This is a VERY brief look at my some of the writing I've done in the past for various publications and organizations.
Identity
(2008)
"Identity" is defined by Webster as the sameness of essential character, individuality, or the fact of being the same person or thing as claimed. I know it sounds like a cliché by now, but one of the greatest struggles for a young Black man in America is establishing a personal identity. In our society there are so many negative portrayals of African Americans in the media that people have a hard time accepting an educated young Black man. Young Black males are generally expected to wear baggy clothes, use colloquial speech, only listen to rap music, and be overly aggressive, sexual creatures.
Ever since elementary school, where most of us are more comfortable with imitation rather than individuality, I’ve always stood out. In my third grade year, when my family had just settled in Sanford, North Carolina, my teachers worked with me especially when they noticed that I was “academically and intellectually gifted”, and over time I became more articulate and lost some of my original accent. I was a student in a predominantly White school, so naturally I had mostly White friends, however because of the fact that I wasn’t like other Black children I wasn’t received as well among them. From elementary school throughout high school, classmates questioned my “blackness” because I didn’t dress, talk, or act how they all perceived what an African American male should be.
I never really understood how someone could “act Black” personally. To me being Black is simply being categorized as a person of African American descent or Jamaican descent or whatever it may be. If a person is labeled as Black, White, Brown or any other color, those labels should not affect perceptions of who that person is or who they should be on the inside, but would only reflect what people see on the outside. There is really no way a person can act a color. In my personal opinion, having dark skin does not define identity in anyway and dark skin is definitely not an affliction as Uncle Ruckus from The Boondocks so often states.
Growing up, I always made decent, if not good, grades (I tended to slack as most kids do) so I was always thought of as the “smart guy” among most of my Black classmates. Many of my friends thought that because I didn’t hang out with as many Blacks as people of other races that I was an “Oreo” that liked Punk Rock music, skate boarding, and chess. I admit that I had varied tastes in music but I preferred rap and R&B, and I never understood the thrill of skateboarding or the complex rules and strategy of chess. I was not a basketball player at all, as most Blacks are expected to be, but I did enjoy football and I had some aptitude for wrestling. When I was much younger I was a talented singer, but after puberty I didn’t really enjoy the bass of my voice so I focused on my talents in writing and academics more than music. After developing my vocabulary and communication skills, people noticed I had less of a Southern accent than most African Americans and began to assume that I was from the North rather than the small swamp town of Plymouth, North Carolina.
I valued diversity over conformity, so I also made it a point to not establish myself as part of any one group or set myself in any particular field, especially in high school. In high school, most people naturally conform to some clique so that they feel that they belong, but my preference was to be a “social loner”. I had my best friends that I grew up with, but I set myself apart from the groups that they had aligned themselves with. I enjoyed talking to all kinds of people, but I would not allow any group to dictate who I was.
Identity is the most important thing we have. Having the freedom to think for oneself, having our own unique look and personality, and being who we choose to be is one of the greatest gifts that The Creator gave all of his creations. As acclaimed writer Franz Kafka stated in one of his works, an individual is far more dangerous than a crowd. Standing outside of the crowd and being an individual enables change for the better. Knowing one’s self is one is the greatest inner strengths anyone can have. By establishing who we are and what we want before getting involved in relationships, whether platonic or romantic, there is also chance a to make a better personal connection with other people and to make a greater impact on their lives. A person who has their own identity, but who others can identify with, is a person who is capable of leading their peers.
It is the media interpretations of various social groups that often lead to misconceptions of people based solely on skin color. Stereotypes that are prevalent worldwide cause people to misjudge a person’s character, not because of the individual, but because of negative portrayals of their culture and ethnic group. African Americans are more often seen as violent, uneducated, and usually more promiscuous people in the mass media today than they are shown as a successful, family oriented culture. Asians are still seen as weak, neurotic people, usually depicted to be martial arts experts or sexual slaves. Hispanics, who are probably the most family oriented and one of the fastest growing and most vital ethnic groups in America today, are seen as lazy, dirty, and cheap. And worst of all, is the portrayal of every Middle Eastern person as a potential terrorist in today’s media. Even though prejudices will always exist, unique individuals can still change perceptions of some of the most ornery men.
I have often heard people criticize other races, even though their best friend or love interest may be a member of the race that they resent most. I have made friends whose parents would not allow them to date outside their own race. I have probably seen and heard almost every racial slur invented so far. I strongly believe though the human race is the only one that should matter though, since it is apparently the only one that every person in this world can identify with.
Naturally, as humans, we cannot please everyone in the world, and an honest individual would not be liked by everyone who knows them. Even though it is a common life goal for people to love and be loved, it is not worth it to be cherished by someone who does not love you for who you are. I believe that every person in this world was made to be who they are for a reason. There is no reason to build facades and imitate others because the ultimate design of fate will always build us into who we are meant to be. People may see the outward appearance but it is the personality that a person is remembered for. An identity can be stolen in the form of account numbers and cards, but in essence the identity of a human being can never be taken at its true value.
Ever since elementary school, where most of us are more comfortable with imitation rather than individuality, I’ve always stood out. In my third grade year, when my family had just settled in Sanford, North Carolina, my teachers worked with me especially when they noticed that I was “academically and intellectually gifted”, and over time I became more articulate and lost some of my original accent. I was a student in a predominantly White school, so naturally I had mostly White friends, however because of the fact that I wasn’t like other Black children I wasn’t received as well among them. From elementary school throughout high school, classmates questioned my “blackness” because I didn’t dress, talk, or act how they all perceived what an African American male should be.
I never really understood how someone could “act Black” personally. To me being Black is simply being categorized as a person of African American descent or Jamaican descent or whatever it may be. If a person is labeled as Black, White, Brown or any other color, those labels should not affect perceptions of who that person is or who they should be on the inside, but would only reflect what people see on the outside. There is really no way a person can act a color. In my personal opinion, having dark skin does not define identity in anyway and dark skin is definitely not an affliction as Uncle Ruckus from The Boondocks so often states.
Growing up, I always made decent, if not good, grades (I tended to slack as most kids do) so I was always thought of as the “smart guy” among most of my Black classmates. Many of my friends thought that because I didn’t hang out with as many Blacks as people of other races that I was an “Oreo” that liked Punk Rock music, skate boarding, and chess. I admit that I had varied tastes in music but I preferred rap and R&B, and I never understood the thrill of skateboarding or the complex rules and strategy of chess. I was not a basketball player at all, as most Blacks are expected to be, but I did enjoy football and I had some aptitude for wrestling. When I was much younger I was a talented singer, but after puberty I didn’t really enjoy the bass of my voice so I focused on my talents in writing and academics more than music. After developing my vocabulary and communication skills, people noticed I had less of a Southern accent than most African Americans and began to assume that I was from the North rather than the small swamp town of Plymouth, North Carolina.
I valued diversity over conformity, so I also made it a point to not establish myself as part of any one group or set myself in any particular field, especially in high school. In high school, most people naturally conform to some clique so that they feel that they belong, but my preference was to be a “social loner”. I had my best friends that I grew up with, but I set myself apart from the groups that they had aligned themselves with. I enjoyed talking to all kinds of people, but I would not allow any group to dictate who I was.
