Vome Magazine | January 2018

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CHRONICLES OF A YOUNG IMMIGRANT

INTRODUCING THIS YEAR’S AMAZING

YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY

FOCUS ON AFRICA: FASHION & CULTURE

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VOMÉ January, 2018

2018: THE YEAR OF THE YOUTH

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VOMÉ

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Letter From The Editor in Chief

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appy New Year!!!!

Wow! It is exciting to note that a new year is upon us!

At VOME, we are proclaiming 2018 AS THE Year of the Youth!

The idea for this youth-inspired edition was actually conceived by my 18 year old son, Femi Kareem. He felt like there was a strong need for the youth to be highlighted in a positive light, he felt that there was a great divide in our communities when it comes to the youth. He emphasized some of the needs of the youth, which are: to be heard, seen, acknowledged.

Our goal is to shift focus from the all-too-popular negativity surrounding the youth, which is deeply highlighted in mainstream and social media and to put a positive light on the amazing things been done in the community by the youth.

Photographer: Carey Payne

In this special edition of VOME’ magazine, we are celebrating some of our youth in the community.

We want to showcase and spotlight some of the young people out there who are doing incredible things in their own rights. We want to provide a much needed platform for them to showcase their gifts, talents, creativity, and entrepreneurial achievements.

Here is to the youth, the future leaders and some of their many accomplishments.

Oremeyi Kareem Editor-in-Chief and Publisher

FEATURES

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Health and Wellness

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Talent

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Youth Inspired

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Focus on Africa

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Modern Student Scholar

2018: Year of the Youth

Arts and Culture

VOMÉ Magazine PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Oremeyi Kareem CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Nana Jenkins; Adefunke Grimsley CREATIVE DIRECTOR Oremeyi Kareem GRAPHIC DESIGNER www.enejodesign.com

CONTRIBUTORS: Femi Kareem Chelsea Ellis, Desmond Pearls MAKEUP ARTISTS: Tameka Elliot Brionna Jones Lola Tia Mao PHOTOGRAPHERS: Hilton Saiaffa Jr Mellek photography

Vome’ Magazine is published Quarterly by House of Debonaire’ 332 West Broadway suite 1604 Louisville, KY 40202 IG:@vome_magazine vomemagazine6@gmail.com

Website: www.vomemag.com Advertise: : 5023771613 or vomemagazine6@gmail.com

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HEALTH

“Model Student Scholar”

Liberia Native | EKU Stories | Eastern Kentucky UniversityFEATURED MODEL

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By Yasmin White, Student Writer, EKU Communications and Brand Management Article courtesy Aggi Williams

cclaimed by her professors as “the model student scholar,” Eastern Kentucky University senior Aggie Williams is a living example of the power of hard work and dedication.

Williams is originally from Monrovia, Liberia, a nation on the western coast of Africa. There, she lived in a small house with 11 others, including her grandparents, parents, aunts and cousins.

Williams walked with her cousins to and from school every day, and studied by candlelight, as they had no access to technology.

In 2005, her mother’s work as a missionary brought the family to the United States, where they hoped to find a better life. The transition was understandably difficult at first, in every aspect from weather to language. The family, which moved to the states in the late autumn/ early winter, quickly experienced their VOMÉ Magazine© • January 2018

first snow, a stark departure from the heat back home. Williams also felt as if she had to completely re-learn English. Though English is the official language of Liberia, it varies quite a bit from American English, which made communication difficult at first.

The family quickly adapted to their new home in Louisville. Williams, especially, was awed by the difference in the education system and the plethora of opportunities before her. She immersed herself in her studies at Central High School, and was crowned Louisville Education and Employment Partnership Student of the Year upon graduation. Her hard work soon paid off in the form of several impressive scholarships, including the Ronald E. McNair Scholarship, Meredith J. Cox Scholarship, Clarence H. Gifford Scholarship, Layne-wood Endowed Scholarship, Commonwealth Minority Scholarship, Retention Scholarship and the Rodney Gross Diversity Scholarship.

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“The scholarships reduced my financial burden/stress and made a way for me to focus more on my studies rather than my financial issues,” Williams reflected. “They created more interest and motivation to pursue my education.”

While Williams was humbled by the awards, she knew her work was not done yet. She continued her pattern of hard work and excellence in college, receiving EKU’s 2014 Outstanding First-Year Student Award. Since coming to Eastern, she has served as a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Diversity Scholars Group and the African Student Association, where she has served as vice president for two years. She is also a certified peer mentor, First-Year Leader, and has worked as a student employee in the diversity office for the past three years.

It wasn’t until the summer of 2017, however, that she truly found her passion: pharmaceutical research. As part of the McNair Scholar Program, Williams was required to spend at least one summer conducting research under the direction of a mentor. Like most students, Williams was nervous at first at the prospect of doing her own research, but it didn’t take long for those feelings to change. With the help of her mentor, Dr. Lindsay Calderon, Williams spent the summer studying the efficacy of a novel chemotherapeutic agent, PtMal-LHRH, in reducing breast cancer tumor growth in comparison to the drug Carboplatin.

Williams first presented her findings in August 2017 at the Ronald E. McNair Undergraduate Research Conference at the University of Buffalo in Niagara Falls, New York. In September, she presented at the Minority Access 18th Annual Conference for STEM Research in Washington D.C. She is scheduled to present at the Posters at the Capitol event in Frankfort in February 2018, and again at the University of Maryland the following month.

