong influence on them.

me I would just die!” she said.

22 TRUE STAR JR.

DESIGN BY DARIUS HILLERY, SIMEON

DEEPER THAN SKIN

KAREEM

Abdul-Jabbar

Life after

Leukemia

BY NAIDA LANGDON

K

areem Abdul-Jabbar has gone from being one of the very best NBA basketball players to having a rare form of leukemia named chronic myeloid leukemia. But ever since he was diagnosed with the disease, he has been informing the public of how important it is to get tested because you could have leukemia and not even know it.

Kareem is proof that just because you are diagnosed with a rare disease does not mean you can’t live a normal life.

Statistics say that leukemia is not a rare disease. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), about 139,860 people

were diagnosed with leukemia in the United States alone in 2008. AbdulJabbar previously played basketball for the Miami Heat as one of the best until 1989. Kareem left the Heat with a good reputation.

Abdul-Jabbar’s basketball coach quoted “Let’s not judge him. He was a great player and we can’t take that away from him.” Kareem has had a great life and intends to keep fighting.

“I will fight this to the end. It is all in God’s hands now.”

TRUE STAR JR. 23

The Real Story Behind

The process in which people make locks/dreadlocks are:

Dread Locks 1.

BY JADA BEASLEY

Wash your hair with residue free shampoo

and let hair air-dry or sit under the dryer.

2.

Separate hair into 1 inch by 1 inch

sections. Rubberbands are recommended to hold sections in place.

3.

Once you have sectioned off all of your

hair, take one section at a time and twist it back and forth between your fingers, then put some

N

ow, many people don’t know that there is a difference between locks and dreadlocks.

Locks are the thin textured twist and dreadlocks are the thick textured twist. There are many stereotypes about “dreadlocks.” Some are: they are dirty and messy, they are only for people from African descent, they can’t be washed, they are not good for females to commonly wear. Here are some of the actual FACTS about locks/dreadlocks: They start off as twist, they are permanent after they are locked, anyone can have them, if you don’t like them, you can get them taken out when they are first twisted (before they are permanent).

wax on the twist and keep twisting it. The more you twist the hair back and forth the faster the dreadlocks/locks will form.

She explained,” First we analyze the client’s hair to see how long it will take to lock. Then, we do concoil twist and put their hair under the dryer.

We then dip their hair in lemon juice and they continue to add the lemon juice every 3 weeks.

Finally, the twists lock.” Some lockticians will never tell you the various oils and creams they use to start twists. If you ask 50 lockticians what they use to kick start the locking process, you will get 50 DIFFERENT ANSWERS! The world of locks is so secretive that owners sometimes don’t even tell their employees. If they told people, they wouldn’t come back for more…right?

Dreadlocks/locks have become the biggest hairstyle sweeping the nation ever since rap star Lil’ Wayne introduced them to the world.

Now, everyone around the world is trying them out. Stylists who do the dreadlocks/locks

Marquita Brown added, “People get chemicals all the time here. I don’t consider one over the other, but people choose to get natural hair or chemicals based on their lifestyles.” The Soul

call themselves “lockticians” because they are considered experts in doing different styles in locks and giving them to anyone. Marquita Brown, an employee of Soul Salon Spa said, “We have hundreds and hundreds of styles in locks. Our shop started off as all natural hair, but we started adding chemicals as times and styles evolved.”

Salon Spa is owned by Joyce Kelley-Brown and specializes in natural hair, but do chemicals and things also.

This is the end of this tour in the world of dreadlocks/locks. That’s all folks. Next time you think about getting your perm, consider going ALL NATURAL!

24 TRUE STAR JR.

KEEPIN’ SCORE

Does Wrestling Make

TEENS More Violent?

BY: JOSHUA CHAPMAN

T

he Tombstone Piledriver (Undertaker). The RKO (Randy Orton). The Killswitch (Christian).

The Pedigree (Triple H). The STFU (John Cena).

These are some of the WWE’s (World Wrestling Entertainment) most violent finishers and millions of our youth watch wrestling weekly. The WWE affects the daily life of many kids in the U.S. Wrestling comes on 4 times a week, 6 hours a week, 52 weeks of the year. That’s an equivalent of 312 hours of wrestling a year or 1.2 hours a day. According to Ned Hartley, editor of WWE Heroes, a new comic book set to debut next month, more than 1.6 million teens watch the violent adolescents and adults they are heading to be.

Many kids look up to the wrestlers as heroes or idols. One of the most dangerous things about wrestling is that it is extremely addicting. After you watch a couple of episodes of the stuff, it’s a challenge to give it up. Also, after teens watch this, they’re tempted to try the moves out

for themselves on their friends, family members and even in fights. WWE is on top of the entertainment business right now and with a fan base younger and larger than ever. Let’s hope that we can get a message to and through our youth so they won’t misunderstand that wrestling is for entertainment and not meant to provoke violent behaviors.

DESIGN BY DARIUS HILLERY, SIMEON TRUE STAR JR. 25

A True Point Guard:

Ahmad Starks

BY MCKINLEY NELSON

D

efending Class 4A State Champions, Whitney Young, produces great talent every

“School always comes first,” Starks said.

year. This year the production is stellar star senior point guard, Ahmad Starks, who’s headed to Oregon State next year and has a bright future ahead of him.

He said he definitely plans to go to college.

“I plan to major in Business or Sports Management because my parents are both entrepreneurs and sports management because if I don’t make it far, I can still be around the game.”

He’s a Chicago native whose game resembles that of someone on the NBA: Tony Parker, Chris Paul, and Derrick Rose, to name a few. Though he may not be as lucky as Derrick Rose to play at his hometown arena, he’ll be thankful to play anywhere.

He is someone to look up to as a role model.

His parents taught him to gentlemen.

“Not necessarily the United Center but anywhere pro, but United Center would be great,” Starks said.

“My dad is my role model because he taught me pretty much everything I know and his teachings have lead me to be who I am today, an academic and athletic scholar.

While Starks put his game face on for the basketball court, he remains diligent in his school work.

Starks continues to put in hard work and dedication so that one day, maybe sooner than he thinks, his dreams of playing pro will come true.

26 TRUE STAR JR.

show us what ' working with youre Do you think you have what it takes to be in front of the camera? Is your fashion sense and style the envy of all your friends? If you think so, show us your best pictures on our Blog. Create a profile on www.truestaris.com and join the group Models, make sure to include a face and full body shot. We’re looking for boys and girls ages 14 - 22 all sizes, races and ethnicities.

TRUE STAR JR. 27

28 TRUE STAR JR.