Identity is the most important thing we have. Having the freedom to think for oneself, having our own unique look and personality, and being who we choose to be is one of the greatest gifts that The Creator gave all of his creations. As acclaimed writer Franz Kafka stated in one of his works, an individual is far more dangerous than a crowd. Standing outside of the crowd and being an individual enables change for the better. Knowing one’s self is one is the greatest inner strengths anyone can have. By establishing who we are and what we want before getting involved in relationships, whether platonic or romantic, there is also chance a to make a better personal connection with other people and to make a greater impact on their lives. A person who has their own identity, but who others can identify with, is a person who is capable of leading their peers.
It is the media interpretations of various social groups that often lead to misconceptions of people based solely on skin color. Stereotypes that are prevalent worldwide cause people to misjudge a person’s character, not because of the individual, but because of negative portrayals of their culture and ethnic group. African Americans are more often seen as violent, uneducated, and usually more promiscuous people in the mass media today than they are shown as a successful, family oriented culture. Asians are still seen as weak, neurotic people, usually depicted to be martial arts experts or sexual slaves. Hispanics, who are probably the most family oriented and one of the fastest growing and most vital ethnic groups in America today, are seen as lazy, dirty, and cheap. And worst of all, is the portrayal of every Middle Eastern person as a potential terrorist in today’s media. Even though prejudices will always exist, unique individuals can still change perceptions of some of the most ornery men.
I have often heard people criticize other races, even though their best friend or love interest may be a member of the race that they resent most. I have made friends whose parents would not allow them to date outside their own race. I have probably seen and heard almost every racial slur invented so far. I strongly believe though the human race is the only one that should matter though, since it is apparently the only one that every person in this world can identify with.
Naturally, as humans, we cannot please everyone in the world, and an honest individual would not be liked by everyone who knows them. Even though it is a common life goal for people to love and be loved, it is not worth it to be cherished by someone who does not love you for who you are. I believe that every person in this world was made to be who they are for a reason. There is no reason to build facades and imitate others because the ultimate design of fate will always build us into who we are meant to be. People may see the outward appearance but it is the personality that a person is remembered for. An identity can be stolen in the form of account numbers and cards, but in essence the identity of a human being can never be taken at its true value.
CAT Headlights on... Victor Lebsock
(City of Raleigh, September 2010)
Twenty years ago, Victor Lebsock moved to Raleigh from Colorado and since then he has worked in Parks and Recreation for the City of Raleigh, but for over 10 years he has been a regular rider of Capital Area Transit buses.
Lebsock said that it is convenient for him to use public transportation since he parks his car at a doctor’s office downtown before heading to work. He said that he saves at least $100 a month in parking, gas, and car maintenance, and even though he is “environmentally conscious” he explained that “going greener” was not his first reason for choosing to become a regular rider.
“I have the opportunity to relax as opposed to hassling with traffic. I can read or work or many other options other than ride.”
Lebsock stated that he also enjoys socializing with other riders and sleeping in addition to catching up on work and reading. “I meet a number of people every day even though they ride other buses. Ridership has been good on the routes at the times of day that I ride them.”
Lebsock said that he enjoys the relaxed and controlled environment while riding the CAT buses as well. He observed that even though the bus drivers have to deal with a lot of activity on the buses while they operate the vehicles they are always dependable and friendly.
“There are very, very few bus drivers who are negative,” he said. “They are friendly, they greet you and they will help you get directions if you need directions.”
He recalled one particular incident where he boarded the wrong bus and it took him about an hour and a half to reach his destination since he had to take multiple buses to get back to where he desired.
“I ride [the bus] whenever I don’t have other requirements outside of work or after-hours meetings,” the Colorado native said. “I would ride the bus all the time if there were a way I could get to private appointments from [work]. I have ridden the bus to private appointments from [work] at times but it is really a time factor for me.”
Lebsock said that it is convenient for him to use public transportation since he parks his car at a doctor’s office downtown before heading to work. He said that he saves at least $100 a month in parking, gas, and car maintenance, and even though he is “environmentally conscious” he explained that “going greener” was not his first reason for choosing to become a regular rider.
“I have the opportunity to relax as opposed to hassling with traffic. I can read or work or many other options other than ride.”
Lebsock stated that he also enjoys socializing with other riders and sleeping in addition to catching up on work and reading. “I meet a number of people every day even though they ride other buses. Ridership has been good on the routes at the times of day that I ride them.”
Lebsock said that he enjoys the relaxed and controlled environment while riding the CAT buses as well. He observed that even though the bus drivers have to deal with a lot of activity on the buses while they operate the vehicles they are always dependable and friendly.
“There are very, very few bus drivers who are negative,” he said. “They are friendly, they greet you and they will help you get directions if you need directions.”
He recalled one particular incident where he boarded the wrong bus and it took him about an hour and a half to reach his destination since he had to take multiple buses to get back to where he desired.
“I ride [the bus] whenever I don’t have other requirements outside of work or after-hours meetings,” the Colorado native said. “I would ride the bus all the time if there were a way I could get to private appointments from [work]. I have ridden the bus to private appointments from [work] at times but it is really a time factor for me.”
"Men Get Laid, Women Get Screwed"?
(EnVi Monthly, March 2008)
“Men get laid, but women get screwed.” A famous quote by writer, artist, model, and actor, Quentin Crisp.
Even though Crisp’s statement is blunt it holds a lot of truth to our society today—there is a double standard for sexuality. A female who dresses in loose-fitting clothes, with uncovered breast, and a short skirt is usually automatically viewed as a ho. Especially if one or more guys put out that they’ve already slept with that particular female then there is no saving her situation, however, the males are going to receive praise for their exploits.
In some cultures, polygamy is perfectly legal, however, only the men are allowed to have multiple spouses, but not the women. In many cultures, a woman is required to be a virgin to marry, however men are able to copulate with as many women as they want. In many societies in the earlier centuries and some cultures now, a man who was sexually immoral would receive less disgrace than his spouse. In fact, in the court systems of earlier times, if a woman was caught cheating on her spouse then she could be immediately put to death, however her lover or even a cheating husband could simply pay a fee and divorce the woman.
Because of standards established by religions and societal values, women are valued for their matriarchal role, but they are also treated unfairly in comparison to men. Statistical data (I don’t know the exact numbers) reveals that women still get paid less than men in multiple occupations, despite their qualifications for higher positions and higher salaries. About 50 years ago women weren’t even able to work on their own, but they were simply charged with housekeeping and conceiving children. Women’s rights have come a long way in the last century however men get a lot of unfair treatment as well.
If a man were to beat his wife, then he would automatically be put in jail. If a woman were to beat her husband though, then hebecomes a joke. If a man were to make sexual advances on a woman in the workplace or anywhere else for that matter, then he could easily have a sexual harassment charge filed against him. If a woman were to make sexual advances on the male, then he is a “punk” for not taking advantage of the situation.
Another major double-standard seen in society, especially among the African Americans, is homosexuality. Males, especially, are mistreated and disowned by peers, family members, and society in most cases if they are revealed to be homosexual. Females receive a little bit more acceptance for coming out, particularly from males, but they are somewhat pariahs themselves.