Williams’ summer of research and subsequent studies has inspired her to pursue a doctoral degree in biomedical sciences following her graduation from Eastern in May 2018. She hopes to work in the pharmaceutical field, along with teaching.

When she’s not busy in the laboratory, Williams finds herself volunteering at Norton’s Healthcare in Louisville, where she has spent time shadowing surgeons performing major operations, working with palliative care pa-

tients, and getting hands-on experience in the pharmacy.

As she prepares for graduation in the spring, Williams reflects on her time here at EKU. “My outlook on life has changed. I’ve grown to be more independent. I’ve experienced things that made me thankful just to be able to have an education.” To future students, she says, “It only gets harder, but it will get better. You’ve just got to make it through the hard stuff first.”

Source: Eastern Kentuky University.

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Photographer: Hilton Siaffa Jr

ENTREPRENEUR/ INNOVATOR

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ustin M. Jackson is an artist, in every sense of the word. He’s an actor, character designer, writer, comedian, showersinger, kitchen-dancer, and overall a fun 22-year old young man. Born in Miami Florida, he relocated to Louisville Kentucky with his parents Vince and Nikki Jackson, when he was eight years old.

Photo credit: Hilton Siaffa Jr.

His strong work ethic is rivalled by his keen sense of humour. Since his sophomore year in high school he’s been working on an animated show idea that was originally a game he and his friends made up while bored in class. (Disclaimer: Pay attention in class) As the characters became more elaborate, their backgrounds began to intertwine and weave. A story was born. However, as time went on the story morphed and changed into a true world known as Next Guardian. At this time Justin was attending Savannah College of Art and Design. After graduating with a degree in Performing Arts in 2017, he decided to come home to Louisville, Kentucky, and throw himself into the development of this project. Thus, Next Guardian, LLC was born. His company has two employees and two contractors. They are hoping to pitch their show to networks this Spring. When he’s not working on Next Guardian, Justin enjoys developing and performing stand up comedic routines and spending time in the studio to record “hot bars“ (occasionally) and spoken word. He is also doing a bit of acting around town and has recently been cast in Knights End television series. Check him out in his recently created YouTube Channel, “Next Guardian, LLC” where he chronicles the development of his company; an idea he got from the business mogul Gary Vaynerchuk. He comically discusses his developments on the project, while giving his audience a first hand look into the world of Next Guardian. Look for Justin on stage, on screen, and behind the scenes. This kid can do it all.

Justin Jackson Justin Jackson

SPORTS

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Photo credit: Hilton Siaffa Jr.

nited States from Cameroon in 2016 at 15 years old with dreams to play basketball. His dreams were interrupted when he arrived, however, to find that the school he came to join was no longer able to support him, and he was left in limbo. By the grace of God, a family from Southern Indiana was able to find him, and within a few days of his arrival, he was headed to what would become his forever-family. He plays basketball for his school Rock Creek Community Academy, where he is a sophomore. Kevin is very active in his church and volunteers with the Louisville, KY-based Refuge Ministries, where he has served the community in various ways. Kevin is also an active member of Youth for Christ. Kevin has quickly acculturated to life in the United States, but never forgets his birth family back home in Cameroon, and he communicates with them often

Kevin Meyer VOME Magazine • January 2018

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TALENT

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ilton N. Siaffa Jr, is a 19 year old photographer and an upcoming retoucher based in Louisville, KY, he is originally from Liberia. As a young mind, he strives to create and inspire cinematic moments. Photography is how he speaks, feel and tells his story.

He loves what he does and adores the creative process. A man once told him that you don’t become successful doing nine to five, you become successful doing what you love! That statement has stuck with him ever since and he plans to hopelessly turn this passion into major success.

photo credit

Photo credit: Hilton Siaffa Jr.

Hilton serves as the photographer for the Cover and part of this youth inspired edition.

Hilton Siaffa Jr VOME Magazine • January 2018

TALENT

Samuel Grimes

Ella MeYERS

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lla Meyer is a 7th grade student at Rock Creed Community Academy in Sellersburg, IN. A recent athlete addition to the Element Elite Cheer and Tumbling squad “Lady Lithium,” she and her team have gone on to secure multiple back-to-back tournament championship wins, including breaking the winning streak record for their gym. She is actively involved in her church where she serves on many Saturdays with the babies (whom she loves!) and in 2017 she served with a small team of her age group peers with a living community of mentally challenged individuals. She and her team lived and laughed with these special members of this live-in community for several days, expanding their minds and hearts for others. Ella loves her close group of friends and spends her time with them and with her family when she isn’t cheering.

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amuel Lee Otoniel Grimes was born in Central America on August 15, 2000, and came to the United States from Guatemala at 10 months old. He has lived in Southern Indiana since then, and he has become an active member of the community. He can be found nearly every weekend playing guitar and bass guitar in his church’s High School aged worship band and serving with and contributing to the local chapter of Youth for Christ. He spent part of his 2017 Summer serving the growing Christian community in Havana, Cuba alongside other high school students, learning more about the local culture and worshipping together in home churches. He is devoted to his friends and family, and spends most of his time with them. He is a junior at Rock Creek Community Academy in Sellersburg, IN and is planning for a career in nursing.

TALENT

photo credit: Hilton Siaffa Jr

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inopa Brewer is a thirteen year old eighth grader who attends Newburg Middle School. The bubbly cheerleader is one of four students who were accepted into the MST program at DuPont Manual High School in the MST program.