African Americans seem to be the most homophobic ethnicity in America. An African American male who is perceived as being too intellectual, too emotional, or too flamboyant is more likely to be bullied by his peers than a Caucasian male (Quentin Crisp for example, who happens to actually be gay). In fact, a male with too much experience in culinary arts, a need for cleanliness, and a lack of interest in sports would probably come off as too feminine to other men. A female who is a natural athlete, rarely dresses or shops, and comes off as a stoic may seem too masculine to other women.
In conclusion, one should consider the fairness of social standards among women and men. There are always certain expectations that society will hold to people of a certain social class, ethnicity or race, but there is always a double standard for the opposite sexes.
Even though Crisp’s statement is blunt it holds a lot of truth to our society today—there is a double standard for sexuality. A female who dresses in loose-fitting clothes, with uncovered breast, and a short skirt is usually automatically viewed as a ho. Especially if one or more guys put out that they’ve already slept with that particular female then there is no saving her situation, however, the males are going to receive praise for their exploits.
In some cultures, polygamy is perfectly legal, however, only the men are allowed to have multiple spouses, but not the women. In many cultures, a woman is required to be a virgin to marry, however men are able to copulate with as many women as they want. In many societies in the earlier centuries and some cultures now, a man who was sexually immoral would receive less disgrace than his spouse. In fact, in the court systems of earlier times, if a woman was caught cheating on her spouse then she could be immediately put to death, however her lover or even a cheating husband could simply pay a fee and divorce the woman.
Because of standards established by religions and societal values, women are valued for their matriarchal role, but they are also treated unfairly in comparison to men. Statistical data (I don’t know the exact numbers) reveals that women still get paid less than men in multiple occupations, despite their qualifications for higher positions and higher salaries. About 50 years ago women weren’t even able to work on their own, but they were simply charged with housekeeping and conceiving children. Women’s rights have come a long way in the last century however men get a lot of unfair treatment as well.
If a man were to beat his wife, then he would automatically be put in jail. If a woman were to beat her husband though, then hebecomes a joke. If a man were to make sexual advances on a woman in the workplace or anywhere else for that matter, then he could easily have a sexual harassment charge filed against him. If a woman were to make sexual advances on the male, then he is a “punk” for not taking advantage of the situation.
Another major double-standard seen in society, especially among the African Americans, is homosexuality. Males, especially, are mistreated and disowned by peers, family members, and society in most cases if they are revealed to be homosexual. Females receive a little bit more acceptance for coming out, particularly from males, but they are somewhat pariahs themselves.
African Americans seem to be the most homophobic ethnicity in America. An African American male who is perceived as being too intellectual, too emotional, or too flamboyant is more likely to be bullied by his peers than a Caucasian male (Quentin Crisp for example, who happens to actually be gay). In fact, a male with too much experience in culinary arts, a need for cleanliness, and a lack of interest in sports would probably come off as too feminine to other men. A female who is a natural athlete, rarely dresses or shops, and comes off as a stoic may seem too masculine to other women.
In conclusion, one should consider the fairness of social standards among women and men. There are always certain expectations that society will hold to people of a certain social class, ethnicity or race, but there is always a double standard for the opposite sexes.
Triangle Citizens Gear Up for Try Transit Week
(City of Raleigh, October 2010)
Citizens within the Triangle area experienced a week of free activities from Sept. 27- Oct. 1 during Capital Area Transit’s annual Try Transit Week.
On Monday, Sept. 27, Mayor Charles Meeker arrived at Moore Square in true SmartCommuter fashion on a CAT bus to speak, promoting bus ridership during the Try Transit Week Kick-Off. Free doughnuts and coffee were also served to everyone at Moore Square while supplies lasted.
Cyclists were allowed to ride anywhere for free on Tuesday, Sept. 28, simply for riding a bike to any bus stop on Rack and Ride Day. A celebration was also held at Knightdale’s Duke Medical Plaza Park and Ride to recognize commuters and to educate the community on safety and the benefits of bus and bike commuting.
Capital Area Transit attempted to “stuff the bus” and succeeded in collecting 1,030 pounds of food on Wednesday, Sept. 29, in support of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. A single R-Line bus made stops in three different Chic-Fil-A locations to collect cans for the food bank. Anyone who donated three cans or more received a coupon for a free Chic-Fil-A sandwich.
By Thursday, Sept. 30, Moore Square was bustling with activity for Rider Appreciation Day, which allowed everyone to ride any bus for free. Free ice cream and free promotional gifts from CAT and other organizations were also handed out at Moore Square.
On Friday, Oct. 1, it was the bus drivers’ turn to be recognized on Operations Appreciation Day, giving riders the chance to express their thanks to the people that serve them with daily transportation.
For the grand finale of the week of events, CAT, in conjunction with the CW22, invited citizens of the Triangle area to come out to downtown Raleigh to “ride, play, and win” in the first Discover Downtown Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, Oct. 2. Over 100 participants divided into teams of two to four and set off across the downtown Raleigh district on the R-Line to find clues at over 30 different downtown Raleigh businesses. While some scavenger hunt participants came just for the fun of the game, most competed to win the packaged grand prize of four ground-level tickets to the Carolina Hurricanes game against Philadelphia on Nov. 11, a 6-hour limo ride from Logic Limos and dinner for four at 518 West. Points were awarded to teams based on the total number of correct answers for the clues and the amount of time used to complete the entire scavenger hunt. Packaged prizes were also awarded to the teams that finished in second and third place, but over 20 individuals left with additional prizes that were raffled off to anyone who participated in the event.
Overall, the success of the 2010 Try Transit Week should have left riders and supporters of CAT anticipating greater achievements and more excitement for next year.
On Monday, Sept. 27, Mayor Charles Meeker arrived at Moore Square in true SmartCommuter fashion on a CAT bus to speak, promoting bus ridership during the Try Transit Week Kick-Off. Free doughnuts and coffee were also served to everyone at Moore Square while supplies lasted.
Cyclists were allowed to ride anywhere for free on Tuesday, Sept. 28, simply for riding a bike to any bus stop on Rack and Ride Day. A celebration was also held at Knightdale’s Duke Medical Plaza Park and Ride to recognize commuters and to educate the community on safety and the benefits of bus and bike commuting.
Capital Area Transit attempted to “stuff the bus” and succeeded in collecting 1,030 pounds of food on Wednesday, Sept. 29, in support of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. A single R-Line bus made stops in three different Chic-Fil-A locations to collect cans for the food bank. Anyone who donated three cans or more received a coupon for a free Chic-Fil-A sandwich.
By Thursday, Sept. 30, Moore Square was bustling with activity for Rider Appreciation Day, which allowed everyone to ride any bus for free. Free ice cream and free promotional gifts from CAT and other organizations were also handed out at Moore Square.
On Friday, Oct. 1, it was the bus drivers’ turn to be recognized on Operations Appreciation Day, giving riders the chance to express their thanks to the people that serve them with daily transportation.