The beautiful Sinopa is also an avid volunteer.

She is involved in several clubs in her school, including BETA club and S.P.A.R.K.L.E. BETA i s club based on community service and being helpful towards others.

A successful club needs accurate record keeping; Sinopa helps to organise and maintain accurate records of the hours of community service each member of the club has completed. As well as informing all members of upcoming events.

She also donates her time at the Evangel World Prayer Centre, helping in the nursery department.

In the five years since she has been on her school’s cheer team, the teenager has held multiple leadership roles, such as co-captain and captain. She states that cheerleading helped improve her social and team building skills, iterating that in cheer, trust is a key component in the success of a team.

Sinopa’s cheerleading team work on cheers for different sports like football and basketball, during the sport season, while also participating in competitions held throughout the year.

They compete against teams from a variety of places and schools that have different skills which are diplayed throughout the event.

She believes competition is a valuable experience where team members can work on bonding together and their strengths as a group. Several competitions offer college scholarships to winning teams.

As captain, Sinopa encourages her teammates to perform to the best of their abilities, as well as holding each cheerleader accountable for their actions, whether positive or negative.

sinopa brewer

VOMÉ Magazine • January 2018

Mariyah Jodey Martin

TALENT

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ariyah Jodey Martin, age 15 born in a gifted & talented family arrayed in music & various arts. Her Mother is a Singer, Model & Actor, with musician roots in her family line & her father is a Pastor & Comedian. Mariyah no doubt carries on the same mantle of talents as shared within her family. Singing since age 2, Mariyah developed a love for dance & theatre. By age 8 She began ballet, tap & dance at the Michael Thomas Dance academy. Mariyah attended School Choirs & was also on the dance, cheerleading team in her elementary years. In 2015, Mariyah joined a youth actors camp where her hunger for theatre grew & advanced under the direction of Erica Denise Bledsaw. Months later she debuted in her first stage play, “The Wiz.” Mariyah’s natural acting abilities landed her 5 roles in the stage play: Poppy, Crow, Tornado, Munchkin & major role of “Glenda”, The Good Witch. Along with these roles, Mariyah mastered various dance routines as well. Mariyah also acted in Black Nativity & in 2017 Mariyah’s growing passion & dedication of theatre Arts landed her the staring role of “Belle”, in Beauty & the Beast. Mariyah is currently singing in a Youth Millennial Choir & is also apart of a youth trio gospel singing group called NCM. Mariyah is a Sophomore & 3.0 academic scholar at Butler High school with hopes of continuing her passion for theatre, singing & dreams of becoming a Private Investigator or Prestigious Actor on Broadway in New York

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Alex betts

lex Betts began his career in dance at Morehead State University where he studied, Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, African, Ballroom, and Contemporary. While attending Morehead State University Alex performed in the Core Dance Ensemble under the direction of Natasha L. Davis, where he performed solo’s and also received recognition for being the most improved dancer his sophomore year. Alex began dancing professionally in 2014 with Keen Dance Theater under the direction of John Keen, where he served as the Rehearsal Director and company member. Alex has performed as a dancer/actor in many big productions, including Hairspray, Grease, and Motown Christmas. In 2017 Alex started what is now Waterworks Dance Theater and strives to teach and educate children and adults on dance terminology, movement and dance education. Alex’s goal is to provide a service to people that normally wouldn’t have the means to obtain this type of experience. Everyone should be free to express themselves through movement.

where she loves learning, & helping to assist her teachers during Math class. Sydni began dance at the age of 3. Her early exposure to dance captivated her interest in cheerleading by age 5. Sydni grew a hunger that just wanted more. Her drive for dance coupled with gymnastics, and by the age of 7, Sydni met her passion of becoming a gymnast. Sydni has proven, that despite her age or size, she will let nothing hold her back of perusing her dreams & desires. She has a natural light that shines bright in any room she’s in.

Bringing joy to those around her. Sydni loves volunteering & helping to feed the homeless, bringing joy spunky & adventurously & entertainment to the elderly. Sydni has just started driven 7yr old who’s unafraid to take the world by center her YouTube page, with the help of her Mother. Sydni loves playing with her dolls as a typical 7 yr old should stage. She is a student at the J. Graham Brown Elementary school, & hopes to become a fashion model & a contortionist.

Sydni Penny,

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Obike G Brewer

SERVICE

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Being in MCJROTC (marine corps junior reserve officer training corps) has really changed my out look on life through all the hard work and time put in. I started MCJROTC my freshmen year of highschool. In this program I learn about leadership tbrought the lenses of the Marine corps. It all starts with the structured classes where cadets learn everything from first aid to marksmanship to just BDR (basic daily routine). In our classes we have two Marine instructors one officer and one enlisted. My instructors are Major Steimle and Sgt. Maj. Wren each weak cadets have three acedemic classes and two physical fitness classes. In the acedemic classes we learn military history, leadership tactics, uniform regulation, first aid, marksmanship, military knowledge, and social and political changes. In the united states. As for my experiences in JROTC I have had many billets (jobs) from my very first year being a fire team leader being in charge of 6 people. To my second year being a platoon sergeant and being in charge of 25 people. To this year being in charge of 112 people as the S3 (operations office). My job as S3 is to plan and execute critical events and chart the course of the program as directed by my commanding officer. My job is very difficult but it is the most exciting thing I have ever done. I cant even really picture what my life would be like with out JROTC

Photo credit: Hilton Siaffa Jr.