For the grand finale of the week of events, CAT, in conjunction with the CW22, invited citizens of the Triangle area to come out to downtown Raleigh to “ride, play, and win” in the first Discover Downtown Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, Oct. 2. Over 100 participants divided into teams of two to four and set off across the downtown Raleigh district on the R-Line to find clues at over 30 different downtown Raleigh businesses. While some scavenger hunt participants came just for the fun of the game, most competed to win the packaged grand prize of four ground-level tickets to the Carolina Hurricanes game against Philadelphia on Nov. 11, a 6-hour limo ride from Logic Limos and dinner for four at 518 West. Points were awarded to teams based on the total number of correct answers for the clues and the amount of time used to complete the entire scavenger hunt. Packaged prizes were also awarded to the teams that finished in second and third place, but over 20 individuals left with additional prizes that were raffled off to anyone who participated in the event.
Overall, the success of the 2010 Try Transit Week should have left riders and supporters of CAT anticipating greater achievements and more excitement for next year.
(All pictures above were taken by employees of the City of Raleigh.)
Aggie Alumnas Give Birth to an "Urban Belle"
(The A&T Register, March 2010)
The spring is a season of renewal for the old and birth of the new, and just in this month two members of the Aggie nation gave birth to a new vision called Urban Belle Magazine.
Urban Belle Magazine is an online publication which has accumulated a healthy readership from all over just in the few weeks since its conception earlier in March.
Two North Carolina A&T alumnae, Amanda Anderson, a journalism and mass communications graduate, and Taren Vaughan, a biology graduate, united to start the online publication to appeal particularly to African American women.
“There are a few good magazines that cater to black women, but they never dig deep into the subjects that I really care about,” Anderson said. “I am interested in news, politics, entrepreneurship, investing, fashion, and entertainment. I couldn’t find all of that in one place. So we created that place.”
The magazine spans over numerous subjects including politics, fashion, celebrities, beauty, finance, sports, and it even features a section dedicated to natural hair care which provides readers with natural hair care tips.
“We really wanted to write about everything,” said Vaughan. “In every decision we make, we always think about the readers. Natural hair is becoming a major part of our culture again, and it’s one of the most popular features of the magazine.”
The magazine is published weekly on Monday but the site itself is updated with the latest information from the Black community on a daily basis. It is described as “the chic, sophisticated, and smart magazine for African American women” and as a “symbol of a lifestyle that many educated and successful black women live each day.”
Anderson said that like any business, she and Vaughan had obstacles that had to be overcome in order to turn their dream into a reality.
“We didn't have a lot of money to start out with, and that was a major problem in the magazine's planning stages. We didn't have the money to hire a website designer, nor did we have the money to hire a graphic designer. Luckily, we are the type of people to learn things on our own.”
Anderson explained that after doing a lot of research and learning various programs such as html and coding skills they were able to develop the skills necessary to operate the website themselves and save money in the process.
“We cut costs dramatically by publishing everything online and creating our own logo. We create all of our promotional pieces and marketing materials. We started a magazine with very little money because we did our homework. Research is key.”
She said that her undergraduate experience at A&T was one of the major reasons she and Vaughan took a chance and started the magazine. Her familiarity with Quark Xpress, InDesign and Photoshop were especially useful to her in starting the business.
“We also had tough teachers in the journalism department that worked us extremely hard. They taught me how to excel in the field. I learned how to be confident in my work and it shows in the magazine. My professors were awesome and they still offer great advice now. I also learned a lot from working as an editor for the yearbook staff and as a contributor for the Register. I learned how to meet deadlines and found my own unique style of writing while I held these positions.”
The 2007 JOMC graduate also stated that running a magazine was extremely time consuming. With Vaughan currently attending graduate school at Highpoint University and both of them working jobs on the side, scheduling conflicts became a problem as well.
“Since the staff is still growing, we all have to wear multiple hats. People don't understand how much work it takes to run a magazine. We don't sleep much, but the magazine is still up and running. We learned from our mistakes and we always find ways to improve the system we already have. Now our conference calls are shorter, articles are turned in on time, and we still manage to work on our other projects. We are moving forward because we manage our time and improve in every way possible.”
The Aggie alumnae duo said that they are looking for contributors and PR interns and would love to offer the chance to students from their alma mater to get first-hand experience in magazine publishing. They were also willing to offer their own words of wisdom to fellow Aggies.
“If we could offer any advice to the future entrepreneurs of A&T, we would tell them to start a business in an area that they are passionate about,” Anderson says. “The reason this is so important is because it takes a lot of time and hard work to create a successful business. The only reason we get through the late nights is because we have the passion to see Urban Belle become one of the top magazines for African American women.
“It is also important for the students to move past the plan. Believe it or not, the easiest part of starting a business is creating the plan. Innovation is easier than setting things in motion. A lot of people never make it past the sheet of paper they wrote their ideas on. You have to get up and make things happen. A plan with no action is useless.
“Most importantly, never stop learning. Technology changes every day. Those that never stop learning are the ones who excel. Read, study, and implement; and you will become the best.
“Finally, never give up. You will have bad days as an entrepreneur, but you have to stay focused on what you are trying to do. Build a strong support team and never let your fear hold you back. You'll find that you will have more good days than bad days when you have plenty of support.”
True to their own advice, the Urban Belle editors are already arranging to build on to their achievements with their new brand.
“We have a lot of projects for the future,” said Anderson. “We are in the works of getting our own radio show, we shoot our first fashion spread next month, and we have major events that we are planning for the urban community. This is just the beginning.”
The publication can be viewed at www.urbanbellemag.com
Urban Belle Magazine is an online publication which has accumulated a healthy readership from all over just in the few weeks since its conception earlier in March.
Two North Carolina A&T alumnae, Amanda Anderson, a journalism and mass communications graduate, and Taren Vaughan, a biology graduate, united to start the online publication to appeal particularly to African American women.
“There are a few good magazines that cater to black women, but they never dig deep into the subjects that I really care about,” Anderson said. “I am interested in news, politics, entrepreneurship, investing, fashion, and entertainment. I couldn’t find all of that in one place. So we created that place.”
The magazine spans over numerous subjects including politics, fashion, celebrities, beauty, finance, sports, and it even features a section dedicated to natural hair care which provides readers with natural hair care tips.
“We really wanted to write about everything,” said Vaughan. “In every decision we make, we always think about the readers. Natural hair is becoming a major part of our culture again, and it’s one of the most popular features of the magazine.”
The magazine is published weekly on Monday but the site itself is updated with the latest information from the Black community on a daily basis. It is described as “the chic, sophisticated, and smart magazine for African American women” and as a “symbol of a lifestyle that many educated and successful black women live each day.”
Anderson said that like any business, she and Vaughan had obstacles that had to be overcome in order to turn their dream into a reality.
“We didn't have a lot of money to start out with, and that was a major problem in the magazine's planning stages. We didn't have the money to hire a website designer, nor did we have the money to hire a graphic designer. Luckily, we are the type of people to learn things on our own.”
Anderson explained that after doing a lot of research and learning various programs such as html and coding skills they were able to develop the skills necessary to operate the website themselves and save money in the process.
“We cut costs dramatically by publishing everything online and creating our own logo. We create all of our promotional pieces and marketing materials. We started a magazine with very little money because we did our homework. Research is key.”