y experience in MCJROTCObike G Brewer

because it is more than just a class I go to every day, it is more than a group of people who share similar ideals, it’s more than competitions or class work, it is ingrained into my everyday life how I dress how I speak and how I treat others. It helps me see the world in a different light, it is built confidence and abilities beyond anything that I had known before it is removed fear and in its place it is given courage and willingness to do for oneself and others around it is ingrained selflessness and compassion. And above all it is giving me a family that I can always rely on no matter what the cause maybe because of the

trust that has built between me and my peers. Thus far I would say that besides my parents it is been the most positive effect on my life and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

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TALENT

Photo credit: Hilton Siaffa Jr.

aylen is a 12 1/2 year old student who attends collegiate school. He is the son of Sarah Duncan and Phillip Henderson. Baylen’s extra curricular activities include soccer, playing the stand up bass, reading, quick recall video games. He has a big heart and loves spending time with his extended family which consistes OG aunties, uncles, grandma, and cousins. A dream of Baylen’s is to travel internationally to Ghana West Africa to discover his roots.

Baylen Duncan

“What a beautiful woman. She moved with grace, she was entirely feminine, and yet, she possessed incredible inner strength.

She’s a survivor.”

Jan Moran, Scent of Triumph

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find it accurate to say that us as females don’t have much of a choice but to live up to social expectations. Now this may sound quite easy to do but it’s really not especially if you come from a society that lives by strong religious and traditional/cultural norms. Education for instance; traditionally, women were expected to stay home and do chores while men work and it stayed that way even after modern education was introduced, to where boys who were considered the future breadwinners went to school and girls stayed home. But now education has been made accessible to girls but in most cases, they are still second priority. No matter how much education a girl receives, there is a certain amount of knowledge they can freely express around men (basically women can’t be smarter than men).

Growing up in a patriarchal society in Rwanda, I knew that Ernen had to make sure the men had everything they needed above everything. I was in school while some other girls my age stayed home cooking and cleaning the house, fulfilling their only purpose in life: to become a full potential housewife. We are raised to believe that if we don’t meet certain standards to men then we are unworthy, so mothers devote their time to teach us how to be the girl a man will marry through endless lectures on how to act, dress, clean, but most importantly how to cook.

“If your father doesn’t like the rice, your future husband won’t either!” my mother always tells me. Most of the time, girls lose themselves trying to please every man on the street and seeking validation because that’s what most of us have been raised to do.

But then again, we were privileged to come and live overseas but it didn’t make it easier for some. Moving to a new place with different life-

styles comes with more challenges especially with trying to preserve the traditional mannerisms and the way parents enforce them once we get here. I must admit, we can be really judgmental especially when we see one of our sisters starting to get “too Americanized” so they call it; that is when they start speaking up more and addressing certain issues like this one, changing their sense of style and discovering their self worth. But honestly, this is where sisterhood comes in; no one takes so much like we do, we carry and bring life on earth, and no one has had to live up to these expectations and more but us as ladies.

We may not be appreciated enough for what we do, but that’s what makes us stronger.

We are beautiful, elegant and we do what we do well. We must not forget that the indignation of our traditions can not come in the way of our dreams. And while following your dream, you must never forget your roots because there’s a beauty that lies there as well and that makes us warriors, survivors and queens. So go get that education, learn how cook that rice but don’t forget your crown.

Bernice Umukiza

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TALENT

Bernice Umukiza

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YOUTH INSPIRED

Rachele gray

Raechele Janiece Gray

CEO / Mediapreneur / Branding Expert / Business Coach / Speaker

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aechele Gray is a phenomenal young woman in her own right. Her passion for Branding, Entrepreneurship, Creative Media, and Self-Development has inspired countless other young people to explore their God-given purpose and develop those passions into entrepreneurial pursuits. Raechele is also known for her ability to inspire and bring out the best in every person she comes in contact with. She believes the more people you help to succeed, the more successful you become and is here to serve you.

As founder and Creative Director of her very own company, Greater Works, LLC, Raechele is responsible for all client accounts and creative projects that are developed by the design team at Greater Works Design Studio. Her works have been featured in various avenues including the Office of KY Governor Steven L. Beshear with the Kentucky Commission on Women, several nation-wide publications including the Power to Exhale Magazine.

Raechele Gray is a take-charge business-woman, writer and mediapreneur who educated herself to excellence in every area of life so she can better serve others. She has been integral in the success of her family enterprise Creative Spirits Networks, Inc. She currently serves as the Associate Director of Community Development Division, the

community rehabilitation arm of Creative Spirits Behavioral Health designed to support, empower and assist clients who are in need of workforce services, life skills training and community support. She is also the Chief Marketing Officer for Creative Spirits Networks, Inc. where she is responsible for all corporate marketing efforts for the organization. Prior to joining the staff at Creative Spirits, Raechele Gray experienced several impressive internship or job opportunities including:

• Graduate Assistant, Dept of Communications, Eastern

Kentucky University

• Graduate Intern, KY Commission on Women, Office of Gov.

Steven L. Beshear.

• Marketing and Event Coordinator, the Empowering Center for

Academic Excellence, Washington D.C.

• Planning Committee Chair and Host of C.R.U.N.K.Fest

Youth Conference

• Co-Founder and Ministry Leader, Athletes in Training

(formerly Athletes in Action), Eastern Kentucky University Raechele has received many honors, including the Athletic Directors Leadership Award

by EKU Athletic Department. The EKU Athletic Director’s Leadership Award is bestowed upon a student-athlete who exemplifies achievement in the sport and in the classroom, as well as leadership. Raechele also received countless awards and honors throughout her high school and collegiate basketball career. A naturally gifted scholar, Raechele graduated high school in the top ten percent of her class and attended Eastern Kentucky University, where she graduate with a Bachelors in Public Relations and a Masters of Business Administration.

She is the daughter of Rev. Dr. Kilen K. Gray, pastor of New Mt Zion Baptist Church of Shelbyville, KY and Lady Cassandra D. Harris-Gray, author, business owner, speaker and therapists of Creative Spirits Ministries, LLC.

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Humanitarian and Community building agency. She gains a considerable amount of satisfaction in her work, moreover, she is fulfilling her passion for servicing an often neglected community.

Her adoration for children is also met in her part time work as an Applied Behavioral Analyst Therapist for children with autism.

Determined to impact her community at large Olutosin sought a platform that tied her interest in heritage, charity, and empowerment. She became a competitor for the title of Miss Nigeria USA. Through this platform she was able to impact young women and girls alike. She exhibited what true beauty is: a light from within that shines through charity, volunteerism and being a change agent. As Miss Nigeria USA 2015-2016 she seized the opportunity to promote women empowerment, education as well as breast cancer awareness.

Olutosin’s humanitarian efforts spans from many notable organizations in the USA and Nigeria, one such organization that is dear to her is the Royal Diamond Orphanage in Ikeja, Nigeria.

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irst generation Nigerian-American and recent college graduate of Montclair State University, Olutosin Itohan Araromi firmly believes in appreciating the opportunities America holds, but still stays true to her Nigerian heritage. She has enabled her love for empowering others through her study of Human Services with a concentration in Health/Family Services and a minor in Psychology. Olutosin currently works in her field as a Therapeutic Support Supervisor for a northern New Jersey mental health provider

Olutosin’s entrepreneurial spirit was also amplified as a title holder. She is now an event host/presenter, a New York Fashion Week featured published model and a public speaker. With many milestones accomplished you can expect Olutosin to channel her energy to greater heights. She is on a clear path to fully reach her long term goals as a social entrepreneur, international goodwill ambassador, motivational speaker, world renowned model, philanthropist, brand ambassador, author, and an activist.

You too can dare to dream. Don’t let anyone tell you the sky is the limit, when there are footprints on the moon!

Follow her journey on her social media accounts • -Instagram:@iamolutosin • -Facebook: Olutosin Araromi • -Business email: bookings@iamolutosin.com

Social Entrepreneur, CEO and Founder of The Glass Capitol

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am a social entrepreneur, founder of America’s community lobbying platform, The Glass Capitol. Social entrepreneurs, like all entrepreneurs, are people with a passion and the drive to share it with the world.

What makes any venture a social venture is the motivation behind that drive. Social ventures are characterized by a mission to benefit society. I found my mission while watching our government develop the Affordable Care Act from 2009 - 2010. I’ll never forget the anger that gripped me as I watched an huge contingency of our leaders consistently lambast and sabotage the legislative process due to, from what I could see, unfounded hatred of a President I loved.

I was appalled and powerless watching a democratic supermajority legislate from the center; proposing a free market conservative solution that could have been the more progressive policy of universal healthcare. The lack of progress on this issue, and then on subsequent political developments, proved to me that good faith, bipartisan governance can be stymied when rational people don’t participate, enabling false narratives to prosper. That’s why my mission is to help more people see our government for what it is and act to make it better, and I used my self taught skill as a programmer to start The Glass Capitol.

The Glass Capitol started as a public data visualizer in early 2015. At first I wrongly assumed that lack of information was the only thing preventing people from fully engaging in the process. After working with local organizers on a participatory budgeting guide I realized that there is another problem: cynicism. People rightfully feel powerless because only organized money or organized people can force any change in government.

That’s why through 2017 The Glass Capitol grew from focusing solely on visualizing public data to helping local organizers facilitate action. I learned to focus less on numbers and more on people because we must to work together if we want to realize a better,more transparent and more open

YOUTH INSPIRED

government. That process has to start here, at the local level where representatives have fewer constituents and a single voice holds real power.

In Louisville, community organizers consistently struggle due to legacy of redlining. The 9th street divide is far more than a geographic or ethnic border: it represents the polarity that has plagued not only Louisville, but the entire nation and the more toxic elements of the contemporary political landscape. A more united Louisville would have more influence in our state legislature. Our state would be stronger for it. Change begins locally and that is where our community lobbying tools can have the most impact. This is where truly meaningful work can take place, and fortunately the connections i’ve been able to forge with local entrepreneurship community helped guide me towards fundamentally change how Americans interact with government. We can fight cynicism by shifting attention towards local politics where individual voices are more likely to be heard. We can empower communities to organize around solutions to problems in local public policy. We can help people connect more to their representatives so together we can build a stronger society and we’re starting that right here, in Louisville Kentucky. Look for our app later this year.

Alexander Haynes

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Alexander HAYNES

Alternative to college/Entrepreneur

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Chelsea A. Ellis

remember it like it was yesterday. Four-years ago I was sitting at Eastern High School trying my best to figure out what college I wanted to go to. I had been accepted to all of the colleges that I applied to and even offered “full rides,” but something in my heart wasn’t allowing me to be excited about the idea of spending 4+, more years in traditional education.