She said that her undergraduate experience at A&T was one of the major reasons she and Vaughan took a chance and started the magazine. Her familiarity with Quark Xpress, InDesign and Photoshop were especially useful to her in starting the business.
“We also had tough teachers in the journalism department that worked us extremely hard. They taught me how to excel in the field. I learned how to be confident in my work and it shows in the magazine. My professors were awesome and they still offer great advice now. I also learned a lot from working as an editor for the yearbook staff and as a contributor for the Register. I learned how to meet deadlines and found my own unique style of writing while I held these positions.”
The 2007 JOMC graduate also stated that running a magazine was extremely time consuming. With Vaughan currently attending graduate school at Highpoint University and both of them working jobs on the side, scheduling conflicts became a problem as well.
“Since the staff is still growing, we all have to wear multiple hats. People don't understand how much work it takes to run a magazine. We don't sleep much, but the magazine is still up and running. We learned from our mistakes and we always find ways to improve the system we already have. Now our conference calls are shorter, articles are turned in on time, and we still manage to work on our other projects. We are moving forward because we manage our time and improve in every way possible.”
The Aggie alumnae duo said that they are looking for contributors and PR interns and would love to offer the chance to students from their alma mater to get first-hand experience in magazine publishing. They were also willing to offer their own words of wisdom to fellow Aggies.
“If we could offer any advice to the future entrepreneurs of A&T, we would tell them to start a business in an area that they are passionate about,” Anderson says. “The reason this is so important is because it takes a lot of time and hard work to create a successful business. The only reason we get through the late nights is because we have the passion to see Urban Belle become one of the top magazines for African American women.
“It is also important for the students to move past the plan. Believe it or not, the easiest part of starting a business is creating the plan. Innovation is easier than setting things in motion. A lot of people never make it past the sheet of paper they wrote their ideas on. You have to get up and make things happen. A plan with no action is useless.
“Most importantly, never stop learning. Technology changes every day. Those that never stop learning are the ones who excel. Read, study, and implement; and you will become the best.
“Finally, never give up. You will have bad days as an entrepreneur, but you have to stay focused on what you are trying to do. Build a strong support team and never let your fear hold you back. You'll find that you will have more good days than bad days when you have plenty of support.”
True to their own advice, the Urban Belle editors are already arranging to build on to their achievements with their new brand.
“We have a lot of projects for the future,” said Anderson. “We are in the works of getting our own radio show, we shoot our first fashion spread next month, and we have major events that we are planning for the urban community. This is just the beginning.”
The publication can be viewed at www.urbanbellemag.com
Triangle Commuters Are Challenged to Get Smart
(City of Raleigh, September 2010)
People who are environmentally conscious and financially frugal were recognized by GoTriangle and SmartCommute this spring during the 2010 SmartCommute Challenge.
From April 15 to May 15, as many as 11,569 participants pledged to use an alternate method of transportation to commute to work or school for at least one day out of the month. Participants could ride a bike, walk, carpool or vanpool, ride a bus or even telework from home.
During the challenge, commuters would also take photos of themselves using alternative methods of transportation and the winning photos were announced at the Annual Triangle Commuter Awards and featured in the June issue of Raleigh Downtowner Magazine. The top three winners also received various prizes. Companies and organizations were also awarded based on the percentage of employees that took the challenge.
The purpose of the SmartCommute Challenge was to reduce the carbon footprint of commuters in the local area while also allowing them to save money and become more aware of greener commute options. Overall, the event eliminated the carbon footprint of 85 Americans for an entire year, while reducing more than 3.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide, and saving enough gas to fill the tanks of 14,331 hybrid cars.
For this year alone, the SmartCommute Challenge saved regular commuters mileage that would be roughly equivalent to 16 trips to the moon! Three out of every four drivers who regularly drove alone said that they would continue to SmartCommute and 85 percent of all participants said that they enjoyed a smarter, greener commute.
Expectations for a larger, more successful SmartCommute Challenge for next spring are high, but riders can feel free to challenge themselves with a greener commute any time of the year!
From April 15 to May 15, as many as 11,569 participants pledged to use an alternate method of transportation to commute to work or school for at least one day out of the month. Participants could ride a bike, walk, carpool or vanpool, ride a bus or even telework from home.
During the challenge, commuters would also take photos of themselves using alternative methods of transportation and the winning photos were announced at the Annual Triangle Commuter Awards and featured in the June issue of Raleigh Downtowner Magazine. The top three winners also received various prizes. Companies and organizations were also awarded based on the percentage of employees that took the challenge.
The purpose of the SmartCommute Challenge was to reduce the carbon footprint of commuters in the local area while also allowing them to save money and become more aware of greener commute options. Overall, the event eliminated the carbon footprint of 85 Americans for an entire year, while reducing more than 3.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide, and saving enough gas to fill the tanks of 14,331 hybrid cars.
For this year alone, the SmartCommute Challenge saved regular commuters mileage that would be roughly equivalent to 16 trips to the moon! Three out of every four drivers who regularly drove alone said that they would continue to SmartCommute and 85 percent of all participants said that they enjoyed a smarter, greener commute.
Expectations for a larger, more successful SmartCommute Challenge for next spring are high, but riders can feel free to challenge themselves with a greener commute any time of the year!
Religion: Another Dividing Line?
(EnVi Monthly, August 2008)
Is religion a dividing line for mankind? Essentially, the basis of almost every religion known to man is to provide comfort for the unknown journey to death and to better oneself. All religions, to me personally, were created to inspire all men and women to love and simply enjoy their lives to the fullest, however with the myriad religions in the world and the growing age of scientific exploration, it seems like people can only find conflict.
I would like to start by saying that I myself am a follower of Christianity, but from my own personal experiences I cannot simply disregard other’s beliefs or scientific studies, so I consider myself a free thinker. I won’t speak on any religion specifically in this piece, but from personal observations, studies and experiences I can attest that it is individual beliefs that strain relationships among the human race. People have killed and condemned one another for the sake of their beliefs since the earliest days of mankind’s existence. Even those of the same faiths but of different denominations look at each other with contempt just because of the slightest disparity in their beliefs. Some faiths that are taught to love everyone in the world, even mock those who don’t share their beliefs.
Science and religion can hardly coexist due to the fact that Darwin’s theory of evolution, among other scientific discoveries, has shattered the multiple creation myths developed since the beginning of time. Darwin’s theory probably created the greatest controversy, creating a greater divide, as believers of evolution almost became a new following on their own—atheists. But it confuses me why devout believers of various faiths won’t accept theories about mutations and evolution, however they take the time and money to allow doctors to examine mutated cells and viruses in their bodies.
Science and religion do comfort mankind in their own respects. While science attempts to explain why things are in the world as they are and how to make things better, scientific theory is and will always be exactly that—theory. Scientists can propose something is what it is and as long as there is enough “evidence” people will accept it as a “fact”, at least until a better explanation comes along to disprove the former belief. Religions typically generate ideas about how we can better our psyche as individuals, which in turn would produce a greater world for us, and they alleviate our fears of death. Religion is based on faith though, not proof. In many denominations, there is limited explanation about why things are as they are, but because of faith, that is acceptable. Few creeds, to my knowledge, even attempt to explain the universe and everything in it. Few people even stop to consider how other planets around ours were created if the Creator (which most faiths believe in) made our planet specifically for us to dwell in and worship Him. Why wouldn’t there be life on other planets to serve the same purpose?