My name is Chelsea Ellis and my background is, I have a Father, Sam Ellis who has been an entrepreneur since he was 18-years old, even while struggling with being a young parent and (undiagnosed at the time) dyslexic. Also, my Mother has been a hair stylist since she was 18-years old and always told me about how she always knew what she wanted to do with her life. I think being raised by two parents who were passionate about their careers made me realize not to settle, but only do the things I really enjoyed doing. So I found myself really searching and trying to figure out what would be the next chapter of my life.

It was one specific moment I remember that helped me make my final decision. I had already been thinking about entrepreneurship and even entering into University of Louisville’s business program. However, one day my Father and I went out to lunch and while waiting for our table he asked me, “Chelsea, have you decided what college you’re going to?” At

that moment, I decided to tell him, “Dad, I don’t think college is for me… I really want to learn about entrepreneurship.” Instead of being angry or disagreeing with that response, he replied by saying, “Well, if you really decide not to go to college, I can give you two alternative options.

One, you can work with Jim Reynolds Asphalt Sealcoating (our family business), or two, I will invest the time and money to help you learn about online marketing.”

At that time, I accepted my Father’s help to try a new age way of learning. I made the choice to first step into my family’s asphalt sealcoating company and for the first year spent time going to my Father’s office everyday, learning from him about entrepreneurship and business. Also, he invested in us going to different conferences, summits and trainings around the US to learn from the best online marketers and business owners in the country. So, I was still in a form of school, learning, continuing my education, but instead of learning from a college, I was learning hands on from my Father and from experts in entrepreneurship. I invested in a lot of podcasts, books and video training courses to learn the different skills needed to become a successful business owner. I was learning from people like Pam Hendrickson, Eric Thomas, David Wood, John Lee Dumas and more.

Now, four years later I am a full time entrepreneur, speaker, digital product creator, #1 bestselling author of “Fail to Success,” web talk show host and more. I even host my own events teaching

people about the skills that I have been able to learn from many experts. It has truly been an amazing experience. I realize college is a great form of education for those who want to go into fields such as medicine, law, engineering… and need structure with their education.

Then there are some people like like me - hard working, risk takers, disciplined, self

motivated and interested in investing in their education in non-traditional ways in order to reach the success that they want. That’s why I spend my time in my business, creating events and products that can help the millennial and next generation of entrepreneurs. Education doesn’t begin or end with college or a degree. Education is a commitment to self to always seek knowledge, always grow and ALWAYS be your best.

If you want to learn more about me go to:

thechelseaellisshow.com

YOUTH INSPIRED

Focus on

Africa

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ARTS AND CULTURE Photos courtesy: Moremi The Musical

photo credit: AXXXXXX

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VOME’

VOMÉ

VOME Magazine • August 2017

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photo credit

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VOME Magazine • January 2018

ENTREPRENEUR

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sha Reaves aged 16 began her journey July 2017. She started a T-shirt line called “Peetty Apparel” She designs all the T-shirts and currently sells them on her website.

Her inspiration has always been her mom who also owns a small business(Asha & Nia Jewelry box). Asha started her T-shirt line by making small inspirational “feel good” type quotes. It wasn’t until her mom gave her the idea of putting the quotes on T-shirt’s and selling them that Pretty Apparel came about.

One of the reasons why this was created was to showcase her creativity as well as to make other girls and women feel more confident by wearing these shirts.

Watch me while I sit pretty was one of the first designs and is now a top seller. She owes much of her success to her family because of their amazing amount of support.

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Shaakira barber Biography

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haakira Barber is what you call a pure multipotentialite who continues to defeat the odds. At birth she was diagnosed with a rare spinal disorder called congenital kyphosis and a heart murmur. The upbringing of this young lady was nothing short of amazing. Her love of the arts began early childhood. She was exposed to the music industry at a very young age alongside her father Native, who was apart of the group Southernaire Allstars with the late and great Static Major.

In grade school she participated in dance and band while undergoing major spine procedures. By 5th grade she endured her last surgery which left her with titanium rods in her spine.

Through those difficult times of rehab, she spent most of her time writing poetry and singing. Shaakira competed within the Kentucky Music Educators Association and won many distinguished awards while attending middle and high school. She also participated in the journalism committee during her high school career at Fern Creek. Upon graduating high school she committed to Northern Kentucky University for her undergrad. After completing one year, she left to begin her journey of finding her purpose.

She received state licensing as a state registered nurse aid and moved to Atlanta, GA. Once she arrived, she found her one of gifts as an emcee. She began touring various venues and performing at open mic sessions. Subsequently she found a passion for creating jewelry, becoming a freelance photographer and beginning an online business titled Sweet Revolt Co all at once. Her first year as an entrepreneur became successful and she ventured off into becoming a vendor at speaking engagements, selling jewelry and clothing. While entering her second year as business owner, she decided to rebrand and dove into audio engineering. Thus Shaak The World was born and started her music career. She began taking music seriously as well as honing in on her craftsmanship with fine jewelry. Shaak The World is continuing to grow as she develops into a savvy businesswoman and artist. Her love of fashion led her to working with various artists, styling them for music videos and photo shoots.

In 2017, she decided to go back to Northern Kentucky University and finish obtaining her nursing degree and participated in theatre. The first production she was featured in as an actress was “The Invisible Girl Project”. This opportunity led the cast to perform in the Cincinnati Fringe Film Festival with great reviews. She also landed a position as an audio engineer for ESPN3 on behalf

of NKU sports. While attending college she began working with different artists and released her first collaborative music video.