Once again, I would like to state that I am not targeting anyone’s faith, but I am only presenting my own knowledge from personal experience, studies, and observations. We all have to choose our own way in life, and we can only hope for the best in death, but no matter what our different beliefs, ethnicities, or languages may be, we are all still human at the end of the day.
I would like to start by saying that I myself am a follower of Christianity, but from my own personal experiences I cannot simply disregard other’s beliefs or scientific studies, so I consider myself a free thinker. I won’t speak on any religion specifically in this piece, but from personal observations, studies and experiences I can attest that it is individual beliefs that strain relationships among the human race. People have killed and condemned one another for the sake of their beliefs since the earliest days of mankind’s existence. Even those of the same faiths but of different denominations look at each other with contempt just because of the slightest disparity in their beliefs. Some faiths that are taught to love everyone in the world, even mock those who don’t share their beliefs.
Science and religion can hardly coexist due to the fact that Darwin’s theory of evolution, among other scientific discoveries, has shattered the multiple creation myths developed since the beginning of time. Darwin’s theory probably created the greatest controversy, creating a greater divide, as believers of evolution almost became a new following on their own—atheists. But it confuses me why devout believers of various faiths won’t accept theories about mutations and evolution, however they take the time and money to allow doctors to examine mutated cells and viruses in their bodies.
Science and religion do comfort mankind in their own respects. While science attempts to explain why things are in the world as they are and how to make things better, scientific theory is and will always be exactly that—theory. Scientists can propose something is what it is and as long as there is enough “evidence” people will accept it as a “fact”, at least until a better explanation comes along to disprove the former belief. Religions typically generate ideas about how we can better our psyche as individuals, which in turn would produce a greater world for us, and they alleviate our fears of death. Religion is based on faith though, not proof. In many denominations, there is limited explanation about why things are as they are, but because of faith, that is acceptable. Few creeds, to my knowledge, even attempt to explain the universe and everything in it. Few people even stop to consider how other planets around ours were created if the Creator (which most faiths believe in) made our planet specifically for us to dwell in and worship Him. Why wouldn’t there be life on other planets to serve the same purpose?
Once again, I would like to state that I am not targeting anyone’s faith, but I am only presenting my own knowledge from personal experience, studies, and observations. We all have to choose our own way in life, and we can only hope for the best in death, but no matter what our different beliefs, ethnicities, or languages may be, we are all still human at the end of the day.
Aggies Stand Up for Change in the Congo
(The A&T Register, October 2009)
In 1961, Patrice Emery Lumumba, the first elected prime minister of the Congo said, “We are not alone. Africa, Asia and the free and liberated people from all corners of the world will always be found at the side of the millions of Congolese…”
From Oct. 18-24, North Carolina A&T, along with 150 other campuses and communities worldwide, celebrated the 2nd annual Congo Week in recognition of the conflict in the Congo.
Kambale Musavuli, a junior civil engineering major from Congo, who is a student coordinator for Friends of the Congo (FOTC), an advocacy organization in Washington, D.C. that raises awareness of the conflict of the Congo and provides support to the people there as well, led the effort to organize the event at A&T.
Musavuli stated that raising awareness on college campuses is important because of the support provided and the influence college students can have in the community to persuade community and government leaders to act as well. He said that both the city of Greensboro and the city of Cambridge have already passed a resolution in recognition of Congo Week and have sent a letter to Obama to see what can be done about the Congo’s situation.
“The whole idea of Congo Week is to get everybody around the world to see what they can do in the community to bring about change in the Congo,” said Musavuli. “What we try to get people to do, wherever they are, is to get engaged, to do an event, even to travel to the Congo to see first-hand what’s taking place.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the Friends of the Congo promoted a cell phone boycott from 12-6 p.m. to raise awareness of the violence in the Congo over natural resources, such as coltan, which is used in the production of electronic devices. Supporters also formed a flash mob outside Williams Cafeteria and the film Lumo, a documentary about the rape of the women of the Congo, was shown in the New Classroom Building Auditorium the same evening.
On Thursday, an open mic was held in Stallings ballroom where selected students, lyrical artists from the local community and from N.Y. all shared pieces about international issues such as violence, oppression, rape, and genocide.
“I think that there is a lot more consciousness that’s been raised due to the emphasis of the people who put this on last year,” said Raheem Kwaku, an A&T alumnus who hosted the open mic program. “Because there is a lot more awareness there are a lot more people who agree with the mission and who bring an energy to the situation and it’s just a better experience because of that. People are on the same page and it’s not just a learning experience, because last year it was more of a learning experience and now people know and they come to hear more about what they know and give even more energy.”
Musavuli said that last year there were about 45 students actively working to promote Congo Week and the whole campus was mobilized, but due to midterms, the upcoming Homecoming events and other factors, there was less participation this year. However, he said that he still has great joy in seeing people take interest in what the FOTC is trying to do.
Musavuli said that one of the greatest challenges of creating an event on campus was funding. The Multicultural Student Center along with the N.C.A&T chapters of the Black History Club, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and SGA were all acknowledged during the open mic for their support in bringing the event to A&T this year.
“The challenge has been trying to see how the school can support activities that will broaden the perspective of the students,” said the Congo native. “Here at A&T, my experience has been that the students do not think globally, but they don’t realize that the world is a bigger place. Events like this will help the student understand how they are connected to the whole world. The key is to get to the college students, the leaders of tomorrow, to expose them to what is happening and prepare them for the future afterwards.”
“I feel like Congo Week is the upper tier of student programs as far as political engagement on our campus, which is a necessity for any legitimate institution of higher learning and it’s just a blessing to know that this started here at A&T and this year it has grown to be at 150 different campuses and it’s tight just to know that these seeds were planted here,” said Alvin Black, a senior history major from Durham and the president of the A&T chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. “The NPHC has a history of supporting national liberation movements in Africa and just millions of other projects in Africa. So locally, the A&T chapter of NPHC, we try to contribute to it as much as possible to making sure that this week came to fruition. I think that this is good programming and this program is a necessity. Martin Luther King even spoke in opposition of Vietnam. He was talking about ‘we must break the silence’ because if we sit here in silence there needs to be no moment, there needs to be no flash, no nothing. Six million people is enough, so this here is just bringing recognition and opening eyes, informing the masses, and this is how it happens.”
Dr. Maria Teresa Palmer, director of the Multicultural Student Center, was also present at the Congo Week main events and shared her compassion for what was taking place.
“People were very shocked and very moved when they saw the movie and the images and they heard about what was going on in the Congo,” said Dr. Palmer. “We had people cry, we had the gut reaction that you have when you find out that a tragedy of that magnitude is happening and you didn’t even know it and that the news stations are not reporting it. People were angry, they were heartbroken. This year, I think the difference is that we know what’s happening and we are creating a movement to stop what’s happening so there is more determination than shock and anger. There is more commitment to staying with this and having the cause move forward to where we are actually taking action, not just raising awareness, not just breaking the silence, but moving on to stopping corporations that are stealing resources in the Congo, moving on to organize to impact foreign policy. So, I think that the main difference [from last year] is the resolve among the students.”