Shaakira is currently a full time nursing student operating an online business and creates music aside from her studies.

Shaakira Barber Shaak The World

photo credit: aesthetic aperature.

Shaakira barber

Marshal Arts Track & Field

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on-Christian Saulnerond is a 15 year old sophomore at Jeff High and has been running track since he was 7 years old. He has ran for a private team...Westside Track Club in Louisville Kentucky for 7 years that competes in AAU and USAF track meets during the summer. He has run for his elementary schoo,l middle school and currently in high school on both the Cross Country team as well as the Track team. Although he has done all facets of track from the long jump, hurdles, 100, 200, 400 and relay team’s, this year he’ll be focusing on the 800.

Jon-Christian has maintained his all “A” honor roll status since elementary school, currently he has a 4.43 GPA in all honors classes with a couple of AP classes. Jon-Christian is dedicated and committed to doing his best in all that he does. He works out an hour a day during off season and two hours a day

during the season and he studies 3 to 4 hours daily after school with weedend study time as well. Jon-Christian earned his third degree black belt in Taekwondo where he practiced martial arts for 8 years. Jon-Christian has a strong interest in Architecture as well as Engineering as his favorite subjects are Math and Art. It is his hope is to get accepted to a University or College that first has his area of study and secondly will have a track team. He hopes to earn a full academic scholarship and hopefully by his Senior year he will qualify for a potential track scholarship as well. Jon-Christian believes that hard work and perseverance is the key to success.

Mellek Photography

Community: Giving back: Dereco Murray & Co

Yunier Valdez Boxer

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unier, now a 27 year old, was once very quiet, shy, small in size (weighing in at 143lbs), boy from Cuba. He attended the non-traditional schools in Cuba, where his mom took him to school on Mondays and picks him up on Fridays. He was picked on a lot but he always found himself fighting to defend himself against the bullies. After he came to the United States, he continued to participate in sports.

He had the tasks of participating in academics half the time and sports the other half. He is naturally gifted in sports, he immersed himself in soccer and boxing on the weekend, and when he had opportunities to try out with the river bats, he turned it down because he was not interested in pro baseball. After his mom sent him to the ranch to learn boxing, his new found love and passion for boxing consumed him and he began to train rigorously.

As fate will have it, he was discovered by pro boxer Kelley Mays who helped to coach, train and shape him into boxing.

After months of training, in 3 months, he won all fights with no losses, in 4 months, he turned pro and in 8 months, he received his first title in the KBC, the Latin American title. He is also called the Latin Assassin!

So far, he’s had 03 wins, 0 losses, turned HBO down until he feels ready, taken to Kelley as his father figure, won 3 pro fights, won the Latin America division. He credits his wins to his ability to be resilient, consistent, persistent, and to his father figure.

Photographer: Mellek Photograhy

Rosine Diwutu: Poetry WHO DO I TELL? I empower others, encourage them Advice them, comfort them Yet I cave mine feelings Who do I trust with mine secrets?

Mine mind is overwhelmed Avoiding them is easier Talking... Talking?

Why would I do that?

So everyone would know mine struggle?

Uncover mine bruises?

I was only young and naive They said... They said it will be ok!

They told me it would not hurt!

Discover thine layers of pain And... And... And then what?

I lost it!

I killed it!

I was weak!

Why did God give such a soul another chance when she took an innocent one?

Why? Lifted mine shoulders may be But a part of me pulls me back Back to the gutters Was it worth it!?

Is that how life runs?

Like a broken record I am stuck!, stuck in history Guilt kills me to the bone I lied! Lied to receive justice To hide my past The shame Who do I tell?

Who do I trust?

I empower others Yet I bottle mine pain Wearing a mask I fear rejection for rejection is what I have faced my whole life Wearing a personality I fear rejection for rejection will lead me to being lonely Wearing a new me I’m fearful they would uncover mine layers of pain Who do I tell ?

Who do I trust?

I empower others yet I fear empowerment Break me free

skin care line

B

BJ.

rianna Ashley was born in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday 13 November 1998 to her parents Bryan and Vonda Williams. She comes from a large family of 5 sisters, Brielle, Bry’yann, Talea, Takaiya and Tapeitra and 1 little brother

She graduated from Oldham County High School in LaGrange, KY in June 2017 with a GPA of 3.8. After receiving her education, Brianna Ashley took a strong liking in organic, natural skin care remedies. It was because of being bullied in middle school that she found a purpose of building her self-esteem and appearance

and dabbled in creating her own natural In September 2016, Brianna launched her very own natural skin care company Space Glow after she begin to make her all natural ingredient face exfoliates that became noticeable successful on her own skin. Her friends and classmates supported her al natural skin care and also found the same results for their own skin. She now shares her story of overcoming bulling as well as empower young girls and boys to love the skin they’re in.

To learn more information you can go to: http://spaceglow.bigcartel.com/

Chronicles of a young Immigrant

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y parents came to the United States on a Visiting Visa from Columbia, but my Dad died from Heart attack before their Visa expired. My mother was left with a choice to stay back in the US or go back home and face the harsh reality of the economy in Columbia since she will now be the sole provider for the family. I was 5 years old then, I am now 22 and self-employed.

I consider America to be my home, I don’t have anywhere else to go, and DACA want to take that away from me, I have never been to Columbia since I arrived here, I don’t know anyone, if am deported back.