Musavuli said that he was pleased with the impact the event had on those who participated this year and he would not have done anything differently. He stated that he has no problem passing on the torch either.
“It’s up to the students what we do, and whatever you do, do it for the Congo. Whenever I graduate, whoever is on this campus will have to take up the charge and see what they can do to bring about awareness.”
Dr. Palmer also stated the importance of having students discuss and act upon the important issues of the world.
“Whether you are a computer programmer, whether you are an English teacher, whatever you do when you leave this college, the situation in the Congo is going to be relevant to what you do so I think it’s really important for us as administrators, faculty, staff to inform our students and to help our students understand the role they play in creating or maintaining this situation like what is happening in the Congo and empowering our students to act.”
Dr. Palmer said that the Multicultural Student Center will also lend support in the Congo Spring Tour next semester.
Musavuli says that seeing how people worldwide have supported the efforts in the Congo gives realization to Lumumba’s prophetic words and has given him hope that there will one day be peace in the Congo.
From Oct. 18-24, North Carolina A&T, along with 150 other campuses and communities worldwide, celebrated the 2nd annual Congo Week in recognition of the conflict in the Congo.
Kambale Musavuli, a junior civil engineering major from Congo, who is a student coordinator for Friends of the Congo (FOTC), an advocacy organization in Washington, D.C. that raises awareness of the conflict of the Congo and provides support to the people there as well, led the effort to organize the event at A&T.
Musavuli stated that raising awareness on college campuses is important because of the support provided and the influence college students can have in the community to persuade community and government leaders to act as well. He said that both the city of Greensboro and the city of Cambridge have already passed a resolution in recognition of Congo Week and have sent a letter to Obama to see what can be done about the Congo’s situation.
“The whole idea of Congo Week is to get everybody around the world to see what they can do in the community to bring about change in the Congo,” said Musavuli. “What we try to get people to do, wherever they are, is to get engaged, to do an event, even to travel to the Congo to see first-hand what’s taking place.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the Friends of the Congo promoted a cell phone boycott from 12-6 p.m. to raise awareness of the violence in the Congo over natural resources, such as coltan, which is used in the production of electronic devices. Supporters also formed a flash mob outside Williams Cafeteria and the film Lumo, a documentary about the rape of the women of the Congo, was shown in the New Classroom Building Auditorium the same evening.
On Thursday, an open mic was held in Stallings ballroom where selected students, lyrical artists from the local community and from N.Y. all shared pieces about international issues such as violence, oppression, rape, and genocide.
“I think that there is a lot more consciousness that’s been raised due to the emphasis of the people who put this on last year,” said Raheem Kwaku, an A&T alumnus who hosted the open mic program. “Because there is a lot more awareness there are a lot more people who agree with the mission and who bring an energy to the situation and it’s just a better experience because of that. People are on the same page and it’s not just a learning experience, because last year it was more of a learning experience and now people know and they come to hear more about what they know and give even more energy.”
Musavuli said that last year there were about 45 students actively working to promote Congo Week and the whole campus was mobilized, but due to midterms, the upcoming Homecoming events and other factors, there was less participation this year. However, he said that he still has great joy in seeing people take interest in what the FOTC is trying to do.
Musavuli said that one of the greatest challenges of creating an event on campus was funding. The Multicultural Student Center along with the N.C.A&T chapters of the Black History Club, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and SGA were all acknowledged during the open mic for their support in bringing the event to A&T this year.
“The challenge has been trying to see how the school can support activities that will broaden the perspective of the students,” said the Congo native. “Here at A&T, my experience has been that the students do not think globally, but they don’t realize that the world is a bigger place. Events like this will help the student understand how they are connected to the whole world. The key is to get to the college students, the leaders of tomorrow, to expose them to what is happening and prepare them for the future afterwards.”
“I feel like Congo Week is the upper tier of student programs as far as political engagement on our campus, which is a necessity for any legitimate institution of higher learning and it’s just a blessing to know that this started here at A&T and this year it has grown to be at 150 different campuses and it’s tight just to know that these seeds were planted here,” said Alvin Black, a senior history major from Durham and the president of the A&T chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. “The NPHC has a history of supporting national liberation movements in Africa and just millions of other projects in Africa. So locally, the A&T chapter of NPHC, we try to contribute to it as much as possible to making sure that this week came to fruition. I think that this is good programming and this program is a necessity. Martin Luther King even spoke in opposition of Vietnam. He was talking about ‘we must break the silence’ because if we sit here in silence there needs to be no moment, there needs to be no flash, no nothing. Six million people is enough, so this here is just bringing recognition and opening eyes, informing the masses, and this is how it happens.”
Dr. Maria Teresa Palmer, director of the Multicultural Student Center, was also present at the Congo Week main events and shared her compassion for what was taking place.
“People were very shocked and very moved when they saw the movie and the images and they heard about what was going on in the Congo,” said Dr. Palmer. “We had people cry, we had the gut reaction that you have when you find out that a tragedy of that magnitude is happening and you didn’t even know it and that the news stations are not reporting it. People were angry, they were heartbroken. This year, I think the difference is that we know what’s happening and we are creating a movement to stop what’s happening so there is more determination than shock and anger. There is more commitment to staying with this and having the cause move forward to where we are actually taking action, not just raising awareness, not just breaking the silence, but moving on to stopping corporations that are stealing resources in the Congo, moving on to organize to impact foreign policy. So, I think that the main difference [from last year] is the resolve among the students.”
Musavuli said that he was pleased with the impact the event had on those who participated this year and he would not have done anything differently. He stated that he has no problem passing on the torch either.
“It’s up to the students what we do, and whatever you do, do it for the Congo. Whenever I graduate, whoever is on this campus will have to take up the charge and see what they can do to bring about awareness.”
Dr. Palmer also stated the importance of having students discuss and act upon the important issues of the world.
“Whether you are a computer programmer, whether you are an English teacher, whatever you do when you leave this college, the situation in the Congo is going to be relevant to what you do so I think it’s really important for us as administrators, faculty, staff to inform our students and to help our students understand the role they play in creating or maintaining this situation like what is happening in the Congo and empowering our students to act.”
Dr. Palmer said that the Multicultural Student Center will also lend support in the Congo Spring Tour next semester.
Musavuli says that seeing how people worldwide have supported the efforts in the Congo gives realization to Lumumba’s prophetic words and has given him hope that there will one day be peace in the Congo.
Take a Look at Yourself
(EnVi Monthly, January 2009)
Coming into the prime of my life it seems as if self-esteem is everything. In the work environment or in building personal relationships exuding an air of confidence is always important. However, confidence can not be feigned and it starts with a positive self-image.