I dream of becoming a Biologist, and also contributing to the society that adopted me, we as DACA recipients all appreciate America for giving us the opportunity to believe in ourselves, pursue our dreams and build a greater future.

It is difficult to live here without proper documentation and to work and move freely, every day we leave in fear that ICE might show up and that will be the end of the story.

We deserve to be heard, we deserve to be treated fairly; we are not what people think we are, we work hard to create a reasonably comfortable environment for our families here and back home.

Written by A.G (full name not displayed due to protection of privacy)

VOMÉ

Danielle Mullins’ Biography

“

There has to be a better way…

There has to be… a better… way…” She thought to herself as she realized her future broadcast career would soon mean working long, odd hours away from her loved ones. Danielle Mullins was 20 years old when she quickly realized that yes, there was a better way. Her way.

Growing up in central Kentucky, Danielle faced a lot of hardships. At 6 years old her mother went back to school to pursue special education teaching.

Her mother always felt a calling to leave an impact through teaching. Little did she know, her drive, desire, and sacrifice to her family also left an impact on Danielle to pursue your dreams and never quit on them at any stage of your life.

At 13, her mother lost her teaching job. The safety net, the job that was always hiring. At 16, her father was diagnosed with stage III oral and lymphoma cancer. This put a huge financial and emotional stress on her family. After two very, very expensive robotic surgeries, her father walked away cancer free… with the bill in hand.

Shortly after her mother got back into teaching, her parents divorced, she moved to a new town, attended the same school her mother now taught at, and began a new life. She became very involved with her school district community and even chartered a new club for her high school. She took on various social media roles, but still felt called to broadcast journalism. In 2015, she graduated from

West Jessamine High School with honors from the National Beta Club.

Danielle began her higher education career at Western Kentucky University, a top rated school for broadcast journalism. She worked part time in a retail store to financially support herself as she began chasing what she thought was her dream life.

She had the opportunity to begin reporting out in the field from the campus station, that broadcasted across Bowling Green and other local cities. Finding a constant work and school balance became extremely difficult.

Danielle became an entrepreneur of a global cosmetics business at the ripe age of 19. Within 6 months, she promoted to the top 8th percentile of those in her industry. Danielle thought this was just something to help her get through college financially and easily as it allowed her to quit her retail job. She was blind sighted by the traditional, “you must work a corporate job to live a successful life,” motto. There was something so much bigger in this life that she felt called to do. Instilling confidence in other women, promoting inner and outer beauty, and coaching other women to live their dream life was her true passion. Taking a leap of faith, Danielle switched her path into social media marketing to pursue her business as her new career.

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Danielle recently expanded her business into blogging and social media coaching for other entrepreneurs.

She looks on to the new year of 2018 and all the dream chasing it brings. You can connect with her at Facebook.com/Danielle.Ceo. “What if I fail? Oh but what if I succeed past my wildest dreams?�

Photography: Fabian Maldonado

VOMÉ

DerbyHacks: ‘Smart City’ student Sam Nwosu (foreground) and some of the organizers of DerbyHacks. | Photo by Sam Nwosu

Louisville is about to get hacked, but don’t worry, it’s just college students looking for ways to improve the city, which is trying to become smarter about data and connectivity.

DerbyHacks, the student-only hackathon in its second year, has adopted a “smart city” theme for its 36-hour hackathon next month.

Students, in teams of one to four people, have from 6:30 p.m. Friday until noon on Sunday to create something that solves some city-related problem.

This could come in the form of software, app or hardware.

Organizer Sam Nwosu said the city’s big push to “use big data to make the city smarter” and to nurture the maker community led the organizers to give the event that focus. “I want to let Louisville know that Speed students are doing things for the city,” Nwosu said.

hackathon returns for second year

High School.

Last year, the free event drew around 60 participants. So far, Nwosu said he’s received more than 200 RSVPs. The event will max out at 300 participants.

The hackathon provides mentors and workshops during the event. The organizers are providing meals, snacks, and T-shirts to every participant.

Nwosu also promises some event-related swag.

The teams will go through a multitiered judging processes, with the best of the best presenting to a team of judges. Nwosu is lining up those judges and the prizes that will be awarded to the best and most creative solutions.

The hackathon, Feb. 24 to 26, will be at the as-yetunopened Gigabit Experience Center in Louisville Central Community Centers’ Old Walnut Street Development.

Last year’s winning idea was a sentiment analysis project that scraped Twitter for feelings about Bernie Sanders vs. Hillary Clinton. The judges didn’t know it at the time, but the analysis indeed picked the winner. A hardware entry was an armband that aided blind people. The closer they got to a wall or solid object, the harder the armband squeezed their arm.

COO of Louisville Central Community Centers, Kevin Fields, told IL that the Gigabit Experience Center will be up and running “within the next month or so.”

Sponsors for the this year’s event include Humana, KFC, the Speed School and Louisville’s Office of Performance Improvement & Innovation.

Nwosu is the president of the Speed ACM, the student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery at the University of Louisville. He’s a graduate student in computer science and computer engineering in his last semester of school. Nwosu is a Louisville native who attended DuPont Manual

The event is part of the Major League Hacking circuit, now in its 17th season. Nwosu said that he and the seven- or eight-person organizing group are looking for mentors and sponsors. To volunteer or sign up, visit the DerbyHacks website.

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e h t n i o J ! t n e m e v o M

JOBS . JUSTICE . EDUCATION . HEALTH . HOUSING Louisville Urban League I 1535 W Broadway I Louisville, KY 40203 I lul.org