People need people to survive, but if someone becomes overly dependent on the opinions of others they may find it to be self-destructive. While praise from other people can only boost the self-esteem, one can not always rely on people to speak positively of them or act in their best interest. Even a person who adapts to different social cliques in order to be accepted by everyone will have enemies somewhere, which is why I personally believe it is better to know yourself and be comfortable by yourself before looking to others. Too often I see friends getting romantically involved with people because they feel the need to have someone, or I see friends acting out for attention, but when their feelings are not reciprocated or they do not receive the attention they were seeking they become confused or depressed.
As a young, black male I feel like my pride is one of the most precious things I have, which is why I take it upon myself to build myself up. I often reflect on my best and worst qualities and experiences when I’m alone, allowing me to assess my personal life and relationships with others. Doing some of my favorite activities such as playing video games, writing, reading, and exercising are also good methods for relieving my stress or any other negative emotions I may be feeling at times. Writing out personal thoughts and observations or talking to close friends and relatives is usually comforting, but if all else fails just reading the Bible is empowering. Just being alone for an hour out of each day doing something you enjoy is refreshing after time in a crowded cafeteria, a stressful job or a boring classroom. Time to yourself also allows you to know yourself better and it builds confidence.
Overall, simply liking yourself is the key to others liking you. Rather than seeking compliments it is better to compliment yourself. Uplift others instead of depending on them to uplift you. And above all: find a reason to smile.
People need people to survive, but if someone becomes overly dependent on the opinions of others they may find it to be self-destructive. While praise from other people can only boost the self-esteem, one can not always rely on people to speak positively of them or act in their best interest. Even a person who adapts to different social cliques in order to be accepted by everyone will have enemies somewhere, which is why I personally believe it is better to know yourself and be comfortable by yourself before looking to others. Too often I see friends getting romantically involved with people because they feel the need to have someone, or I see friends acting out for attention, but when their feelings are not reciprocated or they do not receive the attention they were seeking they become confused or depressed.
As a young, black male I feel like my pride is one of the most precious things I have, which is why I take it upon myself to build myself up. I often reflect on my best and worst qualities and experiences when I’m alone, allowing me to assess my personal life and relationships with others. Doing some of my favorite activities such as playing video games, writing, reading, and exercising are also good methods for relieving my stress or any other negative emotions I may be feeling at times. Writing out personal thoughts and observations or talking to close friends and relatives is usually comforting, but if all else fails just reading the Bible is empowering. Just being alone for an hour out of each day doing something you enjoy is refreshing after time in a crowded cafeteria, a stressful job or a boring classroom. Time to yourself also allows you to know yourself better and it builds confidence.
Overall, simply liking yourself is the key to others liking you. Rather than seeking compliments it is better to compliment yourself. Uplift others instead of depending on them to uplift you. And above all: find a reason to smile.
Fordham Founds "Enlightened Visions"
(The A&T Register, October 2008)
Tanisha Fordham, a senior electronic media major from Buffalo, N.Y. is the founder of Enlightened Visions, Inc. Enlightened Visions is a nonprofit organization that produces the magazine, En.Vi. Monthly.
Fordham says that being a free-thinker and free-spirited person she was simply tired of seeing the norm on television. She was sick of seeing only the size 0 women on the runway and negative portrayals of African American culture on BET.
“The African American community needs to be reflected in a better light,” Fordham said. “I wanted to see shows that break the standards of society and set a positive image on the black community.”
“Be the change you want to see” was the quote her mother told her, originally spoken by Mahatma Ghandi, inspiring her to start the magazine.
Having attended a private all-girls school, where she was one of five African American students, prior to attending A&T helped shaped her perspective of the world. The fact that her own grandfather owns the Afro American Historical Association of the Niagra Frontier also encouraged her to follow through with starting her own organization.
During her sophomore, junior, and senior years in high school Fordham competed in the NAACP ACT-SO competitions. Competing in the oratory, poetry, and original essay competitions inspired her to become a journalism major.
Fordham started the magazine in Sept. 27, 2007 with the help of her mother and boyfriend, Robert Alston. Enlightened Visions means to promote positive outlooks, enlightenment, and the “opportunity to choose your truth, Fordham said. “Without a vision, the people shall perish. Enlighten yourself, see your vision”, from Proverbs 29:18 has become the slogan of Enlightened Visions, Inc.
“The magazine offers a unique form of entertainment and it is the first media organization that offers a rounded perspective that I know of,” she said. “I really believe in what it’s about. It takes a lot to invest. You invest not in money but a lot in college students.”
Fordham’s future goals include owning her own television network called En.Vi., doing a television show and sending it to all the public access channels, and establishing a foreign branch of Enlightened Visions in Atlanta, where she plans to move later on in her career.
“My mother always told me that no matter how well you do there is always a higher level you could achieve,” Fordham said. “Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is your best.”
Fordham, who was also a contributor and a columnist of the A&T Register since her freshman year, has accomplished much towards procuring her future goals. She has been a collegiate managing editor for Urban Literature Magazine, host of the television talk show, Enlightening, and a feature guest speaker on the Reality Talk Radio show. Fordham has even made the Dean’s List in five of her six semesters at A&T so far, she has recently had her coronation ceremony as Miss A&T 2008-2009, and she is an active church member.
Fordham says that being a free-thinker and free-spirited person she was simply tired of seeing the norm on television. She was sick of seeing only the size 0 women on the runway and negative portrayals of African American culture on BET.
“The African American community needs to be reflected in a better light,” Fordham said. “I wanted to see shows that break the standards of society and set a positive image on the black community.”
“Be the change you want to see” was the quote her mother told her, originally spoken by Mahatma Ghandi, inspiring her to start the magazine.
Having attended a private all-girls school, where she was one of five African American students, prior to attending A&T helped shaped her perspective of the world. The fact that her own grandfather owns the Afro American Historical Association of the Niagra Frontier also encouraged her to follow through with starting her own organization.
During her sophomore, junior, and senior years in high school Fordham competed in the NAACP ACT-SO competitions. Competing in the oratory, poetry, and original essay competitions inspired her to become a journalism major.
Fordham started the magazine in Sept. 27, 2007 with the help of her mother and boyfriend, Robert Alston. Enlightened Visions means to promote positive outlooks, enlightenment, and the “opportunity to choose your truth, Fordham said. “Without a vision, the people shall perish. Enlighten yourself, see your vision”, from Proverbs 29:18 has become the slogan of Enlightened Visions, Inc.
“The magazine offers a unique form of entertainment and it is the first media organization that offers a rounded perspective that I know of,” she said. “I really believe in what it’s about. It takes a lot to invest. You invest not in money but a lot in college students.”
Fordham’s future goals include owning her own television network called En.Vi., doing a television show and sending it to all the public access channels, and establishing a foreign branch of Enlightened Visions in Atlanta, where she plans to move later on in her career.
“My mother always told me that no matter how well you do there is always a higher level you could achieve,” Fordham said. “Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is your best.”
Fordham, who was also a contributor and a columnist of the A&T Register since her freshman year, has accomplished much towards procuring her future goals. She has been a collegiate managing editor for Urban Literature Magazine, host of the television talk show, Enlightening, and a feature guest speaker on the Reality Talk Radio show. Fordham has even made the Dean’s List in five of her six semesters at A&T so far, she has recently had her coronation ceremony as Miss A&T 2008-2009, and she is an active church member.
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